Universities in France
The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe, and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and University of Paris-Sud.
There are also many great options to study for an MBA in France: The country is home to many of the best-ranked elite business schools in Europe. Among them are HEC Paris, Insead, ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad), and Edhec Business School, to name but a few.
Top Universities in France
| University | QS Ranking 2024 |
| Psl Universite Paris | 24 |
| Institut Polytechnique De Paris | 38 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 71 |
| Ecole Normale Superieure De Lyon | 184 |
| Ecole Des Ponts Paristech | 192 |
| Université Paris Cité | 236 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 294 |
| Sciences Po Paris | 319 |
| Pantheon-Sorbonne University | 328 |
| Université De Montpellier | 382 |
| Aix-Marseille University | 387 |
| National Institute Of Applied Sciences In Lyon | 392 |
| Université De Strasbourg | 421 |
| Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 | 452 |
| University Of Bordeaux | 465 |
| Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III | 511 |
| Université De Lille | 631 |
| Université De Rennes 1 | 711 |
| Universite De Lorraine | 721 |
| Nantes University | 771 |
| Cy Cergy Paris University | 851 |
| Universite Paris-Pantheon-Assas | 851 |
| Université Toulouse 1 Capitole | 951 |
| Paul Valéry University Montpellier | 1001 |
| Université De Caen Normandie | 1001 |
| Université De Poitiers | 1001 |
| Université Lumière Lyon 2 | 1001 |
| Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès | 1001 |
| Jean Moulin University – Lyon 3 | 1201 |
| Paris Nanterre University | 1201 |
| Université De Franche-Comté | 1201 |
| Université De Limoges | 1201 |
| Université Paris 13 Nord | 1401 |
Applying for admission to a higher education institution in France is a streamlined process, allowing foreign students to submit a single online application to as many as 20 different universities. Given the constraints of applying in person from another country, this approach significantly simplifies the application process for all students aspiring to enroll in a French university. Additionally, navigating the available colleges in France is made easy through online resources. Every university in France maintains a website that provides comprehensive information. By visiting the website of a prospective university, you can gain valuable insights and assess its suitability for your specific requirements.
France boasts a diverse array of over 3,500 institutions of higher education, encompassing:
- 77 publicly-funded universities, offering degrees across various disciplines and serving as the primary hubs for academic research.
- A parallel system of Grandes Ecoles that provides specialized programs in fields like science, business, and the arts, awarding 5-year diplomas equivalent to Master's degrees.
Schools of architecture: Over 3,000 specialized schools offering degrees in a wide range of subjects, including hotel management, culinary arts, tourism, and social work.
Various educational institutions are scattered throughout the country, whether you seek to study in Paris or prefer locations closer to the northern or southern borders. Each university specializes in different fields of study, requiring you to base your decision on your preferred area of focus. Furthermore, some schools deliver courses in English, while others use French as the medium of instruction, necessitating an early decision in this regard. These institutions present a range of exciting benefits and challenges, with the ultimate reward being the degree earned.
There are numerous compelling reasons why attending a college in France appeals to individuals worldwide. These include the comparatively low tuition costs, the opportunity to explore the enchanting country, and the advantage of receiving prestigious education and training from esteemed instructors. However, it is crucial to recognize that the benefits extend well beyond those listed above. Regardless of your background or learning objectives, opting for a university in France stands out as one of the most impactful decisions you will ever make in your life.
France Intakes
There are 2 student’ intakes in France, spring and autumn.
| Intakes | Study Program | Admission deadlines |
| Autumn | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | September and January |
| Spring | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | January to September |
Intakes for Graduate and Masters Courses in France
| Higher Study Options | Duration | Intake Months | Deadline to Apply |
| Bachelors | 3 Years | Sep (Major) & Jan (Minor) | 6-8 months before the intake month |
| Masters (MS/MBA) | 2 Years |
France University Fee
Attending a public university in France costs less than that of a private university. Public universities charge between 250 and 1200 EUR/year, depending on the course and level of study.
While French private universities charge:
Bachelor’s Degree: 7,000 – 40,000 EUR/academic year
Master’s Degree: 1,500 – 35,000 EUR/academic year
Why study in France
To put it simply, the French higher education system is one of the best in the world. It is also one of the most accessible ones. With low tuition fees, studying in France is more economical for international students. French universities are near the top of renowned university rankings each year. Their institutions offer an education that easily competes with other countries.
France is particularly a good choice for those wanting to study business related subjects. The country is a hub for international business and management education, and has lots of business schools in the worldwide rankings.
France has 71 public universities and they are all funded by the national government, offering excellent education at a very affordable price to all students, domestic or international. There are also a number of private universities (grandes écoles). The academic year begins in September or October and ends in May or June, depending on the program and institution. There are two semesters, divided by a break following final examinations at the end of the first semester. There are two main types of courses offered at French universities: large lecture courses, where the professor speaks and students take notes, and sections & labs, designed for smaller groups of students where the material covered in lectures is explored in greater detail. Usually, attendance in sections & labs is mandatory. Some career-oriented programs also require internships and practical training.
When it comes to degrees, French universities use a format popular throughout EU: licence, master, doctorate. Licence refers to undergraduate studies and it lasts for 6 semesters (3 years), with 180 ECTS earned. Master studies last for an additional 4 semesters (2 years), for a total of 5 years of study and 300 ECTS earned. Doctorate can be obtained after the additional 6 semesters (3 years).
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