Top 5 Universities in France 2025
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France, a land renowned for its rich history, culture, and art, is also a global leader in education. Home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, France attracts students from across the globe seeking a world-class education. This article covers the top 5 universities in France for international students.
France is home to some of the best universities in the world. With its renowned courses like the business and luxury management, the universities in France offer several more such courses like engineering and STEM subject courses which are accepted widely across the world. In this article, we will learn about the top 5 universities in France and the reasons to choose French universities as your study abroad destination.
Also Read:
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- Top Courses in France
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Do Your MBA from France
Why Study in France?
International students must opt to study in France for the following benefits:
- Affordable tuition fee: Most public universities in France only charge a minimal tuition fees. However, even the private universities in France charge lower than the universities in most other major destinations. This is because the French governmnet subsidises the cost of tuition for all students.
- Diverse Programs: A wide range of programs are available, from engineering and sciences to humanities and arts, catering to various academic interests.
- Prestigious Universities: France boasts renowned universities like HEC Paris, Sorbonne University, PSL Research University Paris, and École Polytechnique, consistently ranking high in global university rankings.
- Rich History and Culture: France offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a rich cultural heritage, from historical landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to vibrant arts and culinary scenes.
- Language Learning: Learning French, a global language, enhances communication skills and opens doors to career opportunities in various fields.
- Strong Economy: France has a strong economy and offers excellent job prospects for graduates, particularly in sectors like engineering, technology, and finance.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: Work permit options are available for international students after graduation, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in France.
- Global Recognition: A French degree is highly regarded internationally, enhancing career prospects worldwide.
Top 5 Universities in France for International Students
Check out the list of top 5 universities in France with their QS and THE World University Rankings 2025.
| Best Universities in Farnce 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| University |
QS World University Rankings 2025 |
THE World University Rankings 2025 |
| 24 |
42 |
|
| 46 |
71 |
|
| =63 |
76 |
|
| Université Paris-Saclay |
73 |
64 |
| 187 |
251-300 |
|
Details on the Top 5 Universities in France
Check out the details of the best colleges and universities in France below.
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1,. PSL Research University Paris
PSL Research University Paris, often referred to simply as PSL, is a prestigious institution formed by a consortium of leading French universities and research institutions. PSL is known for its exceptional research facilities and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.the university is renowned for its Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, engineering, and social science subjects. The cost of studying at the PSL University is quite very low with the average annual tuition fee for postgraduate studies being INR 22.09 K.
2,. Institut Polytechnique de Paris
École Polytechnique, often referred to as "l'X," is a highly selective Grande École specialising in engineering, mathematics, and computer science. It is renowned for its rigorous academic program and its strong ties to the French government and industry. It offers a unique five-year curriculum with a focus on fundamental sciences and engineering applications. École Polytechnique pose a higher tuition fee for international students with the average annual tuition fee for UG courses being around INR 16.61 L and that of PG courses ranging from INR 5.3 L to 21.22 L. The university's MIM and Business & Management Studies courses constantly rank high in the global rankings.
3,. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University, a historic institution dating back to the 13th century, is a leading public research university in France. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The university offers a diverse range of programs, including dual degrees and international exchange programs. There is literally no tuition fee to study at the Sorbonne University even after securing a god rank globally each consecutive year.
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4,. Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay is a major research university formed by a merger of several leading French institutions. It is known for its strong research output and its focus on innovation in science, technology, and engineering. It is renowned for its science, technology, engineering, and medicine courses and offers a wide range of doctoral programs and research opportunities.
5,. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) is a highly selective public university known for its excellence in teaching and research. It offers a wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The university offers a competitive selection process and a rigorous academic curriculum. The university charges no tuition fee from its students.
This was all about the top universities in France for international students. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
Q: Why Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School - France?
Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School in France because:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
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: How to apply for a France visa?
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: Why to choose ESSEC Business School - France for MBA in France rather than HEC Paris?
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 job opportunities after doing MBA from ESSEC Business School - France?
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?
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 are the English language requirements at Excelia School of Business?
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: What is the cost of a student visa for France?
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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