France is historically known for being a hub for education just like it is for art, culture, and heritage. Additionally, it is among the most popular study destinations for international students with a rapidly increasing expatriate population.
Public universities in the country are popular among international students because of the high-tier education, advanced technologies, research opportunities, and affordability of higher educational programs.
In this article, we discuss some of the top public universities in the country that are international-student friendly.
Top Public Universities in France
Finding a study program of your choice at a reputable public university in France won’t be a hassle, thanks to the country’s long-standing history of providing quality education. Here are some of the top public universities in France.
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres University |
Mathematics, Physics, and Ecology |
| Université Paris Cité |
Medicine, Arts, and Languages |
| École Polytechnique |
Science, Engineering, and Technology |
| Sorbonne University |
Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities |
| University of Paris-Saclay |
Mathematics, Physics, and Clinical Medicine |
| École des Ponts ParisTech |
Science, Mechanics, and Economics |
| Aix-Marseille University |
Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences |
| University of Bordeaux |
Law, Political Science, and Economics |
| Paris Dauphine University – PSL |
Economics, Finance Management, and Social Sciences |
| University of Rennes |
Computer Science, Mathematics, and Political Science |
1. Paris Sciences et Lettres University
Located in the heart of Paris, PSL University is one of the top universities in France. The university has a reputation for its excellence in research and innovation across disciplines like mathematics, science, and engineering. It is also known for offering interdisciplinary guidance across the university’s faculties.
PSL is a collegiate university with 11 schools, some as old as the 1500s. These schools were established as a university in 2010. As of now a large number of students have enrolled at their respective colleges, a fifth of them being international students. Undergraduate programs here are offered mostly in French, while postgraduates are entirely in English.
2. Université Paris Cité
With two campuses across the city of Paris, Université Paris Cité is among the top universities in the world. It boasts a lot of perks for students like high-quality education, employability, and quality staff.
Across disciplines like science, humanities, and health, the university offers multiple programs in the English language. Other programs that are offered at this university require you to prove your proficiency in the French language.
3. École Polytechnique
Established in 1794, École Polytechnique is a popular choice among international students. Formerly a military academy under Napoleon I, the university is now a technical college with a significant reputation for science, engineering, and technology. Apart from the bachelor of science, most other programs here are taught in French.
Programs offered are geared toward the international market with multidisciplinary facets incorporated into the curriculum while the innovative teaching experience is backed by quality research facilities and teaching staff.
4. Sorbonne University
Ranked among the best institutions, Sorbonne University is a prestigious public university in Europe and the world. Through its exchange programs, the university accepts thousands of international students every year. Since most programs are offered in French, the university also offers French as a Foreign Language program.
At Sorbonne University all undergraduate programs are offered in French. If you are planning to pursue a full degree at the university you might have to prove a sufficient level of proficiency in the French language. However, there are master’s programs offered in the Faculty of Science and Engineering that are taught in English.
5. University of Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay is a public university and research institute in Paris, France. The university is highly recognized in multiple industries. It is most notorious for the programs offered in mathematics, physics, and clinical medicine which have been acclaimed internationally.
This combined technological institute accepts students from the EU and around the globe for their undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The official university website contains all the details required for international students to apply for higher studies at this university.
6. École des Ponts ParisTech
With a historical reputation for training engineering officials, École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC / Ponts) has become one of the prestigious institutions in the country, especially for technical subjects. The school is known for its programs in science, mechanics, economics, and more.
To pursue a program at this university, all students must be proficient in English. As an international student, you are also expected to learn French as a Foreign Language irrespective of the program you are following.
7. Aix-Marseille University
Aix-Marseille University is yet another popular pick among international students especially because it offers some of the most sought out programs in the English language. These include arts, law, business management, and science. The university has a reputation for being one of the largest French-speaking universities, which is why it would be important for you to brush up your language skills.
This university has a sizable international student body across its comprehensive disciplines and also boasts several Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize Laureates like Rene Cassin and Frédéric Mistral.
8. University of Bordeaux
The University of Bordeaux is a multidisciplinary university that was established in 1441. This notable public school is committed to helping students have successful careers and professional lives. It also strives to enrich their skills and enable them to transform their respective communities.
The university’s state-of-the-art and modern facilities, suitable accommodation, affordable fees, professional staff, and brilliant academic structure make it one of the best choices for international students planning to study in France.
International students studying at the University of Bordeaux can apply to several of its programs, including international master’s degree programs that are taught in English.
9. Paris Dauphine University – PSL
Paris Dauphine University – PSL, or Université Paris Dauphine, was established in 1968 as Centre Universitaire Dauphine before its name was changed in 2004. The public university is known for offering comprehensive academic instruction using modern facilities.
PSL also offers degree programs in economics, finance management, and social sciences. These programs have produced many brilliant minds, with some of them including Thierry Bolloré, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, and French mathematician Guillaume Carlier.
10. University of Rennes
The University of Rennes was created to foster intense research that promotes innovation and technology transfer, deliver advanced training through innovative learning methods, and ensure students obtain quality learning experiences. All these aim to promote success and fulfillment for students as they follow their respective career paths.
International students planning to study here can choose from a wide range of degree programs offered. The selection of disciplines includes computer science, mathematics, business, management, law, and political science.
FAQs: Studying in French Public Universities
Can International Students Enroll in Public Universities in France?
Yes, international students can apply to and enroll in public universities in France. The country has some of the best public universities in the world, and they are open to accepting international students worldwide. They are also globally recognized and enable students to start a meaningful career after graduation.
Additionally, tuition fees in these French public institutions are affordable. They also run flexible programs, have well-built structures, conducive accommodations, brilliant lecturers, scholarship opportunities, and provide students with a chance to work while studying. International students should note, though, that admission requirements might depend on the school they apply to. However, you are expected to have gained admission, obtained a visa and residence permit, and met other requirements before entering the country as an international student.
France is among the popular study destinations for international students for several reasons. The French curricula are often well-curated by industry professionals making the overall quality of education in the country a high standard.
We hope this article helped you identify the best public universities in France. If you wish to explore more articles and program possibilities, make sure to check out our Open Courses and Study in France pages!
