Study in France: Top 10 Public Universities for International Students

List of Public Universities in France

France is home to more than 3500 higher education institutions and the top list is filtered based on the QS World Ranking parameters such as reputation, staff-student ratio, research citations and so on. The following table shows the top universities in France and its QS World Rankings, 2025:

Top Public Universities in France for International Students

From the above France University List, it is inferred that there is a need to provide a comprehensive overview to help students make informed decisions about where to apply. Therefore, below is a summary of the top universities in France:

PSL University

PSL University is located at the heart of Paris, and it is considered as one of the top-prioritized universities in France. With the motto of “Dare to Know”, the PSL University, the university offers an education led by the research carried out in its laboratories while encouraging discussion and mobility between disciplines. Moreover, the university maintains strong partnerships with international universities and contributes proactively to the global circulation of ideas, skills and talent.

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a public higher education and research institution comprising five prestigious French engineering schools. This university is known for its Masters degree in France and a perfect choice for students who decide to study in abroad universities. With over 10 major disciplines, the university focuses its research on 12 interdisciplinary areas. Also, the university’s infrastructure and curriculum help students and working professionals pursue their studies and activities in a lively and stimulating environment.

Paris Saclay University

Paris Saclay University, one of the public universities in France, is a public research university with the vision of promoting excellence and fostering collaboration across interdisciplinary areas. The university’s laboratory is part of a global scientific network, and the university supports international collaboration between scientists. The university also aims to expose students to global realities through their educational experience.

Sorbonne University

Sorbonne University is a public, multidisciplinary, research-intensive, world-class university. The vision is to foster intellectual excellence, critical thinking, and cultural harmony. With considerable tuition fees, Sorbonne University provides a curriculum that transforms the life of a student according to global needs. However, all bachelor programs are taught in French language. So, the students who decide to pursue bachelors in Sorbonne are advised to take French language classes prior to the orientation.

Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University

Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University is a public university with over 800 years of history and 50 years of excellence. The university would be useful for a student in France as well as for an international student since it is considered one of the best universities in France for humanities and social sciences. Paris 1 is equated with other top business schools in France because of its curriculum in business. Though Paris 1 may not be the best B schools in France, it has partnered with various sectors for the improvement of the economic sector.

University Grenoble Alpes

University Grenoble Alpes is a public university that offers high-quality training in all disciplines. Being one of the public universities in France, the university specializes in sciences and technology. The UGA has developed a number of innovative masters programs to meet the needs of the global job market. Also, the university is one of the business schools in France, and it welcomes students with an interest in management areas.

École des Ponts ParisTech (Ponts)

Exploring France Universities for International students can reveal numerous opportunities for world-class education and cultural environment. One such university which provides the above is École des Ponts ParisTech. A public university which was established in 1747, and it trains engineers to be highly competent in scientific, technical and general areas. The university is committed to have an impact in the society via its interdisciplinary courses and its experiment-based research and training.

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is an elite French public institution that trains professors, researchers, senior civil servants, and business and political leaders. The ENS de Lyon also focuses on educational research, which makes a perfect destination for international students to study in France. ENS de Lyon is a part of the University de Lyon, which supports quality research and encourages interdisciplinary studies to foster a better understanding of complex contemporary issues.

University of Paris Cite

The University of Paris cite is a leading multi-disciplinary university that covers a wide range of disciplines and has one of the most comprehensive and ambitious educational offerings available in the world. Among the public universities in France, Paris Cite has an exceptional heritage within Paris and its inner suburbs. The University of Paris Cite is fully integrated between history, prestige, and modernity and had incorporated into its urban environment.

Sciences Po

Sciences Po is an international research university with the overarching mission of educating future leaders, both in the public and private sectors. Driven by the vocation of nearly 150 years, Sciences Po stands out as a world-class university, which makes the international student a preferred study abroad in France. Though the university was founded early, it doesn’t fail to reinvent itself with new ideas, such as academic openness, inventive tools, and other various educational methods.

Requirements for Public Universities in France

Eligibility Criteria

France is considered the best country to study abroad for international students because of its education, lifestyle, and other benefits. If a student chooses to pursue their studies in France, they must fulfil certain requirements listed below:

Documents Required

Since the required documents for enrolling at public universities in France are subjective, it is recommended that students check the official website of the university they are pursuing. Hence, the following list covers the majority of documents required for admission:

How to Apply for Public Universities in France

Step-1: Visit the official website and create an account by confirming with mail-id and phone number.

Step-2: Click to Apply to a Program in France and fill up the details aforementioned.

Step-3: Click on Choose Programs. Select a few numbers of programs and the desired university and add those to the cart.

Step-4: Submit the application.

Step-5: An email will be notified for an interview date. Carry the originals for the interview and pay the processing fee.

Step-6: After interview process, a letter will be given as interview completion. Then, universities start responding according to the application and this can be tracked.

Step-7: Choose the offer and begin the France study visa process. For visa related queries, contact CanApprove.

Concluding Remarks

In the end, France is home to some of the most renowned higher education institutions. The public universities in France collect an affordable tuition fee, which would lessen the international students’ burden. In addition, certain scholarship in France too shares the lessen. For any other related information, consider visiting CanApprove.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )