Paris is already famous as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but did you know that they have some of the world’s most prestigious universities? For years now the best universities in Paris have welcomed some of the world’s best and brightest students. Offering a mix of public universities and grand écoles, Paris is the perfect study-abroad destination to get students started on their higher education journey.
Benefits of Studying at Universities in Paris for International Students
Let us start with a quick overview of what the top universities in Paris offer international students.
High Rankings
Paris consistently ranks among the top 10 most prestigious destinations in the world for students with its world class universities, many with a storied history.
Unique Courses
The most popular universities in Paris are famous for offering their students a wide range of specialisations so that they can narrow or broaden their field of study or research according to their priorities.
Travel Opportunities
Paris is easily one of the most exciting cities in the world for students. Not only does the city itself offer a plethora of opportunities for adventure, it is also just a train ride away from some of the most exciting cities of Europe.
Student-Friendly Policies
Paris offers students several concessions on transport and accommodation, helping them save significantly.
Post-Study Work Permits
Students can work for 1 year in Paris after the completion of their course, helping them settle into a career of their choice before making bigger decisions.
List of Paris Universities for International Students
Université Paris Sciences et Letter (PSL)
QS Ranking 2025 – 24
Among the best universities in the city, PSL offers high class research facilities and has Nobel Laureates and eminent scientists on its faculty. Traditionally, most courses were taught in French. However, to welcome international students studying in Paris, the university has introduced several English classes. Master’s programs in Finance, Health Engineering, International Affairs, Wealth and Economics Management are among its popular courses.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
QS Rankings 2025 – 46
Revered by techies, this public university brings together 5 prestigious technology schools – École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis. Offering an array of choices for specialisation in the field of engineering and technology, it is easily a top university in Paris for international students. Master’s programs in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Biology, Health and Nuclear Energy are among its popular courses.
Sorbonne University
QS Rankings 2025 – 63
A university with an unchallenged legacy, the Sorbonne was established back in 1257. It is famous as the university where Marie Curie herself was faculty – the first woman to become a professor there. Its strong industry connects make it a popular option for those looking to gain academic knowledge while gaining work experience in a competitive job market. Most international students choose to pursue master’s programs in Cloud and Network Infrastructure, Quantum Computing, Computational Mechanics, and Bioinformatics.
Université de Paris
QS Ranking 2025 – 283
This university is as famous for its location as it is for its network of more than 500,000 alumni spread all around the world. It has a breathtakingly beautiful campus and offers a wide array of courses in English for its international student base. International students may choose to pursue master’s programs in Public Health, Health Economics, International Business Law, Banking and Finance, and Neurosciences.
Cost of Studying in Paris
Tuition fees at Paris’ public universities are set by the French government and are heavily subsidised. They are the same across the country, and international students can expect to pay €4,000 annually for master’s programs. While the tuition costs are affordable, students also have to consider the cost of living in a city like Paris. Choosing on-campus living and applying for a study loan for abroad can help you manage your expenses and finance your higher education in Paris.
Understanding the Application Requirements
Students hoping to apply to universities in Paris have to meet certain eligibility criteria. The French Government requires international students to have proficiency in the native language. Students can take tests such as TEF and DALF to prove they have the necessary language skills. Aspiring learners pursuing postgraduate programs will likely have to include GRE and GMAT scores as part of their application. Courses taught in English may have an additional English language proficiency requirement, which students can demonstrate through exams like the TOEFL and IELTS.
Choosing to study in Paris can help elevate your CV and enhance job prospects in the future. Understanding the top universities and exploring the eligibility requirements enables you to prepare for your higher education journey overseas. Remember, lenders like Avanse offer education loans, enabling you to focus on your education without worrying about your finances.
