France has long been known as a hub for education, art, culture, and heritage. It is also a major study destination: in 2024–2025, 443,500 foreign students were enrolled in French higher education, representing about 15% of the country’s higher education student body.
Public universities in the country are popular among international students because of their high-quality education, research opportunities, and the relative affordability of many higher education programs, although fees vary by nationality, degree level, institution, and exemption status.
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 will not 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 | NOTABLE PROGRAM AREAS |
|---|
| Paris Sciences et Lettres University | Mathematics, Physics, and Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Université Paris Cité | Health, Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences |
| École Polytechnique | Science, Engineering, and Technology |
| Sorbonne University | Science and Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities |
| University of Paris-Saclay | Mathematics, Physics, and Clinical Medicine |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | Engineering, Mechanics, Transport, and Economics |
| Aix-Marseille University | Arts and Humanities, Law and Political Science, and Science and Technology |
| University of Bordeaux | Law, Political Science, Economics, and Management |
| Paris Dauphine University – PSL | Economics, Finance, Management, and Organizational and Decision Sciences |
| University of Rennes | Mathematics and Digital Technology, Law and Political Science, and Human and Social Sciences |
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 strong reputation for research and innovation across disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. It is also known for interdisciplinary programs across its member institutions.
PSL is a collegiate university made up of 13 institutions and reports about 17,000 students, 140 laboratories, and 2,900 teacher-researchers. International students make up about 22% of its student body. Programs are offered in French and English: PSL lists 43 degree tracks taught fully or partially in English, in addition to French-taught programs.
2. Université Paris Cité
With campuses and academic sites across Paris, Université Paris Cité is one of France’s major public research universities. Its academic community is organized around health, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with strong links to major research institutions.
Across disciplines such as science, humanities, and health, the university offers international joint programs at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as programs taught in English. Some programs are fully taught in English, some are bilingual, and French proficiency may be required for French-taught programs.
3. École Polytechnique
Established in 1794, École Polytechnique is a popular choice among international students. The school was transformed into a military school under Napoleon in the early 19th century and is now a public grande école and founding member of Institut Polytechnique de Paris, with a significant reputation for science, engineering, and technology.
Programs offered are geared toward the international market, with multidisciplinary elements incorporated into the curriculum. The Bachelor of Science is a three-year program taught entirely in English, while the Ingénieur Polytechnicien program includes scientific training, languages, humanities, sports, and French-language study.
4. Sorbonne University
Ranked among the best institutions in France, 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 courses.
At Sorbonne University, most academic programs are taught in French, and the university states that it currently does not offer undergraduate degrees taught in English. However, there are English-taught master’s programs, particularly in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, as well as individual courses taught in English.
5. University of Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay is a public research university in the Paris-Saclay area near Paris, France. The university is highly recognized for research and is especially known for mathematics, physics, and clinical medicine, which have been acclaimed internationally.
The university accepts students from the European Union and around the world for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It offers a wide range of degrees from undergraduate level to doctorate, including English-taught master’s programs in science and engineering, life sciences and health, and the humanities and social sciences. International students should check the official university website for current admissions details and language requirements.
6. École des Ponts ParisTech
With a historical reputation for training engineers for public works and infrastructure, École des Ponts ParisTech has become one of the prestigious institutions in the country, especially for technical subjects. The school is known for areas such as city, environment, and transport; mechanical and materials engineering; civil engineering and construction; industrial engineering; mathematical and computer engineering; and economics, management, and finance.
Language requirements depend on the program. In the engineering program, English is mandatory for all students, and French as a Foreign Language is mandatory for non-French-speaking international students. Some master’s tracks are taught in French, while others are taught in English.
7. Aix-Marseille University
Aix-Marseille University is another popular choice among international students. It is a large multidisciplinary public research university, with teaching and research in areas such as arts, literature, languages, humanities, law, political science, economics, management, health, science, and technology. Many programs are taught in French, but selected English-taught options are available.
The university has a sizable international student body and is one of the largest French-speaking universities by number of students, staff, and budget. Notable former students and faculty include Nobel Prize winners such as René Cassin and Frédéric Mistral.
8. University of Bordeaux
The University of Bordeaux is a multidisciplinary public university whose origins date back to 1441. This notable public school is committed to helping students build successful careers and professional lives. It also strives to enrich their skills and enable them to contribute to their communities.
The university emphasizes research, internationalization, student services, and a broad academic structure, making it a strong option for international students planning to study in France.
International students studying at the University of Bordeaux can apply to several programs, including international master’s degree programs taught entirely in English.
9. Paris Dauphine University – PSL
Paris Dauphine University – PSL, or Université Paris Dauphine-PSL, was created in 1968 as the Dauphine university center and became a grand établissement in 2004. The public institution specializes in organizational and decision sciences and is known for programs in economics, finance, management, mathematics, law, computer science, and social sciences.
Dauphine-PSL offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and executive education levels, with programs taught in French and English. Its alumni and academic communities include business leaders and scholars, such as former Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré and French mathematician Guillaume Carlier.
10. University of Rennes
The University of Rennes is an experimental public institution built around a shared history and several founding members. It focuses on major societal challenges such as the environment, global health, and digital technology, while developing research-intensive training and innovation.
International students planning to study here can choose from a wide range of degree programs, including programs taught exclusively in English. The university’s disciplines and research sectors include mathematics and digital technology, law and political science, human and social sciences, biology and health, the environment, and material sciences.
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. France’s public universities and grandes écoles include highly ranked institutions, and many are open to international applicants. Admissions, language requirements, and application procedures depend on the institution, degree level, and program.
Additionally, tuition fees in many French public institutions are relatively affordable because the French government subsidizes public higher education. However, international students should verify the current fee category that applies to them, as fees can vary for European and non-European students, by degree level, and by exemption status. Students may also explore scholarship opportunities and, when eligible, work while studying. Students who need a visa should follow the official France-Visas and Campus France procedures, validate their long-stay student visa after arrival when required, and meet residence permit rules before and during their stay.
France is a popular study destination for international students for several reasons. French curricula are often well structured, and many institutions combine academic training with research, professional preparation, and international opportunities.
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 Available Courses for International Students and Study in France!
