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. 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.
3. 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.
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. 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.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Strasbourg Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Guiqiu Liao
Double PhD in Informatics/Computer Science with the University of Verona
October 2019–January 2023 | At Strasbourg’s ICube laboratory, he developed OCT image-processing solutions and an automatic control algorithm for robotic endoscopy, coordinated system integration, and mentored master’s students. Most research activities and training were in English, with few laboratory language barriers. | He found Strasbourg beautiful and described help with visas and housing, available language courses, and a supportive international researcher community. Basic French helped with administrative documents and daily life. |
Dr. Romel Bhattacharjee
Biomedical Engineering research fellowship: Medical Imaging and AI
10-month research stay, 2018 | His ICube research stay involved medical imaging, deformable registration, and machine-learning applications in healthcare, with guidance from his prospective supervisor. Most coursework and research activities were conducted in English. | He described administrative assistance and cultural integration support that eased his transition. Learning basic French improved everyday interactions. |
7. 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.
8. Université Côte d’Azur
Université Côte d’Azur is a public university based in Nice, France, with computing education and research extending to Sophia Antipolis. Its academic environment includes the Digital Systems for Humans graduate school and the i3S laboratory. Computer Science is represented by undergraduate degrees, specialized master’s pathways, and doctoral study through the STIC doctoral school.
The Licence Informatique spans three years, six semesters, and 180 ECTS credits. It forms part of the university’s science and technology education, with flexibility in the first two years before students progress toward more specialized computing study. This undergraduate qualification provides a route into Computer Science master’s programs, including those associated with Digital Systems for Humans.
The Master Informatique offers pathways including Artificial Intelligence, Software Systems and Distributed Computing, and Computer Engineering. The Computer Engineering pathway addresses areas such as secure applications, artificial intelligence, and connected systems. At doctoral level, STIC supports the Informatique doctorate awarded through Université Côte d’Azur. Doctoral work involves an original research project and requires a master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université Côte d’Azur Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Eamon Mcandrew
PhD research at IPMC
Research focus: Bioinformatics and long-read transcriptomics | His research refines computational pipelines for long-read single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, applying them to datasets to investigate isoform diversity and alternative splicing. He valued the proximity of computational and genomics groups at IPMC; mandatory programme activities were available in English, although French opened additional academic options. | Help with initial arrangements and temporary accommodation eased his move. French-language residence, banking, housing, and medical procedures remained slow and sometimes stressful despite translation assistance. |
9. 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.
10. University of Technology of Compiègne
The University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) is a French institution in Compiègne whose Génie informatique department brings together computing education and research. Its teaching combines a shared foundation in Computer Science with specialist pathways, experimental learning, and involvement from companies. Computing research is also represented through the Heudiasyc laboratory.
For students entering engineering education, the relevant qualification is the Diplôme d’ingénieur in Génie informatique, which confers the French master’s grade. It should therefore be described as an engineering qualification at master’s level. Its three specialist pathways cover Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Embedded Computing and Autonomous Systems, and Computer Systems Engineering, building on a common computing foundation.
UTC also offers the broader master’s in Ingénierie des systèmes complexes, including a pathway in Learning and Optimization of Complex Systems. This is a related systems-focused degree, rather than a degree formally titled Computer Science. Doctoral study in Informatique is available through UTC’s doctoral school and relevant research units, providing a separately verified research qualification beyond the engineering diploma.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Technology of Compiègne Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Teresa Ciavattini
PhD in Machine Learning
Research period: 2024–2027 | Her doctoral research develops machine-learning methods for diagnosing persistent microbial infections, emphasizing interpretable models and clinical decision support. She reported that most classes were in French, while research activities were often conducted in English. | She found French useful for daily life, administrative procedures, and greater independence. |
11. University of Caen Normandy
The University of Caen Normandy is a public university in Caen, France, where computing education is offered through the Faculty of Sciences. Its Computer Science degrees connect with the GREYC research laboratory, whose work covers digital sciences. The university offers a progression from the Licence Informatique to master’s study and a separately recognized doctorate in Informatique.
The Licence Informatique is a three-year undergraduate degree taught at Campus 2. It provides general preparation in computing and supports progression into specialized graduate study. An optional internship in the third year allows students to complement academic training with experience outside the classroom. The qualification is a full Computer Science degree, rather than a computing component within an unrelated major.
At graduate level, the Master Informatique combines specialist computing education with research connections to GREYC. Its offerings include artificial intelligence and applications involving human factors or health. Doctoral research in Computer Science falls within the university’s recognized doctoral disciplines, with the MIIS doctoral school providing the associated mathematics, information, and systems research environment.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Caen Normandy Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Hajar Badraoui
Master 2 in Statistics, Applied Analysis, and Decision Support
2024–2025 | She studied machine learning, programming, and optimisation, combining theoretical coursework with projects using real datasets and programming tools. The programme was demanding and mainly taught in French, which she considered important for following classes and communicating academically. | She became more independent and confident through interacting with people from varied backgrounds. She received assistance with accommodation and administrative matters but cautioned that housing, banking, and residence procedures could take time. |
12. Université de Toulon
Université de Toulon is a public university in the Toulon area of southern France. Computer Science is taught through its Faculty of Science and Technology and dedicated computing department. Its degree structure includes a Licence Informatique, a Master Informatique, and doctoral research in computing through the Mer et Sciences doctoral school.
The three-year Licence Informatique provides broad preparation in algorithms, programming, databases, and networks, supported by mathematics applied to computing. Mathematical topics include logic, graphs, algorithmic geometry, and languages. This combination gives students a foundation in both constructing software and reasoning about computational problems, rather than concentrating solely on practical programming.
The Master Informatique offers second-year pathways in Informatique and Mathématiques et Informatique. Its teaching includes areas such as security, scientific computing, and machine learning, allowing students to connect computing methods with mathematical applications. Doctoral study is separately supported by doctoral school ED 548, whose academic scope explicitly includes Computer Science. Admission to doctoral study requires a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
What Current Students / Alumni of Université de Toulon Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Abhimanyu Bhowmik
Master’s in Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics
First year at Toulon | His first semester included deep learning and reinforcement learning alongside robotics and marine subjects; the second included practical projects and experiments with BlueROV. His studies at Toulon were conducted in English. | He enjoyed living in a small French Riviera village and found the area relatively affordable. French bureaucracy posed a substantial language barrier, making basic French and translation tools useful. |
Tayyab Tahir
Joint Master’s in Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics with NTNU | At Toulon, he learned foundations in robotics and artificial intelligence alongside marine science. Lectures, examinations, assignments, and group projects throughout his MIR studies were conducted in English. | He valued the multicultural cohort and reported buddy or mentor support in France that helped international students settle in. Basic French made everyday communication and practical tasks easier. |
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. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
