Top 26 Best Universities in France this 2022

Filed in Choosing a School by Careersngr Staff on December 17, 2021 • 0 Comments

Aside from Canada, which is the most sorted after for Schooling? France happens to be among the race, in that students, particularly international students, find it exciting and life-changing to study over in France for some obvious reasons, which I point out to be the location, epochal events, robust economy, getting to learn French and a considerate tuition fee. The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe and the world.

Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre, and Marie Curie University, and the University of Paris-Sud to mention but a few.

In case you’re planning to study in France, you’ll definitely want to know which universities are the best. By best, I meant, housing good educational facilities, affordable tuition fees, and practical lecturers. Here are 26 of France’s best universities that may catch your interest.

Contents

Best Universities in France

1. University of Lille

The University of Lille, founded in 2018, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Lille. It is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

The university has very large courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. This 2-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. Lastly, it also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, study abroad, and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

2. University of Strasbourg

The University of Strasbourg, established in 1621, is a public higher education institution located in the medium city of Strasbourg Grand Est.

This institution also has a branch campus in Colmar. It is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of French higher educational institutions.

Lastly, it provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad, and exchange programs.

3. University of Paris

The University of Paris, founded in 2019, is a public higher institution of learning, located in the large city of Paris. It offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 1-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admissions policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

University of Paris provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

4. University of Lorraine

The University of Lorraine, established in 2012, is also a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Nancy, with branch campuses in the following locations: Bar-le-Duc, Épinal, Metz, Poligny.

UL offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 8-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this French higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

5. Normal Superior School

Normal Superior School, established in 1794, offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees. Thereby providing several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

6. Claude Benard University LYON 1:

Claude Benard University, established in 1809, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Villeurbanne.

This institution is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. It offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 211-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UCBL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

7. Grenoble Alpes University

Grenoble Alpes University, established in 1339, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Saint-Martin-d’Hères. The institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Bonneville, Chambéry, Valence. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

(UGA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 681-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admissions policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

It also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

8. SORBONNE UNIVERSITY:

Sorbonne University, established in 2018, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Paris.

This institution also has a branch campus in Abu Dhabi. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

SU has a very large enrollment range: over-45,000 students offering courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 2-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admissions policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

SU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

9. University of Paris-Saclay

The University of Paris-Saclay, established in 2014, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small town of Saint-Aubin, Ile-de-France. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Paris, Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

University of Paris-Saclay (UPS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the unit rank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

UPS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

10. University of Caen Normandy

The University of Caen Normandy, established in 1432, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Caen, Normandie. The institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Damigny. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

UNICAEN offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 588-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UNICAEN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

11. Central School of Paris

Central School of Paris, founded in 1829, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Gif-sur-Yvette, Ile-de-France. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Cesson-Sévigné, Châtenay-Malabry, Metz. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry of France.

ECP is a very small (uni-Rank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution. ECP offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.

See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details. ECP also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

Other related areas are:

12. University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne

University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, founded in 1971, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Paris, Ile-de-France. The institution also has a branch campus in Bourg-la-Reine and Nogent-sur-Marne.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (UP1) is a very large (uni-Rank enrollment range: 40,000-44,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution.

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (UP1) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details. These 49-year-old French higher-education institutions have a selective admissions policy.

This higher education institution has an open admission policy. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UP1 also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

13. University of Clermont Auvergne

The University of Clermont Auvergne, founded in 1854, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Vichy, Aurillac, Le Puy-en-Velay.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. (UCA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 166-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UCA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

14. University of Paris

The University of Paris, founded in 1968, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Saint-Denis, lle-de-France. This institution also has a branch campus in Montreuil and Tremblay. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

University Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis (UP8) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 52-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this French higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

UP8 also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

15. University of Rouen Normandie

The University of Rouen Normandie, founded in 1966, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Mont-Saint-Aignan, Normandie. This institution also has a branch campus in Évreux. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

University of Rouen Normandie (URN) is a large (uni-Rank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution. (URN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 54-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. URN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

16. University of Bordeaux

The University of Bordeaux, founded in 1441, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large city of Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This institution also has a branch campus in Talence and Pessac. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. UB is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational French higher education institution.

UB offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 579-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UB also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

17. Normal Superior School of Lyon

Normal superior school of Lyon founded in 1987, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

ENS Lyon offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 33-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

ENS Lyon also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

18. Paris Institute of Political Studies

Paris Institute of political studies, Founded in 1872, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Paris, Ile-de-France. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Dijon, Nancy, Reims, Rouen.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France Sciences Po is a medium-sized (uni-Rank enrollment range: 9,000-9,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution.

Sciences Po offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 148-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this French higher education organization a most selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Sciences Po also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

19. Lumiere university of Lyon 2

Lumiere university of Lyon 2 was established in 1973, Université Lumière Lyon 2 is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation of France.

UL2 is a large (uni-Rank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution. UL2 offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 47-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UL2 also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

20. University of Poitiers

The University of Poitiers is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Poitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Angoulême, La Rochelle, Niort.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. UP offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.

See the uniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details. This 589-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

UP also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

21. University of Côte d’Azur

The University of Côte d’Azur established in 1965, is a non-profit public higher-education with a branch campus in La Seyne-sur-Mer. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. UCA is a large (uni-Rank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution.

UCA offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 54-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UCA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

22. Aix-Marseille University

Aix-Marseille University, founded in 2012, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the metropolis of Marseille. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Avignon, Digne-Les-Bains, Gap. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

AMU is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational French higher education institution. AMU offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 8-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. AMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

23. Polytechnic School

Polytechnic School, founded in 1794, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Palais, Ile-de-France. Officially recognized by the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France. LX is a small (uni-Rank enrollment range: 3,000-3,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution.

LX offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 226-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this French higher education organization a most selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

L’X also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

24. PARIS 13 UNIVERSITY:

Paris 13 University, founded in 1970, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Villetaneuse, Ile-de-France. This institution also has a branch campus in Argenteuil. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

UP13 is a large (uni-Rank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution. UP13 offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 50-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UP13 also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

25. University of Montpellier

The University of Montpellier Founded in 1289, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Montpellier, Occitanie. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Albaret-Sainte-Marie, Carcassonne, Nîmes, Perpignan. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France.

UM is a very large (uni-Rank enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution. UM offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details.

This 731-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.

26. CENTRAL SCHOOL OF LYON:

Founded in 1857, it is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Officially recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France. ECL is a very small (uni-Rank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational French higher education institution.

ECL offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the UniRank degree levels and areas of the study matrix below for further details. This 163 years old French higher-education institution has a selective admissions policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. ECL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities in France

Is France good for International Students?

It is one of the most popular study destinations, making it perfect for international students. There are currently more than 250,000 international students in France. The country offers an excellent environment for all international students. It has fantastic quality of education, lectures, and research opportunities.

Can I study in France without knowing french?

If you want to live and study in France but don’t speak French, there are still options open to you. Short-term programs and full degrees are available in English across France for those lacking language skills.

Now It’s Your Turn

Now I’d like to hear from you:

Which among the Top 26 Best Universities in France picked your interest?

Are you going to apply for admission right away?

Or maybe you’re ready to start searching for scholarships.

Either way, leave a comment below right now