Renowned for its prestigious universities, vibrant culture, and varied academic courses, France is one of the highly sought-after study abroad destinations. The country’s thriving cities like Paris, Toulouse, and Lyon, and possibilities to study art, business, fashion, science, and more, lure students. Not just that, budget-friendly tuition fees and excellent standard of living make it an alluring option for international students.
Public universities in France are publicly funded institutions that offer higher education at minimal tuition fees in comparison to a number of other nations. Public colleges in France are open to both domestic and overseas students and they offer a vast array of courses in the humanities, medicine, engineering, and science fields. A number of them are renowned worldwide and profit from the country’s robust research output and cultural legacy. Students from all over the globe are drawn to study at public universities in France owing to their low cost, academic excellence, and the chance to study in a varied, globally connected setting.
Why Study at Public Universities in France?
Studying at public universities in France for international students is a wise choice for these compelling reasons:
First-Rate Instruction
Government universities in France are well-known for their robust academic requirements and internationally acknowledged degrees.
Vast Array of Programs
A vast array of courses in a range of disciplines, instructed in French and English are offered at public universities in France.
Minimal Tuition Fees
In comparison to a number of countries, highly economical education is offered at public universities in France.
Cultural Immersion
Students have the chance to experience French culture, language, and way of life.
Worldwide Networking Opportunities
Interact with overseas students and establish global professional networks.
10 Best Public Universities in France
Mentioned below are the best government universities in France:
Universite PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)
A renowned collegiate university in Paris, Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres), stands out across sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university ranks approximately 24th in the world by QS World University Rankings and 42nd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Falling within the list of public universities in France, Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a leading engineering and science cluster that incorporates a number of grandes écoles such as École Polytechnique. This group of government universities in France ranks around 38th–46th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings and 71st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Sorbonne University
One of the public universities in France and a historic and top-tier research university, Sorbonne University offers programs in humanities, engineering, arts, sciences, and medicine. The university is ranked around 59th–63rd in the QS World University Rankings and 76th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Université Paris-Saclay
Well-known for science and engineering, Université Paris-Saclay is recognized for its robust research output and international acclaim- including excellent placements in mathematics (even 12th worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS de Lyon)
École Normale Supérieure (ENS de Lyon) one of the public colleges in France, is a top-ranked public institution renowned for excellence in sciences and humanities, with a high admissions rate and Nobel and Fields-affiliated alumni.
Université Paris Cité
An interdisciplinary public institution in Paris, Université Paris Cite provides a vast array of programs. The university ranks around 236th in the QS World University Rankings and 152nd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Sciences Po Paris
One of the best public universities in France, Sciences Po Paris excels in political science, international relations, law, and social sciences with a high international student ratio and outstanding career outcomes.
Universite Grenoble Alpes
Université Grenoble Alpes, a multidisciplinary university, excels in sciences, engineering, environmental and social sciences. The university is frequently ranked in the top global rankings (QS ~294).
Aix-Marseille University
Aix-Marseille University, one of the oldest and biggest public universities in France, founded in 1409, is recognized for its large student body and a number of Nobel laureates among alumni/ faculty.
University of Lille (Université de Lille)
A key public research university in northern France, University of Lille (Universite de Lille) was founded via mergers. This institution is well-known for its excellence and solid funding and educates 80,000 students.
Cost of Studying in France Universities
In comparison to a number of other sought-after study destinations, the cost of studying in France is comparatively inexpensive. Owing to government subsidies, minimal tuition fees, generally around €170–€380 annually are charged at public universities in France for bachelor degree and €250–€600 at public universities in France for masters. Nevertheless, advanced programs or grandes écoles can be more costly, ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 annually.
Cost of living differs from city to city, with Paris being the most costly. Typically, students spend approximately €800–€1,200 per month on food, accommodation, transit, and other expenditures. By spending cautiously and utilizing student discounts, students can manage the total expenses.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in France for International Students
Listed below are the typical entry requirements to study in France for international students:
- For Bachelor’s programs, the student needs to have completed the equivalent of French secondary education; for Master’s programs the student needs to hold a pertinent undergraduate degree.
- The student needs to have received a letter of acceptance from an accredited university in France (public or private).
- For English-taught programs, the student needs to show scores of English language proficiency tests like the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE as demanded by the university. For French-taught programs, DELF/DALF or TCF/TEF certification (B2 level is typically required).
- GRE, GMAT, or internal tests/interviews may be required by certain programs (e.g., business schools, engineering).
- As part of the application, the student needs to submit a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae (CV).
- Students must provide proof of adequate finances (~€615/month minimum) to pay for living expenses.
- For courses over 3 months, the student needs a Long-stay visa (VLS-TS).
- Students under the age of 28 must either enrol in the French social security system or provide evidence of private health insurance.
- He/she needs to hold a valid passport for the entire duration of his/her stay.
Scholarships for International Students in France
There are various scholarships offered to international students in France. They are as under:
- École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
- HEC Paris MBA Scholarships
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
- INSEAD MBA Scholarships
- Ampère Excellence Scholarships (ENS de Lyon)
- Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarships
- Aix-Marseille University TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship
Job Opportunities After Graduating from Universities in France
Post graduating from universities in France, students can take up any of the following jobs:
- Software Engineer
- Marketing Specialist
- UX/UI Designer
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Mechanical Engineer
- Entrepreneur/Startup Founder
- Investment Banker
- Biomedical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Project Manager
- Management Consultant
- AI/ML Engineer
- Academic/PhD Researcher
- Product Manager
- Operations Manager
- Business Analyst
- Sales Manager
- Research Scientist
FAQs: Public Universities in France
Can international students study free of cost at public universities in France?
No, government universities in France are not completely free for overseas students. Although certain students may be eligible for lowered fees or exemptions, tuition is very minimal in comparison to a number of nations- public universities in France for bachelor degree charge approximately €2,770 annually and public universities in France for masters charge €3,770.
What are some of the best public universities in France?
Some of the leading public colleges in France include Sorbonne University, Université PSL, Université Paris-Saclay, and Université Grenoble Alpes. These institutions are renowned for their research excellence and varied academic courses.
How should students apply to public universities in France?
Students should apply to government universities in France via the Parcoursup platform (for Bachelor’s programs) or directly to the university (for master’s programs), as well as submit the necessary documents such as academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, and curriculum vitae (CV). Overseas students may also be required to apply through Campus France via the Études en France procedure.
Are overseas students allowed to work while studying in France?
Yes, while studying in France, international students are permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 964 hours annually (approximately 20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time during holidays. This applies to both EU and non-EU students provided they hold a valid student residence permit.
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