7 Best English Universities In France: Ranking And More

As disheartening as it might sound, indeed, there are no universities in France that are exclusively English-speaking! However, given the global preference of students to pursue higher education in France, the country has come a long way in offering certain courses in English. It is home to some of the best English taught universities in France. If you are aspiring to study in France without much fluency, then you should definitely consider these top English universities in France! However, it might be a task to shortlist the best public universities in France for international students in english. In this blog, you will discover the best English universities in France and learn everything you need to know about each university. 

Why Study At English Universities In France

The fact that there are very few yet renowned English taught universities in France has somehow become the key factor that’s made France a popular international student hub in recent years. For the 2021-22 academic year, France reported there were more than 400,000 international students within the country — marking the highest growth in over 15 years. The reasons are simple: France has some of the most lucrative scholarship programmes, and the universities are all very prestigious, securing a place among the top 100 according to QS World University Rankings. You can go through our blog, Top 10 Scholarships In France for International Students in 2024, for more information. Public universities in France for international students in english are some of the most affordable institutions in Europe. France gives the best combination of quality, affordability and charm of its cities- all in one! However, it is recommended to map out a financial breakdown of your living expenses. Make the best use of our Cost Of Living In France As A Student for a detailed understanding of expenses and to live a financially secure student life in France! 

7 Top English Universities In France

France is a dreamy destination to reside and study. However, you must be well prepared, especially if French is not your strong suit! The language gap and the culture shock can be quite a challenge for most students who are new to the place. You can go through our blog, Guide to the French Culture and Traditions, to allow yourself to adapt better when you move out there! Here, we help you discover and learn in detail about the 7 best english universities in France.

1. Paris- Dauphine

• Location: Pl. du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 75016 Paris, France
• QS Ranking: #24 
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course Fees: 35,000-39,999 Euros/semester 

Paris Dauphine University, or PSL, is a public institution of higher education and research in Paris, France. As of today, Dauphine houses 9,400 students in 8 fields of study along with  3,800 in executive education while enjoying the status of ‘grand établissement’, meaning those French public institutions that are under ministerial charter within the administrative category referred to as Établissements publics à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel (EPCSP). Dauphine was founded on 24 October 1968 as a university centre with the status of a faculty, named Centre Universitaire Dauphine. In fact, it gained the EFMD Quality Improvement accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development. It is one of the best English taught universities in France that thoughtfully curates many courses in english to attract more international students and maintain an international focus. If you are planning to study in France, our blog France Student Visa Guide: Eligibility, Requirements will be beneficial for you! 

Courses offered (In English): 

• Human Resources Management
• Labour Law
• Macroeconomics
• International Finance
• Marketing 

2. Université Paris Cité

• Location: 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
• QS Ranking: #248
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course fees: 17,248 Euros/ Semester 

Université Paris Cité is a public university interestingly formed as a result of the merger of Paris Descartes and Paris Diderot universities in 2018. it is fairly young in terms of its establishment and has achieved worldwide recognition among leading multidisciplinary English taught universities in France. It offers well-thought-out, innovative courses in fields such as Arts, Humanities and Languages; Human, Economic and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; and Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing. If you are looking for the best english taught universities in France, this is the place! While you are already in France, now, you might as well live the best of student life in some of the best neighbourhoods, right? We`ve put together the  7 Best Places to Live in France for you to explore before moving to France. France, Paris has a history of influencing the world of fashion since time immemorial and continues to be the dream destination of artists, designers and fashion fanatics! If you are one as well, feel free to explore these 12 Best Fashion Schools in France. 

Courses Offered (In English): 

• Biomedical Engineering: Bioengineering and Innovation in Neuroscience
• International Business Law
•  Comparative Effectiveness Research 

3. Ecole Polytechnique 

• Location: Rte de Saclay, 91120 Palaiseau, France
• QS Ranking: #61
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course fees: 15,400 Euros/year

Ecole Polytechnique is one of your best options when it comes to english universities in France. It is among the specialised top-level English taught universities in France, belonging to the category of ‘Grandes écoles’. Meaning it is part of an alternative educational system that operates alongside the mainstream French public university system. Which has been formed as an institute dedicated to teaching, research and professional training in either pure natural and social sciences or applied sciences such as engineering, architecture, business administration, or public policy and administration. It comes under the supervision of the French Ministry of Defence and offers the most well-planned programmes in english in France! 

