Drawing in students with its renowned universities, vibrant cultural legacy, as well as thriving lifestyle, Paris is one of the highly sought-after study abroad destinations globally. Recognized as a global hotspot for fashion, art, history, and intellectual thought, the city provides distinct academic and career prospects. Moreover, the city’s strategic location in Europe also serves as a starting point for travel and worldwide networking.
Providing a vast array of academic courses with a focus on research and accessibility, public university in Paris are chiefly government-funded and charge lower tuition fees. On the contrary, private universities in Paris, are backed by private contributions, frequently charging higher tuition fees, and may offer more focused programs, smaller class sizes, and prioritize one-on-one learning. Both these types of universities in Paris contribute substantially to the higher education setting in the city.
Courses in Paris are offered in a range of fields viz., sciences, arts, fashion, humanities, technology, and business, with numerous programs available in both French and English. Undergraduate courses in Paris typically span 3 years and postgraduate programs such as Master's degrees generally last 1-2 years. The city also draws international students via short-term study abroad opportunities, language courses, and specialized certifications.
Why study in Paris?
Studying in Paris is a wise choice for these compelling reasons:
- Top-Tier Instruction: Paris houses prestigious universities and business schools that are internationally acknowledged.
- Cultural Capital: Abounding in art, fashion, history, and architecture, providing a distinct cultural immersion.
- Networking and Multiculturalism: Draws students from across the globe, fostering a lively global community.
- Standard of Living: Well-known for its food, way of life, and strategic location in Europe for travel.
- Employment Prospects: A centre for global business, tech, finance, and luxury industries.
Best Colleges in Paris
Listed below are the top colleges in Paris for international students:
- Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University: A renowned collegiate university in Paris, distinguished for research and interdisciplinary programs across arts, sciences, and humanities.
- Université Paris-Saclay: A top research-intensive university near Paris, with strengths in science, engineering, and business.
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris: A leading institute in France that places a strong focus on engineering, technology, and innovation, comprising of a number of grandes écoles.
- Sorbonne University: A prominent and globally acknowledged public university in Paris, Sorbonne University excels in sciences, humanities, and medicine.
- Université Paris Cité: An interdisciplinary university in Paris, Université Paris Cité provides courses across fields like health, humanities, law, and sciences.
- HEC Paris: One of the leading business schools in the world and private universities in Paris, HEC Paris is distinguished for its MBA and executive education programs.
- École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris: A highly selective public university in Paris aimed at training leading researchers and academics in humanities and sciences.
- Sciences Po: A renowned social sciences university that specializes in international relations, public affairs, and political science.
- ESCP Business School: One of the oldest business schools in the world and private universities in Paris, ESCP Business School provides global programs in management, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- EDHEC Business School (Paris campus): EDHEC Business School is a top private business school specializing in business management, finance, and executive education with a robust international network.
Popular Courses in Paris
Mentioned below are the in-demand courses offered at colleges in Paris:
- Fine Arts
- Architecture & Urban Planning
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Fashion Design
- Business & Management (MBA, International Business)
- Performing Arts (Theatre, Music, Dance)
- Film Studies & Cinema
- Wine & Sommelier Studies
- Art History
- Photography
- Culinary Arts & Pastry
- Political Science & International Relations
- Luxury Brand Management
- Graphic Design & Visual Communication
- French Language & Literature
How Much Does It Cost To Study in Paris?
Studying in Paris entails both economical tuition and substantially high cost of living. For the 2025–2026 academic year, international students are charged minimal tuition fees at a public university in Paris: €2,895 annually for undergraduate (Licence) programs and €3,941 annually for Master's programs. Nevertheless, private universities in Paris tend to have higher fees, ranging from €6,000 to €18,000 per year.
In comparison to other cities in France, costs of living in Paris are considerably higher. Typically, overseas students can anticipate spending between €1,200 and €1,400 per month, entailing food, housing, transit, and leisure activities. Housing expenses differ to a great extent: renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €800 to €1,350 per month, whereas shared apartments or student residences may be more budget-friendly. Thus, based on one’s way of living and accommodation options, the overall cost of studying and residing in Paris can range from approximately €16,000 to €22,000 per year.
Scholarships To Study in Paris
The various scholarships offered by universities in Paris are as under:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- France Excellence Charpak Master Scholarship
- Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship Program
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
- EDHEC Business School – Co-financed Scholarship
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
- Aix-Marseille University – TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship
- HEC Paris Scholarships
- France Excellence Graduate Scholars Program
- Université Paris Cité – SMARTS-UP Program
Eligibility Criteria To Study in Paris
The typical entry prerequisities to study in Paris are:
- For undergraduate programs, the student needs to hold a high school diploma. For master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree is required.
- He/she needs to submit academic transcripts and certificates.
- For French-taught programs, the student needs to prove his/her fluency in French via tests like DELF/DALF. For English-taught programs, the student needs to prove his/her fluency in English by appearing for tests like the IELTS/TOEFL.
- The student needs to submit a Statement of Purpose or motivation letter outlining his/her study plans and objectives.
- Submission of letters of recommendation.
- Certain programs such as art, business, or engineering schools may demand entrance exams.
- The student needs to hold health insurance coverage under French social security or private insurance.
- He/she needs to provide proof of adequate finances to pay for tuition fees and living costs.
- Non-EU/EEA students need to hold a valid long-stay student visa.
- He/she needs to have a passport that is valid for the entire length of his/her study in France.
Job Opportunities After Studying in Paris
Post graduating from universities in Paris, students can bag the following jobs:
- Culinary Arts Chef
- Software Developer or IT Specialist
- Luxury Brand Manager
- Finance and Banking Analyst
- Public Relations Officer
- Tourism and Hospitality Manager
- Translator or Language Specialist
- Art Curator or Gallery Manager
- Urban Planner or Architect
- International Business Consultant
- Event Planner or Coordinator
- Marketing and Communication Specialist
- Fashion Designer or Merchandiser
- Graphic Designer or Multimedia Artist
- Researcher or Academic Professional
FAQs: Colleges and Courses in Paris
Which are the good colleges in Paris for overseas students?
Providing a vast array of courses in sciences, arts, and business, the top colleges in Paris for international students are Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, and HEC Paris.
Which courses in Paris are highly sought-after among students?
Art, business, engineering, fashion, design, and international relations are the most popular courses in Paris among students.
What’s the cost of studying in Paris?
Tuition fees at universities in Paris differ: a public university in Paris charges tuition ranging from €200–€3,000 annually, while tuition fees at private universities in Paris can surpass €10,000. The typical monthly living expenses cost between €1,000–€1,500.
To study in Paris, do students require to know French?
A number of universities in Paris offer courses in English, particularly at the Master's level, nevertheless basic French is preferred for everyday living and integration.
Are overseas students allowed to work while studying in Paris? </h3>
Yes, while studying at universities in Paris, overseas students are permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 964 hours annually, which can assist with living expenditures.
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