France is a geographically diverse country in Western Europe and is home to beautiful historical sites. It has a long history filled with artistic and scientific accomplishments. France, a nation defined by its unique culture, has influenced the world with its cuisine, fashion, and literature.
France has time-honored architectural masterpieces such as the Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint-Michel, the Château de Versailles, and more. Furthermore, France is an international business hub, which is another reason to visit this charming country.
In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in France for international students.
Top Universities in France for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
|---|
| Paris Sciences et Lettres University | Mathematics, Physics, and Ecology |
| École Polytechnique | Engineering, Computer Science |
| Sorbonne University | Engineering, Medicine, Humanities |
| Université Paris Cité | Medicine, Health Sciences, Arts and Humanities |
| Paris-Saclay University | Mathematics, Physics, Ecology |
| Télécom Paris | Computer Science and Networks, Electronics and Communications, AI and Data Science |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | Social Sciences, Computer Science, Business and Economics |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | Physical Sciences, Computer Science, Arts and Humanities |
| University of Montpellier | Medicine, Science and Technology, Law |
| Aix-Marseille University | Social Sciences, Natural Sciences |
| Sciences Po | Politics, Sociology, Law and Legal Studies |
| University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | Arts and Humanities, Law, Economics |
| Grenoble Alps University | Natural Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science |
| University of Strasbourg | Life Sciences, Clinical and Health Science |
| University of Bordeaux | Law, Political Science, Economics |
| University of Tours | Human and Social Sciences, Life and Health Sciences |
| University of Burgundy | Biology, Chemistry, Engineering |
| Nantes University | Medical and Health, Life Sciences, Business and Economics |
| Lumière Lyon 2 University | Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology |
| Leonardo de Vinci University Center | Business, Engineering, Digital Communication and Multimedia |
1. Paris Sciences et Lettres University
Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL Research University / PSL) is one of the highest-ranked universities in France for international students. PSL brings together leading institutions across broad academic disciplines such as physical sciences, life sciences, economics, humanities, creative arts, and more. For specific subjects, PSL ranks among the highest in mathematics, physics, and ecology. Its member institutions have been associated with notable thinkers through the years, including Louis Pasteur, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Derrida, and Michel Foucault.
PSL Research University places consistently in major university rankings in teaching and research. The university has also cultivated close relationships with international universities like Cambridge, Berkeley, and NYU.
2. École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique, one of the best universities in France for international students, was created in 1794 and later given military status under Napoleon I. It has played an important role in French scientific and engineering education. Presently, it is one of the most selective institutions in France and one of the country’s grandes écoles. Although its military aspect has lessened with time, the institution has continued to maintain a strong reputation in science, technology, and engineering teaching and research.
École Polytechnique is a multidisciplinary institution. It combines science and technology with humanities and social sciences to promote responsible scientific and economic development. Its entrepreneurial spirit and international outlook offer broad opportunities for students from around the world.
3. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University was established as an official public research university in 2018 through the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University. It draws on the legacy of the historic Sorbonne and provides high-quality education and research to international students. It is organized into three faculties: Humanities, Science and Engineering, and Medicine.
Bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at Sorbonne University are renowned in France and around the world. It also partners with prestigious universities like King’s College London and McGill University. The university is also known for its scientific and heritage collections, including minerals, anatomical waxes, medical specimens, and scientific instruments.
4. University of Paris Cite
Université Paris Cité is a comprehensive public research university formed through the 2019 merger of Paris Descartes University, Paris Diderot University, and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris. Today, this top university in France offers innovative courses in several fields, including science and technology, medicine, social sciences, arts, humanities, and languages.
The blend of history and modernity is evident in the university’s multidisciplinary approach to teaching and research. It operates across multiple Paris campuses and maintains an international outlook through global partnerships and research collaborations.
5. Paris-Saclay University
The Paris-Saclay University, one of the best universities in France for international students, is part of the Paris-Saclay academic and business cluster for training and research. The university comprises faculties and institutes in medicine, sciences, sports sciences, pharmacy, law, economics, and management. In the 2025 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, Paris-Saclay’s strongest subjects include mathematics, physics, ecology, statistics, and engineering-related fields.
A key player in science and technology, Paris-Saclay University has a large network of laboratories and research units connected to its doctoral schools. Some of its research focuses are electrical engineering, planetary science, and communication sciences. At the master’s and doctoral levels, the university emphasizes internationalization and welcomes students from different backgrounds and nationalities.
6. Télécom Paris
Télécom Paris (ENST / Télécom) is a public engineering grande école dedicated to engineering research and education. As part of Institut Polytechnique de Paris, it contributes to France’s broader ambition to develop a world-class science and technology cluster. Télécom Paris provides multidisciplinary and specialized training for engineers at the engineering, master’s, and doctoral levels. Its teaching and research are organized into departments including Communication and Electronics, Computer Science and Networks, Image, Data and Signal, and Economics and Social Sciences. Research at Télécom Paris includes artificial intelligence, data science, communications, cybersecurity, and digital systems.
