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.
Addressing Stakeholders’ and Students' Concerns
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.
Rationale for the Name Change
The transition to European City University is driven by several key factors:
1. Compliance with ACQUIN Accreditation Standards
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.
2. Rebranding for a Contemporary Image
The new name sheds outdated associations with being solely a Paris-centric institution, allowing us to appeal to a broader, more diverse audience.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.
3. Expansion of Academic Offerings
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.
4. Reflecting Institutional Growth and Global Ambitions
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.
5. Geographic and Demographic Shifts
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.
6. Distinction from Similar Institutions
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.
7. Clarifying Institutional Identity
The name European City University more accurately reflects our unique strengths, global reach, and commitment to excellence in higher education.
8. Responding to Market Demands
To remain competitive in the global higher education market, the rebranding ensures we better appeal to employers, students, and partners worldwide.
Looking Ahead
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.