IIT Delhi, Sorbonne University to Launch Joint Master's & PhD in 2026

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Sorbonne University, France, have strengthened their strategic academic partnership by announcing new collaborative initiatives in research and higher education. As part of the expanded collaboration, the two institutions will introduce joint Master's and joint PhD programmes in 2026, while increasing cooperation in research, innovation, and international academic exchange.

IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University Expand Academic Partnership

The collaboration builds upon the success of the Franco-Indian Integrated Health Campus initiative and reflects the growing academic partnership between India and France. During a visit to Sorbonne University in June 2026, an IIT Delhi delegation led by the institute's Director discussed new opportunities to deepen institutional collaboration. The discussions focused on strengthening academic ties and identifying future areas for joint teaching, research, and innovation.

Joint Master's and PhD Programmes to Begin in 2026

As part of the expanded partnership, both institutions will introduce new joint academic programmes for postgraduate and doctoral students. These programmes are expected to promote collaborative learning, interdisciplinary research, and international academic exposure for students from both institutions. The planned programmes include:

Key Research Areas Under the IIT Delhi–Sorbonne Collaboration

The partnership will extend beyond healthcare and focus on several emerging scientific and technological disciplines. The expanded research collaboration aims to encourage innovation through joint projects involving faculty members, researchers, and students. The institutions plan to collaborate in the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Material Science
• Informatics
• Computer Science
• Robotics
• Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
• Technology and Innovation
• Global Societal Challenges

Student Exchange and Research Collaboration to Increase

In addition to launching new academic programmes, IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University will further strengthen international academic engagement through multiple collaborative initiatives. These initiatives are expected to provide students and researchers with greater international exposure and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The institutions plan to expand cooperation through:

• Increased student exchange programmes.
• Faculty exchange opportunities.
• Jointly supervised doctoral research.
• Dual degree programmes.
• International workshops and seminars.
• Collaborative research projects.
• Sharing of advanced research infrastructure and laboratory facilities.

IIT Delhi–Sorbonne Partnership: Key Highlights

The latest collaboration marks another significant step in strengthening global academic partnerships between India and France.

IIT Delhi Strengthens Global Academic Collaboration

The expanded partnership between IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University is expected to create new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members through joint academic programmes and collaborative research. With the launch of the joint Master's and PhD programmes in 2026, both institutions aim to promote international education, interdisciplinary innovation, and long-term research cooperation across emerging scientific fields.