Université Paris-Sud is a key member of the future Université Paris-Saclay. It is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on natural sciences and health. Its research excellence is demonstrated by many international awards, particularly in the fields of mathematics (four Fields Medals between 1994 and 2010) and physics (two Nobel Prizes). Université Paris-Sud, one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, is ranked in the Top 50 research universities in the world since 2012.

Université Paris-Sud brings together 83 internationally recognised laboratories and provides 30 technology platforms. Its academic programme is characterised by a high integration of research in Bachelor and Master programmes. Université Paris-Sud hosts 31,800 students including 2,600 PhD students and 5,000 foreign students from 136 countries, 4,000 lecturers, researchers and lecturer-researchers, and 2,900 engineering, technical and administrative staff.