Courses Offered (In English): 

• Energy Environment: Science, Technology and Management
• Internet of Things: Innovation and Management 
• Data Science for Business
• Economics, Data Analytics, and Corporate Finance
• AI and Advance Visual Computing 

4. Sorbonne University 

• Location: 1 Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France
• QS Ranking: #59
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course fees: 18344 Euros/ year 

It is among the multidisciplinary, world-class English taught universities in France, situated right in the heart of Paris, offering some of the best and most demanding courses in English! What can be better than building a strong career while enjoying the romantic charm of Paris? In addition to their well-crafted english programmes, they are also equipped with the best ways to welcome international students with their ‘buddy system’- an online platform that matches international students with local students or “buddies”. The historical tapestry for its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages in 1257 when Robert de Sorbon established Sorbonne College as one of the first universities in Europe. While in Paris, you wouldn`t want to miss these Top 10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Paris; we all know the struggle for a good Instagram snap, right?

Courses Offered (In English): 

• Paris Physics Master 
• Master in Computational Mechanics
• Master of Computer Science – Quantum Information

If you are aspiring to study in France, then you should definitely consider this comprehensive guide to study in France!

5. IMT Atlantique 

• Location: 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44300 Nantes, France
• QS Ranking: #98
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course fees: 2650- 4150 Euros/ semester

IMT Atlantique is a fairly young institution formed rather recently in 2017 as a result of a merger between the École nationale supérieure des mines de Nantes and Télécom Bretagne. It is one of the top English taught universities in France, ranking among the top 100 in the world and the top 10 in France. It belongs to the category of ‘elite schools’ in France! IMT Atlantique is a school of the Institut Mines-Télécom and a member of the Université Bretagne Loire. Although campus size is not as huge as many other English taught universities in France, it has still ranked high in both domestic and international rankings.

Courses Offered (In English): 

• Sustainable Nuclear Engineering
• Information Technologies
• Information System Consulting and Management
• Applied Mathematics 

6. Sciences Po 

• Location:  27 Rue Saint-Guillaume, 75007 Paris, France
• QS Ranking: #319
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course fees: 14,720- 20,380 Euros/semester  

In contrast to what the name might suggest, the Paris Institute of Political Studies, also known as Sciences Po, is among the best English taught universities in France for Arts and Politics. It is a public university that proudly holds the ‘grande école and grand établissement’ status. The institute has multiple campuses in Dijon, Le Havre, Menton, Nancy, Poitiers and Reims. Sciences Po historically specialised in political science and history and gradually expanded to other social sciences such as economics, law and sociology. The institute harbours an interesting history- it was established in 1872 by Émile Boutmy as the École libre des sciences politiques in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War as a private institution for educating French civil servants in political science, a relatively new field of study at the time. Since then, the global recognition for Sciences Po has only spread further! It is indeed one of the best English taught universities in France. 

Courses Offered (In English): 

• Public Affairs
• Advanced Global Studies
• Corporate Strategy

7. Paris Sciences et Lettres University 

• Location: 60 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris, France
• QS Ranking: #24
• Course duration: 2-3 years
• Course fees: 100,000-119,999 Euros/ semester

Paris Sciences et Lettres University, or PSL, is a public research university based in Paris, France. Although established in 2010, it was formally created as a university in 2019. Despite its formal establishment quite recently, the university is regarded as one of the best English taught universities in France. They have many academic partners and are composed of 11 schools at present. They invite thousands of students from all over the world each semester with the best research facilities that house over 140 laboratories! Most of their students are graduate students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. level programs, but they also offer undergraduate students. 

Courses Offered (In English): 

• Economics and Management
• Analysis and Policy in Economics
• Finance 
• Law 
• Energy
• Materials Science and Engineering

Studying in France, especially in Paris, is quite a treat! France and its cities have much to offer and explore, even in the off-academic time of yours. France is also a versatile country that has something for everyone. You can also check out  A Comprehensive Guide to Studying in France 2023.  Although most English taught universities in France discussed here might have a weightage upon the field of science, perhaps your interests lie in nutrition, food and cooking. Then you should surely check out Best Culinary Schools in France For Future Michelin Stars! And lastly, how could anyone separate France from Art? It is indeed one of the best inspiring places for artists all over the world. For such art enthusiasts, we have put together Best Art Schools in Paris in 2023: A Guide; be sure to check it out!