Top 10 Universities in France | Fees | Rankings | Acceptance Rate

Most of the international students planning to study abroad are always inbound in countries like the UK, USA and even Germany. Among these global giants in higher learning, Paris emerges as an irresistible hub. France is an astounding and outstanding alternative for technical courses for any international student to study abroad in Paris. It stands tall as a beacon of academic excellence, particularly for universities in France for international students seeking top-tier technical education. We at Amber are here to help you in guiding you towards the list of top 10 universities in France that land various scholarships at your doorstep.

Top 10 Universities In France

Suppose one of the best education systems is highlighted. In that case, France holds the torch for Europe's finest choice of universities that are regularly placed high in QS rankings, from the University of Paris as its academic beacon, which traces back to its roots in the 12th century to Ecole Normale Superieure motivates students to contribute through research in various fields. It showcases how France stands as a testament to academic excellence of being Europe's best choice to study through various top-tier universities. These France universities collectively are committed to upholding the nation's legacy as a pioneer in education.  

1. University of Paris

Fees: 1000-3000 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 236th

Top Courses: Law, Political Science, Economics, Humanities

Notable Alumni: Marie Curie, Vera Wang

No. of Students Enrolled: 63,000 students

Intake Seasons: 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024

The University of Paris is a prestigious public research university that was established in 2019 by the merger of several higher education institutions in the French capital. It offers a wide range of disciplines, a rich cultural experience, and a strong international outlook to its students. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, it is ranked 236th in the world and 10th in France. It has an acceptance rate of 17%, which makes it highly selective and competitive. It also has an employment rate of 93%, which means that most of its graduates find jobs within six months of graduation. Some of its top courses are medicine, law, economics, and psychology. The university in Paris also provides various services and facilities to improve student life, such as scholarships, libraries, sports, clubs, and exchange programs.

2. Sciences Po Paris

Fees: 10,000 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 319th

Top Courses: Economics, International Development

Notable Alumni: Alaine Juppe, Gabriel Attel

No. of Students Enrolled: 15,000 students

Intake Seasons: Until 7th April 2024

Sciences Po Paris is a world-class university that specialises in law, economics, social science, politics, history and related fields. It has a total of 16 undergraduate programs and 37 postgraduate programs. As 2024 just began, the university has a QS World University Ranking of 319th and was ranked 3rd worldwide for Politics and International Studies in 2023. Sciences Po provides students with a truly international environment, with over 50% of international students to study in France. 

With an overall acceptance rate of 18%, Sciences Po Paris admits students with mostly undergraduate students, and the university has a QS Graduate Employability ranking of 5056. It offers top courses such as Political Science, Law, Economics, and Social Sciences. Making Sciences Po Paris clearly one of the top universities in Paris.

3. University of Paris-Saclay

Fees: 170 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 71st

Top Courses: Economics, Social Sciences and Humanities

Notable Alumni: Alain Aspect, Auguste Comte

No. of Students Enrolled: 40,000 

Intake Season: May 31st & October 31st

It is a public university established in Gif-sur-Yvette, France, as one of the newest universities in Paris that stands out as one of the best universities in Paris, with its QS ranking of 71st in the world QS university rankings that features 67 undergraduate programs and more than 150 postgraduate programs. One can study at the University of Paris-Saclay. Being home to the Institute of Research in Fundamental Laws (IRFU) and the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IEES Paris), it is known for its research and innovation, with its strong discipline and partners with several companies in France. With instagrammable spots all across Paris, the University is near many tourist attractions, making students' lives much more adventurous.

4. Sorbonne University

Fees: 10,000 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 59th

Top Courses: Social Sciences, Medicine, Humanities

Notable Alumni: Julia Ducournau, Yann LeCun

No. of Students Enrolled: 43,585 students

Intake Seasons: November 1st to March 5th

With world-class research facilities, Sorbonne University has a rich history of research and education that dates back to the 13th century. With its world-renowned status, Sorbonne University stands tall at 59th rank in the QS world university rankings. With a moderate acceptance rate, it offers medicine, humanities, social sciences, and engineering as its top courses. With over 10,000+ international students to study in France, Sorbonne University reciprocates a high-employable rate that commits students to ample job opportunities.