Like other French grandes écoles, Télécom Paris has a selective admission process and welcomes a substantial international cohort each year. Télécom has gone through several name changes through the years, but its longstanding dedication to technology, networking, and innovation remains.
7. École des Ponts ParisTech
École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC / Ponts) was established in 1747 to train engineers for major public works and infrastructure. Today, this prestigious institution has expanded beyond civil engineering to computer science, mechanics, applied mathematics, economics, urban studies, environmental transition, and more.
Through engineering, master’s, and doctoral-level education, École des Ponts is one of the best institutions in France for international students seeking world-class teaching facilities and research laboratories. The university maintains close collaborations with French and international universities such as Georgia Tech and Berkeley. There are also double-degree agreements with several partner institutions.
8. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon / ENSL) is a public institution devoted to training professors, researchers, scientists, and public officials. The university is located on two main campuses that separate its arts and science units. Its Monod Campus houses natural and experimental sciences departments, while arts, humanities, and social sciences departments can be found at the Descartes Campus.
Some students at ENS de Lyon study through the normalien civil-servant track, which is connected to public service commitments. Besides its public mission, the university hosts research and innovation activities, particularly in fields such as computer science, health, and technology.
9. University of Montpellier
The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in France and is especially known for its historic School of Medicine, which dates back to around 1220 and is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating medical school in the world. Since then, the university has grown to accommodate allied disciplines such as humanities, law, science, technology, health, and economics. During the French Revolution, higher education in Montpellier was reorganized, and the modern university was later formed through institutional reunification.
Current ranking profiles list the University of Montpellier with more than 37,000 students, including nearly 5,800 international students. Its broad disciplines make for a strong academic experience for local and international students. The university is especially notable for medicine, science and technology, law, and related research fields.
10. Aix-Marseille University
Aix-Marseille University, one of the top French universities for international students, was founded in 2012 by a merger of three universities in Provence, Southern France. Since then, its student body of around 80,000 has made it one of the largest French-speaking multidisciplinary universities. About 10,000 of its students are international students. The university has a comprehensive offering of disciplines, including health, economics and management, law and political science, arts, literature and human sciences, and science and technology.
Aix-Marseille University excels in social and natural sciences and has gained an international reputation in these fields. It is distinguished in French linguistics and literature as well as in standard subject areas. With longstanding academic excellence, AMU and its predecessor institutions have been associated with notable researchers, public figures, and prizewinners.
11. Sciences Po
Sciences Po is a prestigious university with a strong international outlook. Around half of its students are international students, and the university is especially well known for politics, social sciences, law, and public policy. It offers more than 40 dual-degree programs and works with hundreds of partner universities around the world.
As a progressive university, Sciences Po states its commitment to combating all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and supporting access for students with additional needs and refugees. Sciences Po is particularly strong in international partnerships and global academic mobility.
12. University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Considered one of the most outstanding public universities in Paris, the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne excels in the fields of arts and humanities, law, economics, and social sciences. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, it placed in the global top 50 in 11 subjects.
International students should check the university’s official application route for the latest deadlines, documents, tuition rules, and language requirements. Requirements can vary depending on whether the applicant is applying as an exchange student, a first-year degree-seeking student, or a student entering a later year of study.
13. Grenoble Alps University
Grenoble Alps University (UGA) emphasizes social and environmental responsibility through its projects and activities for students and teachers. UGA was awarded the “Initiative of Excellence” label by the French government in 2016, strengthening its reputation as one of the best universities in France. It is also listed among France’s leading institutions in global and subject rankings, especially in natural sciences, engineering, and computer science.
14. University of Strasbourg
The University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA) traces its history to the 16th century, when Jean Sturm founded the Protestant Gymnasium, which later developed into a university. To impart knowledge was the university’s goal then, and it remains true now. UNISTRA is one of the leaders in scientific research, locally and globally. Its alumni and faculty include Nobel Prize winners.
UNISTRA provides safeguards against discrimination and harassment through its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. With this support, international students can access resources designed to help create a safer and more inclusive campus environment.
15. University of Bordeaux
Studying at the University of Bordeaux comes with access to history, culture, and art thanks to Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed historic center. The university maintains a broad international outlook through partnerships and international study programs. In this top French university, current ranking profiles list international students as roughly 13% to 15% of the student population. Some of its academic specializations include law, political science, economics, management, and life and health sciences.
16. University of Tours
The University of Tours (UT) is one of the best-known universities in Tours, France. It is active in research and development, with 34 research laboratories and three major research fields: sciences and technology, life and health sciences, and human and social sciences. With its annual consolidated budget of €240 million, students from the fields of economics and social sciences, arts and humanities, medicine, and law are supported through academic facilities and classrooms.
