PPU International Doctoral Program 2027 in France | Paid

PPU International Doctoral Program is the Pasteur-Paris University international doctoral program offering PhD positions in life and medical sciences; the PPU Scholarship supports students with a research project, supervision and institutional benefits.

The program is organized by Institut Pasteur in collaboration with Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université and Université Paris-Saclay. It provides access to 150+ Institut Pasteur laboratories, training courses, technological platforms and a Pasteurian research community.

PPU International Doctoral Program Benefits

• Students selected for the PPU program receive a salary from Institut Pasteur including a benefits package (health insurance, unemployment insurance and retirement plan).
• The program beneficiates from financial support by the Institut Pasteur, the European Community, partner institutions, governmental agencies and/or private foundations.
• Assistance with administrative issues and with finding accommodation in student residences, including the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, will also be available.
• Access to 150+ laboratories offering training in a large variety of topics and to state-of-the-art technology platforms.
• Specific courses on soft skills (Oral Presentation, Journal Club, Workshop on Ethics, French Lessons) and a vast seminar program.

PPU International Doctoral Program Eligibility Criteria

• The program is run in English and therefore fluency in English is required (TOEFL or other language proficiency scores are not necessary but may be indicated).
• No age restriction, but most accepted candidates are 24-26 years old and start within a year of finishing their M.S.; some within 3 years.
• Candidates with external funding are eligible if the funding constitutes employment or can be allocated to Institut Pasteur to pay the candidate’s salary.
• Master degree or an equivalent university degree in science, medicine or related fields delivered by a university located outside of France by the time the students begin the program (for PPU-Classic, PPU-OXFORD, PPU-EID, PPU-Imagine).
• Students holding a B.A. or B.S. acquired after four years may be considered if they have additional laboratory experience of at least 6 months with a written final report or a publication.
• Students who already have begun doctoral training elsewhere and students with a master’s degree obtained in France are not eligible for PPU-Classic, PPU-OXFORD, PPU-EID, PPU-Imagine.
• Students should not have resided in France for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the application deadline (closing date), with exceptions for compulsory national service and short stays.
• PPU-Research & Technology and PPU-PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE are open to any candidate holding a French or International Master’s degree and have no mobility restrictions.
• PPU MD-PhD: students should be currently enrolled in cycle 2 or 3, or have finished cycle 3 of their medical training in France (or equivalent); no mobility restrictions apply.

How to Apply for PPU International Doctoral Program

• From September 1st a list of host laboratories and research projects is posted on the application website after registration: https://ppu.pasteur.fr.
• Candidates must create an account on the application platform (https://ppu.pasteur.fr) to visualize projects and apply; no email applications will be accepted.
• Candidates can select up to four projects and must upload a detailed CV and a motivation letter in PDF format through the platform.
• Advisors may request additional information including reference letters and may interview candidates by videoconference; each advisor must choose only one candidate to present to the Admission Committee.
• Joint applications (candidate together with host laboratory) are evaluated by the Admission Committee in December, shortlisted candidates are interviewed in February (Interview week).
• Selected candidates invited for the interview week have travel expenses (economy fare) and housing during the interview week paid by the PPU program; final admission decisions are communicated shortly after.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the PPU Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official program information.