Top 20 Universities for International Students in France

Ram Srinivasan

28/09/2021

15 min read

France is the fourth most popular destination for international students worldwide, hosting over 400,000 foreign students each year. With world-class universities, remarkably low tuition at public institutions, and a growing number of English-taught programs, France offers a compelling option for Indian students looking to study abroad.

This guide covers the top 20 universities in France based on the latest QS World University Rankings, along with tuition fees, admission requirements, scholarships, and a step-by-step guide to applying from India.

> Planning to study in France? Get a free profile evaluation for France admissions and find out which universities match your academic background.

Top 10 Universities in France at a Glance

Tuition ranges reflect undergraduate to postgraduate fees. Public universities charge regulated fees; grandes écoles and specialized programs charge higher fees. Exact figures may vary by program.

Why Study in France?

France is not just a cultural destination — it is an academic powerhouse with tangible advantages for international students.

• Affordable tuition at public universities.Since the 2019 “Bienvenue en France” reform, non-EU international students pay EUR 2,770/year for undergraduate programs and EUR 3,770/year for master’s programs at public universities. EU students pay just EUR 170-380/year. These are among the lowest tuition rates in any developed country.

• Globally ranked institutions.France has over 35 universities in the QS World Top 1000, including several in the global top 100. The grande école system produces some of the world’s top engineers, business leaders, and scientists.

• Growing number of English-taught programs.France now offers over 1,600 English-taught programs across all levels and disciplines, making it increasingly accessible for students who don’t speak French.

• Strong post-study work opportunities.Graduates can apply for a two-year post-study work visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), and France’s position in the EU provides access to a large job market. France is also home to 40 of the Fortune Global 500 companies.

Top 20 Universities in France for International Students

1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)

QS 2025 Rank: ~24 | Location: Paris | English Programs: Yes

PSL is a collegiate university combining elite institutions including Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris), Dauphine, Mines Paris, and ESPCI. It ranks first in France and is particularly strong in mathematics, physics, and economics. Tuition ranges from EUR 380/year at ENS (public component) to EUR 15,000+ at Dauphine for international students. Admission is highly selective, with acceptance rates under 10% for most programs. PSL offers several English-taught master’s programs in sciences, economics, and humanities.

2. Ecole Polytechnique (Institut Polytechnique de Paris)

QS 2025 Rank: ~48 | Location: Palaiseau, near Paris | English Programs: Yes

France’s most prestigious engineering school, Ecole Polytechnique (also known as “l’X”) is a military academy with a strong focus on mathematics, physics, and engineering. The Bachelor program (taught in English and French) costs approximately EUR 17,000/year for non-EU students. Master’s programs run approximately EUR 12,000-15,000/year. IP Paris also includes ENSTA, Télécom Paris, and ENSAE. Acceptance rate is approximately 5-8%. Strong industry connections with leading tech and engineering firms.

3. Sorbonne University

QS 2025 Rank: ~56 | Location: Paris (Latin Quarter) | English Programs: Yes (limited)

One of the oldest and most recognized university names in the world, Sorbonne University excels in medicine, literature, sciences, and humanities. As a public university, non-EU tuition is EUR 2,770/year (UG) or EUR 3,770/year (PG). The university has approximately 55,000 students, with 20% being international. Most programs are taught in French, but select master’s programs in sciences and engineering are available in English. The university has particular strength in marine sciences, mathematics, and medicine.

4. Université Paris-Saclay

QS 2025 Rank: ~62 | Location: Gif-sur-Yvette (south of Paris) | English Programs: Yes

Paris-Saclay is France’s top-ranked university for natural sciences and mathematics, ranking in the global top 15 for these fields. It was formed by merging several research institutions and grandes écoles. Non-EU tuition follows standard public rates: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. The university offers approximately 50 English-taught master’s programs, primarily in STEM fields. Its campus is part of France’s largest research cluster, with proximity to CNRS laboratories and CEA facilities.

5. Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon)

QS 2025 Rank: ~184 | Location: Lyon | English Programs: Limited

ENS Lyon is one of France’s four Ecoles Normales Supérieures, specializing in training researchers and academics. It is exceptionally strong in life sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Admission is extremely selective. Tuition at the public rate is EUR 380/year (UG) to EUR 3,770/year (PG) for non-EU students in standard programs. Most programs are taught in French, though some research master’s programs accept English-speaking students. Lyon is France’s second-largest student city with a lower cost of living than Paris.

6. Ecole des Ponts ParisTech

QS 2025 Rank: ~192 | Location: Champs-sur-Marne (east of Paris) | English Programs: Yes

Founded in 1747, Ponts ParisTech is one of the oldest engineering schools in the world. It specializes in civil engineering, transportation, urban planning, and environmental science. Tuition for international master’s students is approximately EUR 12,000-14,000/year. The school offers several English-taught master’s programs, including a well-regarded MBA in partnership with other institutions. Class sizes are small (approximately 200 students per year), providing close faculty interaction.

