Top 10 Universities in France for International Students 2026

France is a popular study destination among international students. You will be able to find several top universities in France for international students, which rank consistently high in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and offer globally recognised degrees. France offers a rich blend of technology and tradition, and academic excellence with an edge. If you, too, are planning to pursue your higher education in France, here’s all you need to know about the best universities in France for international students, admission requirements, choosing the right university and more:

Key highlights:

• Top Universities in France for International Students (2026)
• Admission Requirements for Studying in French Universities
• Cost of Living for International Students Studying in France
• Key Factors to Consider before Choosing a French University

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Top Universities in France for International Students (2026)

1. Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL University)

PSL University was founded in 2010 and is one of the most popular universities in France for international students. Here, you can choose from a wide range of courses in areas like sciences, humanities and social science, engineering, and arts.

2. Institut Polytechnique de Paris

The Institut Polytechnique de Paris was established in 2019 and groups together six prestigious French engineering schools. The institute was founded with the aim of becoming a world-class institute for science and technology.

3. Université Paris-Saclay

Université Paris-Saclay was officially created in 2019, but can trace its roots back to 1150, when the University of Paris was first established. The university offers courses in science and engineering, life sciences and health, and humanities and social sciences.

4. Sorbonne University

Sorbonne University is a world-class, multidisciplinary, research-intensive university, located in the heart of Paris. The university traces its roots back to the 13th century, when it was founded in 1257 as the main establishment of the Faculty of Theology.

5. École Normale Supérieure (ENS) de Lyon

ENS de Lyon is an elite French public higher education institution. A part of the Université de Lyon, the institution was founded in 1880. It focuses on educational research and stands as a symbol of French Republican meritocracy.

6. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne has a rich heritage that goes back to a 13th-century college that was founded with an innovative multidisciplinary mission. The university was created by decree in 1971 and since then, has become a leading university in France in humanities and social sciences.

7. Université Paris Cité

Université Paris Cité is a world-class, omni-disciplinary, research-intensive university. The university comprises three faculties for Health, Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities, along with a constituent institution, the Paris Institute of Earth Physics, and a partner research organisation, the Pasteur Institute.

8. Université Grenoble Alpes

Founded in 1339, Université Grenoble Alpes has a rich and long history. The multidisciplinary university brings together all the strength of public higher education in Grenoble and Valence and is open to the international community.

9. Sciences Po

Sciences Po was established in 1872, with an aim to educate the new Elite and generate modern knowledge for a new France and since then, has become a highly preferred world-class research university in the field of social sciences.

10. Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon

Founded in 1957 on humanist values, INSA Lyon is the oldest and largest of the seven institutes that are a part of the INSA Group. The university is now a leading post-baccalaureate engineering school that welcomes students from several nationalities.

Admission Requirements for Studying at the Top Universities in France for International Students

• Academic Requirements: For a bachelor’s degree, you must have cleared your 12th from a recognised board. For postgraduate programmes, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Language Proficiency: Scores from an English language proficiency test, like International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Admissions: Select a course and university, gather the required documents, and fill out the university’s application form.
• Documentation: Usually includes academic transcripts, language proficiency scores, an updated resume, a valid passport, a Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and financial proofs.
• Student Visa: When you are accepted by one of the universities for international students in France, you should begin applying for the student visa.

Cost of Living for International Students Studying in France

Key Factors to Consider before Choosing a French University

• The university should offer courses that align with your interests and goals.
• Check the rankings, reputation, and accreditations of the university.
• Choose a location based on your chosen university, lifestyle preferences, cost of living, and local amenities.
• Research class size, teaching styles, facilities, labs, campus environment, and student life offerings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which are the best universities in France for international students?

Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, etc., are the best universities in France for international students.

2. Are universities in France good for international students?

Yes. France has several world-class universities that offer globally recognised degrees. France also has a multicultural background that welcomes international students who are looking for academic excellence with an edge.

3. Which universities in France teach in English?

Université PSL, Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Sciences Po, and Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne are some of the top universities offering English-taught programmes.

4. What is the cost of studying in France for international students?

The cost of studying in France, not including tuition fee, may be ~ EUR 600 to EUR 800 in cities like Toulouse or Lyon and ~ EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,400 in cities like Paris.

5. Is France safe for international students?

Yes. France is considered to be safe for international students. France is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and is a relatively peaceful country.

Also Read: France Study Visa 2025: Complete Guide for Indian Students