France is the fourth most popular study destination for international students and an attractive country in terms of international mobility. In 2023-24, around 430,000 international students chose to study in France, and this number is rapidly increasing every year. Public universities in France are the most sought-after by international students. Apart from the world-class education and research opportunities, they are also cost-effective for international students. In this blog, we have curated a list of top public universities in France along with the top courses, fees, admission process, and everything that will indeed serve your purpose.
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Table of Contents |
List of Best Public Universities in France
Here is list of the top universities in France for international students according to the QS World University Ranking 2025:
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University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2025 |
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24 |
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46 |
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63 |
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73 |
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130 |
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245 |
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261 |
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261 |
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283 |
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334 |
Top Public Universities in France
Before applying to any university you must have an idea about its history, specifications and top courses. Let us go into details about the best public universities in France:
Université PSL
Université PSL tops the France public university list. Located in the centre of Paris, the university excels in all areas of knowledge, innovation and creativity. PSL has 9 Component Schools and 2 Associate Members and works closely with three research entities. Till date, the university has produced 28 Nobel laureates, 10 Fields medal winners, 3 Abel laureates, 50 César, and 79 Molière awardees.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€550 - €8,000 |
Polytechnic Institute of Paris
Polytechnique Institute of Paris is amongst the best public universities in France. It seeks to develop multidisciplinary education from Bachelor to PhD levels and research programs in ten disciplinary departments. The university believes in the mission of transferring knowledge to the economy and society to bring about positive change. It's public and private research partners help foster students' creative skills.
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Location |
Palaiseau |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€16,800 - €20,000 |
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is another one of the best public universities in France for international students. It holds a global outlook and emphasis on conducting an ambitious and impactful international education and research policy. There are around 3,400 professors and researchers at Sorbonne University that works towards achieving innovative goals. It also is also the headquarters for European Marine Biological Research Centre.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€17,000 - €20,000 |
Paris-Saclay University
Amongst the France public universities for international students, Paris-Saclay University holds a reputable place. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in important areas and disciplines. The University’s constituent faculties and component institutions largely contribute to the curricula with specialised programs in Sciences, Engineering, Health, Social Sciences, and Humanities etc.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€17,000 - €20,000 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
One of France’s four Écoles Normales Supérieures, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS or ENS Lyon) is a French école (school) located in the city of Lyon. Like all public colleges in France as well as universities, ENS abides by the mission of training students to come up with the right questions and the right answers. ENS Lyon specializes in research in fields like computer science, geography, etc.
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Location |
Lyon |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€180 - €400 |
Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech
Known as one of the oldest public universities in France for international students, École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC) aims to meet the needs of the modern world. ENPC has a legacy of innovation and world-class invention. It offers high-level courses in a variety of fields that includes engineering, management, environmental science, economics, urban planning and so on.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€15,000 - €20,000 |
Sciences Po
Sciences Po holds a distinguished place in the list of public universities in France. Established in the year 1872, Sciences Po still continues to be one of the leading France public universities for international students. It was ranked 2nd worldwide for Politics and International Studies (QS WUR, 2021). The student community comprises 14,000 students, out of which 50% are international coming from 150 countries.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€13,000 - €18,000 |
Université de Paris
Located at the heart of Paris, Université de Paris is a prestigious French university with a number of campuses around the city. It offers joint programs as well as programs taught in English for international students both at undergraduate and graduate levels. Being one of the most sought-after public universities in France, Université de Paris is a renowned centre of research, high-quality programs and innovation.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€13,000 - €18,000 |
Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
One of the largest universities in France Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is descendant of the Sorbonne and the Faculty of Law and Economics of Paris. It is at the centre of a rich network of international relations stretching across the five continents. Since its establishment the university continues to play a major role in the training of researchers, judges, academics, senior managers, lawyers, and top French civil servants.
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Location |
Paris |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€5,000 - €15,000 |
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is a famous name in the list of public universities in France. Every year the university enrolls around 50,000 students in its bachelors, masters, doctoral, and certificate programs. It has a strong base in the disciples of science and technology and an important presence in the global job market. There are more than 100 research departments that welcome students from all over the world.
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Location |
Grenoble |
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Top Courses |
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Average Fees Per Year |
€4000 - €18,000 |
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Eligibility Criteria to Study at Public Universities in France
To study at the best public universities in France you need to meet certain criteria or requirements. Although the exact set of requirement vary according to the programs and universities you choose, the basic ones remain the same. Let us have a brief look at them:
Undergraduate Programs
A 10+2 certificate from a recognized board is the primary requirement to pursue undergraduate programs at public universities in France. Do check the required score for the course and university you choose.
Postgraduate Programs
You must have completed your bachelors with decent grades to apply for graduate programs at public universities in France. For doctoral courses, a masters degree is a must.
English Language Requirements
The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to the public universities of France. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any public university in France. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.
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How to Apply at Top Public Universities in France?
A step by step guide to apply at different public universities in France is as follows:
- Step 1: Finalize the course that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering that course.
- Step 2: Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
- Step 3: Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, PTE scorecards)
- Step 4: Fill the desired application form and pay the fee.
- Step 5: Go through an interview with the respective university directors. This is a great opportunity to display your soft skills and presence of mind.
- Step 6: Once you receive the conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
- Step 7: Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university. The deposit here is non-refundable.
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France is an ideal destination for study abroad aspirants who look forward to a dynamic culture and affordable courses. We hope the blog could give you an overall idea about studying in France and the things you may expect out of it. For further assistance get in touch with our Counsellors at Yocket now!
