Best Student Cities of France in 2025
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Best Student Cities of France in 2025

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Sep 16, 2024 18:29 IST

A total of four cities in France have made their place in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list with one of them being in the top 10 student cities in the world. The six key factors used in deriving the QS list of best student cities in 2025 are university rankings, student mix, employer activity, desirability, affordability and student perspective. 

Best Student Cities in France

France is an excellent study abroad destination and offers an experience unparalleled to many. Many universities in France feature among the top universities in the world. The academic accreditations and immense opportunities for research aside, France has many positives that make it a promising destination for higher education. Year after year thousands of students from across the world visit the country to pursue higher education in a variety of subjects. But simply selecting France as a destination is not enough. The options are many and often students are confused about where in the country to go to. Here is a look at the top student cities in France and how much would it cost to stay in that city for the upcoming academic year, i.e. 2025.

Best Student Cities in France 2025

Check the table below for the latest list of the top student cities in France as per the QS list of best student cities in the world. The list contains only 150 cities out of which 4 are based in France. 

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Best Student Cities in France 2025
City QS Best Student Cities 2025 (World Rank)
Paris 7
Lyon 47
Toulouse =97
Montpellier =138

Details on Top Student Cities in France

Other than the ones mentioned in the list above, there are many more student-friendly cities in France that have a good reputation among students. Below are details on some of such best student-friendly cities in France.  








1. Paris

Can there be any doubt about that? Not only is Paris the most visited Tourist destination in the world, but it is also the #1 ranked student city in the world (source: QS Best Student Cities 2015 & 16). There are many attractions in Paris. The café’s culture, the endless boulevards and the famous museums. There is enough culture in the city to be an education in itself…Add to all this the string of exceptional institutions and universities and you have a city that adds value to your personality…every day.







Here are a few top Universities of France located in Paris

Looking beyond the universities, the city has many other attractions that would keep you busy in your free time. If you are not enjoying the immensely popular café culture of Paris, you can visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe or indeed the Musee' d'Orsay to keep you busy.

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Sorbonne University

Paris, FrancePublic

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Ecole Polytechnique

Paris, FrancePublic

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University of Bordeaux

Bordeaux, FrancePublic

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University of Nantes

Nantes, FrancePublic

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University of Lorraine

Nancy, FrancePublic

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MBS School of Business

Montpellier, FrancePrivate

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IMT Nord Europe

Douai, FrancePublic

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ESIGELEC

Rouen, FrancePrivate

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But a word of caution…being famous also means that it would be expensive. In fact, it is amongst the most expensive cities to live in France. The average cost of living in Paris is near about € 1,580 a month, much higher than the national average cost of living in France.

2. Lyon

Another French city that attracts hordes of students is Lyon. Famous for its picturesque beauty, this city is located right next to the French Alps on the French Border with Switzerland and Italy.  The city promises a truly French experience with landscaped countryside and extensive medieval architecture. What's more, as the Culinary Capital of the country…if you are seeking authentic French Cuisine…there cannot be a better city.

As a student, the city offers more than the above. There are thousands of international students who bring to the city the essential cultural diversity. And of course… some of the Top Universities of France!

Universities with a global rank that you would find in this exuberant city are

  • École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
  • Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
  • Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA)

The city is comparatively cheaper to stay in as compared to Paris. The average cost of living in the city is equivalent to the country’s average of about €1,200 per month. A steady inflow of students keep the rentals in the city low, making it a more economical choice. However, remember, the excellent ski resorts might just make you over exceed your budget!

3. Toulouse

Perhaps lesser known but in no way, a laggard, the city of Toulouse is home to some of the finest universities of France that date back to the 13th century. Located near the southwestern border of the country, the city is blessed with brilliant weather all year round which is typical to the South of France. What attracts students, however, to the city is not just the amazing climate and traditional French architecture but one of Europe’s biggest hub for aerospace industry.

Not too costly at an average cost of living of less than € 1,000 per month, the city has some of the finest institutions like

  • Université Toulouse 1, Capitole
  • Université Toulouse II, Le Mirail

4. Montpellier

The best way to describe this city is the sun and the students. With every 4th person studying in one of the famous universities in the city, that would be hardly inappropriate. The city has everything that calls out to a student. Sunny beaches, excellent culture, a diverse group of students from around the world and the world's best universities like Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier III. It is the traditional South of France…and through a bit on the higher side of €1,150 per month, the cost of living in Montpellier is worth the price tag!

5. Lille

The city is perhaps not that well known today as it was in the pre-industrial era. Perhaps one of the most important commercial hubs of France in earlier times, the city went through a lot of degradation and ruin in the post-industrial era. But the same has now revived and offers a serene and more importantly an economical solution to many students. Universities like ISA Lille - Institute of Life Sciences attracts students from across the world. Adding to its many advantages as a student city is a low cost of living at just about €1,000 a month.

