University of Tours (Université de Tours) – PhD Scholarships (UT)

Overview

🏛️ Institution acronym	UT
🏷️ Institution name (original)	University of Tours (Université de Tours) - PhD Scholarships
🌍 Country	France
🎓 Fields of study	Biology, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable development, Economic and social sciences
💶 Monthly stipend	1700 EUR/month
🔗 Official website	https://www.univ-tours.fr
📫 Contacts	For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to the Doctoral School via email at [email protected] or call +33247366412. Physical Address: Université de Tours 60 rue du Plat d'Étain 37000 Tours France

Apply for Scholarship

The University of Tours (Université de Tours) in France offers PhD scholarships for international students across various disciplines. The university is known for its strong research focus, particularly in life sciences, health, and humanities. PhD candidates benefit from a vibrant research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with partner institutions. The university provides funding through doctoral contracts funded by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, as well as regional and European grants. International students are encouraged to apply, with specific support services available for non-French speakers. The application process typically involves identifying a supervisor and submitting a research proposal aligned with the university’s research priorities.

Why Choose a PhD at University of Tours?

The University of Tours offers a dynamic research environment with over 40 research units. International PhD students benefit from dedicated support, including language courses and administrative assistance. The university's location in the Loire Valley provides a high quality of life.

Fields of Study

PhD scholarships at University of Tours cover a wide range of disciplines. Below are the main fields available for doctoral research.

Biology

Research in biology at Tours focuses on molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and ecology. The university hosts the CNRS-affiliated research unit 'Biologie des Organismes et des Populations' and collaborates with the INRAE on plant and animal sciences.

Environmental Sciences

Environmental research addresses climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management. The 'Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur les Sociétés et l'Environnement' (CERSE) leads interdisciplinary projects.

Sustainable Development

PhD programs in sustainable development explore urban planning, renewable energy, and circular economy. The 'École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées' (ESTIA) offers joint research opportunities.

Economic and Social Sciences

Research in economics and social sciences covers public policy, labor economics, and innovation. The 'Laboratoire d'Économie et de Management des Organisations' (LEMO) provides a strong research framework.

‹

›

The University of Tours offers PhD scholarships in four main fields: biology, environmental sciences, sustainable development, and economic and social sciences. Each field is supported by dedicated research units and external collaborations.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD scholarships at University of Tours requires a Master's degree or equivalent, a research proposal aligned with university priorities, and agreement from a supervisor. No language test is required unless specified by the host laboratory.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field with a strong academic record. The degree should be recognized by the French educational system. For international applicants, a transcript evaluation may be requested.

Research Proposal

A research proposal is required, but note that it is developed after identifying a supervisor. The proposal should outline research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It must align with the research priorities of the host laboratory.

Supervisor Agreement

Applicants must secure a written agreement from a faculty member who will act as the PhD supervisor. The supervisor must be affiliated with a research unit at the University of Tours and have available funding.

Doctoral Contract Salary

PhD students with a doctoral contract receive a monthly gross salary of approximately €1,700 (about $1,850 USD). This amount is set by the French Ministry of Higher Education and is subject to social security contributions. The contract typically covers 3 years.

Research Expenses Budget

In addition to the salary, PhD students may receive an annual research budget of €5,000–€10,000 for equipment, travel, and conferences. This funding is provided by the host laboratory or through specific grants like the 'Région Centre-Val de Loire' doctoral grants.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

The application process at University of Tours involves identifying a research topic and supervisor, preparing a proposal, and submitting through the online portal. International applicants should allow extra time for visa procedures.

Identify a Research Topic and Supervisor: Browse the research units' websites to find a topic that matches your interests. Contact potential supervisors directly with your CV and a brief research idea. The supervisor will guide you in developing a full proposal.
Prepare Your Application Documents: Gather required documents: Master's degree transcripts, CV, motivation letter, research proposal (co-developed with supervisor), and two recommendation letters. Ensure translations are certified if documents are not in French or English.
Submit Online Application: Submit your application via the university's online portal (PhD application page). You will need to create an account and upload all documents. Applications are reviewed by the doctoral school.
Interview and Admission: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (online or in person). The interview assesses your research potential and motivation. Successful candidates receive an admission letter and can proceed with visa application.

For application inquiries, contact the Doctoral School at [email protected]. Deadlines vary by funding source; check the official website for current calls. International applicants are advised to apply at least 6 months before the intended start date.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines for PhD scholarships at University of Tours depend on the funding source. The main doctoral contract calls typically open in spring (March-April) with deadlines in June. Some specific grants have rolling deadlines. Check the official PhD page for the latest dates: PhD at Tours.

University of Tours Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website: University of Tours (Université de Tours) – PhD Scholarships (UT)

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to the Doctoral School via email at [email protected] or call +33247366412.

Physical Address:
Université de Tours
60 rue du Plat d'Étain
37000 Tours
France

Additional Information for International PhD Applicants

International Student Services

The University of Tours offers a dedicated International Relations Office that assists with visa applications, housing, and integration. French language courses are available for non-native speakers. For more information, visit International Students page.

Career Prospects

PhD graduates from Tours have strong career prospects in academia, research institutes, and industry. The university's partnerships with companies like STMicroelectronics and Sanofi provide opportunities for industrial PhDs.

Resource Links

Key resources: PhD Programs, Research Units, Coming to Tours.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture

Région Centre-Val de Loire Doctoral Grants

The region offers co-funded doctoral contracts for research aligned with regional priorities, including sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy. Eligibility: open to all nationalities. Funding: €1,700/month plus research budget. Apply through the university's doctoral school.

INRAE PhD Fellowships

INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) offers PhD fellowships in collaboration with University of Tours. Topics include plant science, soil health, and agroecology. Funding covers salary and research costs.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates

University of Tours participates in several Erasmus Mundus PhD programs, offering scholarships for international students. Fields include environmental sciences and sustainable development. Full funding for 3 years.

University Location