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23 Best Public Universities in France You Would Love

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When the majority thinks of studying in Europe, France often comes to mind, and for good reason. Among the many reasons to study in France, the Best Public Universities in France stand out as a significant draw for students worldwide. These universities are renowned for their academic rigor, diverse course offerings, and commitment to research and innovation.

France’s public universities are not just educational institutions; they are hubs of cultural exchange, intellectual discourse, and personal growth.

In this article, we will take a closer look at these universities, highlighting their strengths and what makes them attractive to students globally. So, without further ado!

Why Study in France?

Studying in France offers a multitude of benefits for international students. One of the primary reasons is the high-quality education system. France is renowned for its educational excellence, and many of its universities and institutions are recognized globally.

The richness and diversity offered by the French system make it easy to find an educational program that matches your background and goals. Over 1500 French programs are taught in English, making it easier for international students to adapt.

Another significant advantage is the affordable tuition fees. Compared to many other popular study destinations, France offers notably low tuition costs, making quality education accessible to a wider range of students. This is complemented by the availability of numerous scholarships for international students.

Choosing the Right University

Choosing the right university is a significant decision and involves considering various factors. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Course Selection: The course or subject you wish to study is crucial. A significant number of students regret not picking the right course. Researching courses before looking for universities can help make your choice easier.
  2. University Type: Do you prefer a city or campus university? City universities are usually integrated within a city or town, offering a vibrant nightlife, better transportation links, job opportunities, and a multicultural experience. Campus universities, usually located outside of cities, offer a stronger sense of community and improved safety.
  3. University Size: The number of students attending the university could range from less than 5,000 to over 15,000. Smaller universities usually have closer-knit communities and a more selective course catalog, while bigger colleges may offer a diverse range of majors, bigger facilities, and larger classes.
  4. Student-to-Staff Ratio: This ratio can have a major impact on the quality of teaching; it can tell you a lot about professors’ workload and their availability to you during your course.
  5. Rankings and Reputation: Look at university rankings and league tables.
  6. Cost: Consider the cost of tuition and living expenses.
  7. Work Experience Opportunities: If you know what you want to do after university, look for universities that offer work placements as part of their courses, or ones that are well-regarded in the industry.

Criteria for Ranking the Best Public Universities in France

Several factors were taken into account when creating the list of the best universities in the Netherlands to ensure a thorough selection.

The following elements were considered throughout the rating process:

  1. Academic Reputation: Assessment of the university’s academic standing both nationally and internationally, including recognition from reputable rankings and accreditation bodies.
  1. Research Output and Excellence: Evaluation of research productivity, impact, and excellence across various disciplines, including publications, citations, patents, and collaborative research projects.
  1. Faculty Quality: Consideration of the qualifications, expertise, and research contributions of faculty members, including their academic backgrounds, research grants, awards, and professional affiliations.
  1. Facilities and Resources: Examination of the availability and quality of facilities and resources, including libraries, laboratories, technology infrastructure, study spaces, and student support services.

List of the Best Public Universities in France

Below is a list of the best public universities in France:

23 Best Public Universities in France

1. Université de Strasbourg

  • Tuition fee: €600 per academic year

Université de Strasbourg is a renowned public university located in Strasbourg, France. It is one of the largest French universities and offers a comprehensive range of courses covering a variety of academic disciplines.

The university is ranked #277 in Best Global Universities according to US News. EM Strasbourg Business School, a part of the university, has been accredited by AACSB since 2015.

Université de Strasbourg provides financial aid to students under certain conditions. International students are entitled to financial aid from the CROUS (the regional organization in charge of student facilities and support) or the French government. The financial aid includes CROUS bursary, housing assistance, student rental deposit, and scholarships.

The university offers a broad range of courses covering various academic disciplines. It provides training tailored for all educational levels: secondary school graduates, students, mature students, working people taking ongoing training, and people without a secondary school diploma. The courses are taught in 37 faculties, schools, and institutes, and research is performed in 86 laboratories and research centers.

