Law is perhaps the most complicated thing to study in the world. From local to international law, law students need to dedicate several years and complete dedication to their studies for them to be good lawyers. Fortunately, Paris has a school where they can do just that—
Panthéon-Assas University Paris II. Best known as “Assas University,” it's the most prestigious law school in Paris, perhaps even in all of France. Its prominence has even spread beyond the country, drawing in foreign students who want to learn more about French and international law.
Source: Panthéon-Assas Université Facebook Page
History of Assas University
Assas University is one of the
many universities in Paris that resulted from the 1970 split of the former, bigger University of Paris. The decision to break down the University of Paris came after the tumultuous May 1968, a month-long series of civil unrest that even led to then-French president Charles de Gaulle to flee to West Germany. A whole host of university students participated in that event, mostly those from the University of Paris itself. Two decades later, in 1990, its official name was changed to 'Paris II Panthéon-Assas University,' which also references the addresses of the Faculty of Law of Paris.
What Does Assas University Look Like?
Assas University perhaps has the most grandiose campus in Paris. It has buildings in various parts of the city, specifically on Rue d'Assas and, most famously, its grandest campus on Place du Panthéon. Located at the center of the
5th arrondissement, this neoclassical building can almost rival the Panthéon itself, imposing in its old-world stature. You can clearly tell that they reach law here and, more importantly, that they take the law seriously in this higher educational institution. In contrast, the campus on Rue d'Assas is a more modern building that better reflects the school's grasp of today's law.
Source: Panthéon-Assas Université Facebook Page
The Assas University Student Body
An imposing and grand campus deserves a massive student body to fill, doesn't it? Well, it's certainly true with Assas University. The school welcomes around 18,000 enrollees per year, including both new applicants and returning students. Though this may seem that the university a lot of people, it's worth noting that thousands—if not millions more apply here. This is also why Assas University often has about 3,000 international students coming from over 60 different countries around the world. It's proof that the school's prestige spreads beyond
Paris, beyond France, and even Europe.
Assas University's Best Programs and Courses
As the top law school in the country, it's no surprise that law-centric programs are at the heart of this higher educational institution. Assas University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Public Law, European Law, and International Law, among many others. They devote years of high-quality education to training the country's, and perhaps even the world's next set of lawyers and leaders. At the same time, there are also programs related to Economics and Finance, both fields that heavily affect and relate to the laws of the land.
Source: Panthéon-Assas Université Facebook Page
Assas University’s Prerequisites
What do you need to apply to Assas University in Paris? Well, apart from filling up the application form, you need at least a high school diploma to get into their undergraduate programs. If you're applying for a postgraduate degree, you at least need a Bachelor's Degree in any related field or anything that has at least 240 ECTS credits. As for your English proficiency, you'll need at least a 7.0 IELTS grade or get a minimum of 100 points in TOEFL. Do take note that the school might also invite you to an interview—whether online or in-person—to further assess if you're fit to study in the university.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Assas University?
As France's best law school, it's easy to think that Assas University is an expensive institution. However, that's not exactly true. The university only costs about €10,000.00 per year, no matter your program or degree. It's comparatively lower than how much the other
international schools in Paris cost, especially other higher educational institutions of its kind. This also comes with administrative fees and Social Security fees (if you don't have a EU Health Card already), which cost €260.00 and €200.00 respectively. In total, the most you'll have to pay is around €10,460.00 per year.
Source: Panthéon-Assas Université Facebook Page
Where is Assas University in Paris?
Assas University is at the heart of Paris. It's in two of the most
central neighborhoods in Paris. Its grand campus on Place du Panthéon is in the Latin Quarter, best-known as academic district of Paris. Apart from Assas University, the area is also home to other higher educational institutions. The main building on Rue d'Assas is in the 6th arrondissement, best known for its urban vibe and many hotspots. Fortunately, these neighborhoods are also where you'll find great
luxury apartments in Paris to rent, especially those that are affordable enough for university students.
Assas University's Famous Graduates
Naturally, France's top law school has produced the country's most prominent leaders and lawyers. These include former French president François Hollande and former prime ministers Dominique de Villepin and Jean-Pierre Raffarin, among many others. Even former and current presidents of other countries studied here too, including Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou of Greece and Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic. Don't forget about journalists too, like Laurent Delahousse, Léa Salamé, Claire Chazal, and Jean-Pierre Elkabbach. Other law schools in France could only dream of having an alumni list as impressive as this!
Source: Panthéon-Assas Université Facebook Page
To learn the law of the land, you'll want to enroll in Assas University. One of the most prestigious universities in Paris, it's a well-known law school that has produced some of the most prominent leaders in French and global history.
