No doubt, many students are thrilled by the chance to study in France. The country is known not only for its tourist attractions and artistic culture but also for its strong higher education sector. Many scholars travel to France to study within the walls of its many educational institutions.
However, one of the challenges of studying in France is the language barrier. French can take time to learn, but many French institutions offer English-taught programs, allowing students to earn a degree while experiencing French culture.
In this article, we talk about some of France’s best English-taught universities.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in France
| University | Undergraduate English-taught options | Graduate English-taught options |
|---|
| Paris Institute of Political Sciences (Sciences Po) | Sciences Po offers three-year bachelor’s programs and English-taught dual bachelor’s degrees with partner institutions such as Columbia University, University College London, National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong, and the University of Sydney. | English-taught master’s and dual master’s programs are available across international affairs, public policy, economics, management, law, and related fields. Sciences Po also offers an English-taught Ph.D. in Economics. |
| Université Paris Cité | No complete English-taught bachelor’s degree is identified in this article. | English-taught options are primarily master’s programs in science, health, humanities, and social sciences. Examples include BioMechanics, Molecular and Cellular Biotherapies, NeuroTechnologies, and BioImaging. Some programs contain French-taught components. |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL) | Selected bachelor’s programs and tracks are taught entirely or partially in English. Applicants should verify whether their chosen track is fully English-taught or combines English and French. | English-taught options include the Master’s in Energy and Master’s in Analysis and Policy in Economics, along with other English-language or bilingual master’s and Ph.D. tracks across PSL’s member institutions. |
| Sorbonne University | Most undergraduate degrees are taught primarily in French. No complete English-taught bachelor’s degree is identified in this article. | English-taught master’s programs and graduate tracks are available in computer science, quantum information, physics, molecular sciences, environmental studies, and smart mobility systems. English may be used for doctoral research depending on the laboratory, project, and supervisor. |
| Université Paris-Saclay | No complete English-taught bachelor’s degree is identified in this article. | English-taught master’s programs cover artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences, public health, economics, agriculture, and environmental science. Doctoral research can often be conducted in English with the approval of the doctoral school and supervisor. |
| Université Côte d’Azur | No complete English-taught bachelor’s degree is identified in this article. | English-taught international master’s and MSc programs are available in marine sciences, environmental management, data science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, economics, business, digital technologies, and engineering. English may also be used in selected doctoral research environments. |
| University of Clermont Auvergne | Selected third-year bachelor’s pathways are available in English. Some are complete English-language pathways, while others include only an English-taught track within a broader program. | English-taught master’s options are available in business administration, economics, biological engineering, physics, chemistry, development studies, and environmental science. Doctoral research may be conducted in English depending on the project, research unit, and supervisor. |
| Université de Toulon | English-taught classes are available within bachelor’s programs in areas such as business, economics, marketing, languages, engineering, computer science, marine science, and environmental studies. Applicants should verify whether a complete degree or only individual courses are taught in English. | English-taught classes and specialized master’s programs are available, including the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics. The working language of doctoral study depends on the discipline, laboratory, and supervisor. |
| University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) | UTC’s standard engineering curriculum is primarily taught in French. No complete English-taught undergraduate degree is identified in this article. | International master’s programs and English-taught tracks are available in computer science, engineering, biotechnology, urban systems, mechanics, industrial systems, and complex systems. Doctoral research may be conducted in English when agreed with the laboratory and doctoral school. |
| Université Catholique de Lille | English-taught or partly English-taught bachelor’s programs are available in business, management, economics, international relations, law, engineering, computer science, sustainability, health, and the humanities. | English-taught or partly English-taught master’s programs are available across the university’s faculties, business schools, and engineering schools. Program structure and language requirements vary because the university operates as a federation. |
1. Paris Institute of Political Sciences (Sciences Po)
More commonly known as Sciences Po, the Paris Institute of Political Sciences is another prominent English-taught institution in France. Sciences Po was founded in 1872 as the École Libre des Sciences Politiques. Today, it has a distinctive structure that includes the private, independent Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques and the Institut d’Études Politiques, which focuses on teaching. Sciences Po hosts around 15,000 students, about half of whom are international students from 150 countries.
Many international students choose Sciences Po not only because it is one of France’s top educational institutions but also because it offers programs taught entirely in English at the undergraduate and graduate levels. French proficiency is not required to enroll in these English-taught programs, and students can take intensive French language courses while studying.
Sciences Po offers three-year bachelor’s degree programs and English-taught dual bachelor’s degree programs with partner universities such as Columbia University, Keio University, National University of Singapore, the University of British Columbia, the University of California, Berkeley, University College London, the University of Hong Kong, and the University of Sydney. Graduate students may also pursue English-taught master’s programs or dual master’s degree programs. The institute also offers an English-taught PhD in Economics at the Sciences Po School of Research.
What Current Students / Alumni of Sciences Po Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Vatsalya Sohu
Master’s in International Economic Policy | She says classes are offered in both English and French, and students can choose to take all their courses in English. | French is not an academic barrier on the full English-language tracks, although some French helps with daily life. |
Marcela Gomez
Master’s in International Development | Her courses at the Paris School of International Affairs were primarily in English. | French was not necessary for academic success in her international program, but learning it enhanced her overall experience. |
Snehadeep Kayet
Master’s in International Affairs | His Master’s in International Affairs classes were conducted in English. | He says knowing French is a major factor in finding one’s footing in a French environment. |
2. Université Paris Cité
The Université Paris Cité is a public institution that was created in 2019 through the merger of Paris Descartes, Paris Diderot, and the Institut de physique du globe de Paris. Despite being established later than many other institutions, this university has developed a strong international profile as a major multidisciplinary institution in France.
The university is a member of the Circle U. European University Alliance, a network of nine European universities that collaborate across disciplines in research, teaching, and innovation.
Université Paris Cité offers various English-taught degree programs, some of which may also include French-taught components. Its current English-taught list is mainly composed of master’s programs in the sciences, the Institut de physique du globe de Paris, humanities and social sciences, and health. Examples include biomedical engineering tracks such as BioMechanics, Molecular and Cellular Biotherapies, NeuroTechnologies, and BioImaging. Because language requirements differ by program, applicants should verify the language of instruction on the specific program page before applying.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université Paris Cité Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Amalie Kolegar
Master’s in Sociétés Contemporaines: sociologie, politique, culture | Most classes in her French-taught master’s were in French; she had one English-language class each semester. | French was academically necessary for her program and also important for handling French administrative procedures. |
Anika Muneer
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in International Economics and Economic Analysis & Policy | Across her EPOG+ universities, including Université Paris Cité, all courses were conducted entirely in English. | French was not academically necessary, but it helped with daily interactions and integration into local culture. |
3. Paris Sciences et Lettres University
Among French universities with English-taught offerings, Paris Sciences et Lettres University/PSL University is a public university that brings together major Parisian institutions in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and the arts. Its member and associated schools include Collège de France, Dauphine – PSL, École normale supérieure – PSL, Mines Paris – PSL, ESPCI Paris – PSL, Institut Curie, Observatoire de Paris – PSL, and other renowned schools. PSL also works with research organizations such as CNRS, Inria, and Inserm, as well as academic partners.
Despite being relatively young, PSL is regarded as one of the leading universities in France. Its official figures list about 17,000 students, around two-thirds of whom are enrolled in master’s or PhD programs, as well as 2,900 researchers and 140 laboratories.
PSL offers programs and tracks taught entirely or partially in English, including options from bachelor’s level to PhD tracks. Some programs are fully in English, such as the Master’s in Energy and the Master’s in Analysis and Policy in Economics. Other programs include English-taught tracks or a mix of French and English, so students should check the language requirements before applying.
What Current Students / Alumni of Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL University) Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Caio Rocha
Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, Systems, and Data | His joint master’s across Dauphine-PSL, Mines Paris, and École Normale Supérieure was conducted in English, with optional courses taught in French. | French was not academically necessary in his experience. |
Celso Renan Barbosa Soares Lima
Engineering Degree in Chemical Engineering, Industry 4.0, and Management | His classes at Chimie ParisTech-PSL were conducted in French rather than English. | French was academically necessary; he found adapting difficult even with B1/B2 French at arrival. |
4. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is a multidisciplinary public research university in Paris. The present institution was established in 2018 through the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University. It is organized around faculties of Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, and Health and Medicine.
The university offers several master’s programs and specialized graduate tracks taught in English, particularly in science, engineering, computing, environmental studies, and international subjects. Examples include programs related to computer science, quantum information, physics, molecular sciences, and smart mobility systems. Some courses are provided through international partnerships or multidisciplinary graduate initiatives.
Master’s degrees generally require two years of study, divided into M1 and M2, although admission may be available directly to M2 for appropriately qualified applicants. Most undergraduate degrees are taught primarily in French. Doctoral research may be conducted in English in some laboratories, but this depends on the doctoral school, research project, and supervisor, so applicants should confirm the working language before applying.
