Welcoming international students: a national priority shared by Université Paris Cité

Education, Institution

During his visit at Institut Cochin, Philippe Baptiste, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, emphasised on the strategic importance of welcoming international students to France. Université Paris Cité fully supports this approach and is committed to providing an inclusive, sustainable, and rich student experience.

© Institut Cochin

A strong commitment from the Minister

On Friday, July 4, 2025, Philippe Baptiste, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, recalled the key role that welcoming international students plays in the attractiveness of the French university system. By welcoming international students, France meets its strategic and skills needs while also strengthening its global influence through lasting scientific and economic networks.

Philippe Baptiste insisted on three fundamental criteria for welcoming international students:

  • attract the finest talent
  • prioritise the most strategic fields in France
  • focus especially on reception conditions

The Minister also raised concerns about student precarity.

“Today, one in two international students is in a vulnerable situation. That is unacceptable. The target number is zero,” says Philippe Baptiste.

Read the full press release on the Ministry website

Université Paris Cité’s aligned and committed strategy

Université Paris Cité’s student support strategy, set out in the Student Experience Master Plan (SdEx 2030), reflects the Ministry’s commitment. This framework is based on seven key stages of the student journey, from guidance to working life:

  • Pillar 1: Building a future, planning for higher education
  • Pillar 2: Arriving at university
  • Pillar 3: Promoting academic success
  • Pillar 4: Strengthening the academic experience
  • Pillar 5: Preparing for professional life
  • Pillar 6: Connecting with the Université Paris Cité alumni network
  • Pillar 7: Quality, management and resources

Through this framework, Université Paris Cité aims to help every student, French or international, quickly find their way, receive appropriate support, and fully benefit from their studies for both personal and shared success.

“Be Our Guest” — an international student programme

To meet the specific needs of international students, our UPcité has developed a dedicated programme: “Be our guest”. The programme aims to:

  • make administrative procedures and moving to France easier
  • offer a rich cultural experience and practical day-to-day support
  • ensure a successful learning experience

In line with the Ministry’s priorities, Université Paris Cité reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive, supportive, and excellence-driven study environment.

Translated by MA translation students, Master’s in Language Industry and Specialised Translation, Université Paris Cité, 2026

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