Home to the best cities, culture, and universities in the world, France has a distinguished reputation in terms of higher education. The credit goes to the top universities in France for masters that cater to all the needs and expectations that international students look for. The QS World University Ranking 2022 featured 32 universities in France in the ranking list, while 11 of them were amongst the top 500 universities. This blog has covered the top 10 universities in France for masters and all the details that will help you make the right choice.
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Top 10 Universities in France for Masters
As we have already mentioned, France is a hub of some of the best universities in the world that are highly ranked and internationally acclaimed. Mentioned below is a France university list for masters along with their QS World University Rankings 2024:
University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2024 |
Universite PSL |
24 |
Polytechnique Institute of Paris |
49 |
Sorbonne University |
59 |
Paris-Saclay University |
58 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
130 |
Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech |
245 |
Sciences Po |
319 |
University of Paris |
261 |
University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne |
328 |
Université Grenoble Alpes |
294 |
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Best Universities for Masters in France
Let us now discuss all the best universities and colleges in France for masters one by one:
Universite PSL
Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL) is one of the top universities in France for masters. The masters degrees at PSL are cross-disciplinary, selective and designed for students having a high potential to achieve excellence. It offers 43 masters courses in every subject at different campuses in Paris. About 20 courses are offered in English, with French as Foreign Language (FLE) studies to non-French speaking students.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Chemistry Art History Economics Physics Public Policy and Development |
Average Fees Per Year |
€250 - €2,500 |
Polytechnique Institute of Paris
Institut Polytechnique de Paris or Polytechnique Institute of Paris offers an extensive network of scientific and educational facilities. The masters programs here aim to provide international exposure to the students. They are taught by professors, academicians and experts who are best in their field. They prepare students to take up reputed positions and bring about innovative reforms in the field of science and technology.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Management Data Science Electrical Engineering |
Average Fees Per Year |
€13,000 - €20,000 |
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University holds a distinguished place in the France university list for masters. It is a world-class research university offering a comprehensive range of courses in the disciplines of humanities and social sciences, engineering, natural sciences and medicine. Sorbonne University’s approach to education is research-centric and is designed to compete with the intellectual and scientific challenges of the present world.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Engineering Sciences Physics Integrative Biology Chemistry Electronics and Engineering |
Average Fees Per Year |
€240 - €10,000 |
Paris-Saclay University
One of the best universities in France for masters, Paris-Saclay University is organized in 18 Graduate Schools and thematic institutes that offers courses for masters and PHDs. All the graduate courses are backed by research of the highest international level. They bring together a pool of resources to target a diverse student population willing to reach high levels of knowledge and enhance their prospects for jobs in the future.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Chemistry Computer Science Economics & Management Education Engineering and Systems Sciences |
Average Fees Per Year |
€120 - €300 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is a great choice amongst the colleges in France for masters. Most of the masters programs here are taught in English. If you wish to study at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon or any of the top colleges in France for masters, you must possess at B2 or C1 level in English. The requirement varies across courses. Hence you must check the official website for exact details.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Lyon |
Top Programs |
Computer Science History Geography Earth Sciences Sociology |
Average Fees Per Year |
€240 - €500 |
Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech
A renowned France university for MS, Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech believes in the concept of inclining towards culture, belief systems and diversity to in the present global business leadership and management. It provides a multi-disciplinary learning environment to help students become competent and confident individuals. All the masters programs at Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech are career-oriented.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
International Business Economic Analysis and Policy Public Policy and Development Transport and Mobility Energy Transition and Territories |
Average Fees Per Year |
€5,000 - €12,000 |
Sciences Po
Science Po is another France best university for masters that offers 30 masters programs in different disciplines. Masters courses at Sciences Po are hosted within 7 schools. It also offers dual degrees for students who spend one year at Sciences Po and one year abroad at the partner university. All Master's programmes are of 2-year duration. The second-year involves an internship, field study, master's thesis, or studying at a partner university.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Marketing Public Policy International Security Environmental Policy History |
Average Fees Per Year |
€700 - €18,000 |
University of Paris
Known as one of the best universities in France for masters, University of Paris offers 100 research and professional masters programs with more than 300 specializations. Université de Paris selects outstanding foreign students to enroll in certain master’s programs and encourages them to stay in Paris and prepare for their PhDs. The university also provides financial assistance to international students to support their stay and expenses in France.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Biomedical Engineering Neurosciences Life Sciences Public Health Law |
Average Fees Per Year |
€150 - €500 |
University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Discussion about universities in France for masters is incomplete without Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Located in the beautiful city of Paris, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne offers a variety of masters courses in English. To compete with national, regional and global challenges it is gradually increasing its offer of modules taught in English in several academic fields like Economics, Philosophy, Tourism, History etc.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Paris |
Top Programs |
Economics International Business Management MBA International Tourism Management Art History |
Average Fees Per Year |
€3,000 - €6,000 |
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is well known for its scientific and technological research activities that provide essential training to both students and faculty at addressing societal and cultural issues. With a long list of courses, faculty and infrastructure, Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is uniquely positioned as best colleges in France for masters. It brings together disciplines to meet the challenges of the future and transform society
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Biohealth Engineering |
Top Programs |
Civil Engineering |
Average Fees Per Year |
€4,000 - €5,000 |
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How to Select the Best Universities in France for Masters?
There is a lot of speculations amongst international students regarding which university to choose, and on what grounds should they make the selection. Before finalizing on any university for masters in France or any other country, you may keep the following criteria in mind:
- QS Ranking: The QS World University Rankings speak volumes about universities, their programs, culture, achievements, etc. These rankings offer a fair idea of the overall quality education and future prospects that you may expect from a specific university or college.
- Subjects: The choice of universities largely depends on the discipline or subject that you want to study. Visit the official university website and check for the subject/course details like curriculum, research opportunities, placements and other related aspects before making a decision.
- Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for masters in France varies across universities. Along with the course-related details, do also check the studying costs that they charge. After all, cost is a big factors for all study abroad aspirants, and keeping a track of it beforehand will help you manage your finances better.
- Location: Who doesn’t want to live in the place of their choice while studying at a foreign university? The location of your university plays a vital role in determining the overall experience of studying abroad. Hence, don’t forget to research the place and surrounding areas of your university to avoid any confusion later.
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So, that was all about the universities in France for masters and ways of making it to the best university of your choice. We hope this blog could fulfill its purpose and guide you in the right direction. If you have any more questions or doubts don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Counselors at Yocket now!