Computer science is a global field, and France offers computer science study through public universities, grandes écoles, engineering schools, and research-focused graduate programs. France’s education system gives students room to build a broad foundation before moving into specialized areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, and computer vision.
Many French computer science programs combine lectures with laboratory work, projects, internships, or research training. France also has strong university-industry and laboratory ecosystems, which can help computer science graduates prepare for academic research or technology careers. Check out our list of French universities that offer computer science below.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in France
1. Université Paris Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay is a strong option for students interested in research-focused computer science training in France. Its computer science ecosystem includes ENS Paris-Saclay’s Computer Science Department and Université Paris-Saclay’s Computer Science master’s program.
The ENS Paris-Saclay Computer Science Department focuses on the fundamentals of computer science and prepares students primarily for scientific research. Université Paris-Saclay’s Computer Science master’s program is organized into 17 tracks across areas such as data science and big data; systems, networks, and security; algorithms, theoretical computer science, quantum computing, and high-performance computing; human-computer interaction; and teaching.
ENS Paris-Saclay’s computer science training includes a one-year L3 bachelor’s year and two years of research-oriented master’s study. This structure allows students to deepen their preparation before entering doctoral study, research, teaching, or industry roles.
2. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is a strong choice for students who want graduate-level study in computer science within a large multidisciplinary university. Its Faculty of Science and Engineering supports teaching and research in computer science, electronics, mechanics, energy, and robotics.
Sorbonne’s computer science research area notes that it hosts some of the very first computer science research units founded in France. Today, its computer science teaching and research connect with fields such as algorithms, artificial intelligence, distributed systems, image processing, computer vision, and robotics.
Graduate students can study through the Master of Computer Science and related English-taught options, including the Digital International Program, depending on availability and admissions requirements.
3. École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique is a French grande école and a member of Institut Polytechnique de Paris. It provides a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on science, engineering, research, and innovation.
Computer science appears across École Polytechnique’s Bachelor of Science, graduate programs, and Master of Science and Technology programs. At the undergraduate level, students may pursue a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science.
At the graduate level, École Polytechnique offers master’s-level specializations connected to computer science and digital technologies, including Internet of Things, cybersecurity, visual and creative artificial intelligence, trustworthy and responsible artificial intelligence, and large language models, graphs, and applications.
4. Université PSL
Université PSL brings together several component schools and offers graduate-level training across many disciplines. Its structure allows students to study computer science through a research-oriented ecosystem connected to institutions such as ENS – PSL, Dauphine – PSL, MINES Paris – PSL, and PSL’s research partners.
This university in France for computer science features a graduate program that connects master’s and doctoral training. The program brings together strengths in algorithms, artificial intelligence, data, decisions, languages, security, and semantics.
PSL’s Master’s Degree in Computer Science includes tracks in fundamental computing, computer science and decision-making, data, big data, and artificial intelligence. Students may also continue into doctoral study through PSL’s computer science graduate and Ph.D. tracks.
5. Université Grenoble Alpes
Situated in Grenoble, a major European research and innovation hub, Université Grenoble Alpes is a large multidisciplinary university with strong activity in science, technology, and research. The university also highlights its innovation environment, including recognition for patent activity in a European Patent Office study.
The Université Grenoble Alpes Master of Computer Science is composed of several programs, including Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Informatics, Operations Research, Combinatorics and Optimization, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Students may also complete research projects in Grenoble research laboratories and build professional skills through program-specific projects and training options.
6. Université de Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux, whose historic Port of the Moon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Bordeaux is a major multidisciplinary research university in southwestern France. The university has international partnerships across many countries and develops collaborations in education, research, and innovation.
Bordeaux’s Computer Science Faculty includes lecturer-researchers connected with the Bordeaux Computer Science Research Laboratory (LaBRI). The university is also associated with the international Image Processing and Computer Vision master’s program, which provides specialized training in computer vision and image processing. The program connects computer science with fields such as medicine, surveillance, industrial control, remote sensing, e-commerce, and automation.
7. National Institute for Applied Sciences Lyon
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Engineering degree, Master’s, Ph.D.
The National Institute for Applied Sciences Lyon, or INSA Lyon, is an engineering school based on the LyonTech-La Doua campus. It supports international exchange and double-degree opportunities, helping students build an international perspective during their studies.
INSA Lyon’s computer science education is centered on engineering and graduate-level training rather than a stand-alone bachelor’s degree in computer science. Its Computer Science Department trains multi-professional computer engineers across areas of information technology, with emphasis on engineering activities, modeling, and the integration of complex systems.
For international undergraduates, INSA Lyon also offers an Information Science and Technology Semester for students in the final year of a bachelor’s degree. The computer science and information technology pathway prepares students for careers involving complex systems, software, networks, and applied engineering, while doctoral study is available through INSA Lyon’s research and doctoral training framework.
8. University of Strasbourg
The University of Strasbourg (Université de Strasbourg) is a strong option for studying computer science in an international, research-focused setting. Within its Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (UFR Math-Info), students can progress from foundational computing through specialized master’s pathways in areas such as software engineering, networks and internet systems, data science and complex systems, image and 3D, and new technologies for health.
That research-to-real-world bridge is especially visible through ICube, a research laboratory connected to the University of Strasbourg and CNRS. ICube brings together engineering, computer science, imaging, and interdisciplinary research, with image as a central theme and applications in areas such as health, the environment, and sustainable development. Its computer science research covers fields including networks, 3D modeling, virtual reality, image analysis, medical imaging, high-performance scientific computing, data mining, and artificial intelligence.
Scholarship recipient Guiqiu Liao described how this plays out in practice: “ICUBE Laboratory (University of Strasbourg) provided strong support in medical imaging and robotics.” In the kind of project-based work that French computer science research programs are known for, Liao added, “I developed manufacturing and image-processing solutions for catheterized and robotized OCT, created an automatic control algorithm for OCT in the colon, and coordinated system integration while mentoring master’s students.” These experiences underscore Strasbourg’s strengths in computer vision, medical imaging, and robotics.
Strasbourg also stands out for the international character of some of its research training. As Liao noted, “Most research activities, seminars, and training modules were conducted in English,” which helped him integrate into laboratory work and international collaboration. With research-driven training, bachelor’s and master’s pathways in computer science, and strong links to applied computing fields, the University of Strasbourg earns its place in this list of computer science universities in France.
Starting or continuing your computer science studies in France can help you build strong technical, research, and international experience. The universities mentioned above are a good starting point for your search. Compare programs carefully and choose the option that best fits your academic goals.
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in France was helpful. Also, check out the Study in France and Available Computer Science Programs in Europe for International Students for more insightful articles and study opportunities.