What Current Students / Alumni of Sorbonne University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Blanka Kelecsenyi
International Master’s in Cell Biology and Cancer | Her international master’s courses are conducted in English. | French is not the main academic language, but non-native French speakers must take a French class in the first semester; she found it useful for everyday life. |
Anika Muneer
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in International Economics and Economic Analysis & Policy | Across her EPOG+ universities, including Sorbonne University, all courses were conducted entirely in English. | French was not academically necessary, but it helped with daily interactions and integration into local culture. |
5. Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay is a major public research university located south of Paris. Officially established in its present form in 2020, it brings together university faculties, institutes of technology, grandes écoles, research organizations, and associated institutions. It is particularly recognized for education and research in science, engineering, mathematics, health, economics, and management.
Paris-Saclay offers an extensive selection of English-taught master’s programs across fields such as artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences, public health, economics, agriculture, and environmental science. Some programs are designed specifically for international students, while others are international tracks within broader French master’s degrees.
Master’s degrees normally take two years, although some programs recruit students directly into the M2 year. The university also has a large doctoral education network covering science, engineering, health, and the social sciences. Doctoral research can often be carried out in English when this is appropriate for the laboratory and research project, but applicants should confirm language arrangements with the relevant doctoral school and prospective supervisor.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université Paris-Saclay Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Hamadoun Bamia
Master’s in Biology and Health | His classes are conducted in French, while the program also requires students to complete a certain number of credits in English. | Although his program is French-taught, he says students with strong English may not face major academic problems and can improve their French in the university’s multicultural environment. |
Jules MVONDO EDOU
Master’s in Quantum Light, Materials and Nanosciences | His first-year courses were taught in French, while the second year was fully taught in English. | French was academically necessary during the French-taught first year. |
Ademola Toheeb Adeniji
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Surface, Electro, Radiation, and Photo-chemistry | All classes in his SERP+ program were conducted in English. | French language courses were mandatory, although French was not needed to follow the academic program; basic French helped with shopping, transport, and navigating Paris. |
Yash Joshi
MSc in Large Scale Accelerators and Lasers | His entire international LASCALA course, including his semester at Paris-Saclay, was conducted in English. | French was not academically necessary, but he found everyday conversation in Paris difficult despite some prior French study and recommends learning the language. |
Yogita
Joint Master’s Degree in Surface, Electro-, Radiation, and Photochemistry | All of her classes and lectures were conducted in English, including her studies at Paris-Saclay. | French was not an academic barrier; regional-language courses and interactions with local people helped her manage the primarily French-speaking environment outside class. |
Jean Al Am
Master’s in Aeronautics and Energetics | Most of his master’s classes at CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, were conducted in French rather than English. | French was academically important because most of the coursework was taught in French. |
Aubeda Moussa
Master’s in Civil Engineering / Geomechanics | His master’s studies in France at CentraleSupélec / Université Paris-Saclay were taught in both English and French. | He says French was not strictly required academically in his program, but daily life without any French was harder. |
6. Université Côte d’Azur
Based in Nice and the surrounding French Riviera, Université Côte d’Azur is a multidisciplinary public research university. It assumed its present institutional form in 2020, succeeding the former University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and bringing together universities, schools, research organizations, and cultural institutions in the Côte d’Azur region.
The university offers several international master’s and Master of Science programs taught in English. These cover subjects such as marine sciences, environmental management, data science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, economics, business, digital technologies, and engineering. Available examples include the Marine Resources Science, Conservation and Innovation program and English-taught tracks offered through the university’s graduate schools.
Master’s programs generally take two years, although certain specialized courses are offered only at the M2 level. Université Côte d’Azur also operates doctoral schools across science, engineering, health, humanities, and social sciences. English can be used for doctoral research in internationally oriented laboratories, subject to the requirements of the doctoral school, research team, and supervisor.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université Côte d’Azur Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Dustin Hendarlim
MSc in Management of the Flavor and Fragrance Industry | All of his classes were conducted in English. | French was not needed academically, but basic French was helpful for commuting, grocery shopping, and social interactions. |
Eamon Mcandrew
PhD | His program uses both English and French, but many classes are offered in English and every mandatory requirement is available in English in some form. | French is not a major academic barrier, though fluency opens more class and conversation options; it is especially useful for residence permits, social security, banking, leases, and medical appointments. |
7. University of Clermont Auvergne
Located in Clermont-Ferrand, the University of Clermont Auvergne, also known as Université Clermont Auvergne, is a multidisciplinary public university. It was created in 2017 through the merger of Blaise Pascal University and the University of Auvergne. Its teaching and research cover science, technology, health, law, economics, management, humanities, and social sciences.