2. Université de Paris

  • Acceptance rate: 11%
  • Tuition fee: €170 – €380

Université de Paris is a prestigious institution located in the heart of Paris, France. It was established in 2019 through the merger of Paris Diderot, Paris Descartes universities, and Institut de physique du globe de Paris. The university is recognized internationally for its excellence in research, comprehensive interdisciplinary programs, and fostering innovation and knowledge transfer.

The university is accredited and recognized by various bodies. It fully complies with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Its programs are also recognized by the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office, and a Member of the CHEA International Quality Group in the USA.

Université de Paris offers financial aid for international mobility depending on the destination and the student’s financial and social situation. It assists but does not cover all costs. Funding is available to help students implement their international mobility projects.

Université de Paris is ranked highly in various global university rankings. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, it is ranked 261st in the world.

3. Université de Lille

  • Acceptance rate: 14%
  • Tuition fee: €1500

Université de Lille is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Lille, Hauts-de-France. It is one of the largest universities in France and one of the largest French-speaking universities in the world.

The university is officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France).

It offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor’s degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

The University of Lille offers degrees across six academic study areas:

  • Arts, Literature, and Languages
  • Law, Economics, and Management
  • Health
  • Social Sciences
  • Sports
  • Science and Technology

4. Sorbonne Université

  • Acceptance rate: 5-10%

Sorbonne University, located in Paris, France, is a public research university with a rich history that dates back to 1257. It was officially established in 2018 and is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France. The university is ranked #59 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

The university offers a wide range of courses from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees in arts, humanities, science and engineering, in addition to medical and paramedical degrees.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers degrees in literature, languages, arts, civilizations, and human and social sciences. The Faculty of Medicine educates future doctors and health professionals. The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, mechanics, computer science, and electronics.

Sorbonne University provides financial assistance to students who are facing financial difficulties. This includes one-off assistance, exemptions, exceptional refunds of inscription fees, and reimbursement of inscription fees for scholarship students who have paid upon administrative registration.

5. Université de Bordeaux

  • Acceptance rate: 14%
  • Tuition fee: €770

The Université de Bordeaux is a renowned institution located in Bordeaux, France. The university is recognized by reputable organizations that have the legal authority to officially charter, license, register, or accredit the institution as a whole.

It offers various language certifications including TOEIC, TOEFL, DELE, GOETHE, and the Voltaire certificate. The university is also approved by the FEI (France Éducation International) as a test center for the French language comprehension test.

The University of Bordeaux provides social assistance and/or exemption from tuition fees depending on the student’s situation. It also offers scholarships based on financial need, mobility grants, and emergency grants. The university has social workers available to help students who encounter problems during their studies.

The Université de Bordeaux is ranked among the top universities in France for the quality of its academic courses and research.

6. École Normale Supérieure

  • Tuition fee: €184 – €256

The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) is a prestigious higher education institution located in Paris, France. It was established during the French Revolution, with the aim of training professionals from all backgrounds who would be equipped to participate in the ideological debates and establishment of the New Republic.

Degrees from ENS are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and awarded by the Ministry of National Education, France. The institution is considered one of the leading higher education institutions in Paris and is well-regarded internationally.

Support is also provided for students applying for a master’s degree, with two types of financial support offered: housing grants amounting to €1,900 and a master’s grant that could reach €10,000.

7. Université de Lorraine

  • Acceptance rate: 11-14%

The Université de Lorraine (UL) is a public research university based in the Lorraine, Grand Est region of France. The university is legally recognized and accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.

The university offers a wide range of courses across all subject areas and at all levels. Some of the courses are taught entirely or partly in English. The university has over 62,000 students and 7,000 staff.

8. Université Grenoble Alpes

  • Acceptance rate: 69-82%
  • Tuition fee: €5,240 per year

Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is a public university located in Grenoble, France. It offers high-quality training in all disciplines and is particularly strong in the sciences and technology. The university enrolls about 50,000 students annually in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and short-stay/certificate programs.

UGA is legally recognized and institutionally accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France. The university has also been awarded the Université Grenoble Alpe Initiative of Excellence (Idex) accreditation, which marks the recognition of the quality of education and research at UGA.

