The University of Paris Descartes was first established in 1968, following the breaking up of the ancient and sizeable University of Paris.
It exists today as one of several universities in the French capital with whom it shares such a history. The university campus is spread out over a number of locations across Paris, meaning that prospective students at the university get the full range of benefits and experiences that one might expect from living in one the most famous and cultured cities in the world.
The main headquarters of Paris Descartes is located in the city’s Latin Quarter, itself home to a number of other institutes of higher education and an area known for its vibrant student life, and also an area home to many of the other institutions formed out of the former University of Paris.
Paris Descartes offers a wide variety of courses, but is perhaps most famous for having inherited the Medicine Department of its predecessor, and as such is perhaps best known for its training of medical staff.
Paris Descartes also offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects outside of medicine such as law, mathematics and computer studies.
As one might expect from an institution located in such an international city, Paris Descartes also operates a number of exchange and co-operative programs with other institutions, both in France and across the world. The university has produced a number of famous alumni both inside the medical profession, such as the surgeon Nadi Hakim, and outside the medical profession, such as former French prime minister Francois Fillon.
