If you’re planning to study abroad, France might just be the perfect destination for you. With its world-class universities, vibrant culture, and surprisingly affordable tuition fees, more and more international students are choosing France each year.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Top 5 universities in France for international students
- How much it costs to study and live there
- What admission requirements you need to meet
- Acceptance rates and competition level
Why Choose France for Higher Education?
France is not just famous for the Eiffel Tower and croissants – it’s also home to some of Europe’s top universities, offering cutting-edge programs in business, engineering, arts, and sciences. Many degrees are taught in English, and France is part of the Schengen zone, which means easy access to travel across Europe.
Top 5 Universities in France for International Students
1. Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL)
- Location: Paris
- Known For: Sciences, humanities, engineering, arts
- Global Ranking: Top 50 worldwide
- Acceptance Rate: ~10-15%
- Why it stands out: High research output and international reputation.
2. École Polytechnique
- Location: Near Paris
- Known For: Engineering, computer science, applied sciences
- Acceptance Rate: Around 15%
- Fun Fact: Known as “l’X”, it’s one of the most selective institutions in Europe.
3. Sorbonne University
- Location: Paris
- Known For: Arts, literature, natural sciences
- Acceptance Rate: ~20-25%
- Highlight: One of the oldest and most iconic universities in Europe.
4. HEC Paris
- Location: Just outside Paris
- Known For: Business, management, marketing, entrepreneurship
- Acceptance Rate: 8-10%
- Pro Tip: It’s consistently ranked as Europe’s #1 business school.
5. Sciences Po
- Location: Paris
- Known For: Political science, law, international affairs
- Acceptance Rate: 20-25%
- Bonus: Great international exchange programs and global partnerships.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in France?
One of the best things about France is that public university tuition fees are relatively low – even for international students!
Tuition Fees:
- Public Universities
- Bachelor’s degree: around €2,770/year
- Master’s degree: around €3,770/year
- Private or Elite Institutions (like HEC or Polytechnique):
- Range from €8,000 to €20,000/year
Living Costs:
- Paris: €1,000 – €1,500/month
- Other cities: €800 – €1,200/month
Admission Requirements for International Students
To apply for a university in France, you’ll typically need:
- Academic transcripts (high school, bachelor’s, etc.)
- Valid passport & passport-size photos
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) – or French proficiency (DELF/DALF)
- CV/Resume (especially for Master’s programs)
- Portfolio (if applying for design or art programs)
- Student visa (Long-stay – VLS-TS)
Acceptance Rates – How Competitive Is It?
Here’s a quick look at how competitive these top universities are:
| University | Approx. Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| PSL University | 10-15% |
| École Polytechnique | 15% |
| Sorbonne University | 20-25% |
| HEC Paris | 8-10% |
| Sciences Po | 20-25% |
Public universities have slightly easier admissions compared to top-tier grandes écoles.
Final Thoughts
France is an incredible destination for international students – whether you’re dreaming of studying engineering at Polytechnique, business at HEC Paris, or arts at the Sorbonne.
With affordable tuition, globally recognized degrees, and a multicultural student life, France truly offers the full package.
Start early, gather your documents, and explore scholarships. Your dream of studying in France might be closer than you think!