7. Sciences Po Paris

QS 2025 Rank: ~221 | Location: Paris (plus regional campuses) | English Programs: Yes

Sciences Po is France’s leading institution for political science, international relations, economics, and law. It is not a traditional university but a grande école with a highly international student body (approximately 50% international). Undergraduate tuition is approximately EUR 10,000-14,000/year based on family income. Master’s tuition is approximately EUR 14,000-22,500/year for non-EU students. Multiple programs are fully taught in English. Acceptance rate is approximately 15-20% for international applicants.

8. Université de Montpellier

QS 2025 Rank: ~228 | Location: Montpellier | English Programs: Limited

One of the oldest universities in the world (founded 1220), Montpellier is known for ecology, environmental sciences, biology, and medicine. Non-EU tuition is at standard public rates: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. Some research master’s programs are available in English. Montpellier’s Mediterranean location makes it an affordable and attractive student city, with living costs significantly lower than Paris. Approximately 17% of students are international.

9. Université Grenoble Alpes

QS 2025 Rank: ~232 | Location: Grenoble | English Programs: Yes

Located in the French Alps, Grenoble Alpes is strong in engineering, physics, computer science, and environmental studies. It hosts major research facilities including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). Non-EU tuition is EUR 2,770-3,770/year. The university offers approximately 30 English-taught master’s programs. Grenoble is home to a major tech and innovation cluster, with strong ties to companies like STMicroelectronics and Schneider Electric. Affordable student city with excellent quality of life.

10. Université Paris Cité

QS 2025 Rank: ~248 | Location: Paris | English Programs: Yes (limited)

Formerly Université de Paris (merger of Paris Descartes and Paris Diderot), Paris Cité is strong in medicine, public health, life sciences, and mathematics. Non-EU tuition is EUR 2,770-3,770/year. Some master’s programs in sciences and public health are taught in English. The medical faculty is one of the largest in France. The university is located across several Paris campuses and has approximately 63,000 students.

11. Université de Strasbourg

QS 2025 Rank: ~265 | Location: Strasbourg | English Programs: Yes

Strasbourg is known for chemistry, life sciences, and law. The city’s location on the Franco-German border gives students access to a bilingual job market. Four Nobel Prize winners are associated with the university. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. Several English-taught master’s programs are available, particularly in sciences. Strasbourg has a vibrant student community with lower living costs than Paris.

12. Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay

QS 2025 Rank: ~275 | Location: Gif-sur-Yvette (Paris region) | English Programs: Limited

Part of Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay trains future researchers and professors, with particular strength in engineering, computer science, and economics. Extremely selective admissions. Tuition is at public rates. Strong research output and close integration with France’s largest scientific research cluster.

13. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

QS 2025 Rank: ~310 | Location: Lyon | English Programs: Limited

Lyon 1 focuses on sciences, technology, and health. It is the largest university in Lyon and a leading institution for biomedical research. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. Some English-taught programs available at the master’s level in sciences. Lyon offers an excellent balance of career opportunities and quality of life.

14. Université Aix-Marseille

QS 2025 Rank: ~340 | Location: Marseille and Aix-en-Provence | English Programs: Limited

The largest university in the French-speaking world by student enrollment (approximately 80,000), Aix-Marseille is known for physics, marine science, and public health. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. Strong research ties with CNRS. The Mediterranean location offers an affordable lifestyle and growing tech ecosystem.

15. Université de Bordeaux

QS 2025 Rank: ~355 | Location: Bordeaux | English Programs: Yes

Bordeaux excels in oenology (wine science), neuroscience, and laser physics. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. The university offers approximately 20 English-taught master’s programs. Bordeaux has been ranked among France’s most livable cities, with a student-friendly atmosphere and good public transportation.

16. INSA Lyon

QS 2025 Rank: ~370 | Location: Lyon | English Programs: Yes

The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon is one of France’s leading public engineering schools. It offers a five-year integrated engineering diploma (equivalent to a master’s). Tuition is approximately EUR 601/year for all students (public engineering school rate). Strong industry partnerships, particularly in mechanical engineering, telecommunications, and bioinformatics. English-taught tracks are available for international students.

17. Université de Toulouse III (Paul Sabatier)

QS 2025 Rank: ~395 | Location: Toulouse | English Programs: Limited

Toulouse is France’s aerospace capital, and Paul Sabatier university excels in aeronautics, space science, and computer science. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. The university benefits from proximity to Airbus headquarters and CNES (French space agency). Some master’s programs are available in English.

18. Université de Lille

QS 2025 Rank: ~420 | Location: Lille | English Programs: Yes

One of France’s largest universities by enrollment, Lille is strong in economics, law, and social sciences. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. Lille’s location near Brussels, London, and Paris (one hour by TGV) provides excellent connectivity. The university offers approximately 15 English-taught master’s programs.

