Introduction to French Universities
Studying at French universities offers a unique experience for students who meet the requirements. Top institutions include Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL), École Polytechnique, Sorbonne University, and Paris-Saclay University.
For French-taught programs, a C1 language proficiency is required, while English-taught programs at private universities require an IELTS score of 6 for bachelor’s and 6.5 for master’s programs. Public university tuition fees are low, around 1500 euros annually, while private universities charge between 8,000 and 10,000 dollars per year.
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Best Universities in France
One of the important factors for many students is the ranking of French universities. Stay with us in this section to take a look at the universities in France and their rankings.
According to the latest university rankings worldwide (QS World University Rankings), France has 38 top universities, with the highest number located in Paris, totaling 9 academic institutions. The top 10 best universities in France are listed below:
| University | QS Ranking (France) | Official Website |
|---|---|---|
| PARIS SCIENCES ET LETTRES RESEARCH UNIVERSITY – PSL | 24 | psl.eu/en |
| ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE – PARISTECH | 38 | polytechnique.edu/en |
| SORBONNE UNIVERSITY | 59 | sorbonne-universite.fr/en |
| ENS-PARIS SACLAY | 71 | ens-paris-saclay.fr/en |
| ÉCOLE NORMALE SUPÉRIEURE DE LYON | 184 | ens-lyon.fr |
| ÉCOLE DES PONTS PARISTECH | 192 | ecoledesponts.fr/en |
| PARIS CITÉ UNIVERSITY | 236 | u-paris.fr/en |
| Grenoble Alpes University | 294 | univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/english/home-628540.kjsp |
| SCIENCES PO PARIS | 319 | sciencespo.fr/en |
| UNIVERSITÉ PARIS 1 PANTHÉON-SORBONNE | 328 | univ-paris1.fr |
1. Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University – PSL
Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University, ranked 53rd globally and first in France, is a top institution in Paris. Established in 2010, PSL includes nine members, such as the prestigious École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris).
With 17,000 students and 4,500 faculty, PSL excels in graduate employment and faculty-to-student ratio. The university maintains strong global ties, collaborating with elite institutions like the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Cambridge.
2. École Polytechnique – ParisTech
Five steps toward obtaining a shared global ranking of 60, École Polytechnique (ParisTech) is a founding member of ParisTech (a consortium of colleges focusing on scientific and business subjects), and it receives its highest rankings in the QS world university rankings based on specific subjects. In the broad field of natural sciences, it ranks 27th in the world.
Although it was once located in the Latin Quarter, ParisTech moved in 1976 to the south of the city. It is now situated about 30 kilometers outside of central Paris, featuring more than 4,600 students and faculty, with the main ParisTech campus offering over 160 hectares of open space.
3. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University, ranked 77th globally, is Paris’ third-best university. Established in 2018 through the merger of the University of Paris, Sorbonne, and Pierre and Marie Curie University, it has 55,600 students, including 10,200 internationals. Known for its large arts and humanities faculty, Sorbonne University fosters global research collaborations and offers a campus in Abu Dhabi for studies in literature, humanities, and basic sciences.
4. ENS-PARIS SACLAY
Previously known as École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay (ENS-Paris Saclay), it was formerly ENS Cachan and this year is ranked 312th in the QS world rankings. This university is located in the southern suburbs of Paris, just a 20-minute train ride from the city center.
5. Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Ranked 249th globally this year, it remains the fifth-best university in Paris and is one of France’s most prestigious engineering schools, ranking within the top 300 for engineering and technology. It also earns one of the highest scores among French universities due to its high percentage of international students, with almost half of its 1,500 students coming from outside of France.
6. École des Ponts ParisTech
As a founding member of the ParisTech group, École des Ponts ParisTech currently ranks 250th in the world. Known for its innovation and invention culture, it offers programs in engineering, management, economics, transportation, urban planning, and the environment. Enrolled students number fewer than 2,000, with a quarter being female.
7. Paris Cité University
Do not confuse it with the historical institution of the same name that has existed since 1970. The new Paris University is currently ranked 253rd in the QS global ranking. It was established from the merger of Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot (Paris 7), and Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris. This university currently serves as a major institution hosting about 61,000 students and numerous campuses and sites throughout the city.
8. Université Paris-Sud
It has a rank of 262nd in the world in the latest QS university rankings. It is located on four campuses in the southern suburbs of Paris, with the scientific campus of Orsay being the farthest from the city, boasting 200 hectares of land including forests and a botanical garden. While the Orsay campus is 40 minutes from central Paris, the medical school is much closer, situated just an hour away from the city center and is considered one of the top medical universities in France.
9. Sciences Po Paris
This institution, commonly known as Sciences Po Paris, specializes in humanities and social sciences, with about 35 percent of its budget allocated to research in these areas. Sciences Po Paris is currently ranked 242nd in the world and has seven campuses throughout France, hosting a total of 14,000 students, 49 percent of whom are international.
This means it also has a high ranking for the international student indicator. The main school of Sciences Po Paris is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of the capital, which continues to be recognized as a hub of cultural creativity.
10. UNIVERSITÉ PARIS 1 PANTHÉON-SORBONNE
Currently ranked 305th in the world and a successor to Paris’s historic law school, it is highly regarded for arts and humanities, for instance ranking 18th globally for archaeology. It is one of the largest universities in France, registering about 43,000 students across more than 14 departments of teaching and research, 9,090 of whom are foreign students.
This university operates within a vibrant Latin Quarter, in several famous historic buildings, including part of the Sorbonne, making it a prestigious and culturally rich location for studying in Paris.
