International students choose to study in the EU nation of France because of its rich history and culture and reputation for academic excellence. France is a diverse and multicultural country, so there is lots to explore for an international student.
France has a long list of 67 public universities, named Université in France. These include some of the most prestigious universities in France, such as Paris-Saclay Université, Sorbonne Université and Université de Montpellier.
28 private universities also operate in France, including Omnes education, American University of Paris and Leonardo da Vinci University Center.
France also hosts grandes écoles, which are specialized higher education institutions. Examples of these include Montpellier Business School, INSEAD, École Polytechnique and The Paris Institute of Political Studies.
France has a reputation for excellence in higher education and research, and this is reflected in global university rankings. There are 10 French universities that feature in the world’s top 300 universities in the QS World University rankings, and they include Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres), Ecole Polytechnique and Sorbonne University, all of which feature in the top 100.
Other French universities that feature in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024 include Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Université Paris Cité.
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024 | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris | 40 | 24 | |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 58 | 60 | 71 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 71 | 38 | |
| Sorbonne University | 75 | 48 | 59 |
| Université Paris Cité | 152 | 48 | 236 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 251–300 | 244 | 184 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 301–350 | 186 | 294 |
| Montpellier University | 301–350 | 194 | |
| Aix-Marseille University | 351–400 | 178 | |
| University of Bordeaux | 351–400 |
Whilst the official language of France is French, there are many university degree courses in France taught in English, as well as French. When applying for your course, make note of any language requirements for your course.
See below for a list of universities and higher education providers in France. Click on universities you are interested in below to read more and to see which courses are available for international students.
If you want to learn more about studying in major cities in France, read our articles about universities in Lyon, Montpellier and Paris.
Read more about studying in France as an international student.
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