6. Grenoble

Apart from these top five, another city which deserves a special mention is Grenoble. Needless to say, it is the hub of biotechnology and nanotechnology-based industries and research. Some of the best names like Schneider Electric, Hewitt Packard and Caterpillar have set their offices nearby due to a thriving economy as well as some of the best technical universities, making it a region best suited for both MS courses as well as MBA options. In 2013, the city boasted of about 54000 students of which 16 per cent were from abroad. Furthermore, the Grenoble School of Management has steadily attracted the best minds from around the world. Ranking at #25 in the Best MBA Full Time in Europe (as per QS Rankings) has added to the attraction of the city as a top student destination in France.

As far as the cost of living in the city is concerned, given the many tourist attractions and the rapid development of the city, it is a bit on the expensive side and would cost you about €1,100 a month.

So explore these cities and the universities in France to plan your study abroad. Though these cities top, we only wish to add that France has something to offer in every city. Explore the country to know for yourself.

All the best!

Q:   Why Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School - France?

A:

Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School in France because:

  1. Academic excellence: ESSEC Business School is a top-ranked institution in France and is known for its high-quality education. The school has been ranked among the top schools in France and is recognised globally for its academic programs.
  2. International exposure: The school has a strong international network and welcomes over 200 graduate exchange students each year from top business schools and universities around the world.
  3. Career opportunities: ESSEC Business School has a strong connection with top companies, such as L'Oréal, Danone, and Procter & Gamble.

Q:   How expensive is it to live at ESSEC Business School - France?

A:

According to the ESSEC Business School's official website, the estimated cost of living in France for a student is between €7,000 and €11,000 per year, with an average of €8,000. This includes housing (which includes utilities, charges, and insurance), meals, local transport, telephone, health insurance for the year, and miscellaneous expenses (excluding leisure). The cost of accommodation varies depending on whether you choose to live on or off-campus, with one-bedroom apartments in Paris starting at €800 per month.

Q:   Why to choose ESSEC Business School - France for MBA in France rather than HEC Paris?

A:

ESSEC Business School and HEC Paris are both prestigious institutions offering MBA programs in France. In terms of global standing and recruitment, HEC Paris has a better reputation outside of France. However, ESSEC Business School offers a more affordable option for students, especially those taking loans. ESSEC Business School is ranked around 13 in Europe in QS rankings 2023 and has a more affordable tuition fee, reduced to approximately 35,000 Euros with a scholarship.
HEC Paris is ranked as the top business school in Europe in QS rankings 2023 and has a higher tuition fee of 98,000 Euros. 

Q:   What are the English language requirements at Excelia School of Business?

A:

At Excelia School of Business, students who are admitted to a programme taught in English and whose native language is not English are required to submit an officially recognised English test (IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC/Cambridge). The required level is B2 and the minimum score details are mentioned below:

Exam

Minimum Score

TOEFL  (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet based

72-94

IELTS  (International English Language Testing System)

5.5-6.0

TOEIC

785-940

Q:   How to apply for a France visa?

A:

Applying for a student visa to study at Sorbonne University or any other institution in France requires several steps. Here is a general guide to help you with the process:

Acceptance Letter from Sorbonne University:

  • Before applying for a visa, you should have already been accepted into a programme at Sorbonne University. Ensure you have received an acceptance letter or an enrollment certificate.
  • You may need to demonstrate your proficiency in French or English, depending on your program's language of instruction. Check the specific requirements for your program.

Please note that visa requirements and procedures may change over time, and it's essential to check the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the French Consulate or Embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date information.

Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing MBA from ESSEC Business School - France?

A:

After completing an MBA from ESSEC Business School in France, you can expect a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors. Some of the career paths available to ESSEC MBA graduates include:

  • Consulting: Graduates can work with top management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain
  • Finance: Opportunities in investment banking, private equity, and asset management are available for ESSEC MBA graduates
  • Marketing: Graduates can join renowned companies like L'Oréal and Danone to work in marketing roles
  • Technology: Jobs in the technology sector are also available for ESSEC MBA graduates
  • Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): French business schools, including ESSEC, offer courses focusing on sustainability and CSR, preparing students to become responsible leaders who can make ethical decisions while driving business growth.

Q:   What scores do I need to have to get a scholarship at ESSEC Business School - France?

A:

The minimum GMAT score for the Global MBA programme is 585, but exceptions can be made if other elements of your application stand out. The ESSEC Academic Excellence scholarship is offered to all international candidates and can cover up to 40% of total tuition fees. You also have to demonstrate academic excellence in your file and in the required tests and obtain a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 out of 4.0 for the BBA program. More than 25% of international students are awarded scholarships for undergraduate programs at ESSEC Business School France.

Q:   What is the cost of a student visa for France?

A:

International students going to France to pursue higher education are required to apply for a student visa before arriving in France. International students enrolled in bachelor/master courses are required to apply for a “Long Stay National Visa”. The cost of processing the ‘Long Stay National Visa’ for study purposes is EUR 99/INR 8,923. This application fee is needed to be paid at the nearest BNP Paribas Branch.

*EUR/INR = 90.13

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Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert

Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio

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Expert in France & Germany

Sagar Sharma completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun with first class in 2015. He has been employed in the education sector for the past five years. Having w... Read Full Bio

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