Top 10 Universities in France for International Students

France is a top destination for international students, offering a wide range of higher education options. The country offers many options, from public research universities and Grandes écoles (specialized top-level educational institutions in France and some other countries such as Morocco and Tunisia) apart from prestigious private universities. 

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In this blog post, we rank the Top 10 universities in France for international students, highlighting their strengths in health sciences, social sciences, tuition fees, and global reputation. 

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Top 10 universities in France for international students

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1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)

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• Type: Public research university (grandes écoles consortium)
  
  
• Highlights: Ranked 24th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  
  
• Strengths: Interdisciplinary excellence across social sciences, natural sciences, and health sciences; low tuition fees for EU students; strong international research network.
  
  

2. Institut Polytechnique de Paris

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• Type: Grande école consortium (public)
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 46
  
  
• Strengths: Engineering, technology, and applied sciences; extensive partnerships with industry; competitive tuition with scholarships for international students.
  
  

3. Sorbonne University (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)

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• Type: Public research university
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 63
  
  
• Strengths: Renowned for humanities and social sciences; law, economics, and health sciences faculties; historic campus at the heart of Paris.
  
  

4. Université Paris-Saclay

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• Type: Public research university
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 73
  
  
• Strengths: STEM fields, especially physics, mathematics, and computer science; partnerships with national research agencies; over 30% international students.
  
  

5. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

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• Type: Grande école (public)
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 187
  
  
• Strengths: Core training in research for future academics; strong programs in social sciences, life sciences, and humanities; generous stipends for PhD candidates.
  
  

6. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

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• Type: Public research university
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 283
  
  
• Strengths: Social sciences, law, and economics; rich cultural heritage; extensive exchange programs with global partners.
  
  

7. Université Paris Cité

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• Type: Public research university
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 302
  
  
• Strengths: Health sciences, medicine, and psychology; comprehensive campus between the Seine and Parc Montsouris; competitive lab facilities.
  
  

8. Université Grenoble Alpes

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• Type: Public research university
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 334
  
  
• Strengths: Natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences; mountain-town campus with strong sustainability research.
  
  

9. Sciences Po

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• Type: Grande école (public)
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 350
  
  
• Strengths: International relations, political science, and journalism; network of alumni in global leadership; moderate tuition with need-based aid.
  
  

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

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• Type: Grande école (public)
  
  
• Highlights: QS rank: 405
  
  
• Strengths: Engineering and technology; strong industry ties; English-taught Master’s in biomedical and environmental engineering.
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Why Study in France as an International Student?

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• Destination for international students: Over 350,000 foreign students study in France each year.
  
  
• Wide range of programs: From social sciences at the University of Paris to cutting-edge research at Paris Saclay and École Normale Supérieure.
  
  
• Tuition fees: Generally lower at public universities in France, with many programs under €4,000/year for EU students and €3,000–€6,000 for non-EU.
  
  
• Global standing: Multiple French universities rank among the best universities in the world, ensuring a high ROI on your degree.
  
  

Final Thoughts

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France offers various options for higher studies. The Grandes écoles, public research universities, and notable private universities creates a compelling destination for international students seeking quality education, affordable tuition fees, and a vibrant cultural experience. From health sciences, and social sciences to engineering, and the humanities, France offers a wide range of esteemed institutions. The quality of universities and education system makes it one of the top destinations for international students in the world.

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