Paris, France – 10 March 2025 – City University of Paris is proud to announce its official name change to European City University, effective 20 March 2025 with its new revised website at URL: europeancityu.fr (academic department) and training.europeancityu.fr (training department)
This transformative step reflects the institution’s evolution into a leading pan-European private university while maintaining its strong roots in Paris and expanding its global reach.
The decision to rebrand as European City University comes after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including current students, faculty, alumni, partners, and the broader community. The name change is a strategic move to align with the university’s long-term vision, enhance its global competitiveness, and better represent its expanded academic offerings, institutional growth, and European-centric mission.
This rebranding initiative does not alter the university’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, or its foundational values. The name change is a natural progression of our growth and ambition, and it will not impact the quality of education, the validity of degrees, or the experiences of current and prospective students. We have prepared Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) which will be launched together with our new revised website to address probable concerns from stakeholders and students.
The transition to European City University is driven by several key factors:
As part of our commitment to academic excellence, the university is pursuing accreditation from ACQUIN, a prestigious European higher education accreditation system. ACQUIN’s recognition by the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), and other international bodies underscores the importance of this step. The name change is in part to meet ACQUIN’s standards and reflect our pan-European identity.
The new name sheds outdated associations with being solely a Paris-centric institution, allowing us to appeal to a broader, more diverse audience. It reflects our evolution into a modern, forward-thinking university with a global outlook.
European City University is expanding its programs beyond its original focus on business and management to include cutting-edge disciplines such as finance, technology, and education. The new name better represents our broader mission and academic diversity.
The name change underscores our ambition to attract international students, establish a global presence, and resonate across cultures and languages. It also reflects our commitment to serving a global audience while remaining rooted in European values.
As our student body and partnerships grow beyond France, the new name better aligns with our broader geographic reach and the diverse demographics of our community.
The rebranding eliminates confusion with other institutions in Paris, such as Université Paris Cité and Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, allowing us to establish a unique identity and brand.
The name European City University more accurately reflects our unique strengths, global reach, and commitment to excellence in higher education.
To remain competitive in the global higher education market, the rebranding ensures we better appeal to employers, students, and partners worldwide.
European City University remains committed to providing world-class education, fostering innovation, and preparing students to thrive in a globalized world. We invite our community to join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter as we continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the global stage.
For and on behalf of European City University,
Dr. Alaric Naude
Provost
For more information, please contact info@europeancityu.fr
About European City University
European City University, formerly City University of Paris, is a leading private university with roots in Paris, France. With a focus on academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement, the university offers a diverse range of programs in business, finance, technology, education, and more. As a pan-European institution, European City University is dedicated to shaping the future of higher education and empowering students to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
With great pride, we have just completed its annual graduation ceremony, held in the elegant halls of the Hotel de Crillon in Paris. This year's celebration was especially remarkable, as students from eleven nationalities — Australia, Cambodia, China, France, the UK, Kenya, India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia — gathered in the heart of Paris to commemorate their incredible achievements.
The event was not just a conclusion of their academic journey but a milestone of shared experiences, resilience, and excellence. Families and friends traveled from across the globe to witness this proud moment, filled with joy and anticipation.
The evening was a beautiful fusion of cultures, reflecting the diverse community that European City University
Watch highlights on YouTube
We are excited to share that our school's corridor advertisement has been unveiled at the bustling Paris Gare du Nord station!
Two of our proud Parisian students, Bilel and Maryline, visited the station to take photos with the ad, celebrating this new milestone for our school
Keep an eye out for the ad if you're passing through Gare du Nord, and feel free to share your own snapshots with us!
We are thrilled to announce that European City University has achieved the prestigious Qualiopi certification. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing quality assured professional training programs and validation of acquired experience services that meet rigorous national standards.
Qualiopi is a certification mark awarded by the French government to training providers who meet strict quality criteria. It ensures that our students and partners receive the best possible learning experience, characterized by continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.
Thank you to our dedicated team and supportive community for making this achievement possible. Together, we continue to strive for excellence in education.
*The Qualiopi logo and brand are owned by the French government. Only accredited training organizations may use the mark in certain contexts.
We are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between European City University and Shinawatra University, Thailand.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Paul O'Neill, Strategic Advisor at City University, and Dr. Sarana Photchanachan, Dean of the Faculty of Management at Shinawatra University.
This MoU focuses on mutual recognition of doctoral programs, fostering research collaboration, and enhancing professional training opportunities.
This partnership marks a significant step towards global academic cooperation and excellence. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration and the innovative advancements it will bring.
On August 1st, 2023, the City University of Paris achieved a significant milestone by being approved as a member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This global nonprofit association aims to nurture exceptional leaders by bringing together educators, students, and businesses. The rigorous AACSB Accreditation process involves multiple stages, from Membership Application to Maintenance of Accreditation.
Gaining AACSB educational membership was a vision-driven journey for the City University of Paris, undertaken in July of the same year. The university received unwavering support from its leadership and dedicated members during the process. This achievement signifies the university's commitment to excellence and enhances its global reputation as a prominent business school.
The City University of Paris now aims to continue its efforts in promoting business education, engaging in research, fostering international collaborations, and facilitating exchange courses, as it looks forward to obtaining full AACSB Accreditation in the future.