UGA offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options for students. It is recommended that candidates apply for financial aid at least one year before enrolment at a French institution. Financial support is available in a whole range of areas, including accommodation, transport, day-to-day living needs, and family needs.

UGA offers a wide array of courses covering diverse disciplinary fields. Some of the disciplines include Business, Management, and Law; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Engineering; Geography, Urban and Regional Planning; Health Sciences, Life Sciences, and Chemistry; Mathematics and Computer Science; Physics and Materials Science.

9. Université Paris-Saclay

  • Acceptance rate: 15%
  • Tuition fee: €170 – €380

Université Paris-Saclay is a public research university located in Paris, France. It was established in 2019 after the merger of several technical grandes écoles, technological institutes, engineering schools, and research facilities.

The university is organized in accordance with the LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorat), which is common to university education in all European countries as part of the Bologna process.

Université Paris-Saclay offers more than 1,500 aid including financial aid, benefits, grants, scholarships, food aid, transport aid, housing aid, specific student aid, and university aid. Scholarships are granted by the CROUS for one year.

The university offers a comprehensive and varied range of undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD courses. It offers courses in the fields of science and engineering, life sciences and health, humanities, and social sciences.

Some of the Master’s programs taught in English include Artificial Intelligence, Biomass Engineering for Bioeconomy, Chemistry – International Track, Development of Drugs and Health Products, Economics, Energy – International track, and many more.

10. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

  • Tuition fee: €990

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, also known as UCBL, is one of the three public universities in Lyon, France. UCBL is accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Innovation, France. It is also a part of the University of Lyon, which is a national organization responsible for formal education from primary through to university level.

UCBL offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor’s degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

The university provides education in various fields including Health & Medical Sciences, Physical & Life Sciences, Engineering and Technological Science, Actuarial Science, Education, and Management.

In the World University Rankings 2024, UCBL is ranked between 401-500th. It is also ranked 4th in France and 406th in the global 2023 rating.

11. Université Côte d’Azur

  • Tuition fee: The maximum tuition fee is 1500€ per year.

Université Côte d’Azur is a large public scientific, cultural, and professional institution located in France. It’s known for its commitment to transformation and excellence, which it has achieved through the UCA J.E.D.I.

In terms of accreditation, the university offers the Accreditation to Supervise Research (HDR), which is the highest degree in the French university system. This accreditation acknowledges a candidate’s ability in their scientific field, their ability to master a research strategy in a broad scientific or technical field, and their ability to supervise young researchers.

The university offers a wide range of financial aid options for students. These include Erasmus+ scholarships, Mobility grants for the Southern Region, AMI-MESRI grants, and foreign grants.

As for the courses offered, Université Côte d’Azur provides a wide range of training courses: DUT, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, institutional diplomas, and doctorates.

12. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

  • Tuition fee: Around 250€ per year for a master’s degree and around 400€ per year for doctoral studies.

The École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a prestigious French grande école located in Lyon.

Degrees from École Normale Supérieure de Lyon are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and awarded by the Ministry of National Education, France. The school is legally recognized and/or accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.

ENS de Lyon offers a wide range of courses. Some of the Master’s programs include Computer Science: concepts and applications, Advanced Economics, History of Political Thought, Physics & Chemistry, Spatial Humanities, Biosciences for Healthcare, History of Philosophy, and many more.

ENS de Lyon is ranked #=184 in QS World University Rankings 20247. It is also ranked #564 in Best Global Universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

13. Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris

  • Acceptance rate: 0-9%
  • Tuition fee: For French and European students, tuition fees range from €0 to €14,720 per academic year for the undergraduate level and €0 to €20,380 per academic year for the graduate level.

The Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, also known as Sciences Po, is a prestigious public research university located in Paris, France. It was established in 1872 by Émile Boutmy.

The institution is officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Innovation, France (Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, France).

Approximately 27% of students received financial aid to attend Sciences Po. More than €10 million is given annually in aid. Students whose tax residence is the European Union pay tuition and fees on a sliding scale, while those whose tax residence is outside the European Union pay the full cost of tuition.

