Becoming an international student is a challenge you might want to take. There is no easy path for anyone making this choice. From choosing your destination to selecting the courses you want to take, you will need to prepare well and make important decisions, often on your own.
France is an excellent choice for international students for many reasons. Among these are the top-quality education in its universities and the availability of English-taught courses, including more than 1,600 programs taught wholly or partly in English. International students also have the opportunity to learn French in their everyday lives. Of course, living in France also means you will be surrounded by beautiful cities, old-world charm, and a highly regarded cultural scene.
With all the things you can enjoy in France as an international student, your student life will also depend on the study field you choose. Before sending your application to any university, make sure to choose a subject that fits your interests, career plans, and preferred learning environment.
Top Courses to Study in France
1. Art
- Notable schools and programs: ENSCI–Les Ateliers | École des Arts Décoratifs – PSL | Paris College of Art
France is prominent in the art and design world, making art one of the most appealing subjects to study here. You can find inspiration from major museums, collections, and historic neighborhoods associated with artists and creative movements. The Louvre holds an extensive collection, while the Centre Pompidou is known for its major modern and contemporary art collection. Montmartre, meanwhile, remains one of Paris’s most famous historic art districts.
Besides access to major art collections and cultural spaces, studying Art in France can also prepare international students for careers in creative fields. Some possible career paths include art direction, exhibition design, conservation and restoration, photography, illustration, and graphic design.
Lastly, studying in France provides a learning environment that can be ideal for art and design students. Several well-known institutions offer art, design, and creative programs, including ENSCI–Les Ateliers, École des Arts Décoratifs – PSL, and Paris College of Art.
2. International Business
- Notable schools and programs: HEC Paris School of Management | INSEAD | ESSEC Business School
International Business is another subject worth studying in France. This field provides knowledge of business practices, markets, and management theories around the world. International students taking this subject may learn about supply chains, finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and the challenges of running a business in a global economy. You will also explore cross-cultural perspectives that can help you work with people and organizations from different countries.
International Business can also help you build valuable skills for careers in many parts of the world. These include leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making. These skills may also help you start your own business or work in an international company. France is a major European economy and offers an active environment for students interested in business, management, and entrepreneurship.
Choosing International Business also means you can consider some of France’s well-known business schools. A strong school name can strengthen your resume, but you should also compare each program’s curriculum, language of instruction, internships, career services, and admission requirements. Some of the best business schools in France to research include HEC Paris School of Management, INSEAD, and ESSEC Business School. Students who prefer a broader university setting can also explore related economics, management, and humanities pathways at Sorbonne University.
3. Fashion
- Notable schools and programs: Paris College of Art | International Fashion Academy | Institut Français de la Mode
When it comes to fashion, France is one of the most influential places to study this field. Fashion is also an excellent subject for aspiring international students in France. French universities and academic institutions offer programs related to fashion design, textiles, pattern making, construction techniques, fashion image, fashion business, and luxury management. Some of the notable institutions to research for Fashion in France are Paris College of Art, International Fashion Academy, and Institut Français de la Mode.
Besides institutions that offer specialized training, studying in France also gives you access to a country where fashion is part of cultural and professional life. In Paris, areas such as the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne are known for boutiques, luxury houses, and fashion-related spaces. Students may also benefit from exhibitions, museums, fashion events, and industry networks.
The fashion and luxury industries in France are among the most recognized in the world. Haute couture helped shape Paris’s reputation as a global fashion capital, and major French or Paris-based brands include Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent. Graduates may also explore careers in fashion media, styling, merchandising, production, marketing, luxury management, and creative direction.
4. Biotechnology
- Notable schools and programs: University of Strasbourg / ESBS | Université Paris Cité | University of Bordeaux
Biotechnology is one of the strongest STEM-related subjects to consider in France, especially for students interested in biology, health, pharmaceuticals, data science, and medical innovation. France’s wider healthtech ecosystem includes biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health. Recent industry data describes the French HealthTech ecosystem as having nearly 2,800 innovative companies and around 80,000 direct jobs, with research and development playing a major role in the sector.
Rather than relying on a single salary estimate, students should compare biotechnology career outcomes by role, degree level, location, and sector. Careers in this field may include research and development, biomanufacturing, clinical development, regulatory affairs, data science, quality control, pharmaceutical production, and health innovation. The sector can be promising, but it is also competitive and affected by funding cycles, regulation, and research investment.
To start your studies in France, research universities and schools with biotechnology, biology, health, and life science pathways. The University of Strasbourg’s École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg offers a Master’s in Biotechnologies, while Université Paris Cité and the University of Bordeaux offer strong related options in genetics, biotherapies, biology, neuroscience, and health sciences.
5. Finance
- Notable schools and programs: HEC Paris School of Management | EDHEC Business School | ESCP Business School – Paris
Since Paris is an important international financial center, Finance is among the best subjects to study in France. Universities and business schools here offer strong programs that may cover corporate finance, risk management, portfolio management, financial markets, accounting, investment banking, and fintech. With good preparation in these topics, you may be better positioned to compete for roles in financial institutions, multinational companies, consulting firms, and other international organizations. Notable schools to research include HEC Paris School of Management, EDHEC Business School, and ESCP Business School – Paris.
Studying in France can also help you begin your career in the Eurozone, though students should be realistic about current economic conditions. Recent official forecasts describe growth in France and the wider euro area as modest rather than soaring. With a strong academic background, internships, language skills, and the right work authorization, graduates may pursue roles at multinational corporations and financial firms such as J.P. Morgan, Unilever, Morgan Stanley, and many others.
France has a major and diverse economy, and students can benefit from it by pursuing one of its strong study fields. The recommended list above shows that the country does not focus on one discipline alone, but instead provides a variety of academic paths that can lead to careers in different industry sectors.
We hope that this article on the Best Subjects to Study in France for International Students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in France guide and Available Programs in Europe for more articles and study opportunities!
