France is a popular study-abroad destination that allows international students to combine academic study with exposure to the country’s language, history, and culture. It is home to longstanding and internationally recognized higher education institutions, including options in major student cities.
Many international students choose France for different reasons: to learn the French language, study art, history, and architecture in a country with a rich cultural heritage, pursue science and technology, or study economics and business.
Depending on what you want to study and the type of study-abroad experience you are looking for, you can find many student-friendly cities in France. This article highlights five major study destinations. The order below is a curated overview rather than an official ranking. In L’Etudiant’s 2026 ranking of French student cities, Toulouse placed first, Montpellier third, Lyon joint sixth, Strasbourg eleventh, and Paris nineteenth.
Top Cities to Study in France for International Students
1. Paris
Paris is the capital of France and one of the country’s most prominent study destinations. Students can pursue short- or long-term study while taking advantage of museums, exhibitions, and a wide range of academic institutions.
Students choose Paris for its range of academic options, including English-taught programs. Tuition varies by institution and program. France’s public universities are heavily subsidized. At covered public higher education institutions, Campus France lists 2025–2026 registration fees of €178 per year at the licence or bachelor’s level, €254 at the master’s level, and €397 at the doctoral level for EU, EEA, Andorran, Swiss, and certain other eligible students. Non-EU students enrolling for the first time in a covered public institution generally pay differentiated registration fees of €2,895 at the licence level and €3,941 at the master’s level, although exemptions can apply. Students should confirm the applicable tuition fees with their institution.
Housing is a major part of the cost of living in Paris. As a current indicator, L’Etudiant’s 2026 ranking lists an average studio rent of €915 and an annual student public-transport subscription of €392.30 in Paris. Campus France advises students to budget separately for food and other expenses and notes that costs vary by accommodation type and lifestyle.
2. Lyon
Lyon is one of France’s largest student hubs. Campus France’s 2025 city guide reports 200,000 students, including 13% international students. Students can combine their degree programs with the cultural life and varied student experiences offered by a large French city.
As a current cost indicator, L’Etudiant’s 2026 ranking places Lyon joint sixth among French student cities and lists an average studio rent of €644 and an annual student public-transport subscription of €250. Other expenses vary according to accommodation and lifestyle.
3. Toulouse
Located in southwestern France, Toulouse is a major student city with a large international community. Campus France’s 2025 city guide reports 130,000 students, including 20,000 foreign students. L’Etudiant ranked Toulouse first among French student cities in 2026.
Toulouse’s higher education landscape includes institutions such as Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, Toulouse Capitole University, and Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès. The Communauté d’universités et établissements de Toulouse brings together higher education and research institutions in Toulouse and the surrounding region.
Tuition is not set citywide: students should check the official fee page for their institution and program. At covered public institutions, national registration rules apply, while fees at private institutions can be higher. As a current cost indicator, L’Etudiant’s 2026 ranking lists an average studio rent of €539 and an annual student public-transport subscription of €162 in Toulouse.
4. Montpellier
Montpellier is the fourth city in this overview. It hosts the University of Montpellier and has a long academic history. The university traces the city’s comprehensive university tradition to a 1289 papal constitution, while its Faculty of Medicine traces its roots to 1220 and describes itself as the world’s oldest continuously operating medical school.
Campus France’s 2025 city guide reports 70,000 students in Montpellier, including 15% international students. L’Etudiant ranked Montpellier third among French student cities in 2026. Students interested in medicine and related health sciences may find Montpellier particularly relevant. Students should check the language of instruction for each program, as the availability of English-taught options varies by institution and degree.
As a current cost indicator, L’Etudiant’s 2026 ranking lists an average studio rent of €550 and an annual student public-transport subscription of €0 in Montpellier. Other living costs vary according to accommodation and lifestyle.
5. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a French city shaped by its cross-border setting near Germany and by its European institutions. It is the official seat of the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe has its headquarters there. This setting gives students opportunities to experience French, German, and international influences.
Campus France’s 2025 city guide reports that the University of Strasbourg has 57,000 students, including 13,000 international students from 156 nationalities. As a current cost indicator, L’Etudiant’s 2026 ranking places Strasbourg eleventh among French student cities and lists an average studio rent of €570 and an annual student public-transport subscription of €280. Other expenses vary according to accommodation and lifestyle.
Where you study in France has a significant effect on the type of student life you will experience. You should consider your academic goals, expectations, and budget when deciding which city in France is ideal for you.
We hope that this article on the Best Cities to Study in France was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in France guide and Available Programs in Europe to explore your study options.