The university offers English-taught options at undergraduate and graduate levels. These include selected third-year bachelor’s pathways and master’s programs in areas such as business administration, economics, biological engineering, physics, chemistry, development studies, and environmental science. The amount of English instruction varies, with some qualifications delivered completely in English and others offering an English-language track within a wider program.
Bachelor’s degrees normally take three years, while master’s degrees generally take two years. Doctoral studies are offered through the university’s doctoral schools and usually require approximately three years of full-time research after a master’s degree. International candidates who want to work in English should contact the relevant research unit and prospective supervisor because the accepted working and dissertation languages depend on the doctoral field and project.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Clermont Auvergne Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Atwiine Julian
Master’s in Development Economics | His program was fully taught in English, so all classes were conducted in English. | French was not needed academically, but not speaking it could make integration into the local community harder; optional French classes were available. |
8. Université de Toulon
Université de Toulon is a public university in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. Established in 1968, it operates campuses in Toulon, La Garde, and Draguignan. The university provides education and research in science, engineering, law, economics, business, languages, communication, sport, and the humanities.
The university publishes a catalog of classes taught in English across bachelor’s and master’s-level programs. Internationally oriented subjects include business, economics, marketing, languages, engineering, computer science, marine science, and environmental studies. It also participates in specialized English-taught graduate programs, including the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics.
Bachelor’s degrees normally take three years, while master’s degrees take two years. Students should distinguish between complete English-taught degrees and French-taught programs that include individual classes in English. Université de Toulon also offers doctoral education through its doctoral schools, but the working language of a doctorate is determined by the research discipline, laboratory, and supervisor rather than by a university-wide English-language catalog.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université de Toulon Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Tayyab Tahir
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics | All classes in his program were conducted in English, including lectures, exams, assignments, and group projects. | French was not necessary academically, but basic French helped with local conversations, signs, public transport information, and everyday tasks. |
9. University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC)
Established in 1972, the University of Technology of Compiègne, commonly known as UTC, was France’s first experimental university of technology. It combines the characteristics of a public university and an engineering school, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation, interdisciplinary research, industry cooperation, and international experience.
UTC offers internationally oriented master’s programs and English-taught course options in fields such as computer science, engineering, biotechnology, urban systems, mechanics, industrial systems, and complex systems. The exact proportion of English instruction varies between specializations, so applicants should consult the current program description to determine whether a track is fully taught in English or combines English and French coursework.
Master’s degrees generally require two years, while doctoral studies normally take three years after completion of a master’s degree. Doctoral candidates conduct research within UTC laboratories and may work and write in English when agreed with their research team and doctoral school. The university also awards its well-known engineering diploma, but its standard engineering curriculum is primarily French-taught and normally requires French-language proficiency.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Anika Muneer
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in International Economics and Economic Analysis & Policy | Across her EPOG+ universities, including UTC, all courses were conducted entirely in English. | French was not academically necessary, but it helped with daily interactions and integration into local culture. |
Teresa Ciavattini
PhD in Machine Learning | Most classes and administrative activities are conducted in French, while research activities are often conducted in English, especially in international research environments. | She says not knowing French is manageable, but knowing it is a significant advantage for classes and administration. |
10. Université Catholique de Lille
Founded in 1875, Université Catholique de Lille is a private, nonprofit higher education federation in Lille. It brings together faculties, specialist schools, engineering and business schools, research centers, and healthcare institutions. Its academic fields include law, economics, business, science, engineering, health, humanities, social sciences, and theology.
The university’s member faculties and schools offer bachelor’s and master’s programs taught fully or partly in English. Available subjects include business, management, economics, international relations, law, engineering, computer science, sustainability, health, and the humanities. Because the university operates as a federation, admissions procedures, tuition fees, program structure, and language requirements can differ between its faculties and schools.
Bachelor’s degrees generally take three years, while master’s degrees normally take two years. Tuition varies by institution and program, and some faculties apply income-based fee scales. Université Catholique de Lille states that it does not directly award its own scholarships, but international students may pursue French government, European, partner-institution, home-country, or other external funding opportunities listed through its financial-aid guidance.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université Catholique de Lille Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
KRY Kimhok
Master of Science in International Commerce and Management | His classes were conducted in English. | French was not needed academically, but learning the basics was helpful for daily life and integration. |
Studying in France does not have to be a struggle. If you want to enroll in an English-taught program but are not fluent in French, you can still take that bold step. You can learn French while studying a program of your choice in English.
We hope you found this article on the best English-taught schools in France informative and helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
