Paris University 13 is one of the thirteen universities that were created after the reorganization of the old Sorbonne after 1968.

Paris University 13 is officially categorized under French law as a « public establishment of a scientific, cultural and professional nature ».
It is legal person with pedagogical, scientific, administrative and financial autonomy. It determines its own policy within the framework of the regulations and laws and in accordance with its contractual obligations, particularly with the state.