List of Top Class Universities and Colleges Universities in France
France has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, with over 100 top-class universities offering a wide range of majors such as MIM, BBA, MS, and MBA. Among these universities are renowned institutions like University PSL, Institute Polytechnic de Paris, and Sorbonne University, which are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
To gain admission into these universities, aspiring candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking at least one of the following exams: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. In addition, some universities in France require GMAT or GRE scores as part of their entrance requirements. Currently, France is hosting more than 400,000 international students, which marks the highest growth in 15 years.
Universities in France: Highlights
- Over 100 universities in France offer courses in MIM, BBA, MS, MBA/PGDM.
- Tuition fees range from up to INR 10L to INR 40L.
- English language exams required include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.
- Entrance exams required include GMAT/GRE.
Why Choose to Study in France?
France is a popular destination for international students seeking a world-class education. The country boasts of several globally recognized universities and is a hub for Business & Management courses. In addition, students have a wide variety of courses to choose from, including MIM, MS, MBA, BBA, B.Tech, and more.
Apart from offering quality education, France also provides international students with the opportunity to work on-campus while studying in the university and pick up part-time jobs during their term breaks. Additionally, the country provides a one-year stay-back permit to all international students as a post-study work permit, making it an attractive destination for those looking to gain work experience after graduation.
To pursue a degree course in France as a student, all international applicants require a long-stay French visa. The visa allows students to stay in the country for 4-12 months and can be renewed according to the student’s duration of studies. The cost of a visa in France is approximately INR 7,000 for Indian students.
The top job sectors in France for international students include Medicine, Law, IT Professions, Engineering, Teaching, and Research. With its excellent education system, opportunities for work experience, and diverse range of courses, France is an ideal destination for students seeking a quality education and a fulfilling academic experience.
Top Universities in France
France is home to some of the best universities in the world, with four of them ranking in the top 100 universities globally. As per the QS World Rankings 2024 and THE Ranking 2023-24, the following universities are among the top-ranked universities in France:
Top Public Universities in France
Before applying to any university, you must have an idea about its history, specifications, and top courses. Let us go into detail about the best public universities in France.
Université PSL
Université PSL tops the France public university list. Located in the center of Paris, the university excels in all areas of knowledge, innovation, and creativity. PSL has 9 Component Schools and 2 Associate Members and works closely with three research entities. To date, the university has produced 28 Nobel laureates, 10 Fields medal winners, 3 Abel laureates, 50 César, and 79 Molière awardees.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- Chemistry.
- Sustainable Development
- Computer Science
- Material Science and Engineering
- Innovation ManagementAverage Fees Per Year
€550 – €8,000
Polytechnic Institute of Paris
Polytechnique Institute of Paris is amongst the best public universities in France. It seeks to develop multidisciplinary education from Bachelor to Ph.D. levels and research programs in ten disciplinary departments. The university believes in the mission of transferring knowledge to the economy and society to bring about positive change. It’s public and private research partners help foster students’ creative skills.
Location: Palaiseau
Top Courses:
- Data Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Average Fees Per Year
€16,800 – €20,000
Also Read : French Student Visa Process
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is another one of the best public universities in France for international students. It holds a global outlook and emphasis on conducting an ambitious and impactful international education and research policy. There are around 3,400 professors and researchers at Sorbonne University that works towards achieving innovative goals. It also is also the headquarters for the European Marine Biological Research Centre.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- Digital Science,
- Computer Science
- Brain and Mind Sciences
- Executive MBA
Geosciences
Average Fees Per Year
€17,000 – €20,000
Paris-Saclay University
Amongst the France public universities for international students, Paris-Saclay University holds a reputable place. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in important areas and disciplines. The University’s constituent faculties and component institutions largely contribute to the curricula with specialized programs in Sciences, Engineering, Health, Social Sciences, and Humanities, etc.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- International Business
- Law
- Communication and Data Engineering
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Average Fees Per Year
€17,000 – €20,000
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
One of France’s four Écoles Normales Supérieures, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS or ENS Lyon) is a French école (school) located in the city of Lyon. Like all public colleges in France as well as universities, ENS abides by the mission of training students to come up with the right questions and the right answers. ENS Lyon specializes in research in fields like computer science, geography, etc.
Location: Lyon
Top Courses:
- Modern Literature
- Advanced Mathematics
- Environment Management
- Biosciences
- Computer Science
- Average Fees Per Year
€180 – €400
Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech
Known as one of the oldest public universities in France for international students, École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC) aims to meet the needs of the modern world. ENPC has a legacy of innovation and world-class invention. It offers high-level courses in a variety of fields that includes engineering, management, environmental science, economics, urban planning, and so on.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- Public Policy and Development
- Executive MBA
- Sustainable Development
- Mathematics
- Finance
Average Fees Per Year
€15,000 – €20,000
Sciences Po
Sciences Po holds a distinguished place in the list of public universities Study in France. Established in the year 1872, Sciences Po still continues to be one of the leading France public universities for international students. It was ranked 2nd worldwide for Politics and International Studies (QS WUR, 2021). The student community comprises 14,000 students, out of which 50% are international coming from 150 countries.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- Law and Finance
- Marketing and Society
- Finance and Strategy
- Environmental Policy
- Journalism and International Affairs
Average Fees Per Year
€13,000 – €18,000
Université de Paris
Located at the heart of Paris, Université de Paris is a prestigious French university with a number of campuses around the city. It offers joint programs as well as programs taught in English for international students both at undergraduate and graduate levels. Being one of the most sought-after public universities in France, Université de Paris is a renowned center of research, high-quality programs, and innovation.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Banking and Finance
- Environmental Science
- Earth Science
- Law
Average Fees Per Year
€13,000 – €18,000
Aslro Read : Reasons to Study in France
Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
One of the largest universities in France Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is a descendant of the Sorbonne and the Faculty of Law and Economics of Paris. It is at the center of a rich network of international relations stretching across five continents. Since its establishment the university continues to play a major role in the training of researchers, judges, academics, senior managers, lawyers, and top French civil servants.
