Complete Guide to Sorbonne University Diploma Processing (For International Students)

Introduction

For international students who studied at Sorbonne University in France, diploma-related matters after graduation are often more complicated than expected — whether it is the CSCSE credential verification before returning to China or the replacement of a lost diploma due to an accident, both directly affect employment, household registration, and further education. If you are searching for “Sorbonne University diploma processing,” this article is written for you. Based on Sorbonne University’s current policies and the requirements of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), this guide breaks down the two main paths: the “Sorbonne University diploma authentication process” and “Sorbonne University lost diploma replacement.” It provides a practical, scam-avoiding guide to processing French university diplomas for international students.

1. Why Must International Students Understand “Sorbonne University Diploma Processing”?

“Sorbonne University diploma processing” is not a single action but a collection of multiple official scenarios. Many international students feel confused at first: do I need to process authentication or replace a certificate? In fact, the needs of most international students fall into two categories:

1. Post-graduation credential verification: Before or after returning to China, you need to apply for overseas academic credential verification through CSCSE.

2. Lost or damaged original diploma: You need to apply for an official replacement document from the university, which can then be used for verification or other purposes.

If you do not understand the difference between the two, you may easily be misled by unofficial “diploma processing” intermediaries, or even fall into the risk of fake documents. Therefore, the core principle of this guide is: only use official channels and only process legal documents.

Key Note
Sorbonne University, like most French public universities, does not reissue original diplomas. However, the Attestation de diplôme or Copie certifiée conforme issued by the university is generally accepted in CSCSE credential verification. This means your goal is not to “get the same paper back,” but to “obtain an official document with verification validity.”

2. Two Common Scenarios of Sorbonne University Diploma Processing

2.1 Scenario 1: Post-Graduation CSCSE Credential Verification

CSCSE credential verification is a prerequisite for international students to use their diplomas after returning to China. Its role is to prove that your overseas academic degree is genuine and valid, and it is an authoritative document widely recognized by employers, human resources departments, and household registration policies. Sorbonne University graduates typically need to provide the following for verification:

• Degree certificate or official degree attestation issued by the university;

• Passport and visa/residence records;

• Recent ID photo;

• Authorization statement, etc.

The verification application is completed entirely online at the China Study Abroad website (cscse.edu.cn). It is recommended to apply as soon as you receive the official documents from the university to avoid delays caused by missing materials.

2.2 Scenario 2: Official Replacement After the Original Diploma Is Lost or Damaged

If you have already returned to China and discovered that your original diploma is lost, you need to initiate the official replacement process at Sorbonne University. Contrary to common misunderstanding, Sorbonne University will not issue a new certificate with the original signature and seal. Instead, it will issue an official Attestation de diplôme. This document will include your name, date of birth, program of study, degree title, year of award, and the signature and seal of the academic office. It is sufficient for CSCSE verification and most domestic uses.

Expert Tip
When contacting Sorbonne University, do not use wording like “apply for reissuing the original diploma,” which is likely to be rejected. Instead, write “Je souhaite obtenir une attestation de diplôme suite à la perte de mon diplôme original” (I wish to obtain a degree attestation due to the loss of my original diploma). This will greatly improve communication efficiency.

3. Sorbonne University Diploma Processing: 4-Step Official Process

Regardless of which scenario above applies to you, as long as you need to apply for official documents from the university, you can follow the general process below. The following focuses on the core scenario of “lost diploma replacement,” and the verification process is largely similar.

3.1 Step 1: Prepare Personal Identity and Academic Information Materials

Before contacting the university, please organize the following materials so you can submit them all at once:

• A copy of your passport or French residence permit (clear personal information page);

• Student number (Numéro étudiant) or enrollment number (can be found in old emails, transcripts, student cards, or registration certificates);

• Year of enrollment, year of graduation, and full name of the program (in French, e.g., “Master Sciences et Technologies” or “Licence”);

• If the diploma is lost, a Déclaration sur l’honneur de perte (a written statement in French explaining the loss and signed);

• If entrusting someone else to handle the process, a power of attorney in French (Procuration) and the agent’s identification.

Key Note
Some departments at Sorbonne University may require physical mailing of paper materials, especially signed statements. It is recommended to first confirm by email whether scanned copies are acceptable to avoid repeated mailing delays.

3.2 Step 2: Contact the Academic Office or Diploma Office

Student records and diploma affairs at Sorbonne University are usually handled by the Service de la scolarité (academic office) of each faculty or the university’s Bureau des diplômes (diploma office). The following are official contact channels:

It is recommended to use the email addresses published on the official university website and not submit personal information through intermediaries or unofficial links.

