According to a survey carried out on international students, 64% of them chose France as their second most favorite study destination. Europe has some of the best universities in the world. You can be next on a list of many international graduates who have achieved their dreams through these institutions.
Currently, France has the 5th-largest population of international students. Despite these statistics, some French universities can be very selective, and you will have very little chance of joining.
If your results are not the best and are looking for a university that matches them, it is better to look for a French university with the highest acceptance rate.
However, note that you will still need above-average results to get into some of the universities despite their acceptance rates. In this article, we will list some universities in France with the least selective admission criterion.
Universities in France with High Rates of Acceptance
1. University of Strasbourg
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 99%
The University of Strasbourg was founded in 1621, making it one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. It is the second-largest university in France after Aix-Marseille University. Most of its programs are in the fields of natural sciences, social, and humanitarian disciplines.
As an applicant, you are expected to fill out an application form downloaded from the CampusFrance website. You also must confirm your knowledge of the French language since it is the only one used in conducting all classes. Depending on the program you are applying for, submission of documents is made between July and September or October if it is a doctoral program.
2. University of Paris-South XI
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 99%
Next on our list of French Universities with high acceptance rates is the University of Paris – XI, which is a public research institution with its main campus in Orsay. It has other campuses in Cachan, Sceaux, and Chatenay-Malabry. Despite being established only in 1971, it has grown too fast and currently has a capacity of over 27,000 students.
According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the University of Paris is the best in France, ninth in Europe, and 37th best in the world.
Mathematics always comes top in Europe and is the most popular program offered at the university. As an international student, you will be required to complete a test during your application and also submit proof of your previous educational qualifications.
3. University of Paris XIII
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 98%
Here is another university located in Paris. It is part of the 13 universities that replaced the University of Paris. There are over 23,000 students enrolled in the university today taking continuing and initial programs.
University of Paris 13 has five campuses in the outskirts of Paris; Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis La Plaine, Villetaneuse, Argenteuil, and Bobigny. It also has a partner institution in Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.
With a high acceptance rate of 98%, there is a high chance that you will be accepted to this French University if you meet the requirements.
4. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University was established in 2018 after a merger between Paris-Sorbonne University and some smaller entities. Its preceding institution, Paris IV, had been around for centuries and built a reputation for itself in the field of humanities.
Currently, the institution hosts over 53,000 students, making it one of the largest in the region. If you are a research enthusiast, Sorbonne is your ideal choice due to its research programs.
Like the University of Paris 13, this French University has a high acceptance rate of 98%, which means you will almost be guaranteed a place if you meet the requirements. Go on and submit your application before the start of the next academic year.
5. University of Bordeaux Montaigne
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 93%
Established in 1441, the University of Bordeaux Montaigne is one of the oldest in the world. After its disestablishment in 1793, it was later re-founded in 1896 and has since been active in the education sector.
It consists of five faculties: canon law, civil law, arts, medicine, and theology. The university currently hosts over 48,000 students served by about 4,000 staff members (a ratio of 1:16).
6. American University of Paris
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 76%
The American University of Paris was founded in 1962 as a private institution in Paris. It is an accredited liberal arts and sciences institution and one of the oldest in Europe.
This French University with a high acceptance rate is subdivided into various faculties in which more than 1100 students have been distributed. AUP also boasts one of the most diverse student bodies – 108 nationalities – despite being a small university.
About 90% of the faculty members are fluent in at least three languages, which makes tutoring more effective at AUP. Apply today, and you could be among the 76% selected to be part of the next academic year.
Learn More: Most Affordable Universities in France
7. University of Rouen Normandie
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 74%
This university was established as an offshoot of the University of Caen in 1966. Located in Rouen, the University of Rouen is a public university handling over 25,000 students. The U.S. News & World Report ranks the institution 835th in the world based on reputation and general performance. One important thing to note before you apply is that the university does not offer on-campus housing to any student.
8. University of Nantes
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 71%
The University of Nantes has a history that dates back to 1460 when it originally existed. However, it was officially founded and recognized in 1970 and has since seen some growth in terms of capacity and education quality.
With an acceptance rate of 71%, the University of Nantes ranks in our list of French universities with a high acceptance rate. There are currently over 34,000 students distributed across six campuses of the University of Nantes. The highest national ranking according to Times Higher Education is third, but this is dependent on the areas of study considered.
9. University of Angers
- Estimated Acceptance Rate: 69%
Concluding this list is the University of Angers, also known as Université d’Angers. Before it was converted to a university in the 1300s, it started as the School of Angers in the 1000s. The university has over 20,000 students studying on five campuses fitted with all the necessary teaching and research equipment. The institution has also partnered with various organizations to provide its students with first-hand field experience.
FAQs: Studying in France
Is It Easy to Get Admitted to Universities in France?
Yes. When compared to the rest of the world, colleges in France welcome international applicants, and even though the amount of necessary paperwork might be too much to handle, the acceptance rates of French institutions are very high. When studying abroad in France, make sure to bring enough money to find a place to stay, and try to find work-study programs to earn monthly income to sustain your academic journey.
With 10 universities to choose from, you will only need to have good scores and meet the requirements of the universities. So, visit each website and find out which university best suits you because here you can find your dream university and pursue your dream program!
We hope this article on universities in France with high acceptance rates was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
