Study in France

Top 10 universities in France

Why studying in France

france study visa

France is one of the most culturally diverse countries and the sixth largest country in economy  in the world. France is located at the heart of Europe so it provides easy access to other European countries to travel, explore and do jobs. Most of the programs are funded and certified by the French Government. This country is rich in heritage with UNESCO’s world monuments and protected sites.

QS World University Rankings 2021 - Top Universities in France

France study visa

France rank

Global rank

University

1

52

Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)

2

68

Ecole Polytechnique

3

83

Sorbonne University

4

138

CentraleSupélec

5

161

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

6

242=

Ecole des Ponts ParisTech

7

242=

Sciences Po Paris

8

275=

University of Paris

9

287=

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

10

291=

ENS Paris-Saclay

1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)

The university was established in 2010 as a public research university in Paris, France. The university has 11 constituent schools and the oldest was founded in 1530 constituent college named Collge of France. The main site is located at central Paris. PSL offers education based on research and associative subjects. The motto of the university is “Dare to Know”.

Courses offered:

  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Doctoral

2. Ecole Polytechnique

This university also known as I’X or Polytechnique located in France and established in 1794 and the Polytechnic Institute of Paris is the parent institution. This university mainly specializes in science and engineering. This university was founded during the French Revolution by the mathematician Gaspard Monge. The admission process consists of highly selective written and oral exams. This university is still supervised by the French armed force.

Courses offered:

  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Doctoral

3.Sorbonne University

 This University is one of the first universities in the Europe with a motto of creators of futures since 1257. This university is located in paris, France and it is a public research university established by Robert De sorbon. Marie curie was the first woman who became a professor in the university and marie and her husband were considered as the founders of the university.

Courses offered:

  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Doctoral

4. Centrale Supélec

It was established in 2015 as a merging of two educational institutions in France École Centrale Paris and Supélec, Supélecis the best engineering institution in France. This university is a research university located in France being one of the constituent members of Paris saclay University.

Courses offered:

  • Undergraduate programs
  • Postgraduate programs
  • Executive programs

5. Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

This University is a French research university also known as ENS de Lyon located in the city of Lyon. This university is considered as one of the four most prestigious universities in France. This university mainly focused on arts and science. The motto of this university is “Education through research, for research”.

Courses offered:

  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Doctoral
  • Continuing education
  • Joint Diplomas 

6. Ecole des Ponts ParisTech

This business school is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in France. It was established by King Louis XV in 1747. The institution is formerly known as École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. It is an international institution that offers MBA programs. The motto of this university is “Business to make a better world!”.

Courses offered:

  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Doctoral
  • Advanced Masters

7. Sciences Po Paris

The university is located in Paris, France and it is a public research university which is also known as the Sciences Po. This university was earlier focused on geo-political parts of the world, now it has expanded to history and social sciences such as economics law and sociology. This university was established in 1872 with the motto of this university is “Roots of the Future”.

Courses offered:

  • Undergraduate programs
  • Postgraduate programs
  • Dual degrees
  • PhD programs
  • Exchange Program

8. University of Paris

This university is the second largest university in Europe which was established in around 1150 with a motto of “Here and anywhere on Earth”. This university was also known as Sorbonne which got its name from Robert de Sorbon considered as the founder of the university. This university is mainly focused on theology and philosophy.

Courses offered:

  • Joint programs
  • Double degree
  • Masters degree

9. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

This university is a public research university also known as Paris 1 and Panthéon-Sorbonne University. This university was established in 1971 which was the division of the oldest university called the University of Paris. Economics and Management, Human Sciences, and Legal and Political Sciences are the 3 areas of specialization that have been offered in this university.

Courses offered:

  • Undergraduate programs
  • Postgraduate programs
  • PhD programs

10. ENS Paris-Saclay

This university was founded in 1892 and was formerly known as ENS Cachan. This university which is one of the most prestigious and selective top-level French institutions. Paris-Saclay University is the parent institution. The undergraduate program is mainly specialized in Science and the graduate programs provide training in master’s and doctoral levels.

Courses offered:

  • Undergraduate programs
  • Postgraduate programs
  • PhD programs