3.3 Step 3: Submit the Application and Obtain an Official Attestation or Certified Copy

In the email, clearly state the following:

• Your identity and academic information;

• The fact and circumstances of theGraduation certificate, diploma, transcript, educational background, academic certification, production and purchase diploma loss;

• The type of document requested: Attestation de diplôme or Copie certifiée conforme;

• The purpose of the document: for CSCSE credential verification, employment, etc.;

• Delivery method: international express mail (provide accurate English address and recipient information) or electronic PDF (confirm whether CSCSE accepts electronic versions).

A simple French email template:

Objet : Demande d’attestation de diplôme suite à la perte du document original
Madame, Monsieur,
Je suis ancien(ne) étudiant(e) de Sorbonne Université, promotion [year], filière [major]. Mon diplôme original a été perdu. Je vous prie de bien vouloir me délivrer une attestation de diplôme officielle, ou une copie certifiée conforme, afin de me permettre d’effectuer la reconnaissance de mon diplôme en Chine.
Vous trouverez ci-joint une copie de mon passeport et mes informations d’identification.
Je vous remercie par avance de votre aide.
Cordialement,
[Name]

Suggested location for citation or case study: You may insert a real experience of a Sorbonne University alumnus here (e.g., “In 2024, an alumnus applied by email and received an electronic degree attestation four weeks later, successfully passing CSCSE verification”) to enhance credibility.

3.4 Step 4: Simultaneously Process CSCSE Credential Verification

After receiving the official attestation from the university, you should immediately initiate CSCSE verification. According to CSCSE regulations, if the original diploma is lost, you can submit the official degree attestation issued by the university along with a personal statement explaining the loss. This involves a key long-tail keyword: Sorbonne University degree certificate loss CSCSE verification.

Internal link suggestion: [CSCSE credential verification material list and application process → official CSCSE page]

In addition, some students may encounter the issue that after a “Sorbonne Université diploma attestation application,”Graduation certificate, diploma, transcript, educational background, academic certification, production and purchase the file format is not accepted. If the university only provides an electronic PDF, it is advisable to ask the university to state in the email that the document is an official electronic attestation and include the academic office’s electronic signature or a verification link to increase the pass rate.

Expert Tip
CSCSE verification places great emphasis on the “official nature” of documents. If you receive a regular email attachment without university letterhead or electronic signature, you may be asked to submit additional materials. In that case, contact the university again and request a scanned copy with official letterhead (en-tête) and signature, or ask the university to mail a paper copy directly to the designated CSCSE address.

4. Sorbonne University Diploma Processing FAQ

4.1 How to Replace a Lost Sorbonne University Diploma?

The correct path for “Sorbonne University lost diploma replacement” is: contact the Sorbonne University academic office, submit identity materials and a loss statement, and apply for an official Attestation de diplôme. The university will not reissue the original, but this official attestation can be used for CSCSE verification and most domestic purposes. The entire process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on archive retrieval and mailing.

4.2 Can Someone Else Handle the Process on My Behalf While I Am in China?

Yes. Most French universities allow representation, but you need to provide a power of attorney in French and identification for both parties. It is recommended to first confirm by email whether Sorbonne University accepts representation and whether additional documents are required. Some universities may require notarization of the power of attorney, but usually a self-written signed version is sufficient.

4.3 Will the Official Attestation Issued by the University Affect CSCSE Verification?

No. The core of CSCSE verification is to confirm that you actually obtained the degree, not whether you hold the original document. As long as the official attestation issued by Sorbonne University is complete and includes degree information and award date, the verification pass rate is very high. However, be sure to attach a personal statement explaining the loss to avoid reviewer questions.

4.4 Is There a Fee? How Long Does It Take?

Sorbonne University generally does not charge administrative fees for issuing a degree attestation, but may charge international postage (usually €10–50). Processing time ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, and may be longer during peak periods or if archive retrieval is involved. It is advisable to start the application at least three months in advance.

5. Conclusion: Choose Official Channels to Protect Your Overseas Academic Assets

Sorbonne University diploma processing is not complicated, but you need to stay clear-headed: only trust official channels and avoid any intermediaries offering “express processing” or “original reissuance.” Whether you are preparing for credential verification after returning to China or remedying a lost diploma, the core steps are the same: prepare materials → contact the university → obtain an official attestation → complete CSCSE verification.

If you have encountered a lost diploma or missing verification materials, please leave a comment describing your specific situation, and we will try our best to help you sort out the next step. If you find this guide helpful, please bookmark it and share it with other French international students who may need it.