The EURAXESS Center at the University of Lille offers full support to international PhD students and researchers before their arrival and throughout their stay.
Your steps in detail
Before my arrival
Do you dream of becoming a PhD student? Prepare your application during your final year of your Master's degree!
The keys to applying
- Hold (or be on track to hold) a Master's degree, an engineering degree or equivalent.
- Have defined a thesis topic and identified a research supervisor within the target laboratory.
- Funding: Securing funding for your thesis for 3 years ( website in French).
Further information on PhD applications is available in the “Getting to the University of Lille” section of our website.
Postdoctoral research
Young PhDs? Launch your career in teaching and research! Contact our research units directly to find out about available postdoctoral positions.
Research stay
If you have funding, our research teams are ready to welcome you for short or long stays to strengthen existing collaborations or develop new ones. Contact our research units directly to find out about available postdoctoral positions.
Teaching
Would you like to join a dynamic and multicultural institution? Check out our teaching job listings on our dedicated web page (website in French).
The hosting of any non-EU researcher for a period exceeding five days requires approval from the FSD. This mandatory procedure ensures the security of our scientific and economic potential.
How to apply?
The PhD supervisor or the inviting professor must contact fsdarobaseuniv-lillepointfr at least four months before the researcher’s arrival.
Need help?
Hosting Agreement / Convention d’acceuil (CERFA)
This hosting agreement (CERFA 16079*03) is designed for individuals with funding equivalent to or greater than the public doctoral contract amount. This document, in addition to covering the terms of your stay (dates, funding, etc.), will allow you to apply for a 'Talent Researcher' visa from the French consular authorities.
How to obtain a hosting agreement (CERFA) ?
Contact the EURAXESS center once you have received approval (avis favorable) from the FSD. The procedure varies depending on your status, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Hosting protocols
If your financial resources do not meet the doctoral contract threshold and you will neither be enrolled nor employed by the University of Lille, please contact the Academic and Scientific Mobility Office to learn about the necessary documents for your stay.
If you are a citizen of a country outside the Schengen Area and wish to settle in France, a visa may be required.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Visit the France Visa platform to find out the necessary steps and required documents based on your personal situation.
Finding Accommodation: We’re Here to Help!
Just arrived in Lille and looking for accommodation? The EURAXESS center is here to assist you in your search.
Just fill out this housing application form (PDF, 127 Ko) and send it, along with proof of your affiliation (hosting agreement, enrollment certificate, etc.), to the University of Lille at euraxess@univ-lille.
My stay, step by step
Your doctoral application has been accepted? Congratulations! It’s time to complete your administrative registration.
Step 1: CVEC
Check if you need to pay the Student Life and Campus Contribution (CVEC) by visiting the CVEC website.
Step 2: Online Registration
Once you have obtained the CVEC payment certificate (or if you are exempt from it), proceed to register on the university's online registration platform (website in French).
As an invited researcher at the University of Lille, the CMS card gives you access to our services and facilities. This personal and nominative card is necessary for your stay.
The CMS card allows you to:
- Access libraries, laboratories, and other university facilities.
- Use the university's restaurants, sports, and other available services.
- Benefit from reduced prices for certain events and cultural activities.
How to obtain your CMS card?
Your request for a CMS card should be submitted to either the DGDRV (Head Office for Research and Development) or DGDRH (Head Office for Human Resources), depending on your profile. To identify the appropriate service, please refer to our chart.
Validation of your VLS-TS and residence permit
Have you arrived in France with a visa valid for more than 3 months?
Your visa will likely need to be validated within 3 months of your arrival. Visit the Étrangers en France (ANEF) platform to check and complete this step.
First application for a residence permit
If your visa is a type D visa for 3 months, you will likely need to apply for a residence permit. Most applications are submitted online through the Étrangers en France (ANEF) platform, but there are some exceptions.
Contact the EURAXESS Center before starting the process to receive personalized guidance.
Renewal of residence permit
Between the 4th and 2nd month prior to the expiration of your VLS-TS or residence permit, you must apply for its renewal. Most applications are submitted via the Étrangers en France (ANEF) platform, though certain exceptions may apply.
Contact the EURAXESS Center for more information.
To access healthcare services in France, you must register with the French social security system. Depending on your situation, registration is done through the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM).
Are you a "Talent Chercheur" and employed under a contract at the University of Lille?
Your registration is handled by the CPAM in Paris. Contact the EURAXESS Center for the list of required documents and further details.
Are you a "Talent Chercheur" without a contract at the University of Lille?
Your registration is handled by the CPAM in your place of residence. Contact the EURAXESS Center for the list of required documents and further details.
Do you hold a student visa or residence permit?
Your registration can be completed online via the Ameli Etudiants Etrangers platform.
Transport
Lille Metropolitan Area (Ilévia): The public transport network in the Lille metropolitan area is managed by Ilévia. Explore the various subscription options available and choose the one that best suits your needs on their website.
Outside the Metropolitan Area (SNCF): For travel beyond the Lille metropolitan area, take the train with SNCF. A range of passes and fares are available, tailored to different passenger profiles. Visit the SNCF website for more details.
Lille Airport: Lille Airport offers an ever-expanding selection of flights. Check Lille airport website for a list of available destinations.
Mobile phone services
Several mobile and internet service operators in France offer a variety of plans. Compare the options carefully before selecting the one that best suits your needs. Be mindful of offers with commitment to avoid being tied to a contract beyond your stay in France.
Banks
In France, you'll find both traditional banks with physical branches and increasingly popular online banks. Weigh the pros and cons of each option to make your choice.