Out of 31,510 students, 12.5% are international students. UT’s cultural diversity is part of its appeal for local and international students alike.
17. University of Burgundy
The University of Burgundy (UB), now part of the University of Burgundy Europe, is a welcoming university that is home to students from around the world. The university welcomes international students through activities and events such as International Student Welcome Days. Campus Days also help students become acquainted with the cultural and learning environment.
For French-taught degree programs, students generally need to demonstrate French proficiency, with the required level varying by program. The university indicates that French language requirements for degree courses may range from B2 to C2, depending on the course. Students should check the official program page for the exact language and enrollment requirements.
18. Nantes University
Nantes University prides itself on its accessible university libraries and the natural environment around its campuses. Its campuses extend across Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, and La Roche-sur-Yon, and students have access to libraries and services across the university system. As a top university in France included in global university rankings, it upholds sustainable development in its activities.
International students also benefit from the university’s international partnerships and mobility opportunities. Recent ranking information highlights Nantes University’s strongest subject areas in medical and health, life sciences, and business and economics.
19. Lumière Lyon 2 University
Lumière Lyon 2 University is a public university in Lyon, France, and is listed in global university rankings. The university focuses strongly on literature, languages, human and social sciences, law, economics, management, and related fields. Guided by the principle of critical thinking, the university aspires to contribute to a deeper understanding of society.
Lumière Lyon 2 University welcomes international students through exchange and direct-enrollment routes. For exchange students, the university states that a language certificate is not required, although a B1 or B2 level in French is strongly advised. For direct degree enrollment, applicants may need to provide proof of French proficiency depending on the program and application route.
20. Leonardo de Vinci University Center
The Leonardo de Vinci University Center, also known as Devinci Higher Education, is a modern higher education institution located in Paris-La Défense. This is an ideal location, as it is easily accessible by public transportation. It includes schools that award accredited degrees: EMLV Business School, ESILV Engineering School, and IIM School of Digital Communication and Multimedia, along with Devinci Executive Education.
International connections are one of the reasons why Devinci is known as a notable higher education institution in France. Its 2024–2025 figures list 10,500 students, 2,360 international mobility students, and more than 200 partners worldwide. The institution supports international mobility and welcomes students through both exchange and degree-seeking routes.
FAQs: Studying in French Universities
Is France a Good Place for International Students to Study?
Universities in France have excellent academic reputations. Several institutions trace their roots back centuries and have produced some of the world’s greatest thinkers and artists. In 2024–2025, France had 443,500 foreign students enrolled in higher education, giving international students access to a large and diverse academic environment.
Studying in France can be more economical than studying in many other countries, especially at public institutions. For the 2025–2026 academic year, annual public tuition fees are €178 at the bachelor’s level, €254 at the master’s level, €628 in many engineering schools, and €397 at the doctoral level for EU, EEA, Swiss, and qualifying students. First-time non-EU students in public bachelor’s and master’s programs may be charged differentiated tuition fees unless they qualify for an exemption or a waiver. Public universities offer affordable tuition because they are largely funded by the government. On the other hand, private universities and grandes écoles may charge higher tuition and host scholarship programs.
The cost of living in France may be slightly higher than in some neighboring countries. However, students may be eligible for discounts, services, or financial support depending on their status, city, and institution. Many people in France are multilingual, but it is still a good idea to learn French during your studies.
Can International Students Work in France While Studying?
International students are allowed to work in France regardless of their level of study. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can work while studying without a residence permit. Non-EU students generally need a valid student residence permit, such as a long-stay student visa used as a residence permit (VLS-TS).
Foreign students are generally allowed to work up to 964 hours per year, which is equivalent to 60% of the legal annual working time in France. Internships follow separate rules and require an internship agreement, with compensation rules depending on the duration of the internship and the host organization.
Most universities also offer student work contracts on campus. These jobs may include tutoring, welcoming students, helping students with disabilities, supporting sports activities, and other school-related work. In university jobs, students may work up to 670 hours between September 1 and June 30 and up to 300 hours between July 1 and August 31.
Can International Students Stay in France After Graduation?
After graduation, EU, EEA, and Swiss graduates can stay and work in France without needing a residence permit. Non-European graduates may need to change status depending on their diploma, nationality, job offer, salary, and long-term plans.
Non-EU graduates who have obtained an eligible French higher education diploma may apply for the temporary “job seeker/new business creator” residence permit. This permit is valid for 12 months and allows graduates to look for work or create a business in a field related to their studies. When the permit is close to expiring, graduates who have found a job or created a business can apply for a residence permit that matches their situation, such as employee, entrepreneur, or researcher.
Undoubtedly, universities in France provide top-notch education. What makes this country popular among students is the chance to learn French and experience living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Before you start packing for France, make sure you have enough financial support for tuition, housing, food, insurance, transportation, and daily expenses.
We hope this article on the best universities in France for international students was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in France.