Sciences Po offers programs taught entirely in English at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Sciences Po also offers dual bachelor’s degree programs in English, with no prior study of French required, with several international universities.

14. Université de Montpellier

  • Acceptance rate: 69 – 82 %
  • Tuition fee: Tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree are 170 euros for a full academic year, 243 euros for a Master’s degree, 601 euros for an engineering degree, and 380 euros for a Doctorate.

The Université de Montpellier is a public research university located in Montpellier, in the south-east of France. It was established in 1220, and it is one of the oldest universities in the world.

The university is accredited and offers a wide range of courses. It has several doctoral schools that provide high-level scientific support for future PhDs, as well as preparation for professional integration. 

The university offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid for international students. These include fully funded awards and partial financial aid.

The university offers courses in a wide range of disciplines. These include Engineering Sciences, Education, Economics, Management, Health, Technological fields, Law, Political Science, and Administration. The university has 8 faculties, 7 institutes, and 2 schools.

15. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

  • Acceptance rate: 46%
  • Tuition fee: French programs at UP1 start from 170.79 euros.

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, also known as Paris 1, is a public research university located in Paris, France. It was established in 1971 as one of the successors of the historic University of Paris, colloquially referred to as the Sorbonne.

The university is legally recognized and institutionally accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.

The university has three main areas of specialization: Economics and Management, Human Sciences, and Legal and Political Sciences. It offers several subjects such as Economics, Philosophy, Sociology, Geography, Plastic arts, Art history, Political science, Development Studies, and Mathematics.

16. Aix-Marseille Université

  • Acceptance rate: 15%
  • Tuition fee: €2770 per year for a bachelor’s degree and €3770 per year for a master’s degree.

Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) is a public research university located in the Provence region of southern France. It is one of the oldest university-level institutions in France, founded in 1409.

AMU is proud to be counted among the 20 EQUIS-accredited business schools in France. It is also part of the even smaller circle of 15 schools re-accredited for 5 years in 2018.

The EQUIS accreditation allows AMU to be recognized among the best Business Schools in the world. It was the first public institution in France to be awarded dual accreditation, with EQUIS since 1999.

AMU offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. Some of the faculties include Arts, Letters, Languages, and Human Sciences; Law and Political Science; Economics and Management; and Science and Technology. It also offers French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses of 30 hours per semester, for foreign students of AMU and open to the public.

AMU is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities in the world and is ranked within the top 5 universities in France.

17. École Polytechnique

  • Acceptance rate: 10-15%
  • Tuition fee: €15,400 per year for EU and EEA Students, €18,800 per year for Non-EU Students.

École Polytechnique, also known as l’X, is a prestigious polytechnic college located in Palaiseau, France. It specializes in science and engineering and is a founding member of the Polytechnic Institute of Paris.

In terms of accreditation, École Polytechnique is recognized by reputable organizations that have the legal authority to officially charter, license, register, or accredit the institution as a whole. Its programs are accredited, making its students eligible for Master’s and graduate-level programs, both in France and abroad.

Financial aid at École Polytechnique is available in two categories: merit-based and need-based. The school offers scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need, with eligibility for most types of financial aid reserved for students who are admitted with honors. However, it’s important to note that the financial aid provided does not cover all fees (tuition and living costs).

18. Nantes Université

  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Tuition fee: €185

Nantes Université, located in Western France, is a major higher education and research center. Over the past 50 years, it has consistently advanced its training and research to the highest level.

The university is officially recognized and institutionally accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France. It has also been ranked among the top 25 French universities.

Students coming from the European Union may be able to benefit from financial aid when participating in an exchange program. Non-EU students should contact the cultural center in the French embassy of their home country. Grants are available but allocation is the French Embassy’s decision only.

19. Université de Caen Normandie

  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Tuition fee: €170

The Université de Caen Normandie, also known as Unicaen, is a public university located in Caen, France.

The university offers a wide range of courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor’s degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees. Some of the degree programs are taught in English, including International Management, Applied Economics, and Educational Mobility and Tourism.

In terms of financial aid, the university does not offer scholarships to international students. However, students can benefit from different types of aid such as bourses and financial aid managed by the Crous.