5. Ecole Polytechnique

Fees: 15,400 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 36th

Top Courses: Computer Science, Mathematics

Notable Alumni: Bernard Arnault, Charles Koechlin

No. of Students Enrolled: 4,000 students

Intake Seasons: September 9 to October 12

In the region of Palaiseau, France, the institution of Ecole Polytechnique stands strong at 36th position in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Its extremely selective approach, with an acceptance rate of 9%, offers competition across all universities in France for international students. Over 30% of students admitted to Ecole Polytechnique show how the top courses, including Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Engineering, are in demand. It offers Master’s, undergraduate, and PhD courses, making it one of the top universities in France.

6. HEC Paris

Fees: 24,850 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 4th for MBA & 18th for Accounting

Top Courses: Masters in Management, Corporate Finance

Notable Alumni: Jean-Louis Borloo, Valérie Pécresse

No. of Students Enrolled:13,000 students

Intake Seasons: 15th Jan to 17th June 2024

Among the most prestigious public universities in France, HEC Paris has excelled in higher education and research since 1912. This one of the major universities in France for international students holds down 12 academic departments and 13 research laboratories covering a wide spectrum of top courses like Science, Engineering, and the Humanities. With an acceptance rate of 27% and a QS world university ranking of 291st, HEC Paris allows more than 65,000 students with 45 master’s programmes and 20 doctoral schools, making it one of the best universities in France for international students.

7. Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)

Fees: 70,000 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 26th

Top Courses: Art History, Political Science

Notable Alumni: Paul Langevin, Anne Rigail

No. of Students Enrolled: 32,000 students

Intake Seasons: Starting March 12th

Dated back to 2010, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL) stands as one of the research-based renowned public universities in France. With PSL ranking 26th in the QS World University Rankings in 2023, the institution moves forward with an acceptance rate of 20% for universities in France for international students and 69% in general and has a diverse student population. The top courses in PSL are majorly in the fields of Art History, Political Science, Computer Science, and Physics.

8. École Normale Supérieure De Lyon

Fees: 250 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 184th

Top Courses: Mathematics, Geosciences

Notable Alumni: Henry Bergson, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji

No. of Students Enrolled: 1,30,000 students

Intake Seasons: December 4th to January 17th

The École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is ranked 184th in the world by QS, but it excels in Mathematics and Geosciences. It provides world-class education for a modest tuition of 250 Euros per year. The tough curriculum, respected faculty, and cutting-edge research distinguish the institution. Its interdisciplinary approach encourages innovation and prepares students for success in a variety of disciplines.

9. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Fees: 1180 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 300th

Top Courses: Business & Economics, Humanities, Law

Notable Alumni: Jean Sarkozy, Suella Braverman

No. of Students Enrolled: 45,000 students

Intake Seasons: Until May 15th

Université Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne was established in 1971 and has since become one of the top universities in France, ranking 328th globally in 2024 according to QS World University Rankings. The university has ten academic departments and four institutes, offering courses in liberal arts, social sciences, environmental science, economics, business, computer science, engineering, physics, biology, mathematics, and art & design. The university has a job employment rate of 61.74% for master’s graduates and 55.88% for bachelor’s graduates. The university’s acceptance rate is 40%.

 10. Kedge Business School

Fees: 1,800 Euros per year

QS World Ranking: 151st

Top Courses: International Business, Arts and creative industry

Notable Alumni: Sophie Cluzei, Patrick Mennucci

No. of Students Enrolled: 12,500 students

Intake Seasons: 30th June to July

Bing Kedge Business School is a top business school in France, with a QS World University Ranking of 151-200 in 2024. The school is known for its selective admission policy and offers a wide range of courses in various fields. The school has a high job employment rate for both master’s and bachelor’s graduates. Kedge Business School is accredited by three major international organisations: AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB, which places it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide. 

Eligibility Criteria To Study at Universities in France

With a significant demand for students to study in France, it welcomes students seeking admission to colleges in France. One must hold a baccalauréat or equivalent diploma, and they are ranked according to the results obtained at very competitive entrance examinations. Students must also prove their level of command of the French language by either passing a language test or by obtaining a degree in French.

1. First cycle studies: For undergraduate programs, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have passed the university entrance exam in their home country.

2. Second cycle studies: For master’s programs, students must have a relevant bachelor’s or equivalent degree diploma.

3. Third cycle studies: For doctoral studies, students must have a relevant master’s degree diploma 

4. Language Proficiency Requirements: Students must prove their level of command of the French language by either passing a language test or by obtaining a degree in French.

5. General Requirements: With a rigorous admission process, after you seek all these documents, students are aligned through a very competitive entrance examination that takes place towards the end after a 2-year preparation programme known as CPGE, i.e. Preparatory classes for Grandes Ecoles.