Best French Universities in Various Academic Fields
In this section, we will introduce the best universities in France in various fields such as art, law, medicine, engineering, etc.
Best Art Universities in France
| University Name | City |
|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | Paris |
| University of Paris | Paris |
| École Normale Supérieure Paris | Paris |
| Aix-Marseille University | Marseille |
| School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS) | Paris |
Best Medical Universities in France
The list below mentions the best universities for studying medicine in France.
| Sorbonne University | Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 |
| University of Paris | Grenoble Alpes University (UGA) |
| Paris-Saclay University | University of Montpellier |
| Aix-Marseille University | University of Nantes |
| University of Bordeaux | University of Lille |
Best Engineering Universities in France
There are many engineering universities in this country, and the degrees awarded by these universities and their academic level are evaluated annually by CTI. Below are some of the top engineering universities in France.
| Paris-Saclay University | National Institute of Applied Sciences – Lyon |
| University of Lille | National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse |
| Grenoble Alpes University (UGA) | University of Lille |
| University of Montpellier | Aix-Marseille University |
| Sorbonne University | Paul Sabatier University – Toulouse 3 |
| IMT Atlantique University | University of Lorraine |
| Grenoble Institute of Technology | Mines ParisTech University |
Technical Engineering Universities in France
If you intend to enter the job market more quickly, studying at technical engineering universities in France is a very suitable choice. Below are some of the technical engineering universities in France.
- Ecole Polytechnique
- Grenoble Institute of Technology
- Toulouse Institute of Technology
- Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space
List of Public Universities in France
Public universities in France are very affordable, often referred to as free universities in France. High-quality education is provided by French universities and higher education institutions. After the United States and the United Kingdom, France has become the third-largest host country for international students. Below is a list of public universities in France.
| University Name | City |
|---|---|
| PSL University | Grenoble Alpes University |
| Paris Institute of Science and Technology | École Normale Supérieure Lyon |
| Paris Polytechnic Institute | University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne |
| Sciences Po University | Paris-Saclay University |
| Sorbonne University | University of Paris |
List of Private Universities in France
If you have chosen France for your studies due to its academic level and beautiful environment but are not familiar with the French language, you can choose its private universities for your education.
By studying at reputable private universities in this country, not only will you receive a valid degree, but you will also have the opportunity to learn the French language in an environment that prepares you for studying at higher levels in the country’s public universities. Below is a list of private universities in France.
| University Name | City |
|---|---|
| School of Economics and Business Sciences | Cergy-Pontoise |
| ESCP Business School | Paris |
| EDHEC Business School | Roubaix |
| EMLYON Business School | Écully |
| Grenoble Ecole de Management | Grenoble |
| EPITA University | Le Kremlin-Bicetre |
| KEDGE Business School | Talence |
| Audencia Business School | Nantes |
| American University of Paris | Paris |
| SKEMA Business School | Lille |
| ESIEE Paris University | Noisy-le-Grand |
Requirements for Studying at French Universities
The most important requirements for studying at French universities include having financial stability of 12,000 to 13,000 euros for living expenses, without tuition, language proficiency, and previous educational documents.
For studying at public universities, individuals must have a French language proficiency level of C1; otherwise, they can first enroll in a college and then enter university. For studying in English in France, an IELTS score of 6.0 is required for undergraduate and 6.5 for master’s degrees in France.
Cost of Studying at French Universities
The cost of studying at French universities can vary depending on the duration of the program, the type of institution, and your nationality. Generally, tuition fees are very low for students from the European Union.
However, if you are an international student from outside the EU, you will have to pay tuition fees. If you choose public universities that teach in French, your tuition costs are significantly reduced, allowing you to study almost for free. The cost of studying in France at public universities is 1,500 euros per year, while the average tuition fees at private universities range from 8,000 to 30,000 euros annually.
Deadlines for French Universities
The academic year in France starts in September and continues until June. July and August are generally holidays, and academic activities greatly decrease during these months. Many doctoral programs are also closed in August.
However, if you enroll in a doctoral program, you won’t follow the standard academic year and have 5 weeks of vacation. Generally, the processes and deadlines vary among different fields, especially for candidates applying to art programs in France.
Required Documents for French Universities
Here is a list of items you may consider when applying to universities in France.
- Admission letter from a French university
- Copy of passport
- Passport photo
- Copy of previous educational certificates
- Copy of the European health insurance card for EU students
- Many colleges charge a fee for reviewing your application.
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Cover letter
- Proof of proficiency in French or English
- Evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your stay in France.
Obtaining a Student Work Permit in French Universities
Applicants and students wishing to study at French universities can cover some of their educational expenses by obtaining a student work permit while studying. The student work permit allows working 20 hours a week, and individuals can work in various jobs either on campus or off-campus, including in restaurants and cafes, tutoring, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Universities
- How much are tuition fees at public universities in France?
About 1,500 to 3,000 euros per year.
- When does the academic year start in France?
The academic year in France starts in September and continues until June.
- Which are the best universities for studying medicine in France?
Sorbonne University, Paris University, Paris-Saclay University, Aix-Marseille University, and …
Conclusion:
France is a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education at both public and private universities. With a variety of fields and globally recognized institutions, French universities are an excellent option for affordable education in Europe, particularly through public universities with low tuition fees. To study in France, learning French is essential, even for programs at French colleges. After reading this article, feel free to register in the comments, and Malekpour Institute’s experts will provide free guidance.
