Paris-Saclay University

Paris-Saclay University (French: Université Paris-Saclay) is a major public research university based on the Plateau de Saclay, south of Paris, France. Formally established on November 5, 2019, it was created from a merger of several prestigious French institutions, including grandes écoles, engineering schools, and research organizations. The university now comprises fifteen constituent colleges and schools, and it hosts over 48,000 students across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.

The university's research strength is particularly notable in mathematics, physics, and engineering. It consistently ranks among the top universities in France and Europe, and it holds a prominent position in global rankings such as the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, where it has placed in the top 15 worldwide and first in France for mathematics. Its faculty includes several Nobel laureates and Fields medalists, and its alumni are influential across academia and industry.

Paris-Saclay University operates in close partnership with national research organizations, including CNRS, CEA, and INSERM, fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation. The campus is a sprawling hub of public and private laboratories, tech companies, and academic institutions, making it a central player in France's research landscape. [edit]

Paris-Saclay University's mission is to advance knowledge through interdisciplinary research and education, fostering close collaboration with national research organizations and industry. It aims to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders, while addressing complex societal challenges. The university is committed to international engagement, offering programs such as the International Master's Scholarships Program to attract outstanding students worldwide. [edit]

Paris-Saclay University was formally established on November 5, 2019, but its origins trace back to a 2015 initiative to consolidate French research institutions into a globally competitive hub. The university brought together nineteen constituent institutions, including universities, engineering schools, and research bodies. The 2020 merger fully integrated its component schools, creating a unified entity.

Since its founding, the university has rapidly risen in international rankings. In 2025 and 2026, it expanded its global partnerships significantly. In November 2025, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stellenbosch University in South Africa. In January 2026, CityUHK's College of Engineering and CentraleSupélec launched a Joint Bachelor's Degree Programme. In February 2026, UCL and Paris-Saclay strengthened their partnership to accelerate cancer research. The university also launched its official alumni network in February 2026, aiming to connect its vast graduate community.

The university has not been without controversy. In March 2026, it issued a statement reprimanding its own ethics committee regarding the topic of Israel's scholasticide in Palestine, drawing criticism from some academic quarters. This incident reflects broader tensions in French academia around political expression and institutional governance. [edit]