The university has a good reputation in the academic world. It is ranked #997 in Best Global Universities and #384 in Best Global Universities in Europe. The university has also received a rating of 4.3 based on student reviews.

The university has 41 research units, including 21 accredited by major organizations (CNRS, INRAE, INSERM, CEA).

20. Université Paris Nanterre

  • Tuition fee: €250

Université Paris Nanterre, also known as Paris X Nanterre, is a public research university located in Nanterre, Paris, France. It is one of the most prestigious French universities, especially in the areas of law, humanities, political science, social and natural sciences, and economics.

The university is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France). It is ranked #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

Université Paris Nanterre offers innovative educational instruction in the following fields: arts, humanities, languages; social and human sciences; law, economics, management; sports sciences and physical education, and also science and technology.

It offers 25 bachelor’s degrees with 76 specializations, 13 Double Bachelor’s courses, 5 multidisciplinary bachelor’s degrees, 27 professional bachelor’s courses, and 58 master’s degrees with 155 specializations.

21. École Centrale de Lyon

  • Acceptance rate: 15%
  • Tuition fee: €3,770

École Centrale de Lyon is a prestigious research university located in Ecully, France. Founded in 1857, it is one of the oldest graduate schools in France and is part of the Grandes Écoles, a group of French institutions dedicated to engineering, scientific research, and business education.

The university is officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France).

Several grants and scholarships are open to international students. The Family Allowance Fund (CAF) offers financial aid for accommodation.

École Centrale de Lyon offers a wide range of courses. It offers an International Master, 100% in English, based on the internationally recognized research activities of the École and its partners. It is also co-accredited to offer 13 Master 2 programs in various fields.

22. Université Clermont Auvergne

  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Tuition fee: €200

Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA) is a public university located in Clermont-Ferrand, France. It was established through the merger of Blaise Pascal University and the University of Auvergne. The university is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France.

The university provides several financial aid options for students. The university also provides accommodation options for students, including university dormitories run by the CROUS organization and private halls of residence.

23. Université de Poitiers

  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Tuition fee: €200

The Université de Poitiers is a public university located in Poitiers, France. It was established in 1431, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European universities.

The university is officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France). The training courses offered by the university are validated by internationally recognized diplomas.

The university offers various types of financial assistance to students depending on their situation. This includes grants based on CROUS social criteria, assistance in reimbursement of university fees, and the Visale guarantee, a tenancy deposit set up by the Government for students under 30 years of age.

The university offers courses in all disciplines at all levels from the two-year Higher National Diploma up to the Doctorate. The variety of subjects taught offers a wide range of professional opportunities in spheres of activity such as Law, Economics and Business management, Life, health and sport sciences, Sciences and Technology, Social sciences, humanities, languages and arts, and Education.

FAQs on the Best Public Universities in France You Would Love

Why focus on public universities in France?

Public universities in France offer high-quality education at affordable costs, making them attractive options for domestic and international students alike.

What makes these universities stand out from others?

These universities stand out for their academic excellence, diverse program offerings, research contributions, vibrant campus life, and commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Are these universities accessible to international students?

Yes, many of these universities actively welcome international students and offer various support services, including language programs and cultural integration initiatives.

Can students pursue programs in English at these universities?

While French is the primary language of instruction at most universities in France, many institutions offer programs taught in English, especially at the graduate level.

Are there opportunities for cultural exchange and extracurricular activities?

Yes, these universities boast vibrant campus communities with a wide range of cultural, social, and recreational activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the public universities in France listed above offer a diverse range of programs and opportunities for students from all over the world.

They are renowned for their academic rigor, innovative research, and commitment to intellectual excellence.

Choosing to study in France is choosing to step into a world of academic prestige. Whether you’re drawn by the strong arts programs, the vibrant student life, or the chance to learn in a multicultural environment, these universities are sure to provide a rewarding and enriching educational journey. Remember, the best university for you is the one that fits your personal and academic needs the most.

So, as you embark on your academic journey, consider these public universities in France, as they will equip you with the knowledge you need to better your future. 

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