Glossary

Acronym: Caisse d’allocations familiales

French agency that offers financial aid, particularly for accommodation, to foreign students studying at a French university under certain conditions. This assistance mainly includes personalised assistance (Aide Personnalisée au Logement - APL), which aims to give applicants access to lower-rent housing, subject to criteria such as holding a valid residence permit, signing a personal lease and renting subsidised accommodation.

taking a trip in a car shared with other passengers You can book trips on carpooling platforms.

health card issued by the French social security authority that enables holders to access healthcare benefits health professionals and institutions in France.

temporary and flexible employment not requiring specific qualifications.

Acronym: Conventions industrielles de formation par la recherche

Industrial agreements for research training are schemes that enable French companies to take on PhD students to carry out research projects in partnership with or under the scientific supervision of a university laboratory. These projects lead to a doctoral thesis.

Acronym: Cité internationale universitaire de Paris

campus located in the south of the 14th arrondissement of Paris that every year welcomes students, PhD students, lecturers and researchers from all over the world to France. It is composed of 47 buildings that provide 7,000 residences and personalised support services such as assistance with administrative formalities and integration, French lessons, etc. to make settling in and living in France easier. Each year, Sorbonne University reserves accommodation at the CiuP for its incoming mobility programme students.

Acronym: Centre national de la recherche scientifique

French public scientific research body.

interrupting an activity to take a short break.

Acronym: Conventions de formation par la recherche en administration

Research Training Agreements in Public Administration, these are a French scheme that enables students to carry out research for their doctoral theses with public administration bodies. The public administration body recruits a PhD student on the basis of a 3-year project contract and entrusts them with the research work that leads to a thesis. They are equivalent to CIFRE theses.

colloquium discussions and debates on a research topic.

communal living space on campus run by student associations.

studies resumed after an interruption.

continuous assessment of the student’s knowledge throughout the semester/year.

courses offered across different programmes.

lecture given to a large number of students in an amphitheatre.

Acronym: Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie

French agency that manages health insurance, particularly for foreign students, staff, lecturers and researchers on mobility programmes at French universities. The agency ensures that they are affiliated to the French social security system and enables them to be reimbursed for health expenses incurred during their stay in France.

Acronym: Centre régional des œuvres universitaires et scolaires

French public network dedicated to welcoming and supporting students and teaching and research staff, including foreign students and academic staff on mobility programmes. The organisation offers essential services such as accommodation in university halls of residence, subsidised meals, social advice and administrative support to help you settle in and make the most of student life in France. It works with universities and partners such as Campus France.

Acronym: Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus

compulsory annual financial contribution required from most students enrolled in a first degree at a French university, including foreign students on individual mobility programmes. Its aim is to fund services that promote welcome initiatives, health, sports, community engagement and cultural activities on campus. In 2025, this contribution is €105.