Glossary
- LMD system (licence-master-doctorat) :
corresponds to three, five and eight years of university study respectively. These three degrees are recognised by all universities in Europe. This system ensures that higher education is consistent across European countries, with the aim of encouraging European student mobility and the international recognition of qualifications.
- MC :
Acronym: Maître de conférences
Lecturer or researcher recruited following a competition or on contract to teach and carry out research. Senior lecturers have the option to qualify to direct research (HDR).
- Multiple-choice tests :
Acronym: questionnaire à choix multiples - QCM
questionnaires that offer multiple choices and are used to test knowledge.
- Mutuelle :
an organisation that provides complementary healthcare coverage in addition to that provided by Assurance Maladie. The amount it reimburses depends on the contract you have subscribed to.
- PAEH :
Acronym: Plan d’accompagnement de l’étudiant en situation de handicap
- Parcours Sup :
platform used to pre-register for the first year of French higher education (L1).
- Personal hosting agreement (for research or study stays) :
official document signed by the host institution (in this case, Sorbonne University), the teaching and research staff, the PhD student or foreign student on a mobility programme and their home institution, setting out the conditions and arrangements for their stay in France. This agreement should not be confused with the Cerfa form used to apply for a visa or residence permit.
- Post-doc :
researcher recruited on a fixed-term contract related to the subject of their research.
- Practical work :
Acronym:
teaching based on practical experience acquired alongside theoretical lessons.
- Prescription (ordonnance) :
document issued by a healthcare specialist to prescribe medication or tests for a patient.
- Proof of address (justificatif de domicile) :
recent document that confirms your place of residence by indicating your name and postal address (e.g. electricity bill).
- Remuneration :
salary paid in exchange for work carried out.
- Rent guarantor (caution locative) :
a person or organisation who undertakes in writing to pay the tenant’s rental debts.
- Research unit / research laboratory :
structure that brings together lecturers, researchers and PhD students who work together on a common scientific topic within a French university. At Sorbonne University, we also have a research laboratory or team, depending on the context.
- Residence permit :
authorisation issued by the French authorities allowing holders to reside in France for a specific period. There are different categories of residence permit, depending on the reason for which the applicant is settling in the country.
- RIB :
Acronym: Relevé d’identité bancaire
bank account identification document, used to send bank details and minimise the risk of errors when making a transfer.
- Scientific researcher visa :
residence visa for Algerian nationals, researchers employed in France, guests or with a grant of more than €2,200 gross in 2025 and €2,300 gross from 1 January 2026, in line with the minimum threshold authorised for doctoral contracts.
- Semester :
first or second half of the academic year lasting six consecutive months.
- Seminar :
an event organised around a specific topic and structured into small-group discussion sessions.
- Special deal (bon plan) :
an advantageous and practical offer or opportunity that is not available to everyone. For example, there are special deals for young people and students.
