Explore: Top Universities & Colleges in France
Overview
France is one of the most famous destinations for pursuing higher studies in Europe. In fact, it is the third most popular destination after the UK and Germany in terms of the number of international students enrolling at France universities. The country has a rich history that spans thousands of years. France is known for its high-quality education and the French government has made it a priority to improve its higher education system so that it meets the needs of students from around the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has classed it as “the world's first university town”, citing Bologna, Oxford and Cambridge as its “oldest daughters”. The country offers world-class facilities and opportunities for students who are looking to pursue higher studies whether it is in private or public universities in France for international students.
Global Ranking of France Universities
France Universities are among the most prestigious in the world and have been consistently ranked among the top institutions of higher education by renowned platforms. The French university system is structured around the principle of autonomy, which means that each institution has the freedom to set its own curriculum and policies. This allows the best universities in France for international students to adopt different teaching methods and research approaches. The latest 2023 rankings of the top universities in France are listed below -
University Name |
QS Ranking 2023 |
THE Ranking 2023 |
Université PSL |
26 |
47 |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
48 |
95 |
Sorbonne University |
60 |
90 |
Universit Paris-Saclay |
69 |
93 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
111 |
301 - 350 |
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech |
174 |
251 - 300 |
Université Paris Cité |
248 |
114 |
Sciences Po |
259 |
501 - 600 |
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne |
300 |
801 - 1000 |
Université Grenoble Alpes |
317 |
401 - 500 |
Admission Requirements of France Universities
Some of the universities in France for international students are highly selective and admission requirements vary from one university to another. The most common admission requirement is a high school diploma and good grades in academic subjects. Some institutions may also require applicants to take an entrance exam or attend an interview. Listed below are some of the top entry requirements to get accepted into France universities -
- Prior-admission or Pre-registration certificates issued by the university
- Campus France Authorization
- A Passport or an ID Card that holds valid for the duration of stay
- Passport-sized photos
- Graduation Diploma Certificates along with their respective French translations
- Registration Fees as specified by the university
- Social Security Registration - Free
- A Civil Liability Certificate
- Students from the EU are required to submit a copy of their European Health Insurance Card
- Resume if applicable
- Cover Letter
- French/English Language Certificate (depending on the chosen language of the degree)
- Academic Transcript of Records
- Diploma Copies
- Proof of sufficient funds
Available Scholarships for France Colleges
France offers a number of scholarships for international students who wish to study in its top-rated universities. The scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. They are awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need or both. The scholarship amounts vary from €200 to €20,000 per year. These scholarships, grants, and bursaries are open to students from all over the world and cover fees as well as living expenses. Here’s a list of a few of the scholarships to study in France universities -
- Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
- Erasmus +
- La Femis
- The Chateaubriand Fellowship
- Stephen M.Kellen Scholarship
- Emile Boutmy Scholarship
- AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants, & Financial Support
Jobs & Salaries after studying in France Universities
A degree from a French university can open up many career paths. French degrees are respected and recognized around the world. Studying from the best colleges in France is considered as an asset that any employer will appreciate and can help you get ahead in your career. Here’s a list of jobs along with salaries that graduates from France universities can expect -
Job Positions |
Average Salary |
Physician |
€116,000 |
Dentist |
€117,000 |
Lawyer |
€90,600 |
Pilot |
€80,300 |
Allied Healthcare Professional |
€74,000 |
Financial Analyst |
€61,900 |
IT Professionals |
€49,800 |
Electrician |
€22,800 |