19. Université de Nantes

QS 2025 Rank: ~450 | Location: Nantes | English Programs: Limited

Nantes is growing in reputation, particularly in digital technology, health, and environmental sciences. Non-EU tuition: EUR 2,770-3,770/year. The city is consistently rated as one of France’s best for quality of life. Limited but expanding English-taught offerings at the master’s level.

20. CentraleSupélec

QS 2025 Rank: ~460 | Location: Gif-sur-Yvette (Paris region) | English Programs: Yes

Part of Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec is one of France’s top engineering grandes écoles. It is particularly strong in applied mathematics, data science, and artificial intelligence. Tuition for international students is approximately EUR 12,000-15,000/year. Several master’s programs are fully taught in English. Strong alumni network in consulting, tech, and finance.

Eligibility & Requirements

For Undergraduate Programs (Licence)

• Academic:Completed 12th standard (or equivalent) with strong grades. Most universities require at least 60-70% aggregate.
• French language:Required for French-taught programs. Minimum DELF B2 or DALF C1 level. Some universities accept TCF scores.
• English language (for English-taught programs):IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90 (minimum scores vary by institution).
• Entrance exams:Some grandes écoles have their own competitive entrance exams. Public universities generally admit based on academic records.

For Postgraduate Programs (Master / MS)

• Academic:Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) with strong academic record. Most institutions expect at least 60-65% or equivalent GPA.
• French language:DELF B2 or DALF C1 for French-taught programs.
• English language (for English-taught programs):IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90-100. Some business schools accept GMAT/GRE scores.
• Work experience:Required for MBA programs (typically 2-5 years).
• Additional documents:Statement of purpose, letters of recommendation (usually 2), CV/resume, and a research proposal for research-oriented master’s programs.

For Doctoral Programs (Doctorat)

• Academic:Master’s degree (or equivalent 5-year degree). Research proposal required.
• Language:Requirements vary. Many STEM doctoral programs operate primarily in English.
• Funding:Most doctoral positions in France are funded (approximately EUR 1,700-2,000/month via doctoral contracts).

Top Universities in France by Subject

MBA / Business

Engineering

Computer Science

Medicine

Note: Medicine programs in France are taught almost exclusively in French and follow a specific curriculum (PASS/L.AS pathway since 2020 reform). International students seeking medical degrees should verify recognition in their home country.

Scholarships for International Students

Tip: Many French universities can grant tuition exemptions that bring non-EU fees back down to EU rates. Ask about “exonération des frais différenciés” when applying.

Cost of Living in France

Monthly expenses vary significantly between Paris and other cities. Here is an approximate breakdown for 2026:

Key notes:

• The CVEC(Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus) is a mandatory EUR 100/year student contribution.
• CAF housing aid(Aide Personnalisée au Logement) can reduce rent by EUR 100-250/month for eligible students, including international students.
• CROUS student restaurantsoffer meals at EUR 3.30, significantly reducing food expenses.
• In INR terms, the total monthly cost is approximately INR 65,000-1,40,000 in Paris and INR 45,000-1,00,000 in other cities (at approximately EUR 1 = INR 90, subject to exchange rate fluctuations).

How to Apply to French Universities from India

Step 1: Choose Your Program (12-18 Months Before Intake)

Research universities and programs. Use the Campus France catalog to search English-taught and French-taught programs. Most programs have a September intake; some have January/February intakes.

Step 2: Create a Campus France Account (October – November)

All Indian students must go through Campus France India. Create an account on the Etudes en France portal and fill in your academic and personal details.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated to French or English, as required)
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; DELF/DALF/TCF for French programs)
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter
• CV / resume
• Letters of recommendation (2, typically)
• Passport copy
• Passport-size photographs

Step 4: Submit Applications via Etudes en France (November – March)

• For public universities: submit through the Etudes en France portal (called DAP procedure for undergraduate; Hors-DAP for master’s programs)
• For grandes écoles and private institutions: apply directly on their websites, then link the application to your Etudes en France account
• You can apply to up to 7 programs through the portal

Step 5: Campus France Interview (March – May)

After submitting your applications, Campus France India will schedule a mandatory interview (in-person at their offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Pune, or online). The interview assesses your motivation, academic plans, and basic knowledge of France.

Step 6: Receive Admission Offers (April – June)

Universities review applications and send decisions. Accept your preferred offer through the Etudes en France portal.

Step 7: Apply for a Student Visa (June – August)

Apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at the nearest VFS Global center in India. Required documents include:

• Campus France interview completion certificate
• Admission letter from your university
• Proof of financial resources (approximately EUR 615/month or EUR 7,380/year)
• Accommodation proof or reservation
• Travel insurance
• Visa application form and fee (approximately EUR 99)

Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks.

Step 8: Arrive and Register (September)

Upon arrival, complete university enrollment and validate your VLS-TS visa online through the ANEF portal within 3 months. Register for social security (health coverage) and apply for CAF housing aid.

> Need help with your France application? Get a free profile evaluation from our admissions counselors to understand your chances at top French universities.