Paris, France – City University of Paris (CityU Paris), a private distance learning university has
announced a new partnership with Santa Clara University Silicon Valley Executive Center to
provide a complimentary self-paced online course to its students. The online course, centered
around Patrick Lencioni's renowned Organizational Health Model, aims to develop cohesive
leadership teams within organizations.
Through this collaboration, CityU Paris students will have the opportunity to gain valuable
insights into building a cohesive leadership team and fostering organizational health. The
course, developed by the Silicon Valley Executive Center at Santa Clara University's Leavey
School of Business, covers various topics such as trust, conflict resolution, commitment,
accountability, and results-oriented goals.
Upon completion of the course, students will receive a digital certificate from Santa Clara
University, California, recognizing their achievement and the knowledge gained. This
certificate will serve as a testament to their dedication to professional development and their
commitment to building strong and effective leadership teams.
Dr. Alaric Naude, President of CityU Paris, expressed his excitement about the affiliation,
stating, "We are delighted to partner with Santa Clara University Silicon Valley Executive
Center in offering this self-paced online course to our students. The Organizational Health
Model is highly regarded in the field of leadership development, and this initiative will equip
our students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers."
The Santa Clara University Silicon Valley Executive Center is renowned for its expertise in
executive education and leadership development programs.
Dr. Alaric Naude added "The Organizational Health Model is a proven framework that has
helped numerous organizations improve team dynamics and overall performance. We believe
that this partnership will greatly benefit our students, providing them with valuable skills that
will set them apart in their professional journeys."
CityU Paris and Santa Clara University Silicon Valley Executive Center have set the stage for a
successful collaboration that combines academic excellence with practical leadership
training. This joint effort will empower CityU Paris students to become effective leaders,
capable of driving positive change within their organizations.
Enrollment for the self-paced online course is now open to all CityU Paris students, and they
are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to enhance their leadership
capabilities and expand their career prospects.
For more information and registration details, interested students can contact CityU Paris
administration office at general@europeancityu.fr
About City University of Paris (CityU Paris)
CityU Paris is a private and independent (hors contrat) distance learning institution authorized by the
Ministry of National Education of France. CityU Paris is also an authorized professional training
provider by the Ministry of Labor of France. Awards conferred by CityU Paris are in accordance with the Code de l'Education Articles L 444-1 a 444-11 et R 444-1 a 444-28.
About Santa Clara University
Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is California's oldest operating institution of higher
learning. Santa Clara University is accredited by The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States.
“As we continue to grow our membership, we are always seeking for opportunities to enhance the values of what our members obtain,” President of CityU Paris Dr Alaric Naude said. He added, “What UPCEA provides is exceptional, especially that it relates directly to our mission. We are excited to share these additional educational and professional support to our members.”
UPCEA memberships enriches CityU Paris by providing further educational and professional development opportunities. The association has served its members with innovative conferences and specialty seminars, research and bench-marking information, professional networking opportunities and timely publications. Founded in 1915, UPCEA now serves more than 400 institutions, and is the leading association for professional, continuing and online education in North America.
Incorporated in Paris, France, (922 054 150 R.C.S. Paris), City University of Paris is a private and independent distance learning organization. City University of Paris is now an affiliate member of UPCEA and is listed on https://upcea.edu/membership/institutional-members/
For more information on the City University of Paris, visit https://europeancityu.fr/.
***Note***
Under the French education system, private schools are either “sous contrat” – with the government paying teachers’ salaries and the school following the national curriculum – or “hors contrat” - not funded by the government, and therefore not obligated to follow any particular curriculum.
The City University of Paris is a "hors contrat" school, and its awards are not eligible for admission nor credit transfer into French public educational institutions.
City University of Paris (CityU Paris) announces its key, student-focused affiliation with Chartered Management Institute (CMI), UK. This collaboration provides its students with the privilege to become CMI members, giving them access to various management skills and leadership development including office productivity resources throughout their journey at CityU Paris.
“This affiliation will yield another great resource for our learners at CityU Paris to develop their management skills and office productivity, becoming better team players in teamwork.” CityU Paris President, Dr Alaric Naude remarked. He also mentioned, “We are always seeking for opportunities to enhance the values for learners at CityU Paris. CMI, UK is a great affiliate to work with as one who provides tangible, real-world privileges.”
Every full-time learner studying at CityU Paris are eligible for the CMI membership. It is effective for one year from their enrolment. CMI membership provides the students with access to CMI’s Management Direct, CMI’s online resource portal, which includes more than 20,000 pieces of management and leadership content, and CMI’s Career Development Centre, providing students with tools to help launch or enhance their job prospects. Membership also includes CMI’s events and webinars for continuous education on the trends in business and management, along with CMI’s job search engine.
CMI engages with businesses and education to inspire people to become professional, confident and prospering leaders. Their thoughts to leadership, research, and online resources have provided practical insight for today’s learners and the upcoming generation. They boast of over 170,000 associates, which they represent when speaking with policy members.
Incorporated in Paris, France, (922 054 150 R.C.S. Paris), City University of Paris is a private and independent distance learning organization. Now a member partner with CMI, CityU Paris enables its students to obtain the membership as they enroll. For further information, visit https://europeancityu.fr/.
***Note***
Under the French education system, private schools are either “sous contrat” – with the government paying teachers’ salaries and the school following the national curriculum – or “hors contrat” - not funded by the government, and therefore not obligated to follow any particular curriculum.
The City University of Paris is a "hors contrat" school, and its awards are not eligible for admission nor credit transfer into French public educational institutions.