Location: Paris
Top Courses:
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Law
- Art History
Average Fees Per Year
€5,000 – €15,000
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is a famous name in the list of public universities in France. Every year the university enrolls around 50,000 students in its bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. It has a strong base in the disciples of science and technology and an important presence in the global job market. There are more than 100 research departments that welcome students from all over the world.
Location: Grenoble
Top Courses:
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Sports and Physical Activities
- Economics
Average Fees Per Year
€4000 – €18,000
Suggested: Study at Universities in Paris
Eligibility Criteria to Study at Public Universities in France
To study at the best public universities in France you need to meet certain criteria or requirements. Although the exact set of requirements varies according to the programs and universities you choose, the basic ones remain the same. Let us have a brief look at them:
Undergraduate Programs
A 10+2 certificate from a recognized board is the primary requirement to pursue undergraduate programs at public universities in France. Do check the required score for the course and university you choose.
Postgraduate Programs
You must have completed your bachelor’s with decent grades to apply for graduate programs at public universities in France. For doctoral courses, a master’s degree is a must.
English Language Requirements
The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to public universities in France. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5
TOEFL: 97 – 100
PTE: 55 – 60
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any public university in France. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.
Best Business & Management Universities in France:
For those interested in pursuing business and management studies in France, HEC Paris School of Management is ranked as the 10th best business and management university in the world. ESSEC Business School and ESCP Business School – Paris are also highly ranked, at 30th and 45th respectively.
Best Engineering Universities in France:
Institute Polytechnic de Paris, University Paris – Saclay, and University PSL are the top three engineering universities in France according to QS Subject Rankings. They are ranked 21st, 22nd, and 41st respectively.
France’s Sorbonne University, University Paris City, University Grenoble Alpes, Sciences Po, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, and University Paris 1 Pantheon – Sorbonne are also highly regarded universities.
Overall, France’s top universities offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities, attracting students from all over the world.
Top Cities for Study in France
France is a popular study abroad destination for international students, with many globally renowned universities located in its major cities. According to the QS Best Student City Rankings, Paris is the top city for students in France, ranking #6 globally. Other popular cities for studying in France include Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Grenoble, Lille, Nice, and Nantes. Paris has the highest count of universities with 45, followed by Lyon with 30 and Montpellier with 15.
Top Courses in France
France is a popular destination for international students seeking Business & Management courses. The Master in Management (MIM) program is the most sought-after course in the country. Other popular courses include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). The table below shows the count of universities offering these courses in France:
| Course | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| MIM | 39 |
| BBA | 33 |
| MS | 30 |
| MBA/PGDM | 29 |
| BHM | 5 |
| Executive MBA/PGDM | 5 |
| Others PG | 5 |
| M.A. | 4 |
| B.A. | 3 |
| B.E./B.Tech | 3 |
Overall, France offers a wide range of courses for international students, with a particular focus on Business & Management.
Admission Requirements for Studying in France
To secure admission to several universities in France, international students are required to fulfill certain entrance exam requirements. The GMAT and GRE exams are accepted by 17 and 15 universities in France respectively. Additionally, all international students must provide proof of proficiency in the English language.
Most French universities accept scores from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo exams to fulfill this requirement. Specifically, 73 universities accept IELTS scores, 59 universities accept TOEFL scores, 11 universities accept PTE scores, and 13 universities accept Duolingo scores. It is important for international students to check the specific entrance exam and English language requirements of each university they are interested in applying to.
Cost of Studying in France
France is a relatively affordable study abroad option for Indian students. The majority of universities in France have an annual tuition fee below INR 10L, making it an ideal choice for international students. The first-year tuition fee range of universities in France is as follows:
| Tuition Fee Range | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| Up to INR 10L | 57 |
| INR 10L – 20L | 16 |
| INR 20L – 40L | 1 |
| INR 40L+ | 6 |
As per the data, a significant number of universities have an annual tuition fee of less than INR 10L, which makes it a cost-effective option for students who wish to study in France.
Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in France for Indian students is generally around INR 70,000 per month, which includes accommodation, meals, traveling, utilities, and personal expenses. However, the cost of living in France is subjective and can vary depending on the student’s lifestyle and purchasing power. It is essential to budget and plan expenses accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay in France.
Scholarships Offered by Universities in France
Several universities in France offer scholarships to their international students to help them manage their tuition and living expenses. Some of the scholarships offered by universities in France include K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad, Narotam Sekhria’s Scholarships, and Haini Zeini Scholarships.
The K.C. Mahindra Scholarships offer a maximum disbursement amount of INR 8,00,000, while the Haini Zeini Scholarships offer a maximum disbursement amount of INR 82,500. These scholarships are open to international students who meet the requirements set by the universities offering them. Students are encouraged to check with their university of choice for more information on available scholarships.
Jobs in France
France offers a wide range of job opportunities for international students, with the most popular sectors being Business & Management, Medicine, Law, IT Professions, Engineering, Teaching, and Research. Some of the top universities in France, such as HEC Paris, Institute Polytechnic de Paris, Sorbonne University, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, and Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, offer competitive average salaries ranging from INR 58,24,035 to INR 99,84,660 per annum. These salaries are subject to change and are based on the current exchange rate of 1 USD to INR 83.22.
