France offers some of Europe’s top-ranked universities for international students in 2026, including Sorbonne University, PSL, Paris-Saclay, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris and Grenoble INP. Tuition fees at public universities remain low, typically between €2,700–€4,000 per year, with a wide selection of English-taught programs in engineering, business, computer science, data science, life sciences and humanities. International students also benefit from a 2-year post-study work visa and strong career opportunities.
France is one of Europe’s most popular study destinations, offering world-ranked public universities, affordable tuition fees, English-taught programs and strong post-study career opportunities. For international students, especially Indian students, France provides a high-quality education system, a growing technology and business ecosystem, and a multicultural environment with excellent research facilities.
This guide highlights the Top 10 Universities in France for International Students in 2026, covering their rankings, tuition fees, best courses, admission competitiveness, cost of living and benefits of studying in France.
Top 10 Universities in France for International Students in 2026
1. Sorbonne University (Paris)
Best for: Humanities, Sciences, Medicine, Marine Science
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 60
Fees: €2,700–€4,000 per year
Sorbonne University remains one of the best universities in France for international students due to its strong research output, exceptional faculty and wide range of English-taught programs. It is a top choice for students seeking affordable universities in France with high global rankings.
2. PSL University (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Best for: Data Science, AI, Physics, Mathematics, Arts
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 30
Fees: €2,500–€4,500
PSL is known for high-impact scientific research and elite academic programmes. Its strong placement rates and close partnerships with research labs make it one of the top universities in France with English-taught master’s programs.
3. Université Paris-Saclay
Best for: Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Physics
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 20
Fees: €2,700–€4,000
Paris-Saclay consistently ranks among the best universities in the world for engineering, mathematics and physics. It attracts international students seeking STEM-focused universities in France with strong research and industry collaboration.
4. École Polytechnique (L’X)
Best for: Engineering, Mathematics, Quantum Science
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 60
Fees: €12,000–€16,000 per year
École Polytechnique is one of the most prestigious engineering schools in Europe. Though fees are higher, it offers exceptional labs, innovation-driven programs and strong job outcomes, especially for careers in data science, aerospace, AI and advanced engineering.
5. HEC Paris
Best for: Business, Finance, Marketing, Management
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 5 in Europe (Business School)
Fees: €20,000–€45,000
HEC Paris is France’s most recognised business school. Students targeting careers in consulting, finance or entrepreneurship prefer HEC due to its global network and excellent placement rates.
6. Grenoble INP – UGA
Best for: Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Embedded Systems
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 350
Fees: €2,700–€3,500
Grenoble INP is known for producing highly sought-after engineering graduates. Its strong industry connections make it one of the best engineering universities in France for international students.
7. Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
Best for: Computer Science, Physics, AI, Earth Science
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 200
Fees: €2,700–€3,000
UGA is a globally ranked public university with strong STEM and data-driven programs. Its affordability and quality make it popular among international students seeking budget-friendly universities in France.
8. Aix-Marseille University
Best for: Medicine, Law, Humanities, Marine Science
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 350
Fees: €2,700–€4,000
With one of the largest international student populations in France, Aix-Marseille University offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programs alongside affordable living conditions in southern France.
9. Université de Montpellier
Best for: Biology, Medicine, Environmental Science, Engineering
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 300
Fees: €2,700–€3,000
Montpellier is known for life sciences and healthcare-related programs. It is one of the most affordable and student-friendly cities in France, making it a preferred study destination.
10. Sciences Po Paris
Best for: Political Science, International Relations, Economics
QS 2026 Ranking: Top 50 (Social Sciences)
Fees: €10,000–€17,000
Sciences Po is globally acclaimed for public policy, political science and international relations. Ideal for students targeting careers in government, diplomacy and global affairs.
| University | City | QS 2026 Rank | Top Fields | Approx. Annual Fees |
| Sorbonne University | Paris | Top 60 | Humanities, Sciences, Medicine | €2,700–€4,000 |
| PSL University (Paris Sciences et Lettres) | Paris | Top 30 | Data Science, Physics, Arts, Math | €2,500–€4,500 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | Paris Region | Top 20 | Engineering, AI, Physics, Life Sciences | €2,700–€4,000 |
| École Polytechnique (L’X) | Palaiseau | Top 60 | Engineering, AI, Mathematics | €12,000–€16,000 |
| HEC Paris | Jouy-en-Josas | Top 5 (Business EU) | Business, Finance, Management | €20,000–€45,000 |
| Grenoble INP – UGA | Grenoble | Top 350 | Engineering, Energy, Materials | €2,700–€3,500 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) | Grenoble | Top 200 | CS, Physics, AI, Engineering | €2,700–€3,000 |
| Aix-Marseille University | Marseille | Top 350 | Medicine, Law, Humanities | €2,700–€4,000 |
| Université de Montpellier | Montpellier | Top 300 | Biology, Medicine, Environmental Science | €2,700–€3,000 |
| Sciences Po Paris | Paris | Top 50 (Social Sciences) | IR, Economics, Political Science | €10,000–€17,000 |
Best Universities in France by Courses
Best for Engineering & Technology
- École Polytechnique
- Paris-Saclay University
- Grenoble INP – UGA
Best for Business & Management
- HEC Paris
- ESSEC Business School
- SKEMA Business School
Best for AI, Data Science & Computer Science
- PSL University
- Université Grenoble Alpes
- Université Paris-Saclay
Best Budget-Friendly Universities
- Aix-Marseille University
- Université de Montpellier
- Université Grenoble Alpes
Cost of Studying in France for International Students (2026)
| Expense Category | Annual Estimate |
| Public University Tuition Fees | €2,700–€4,000 |
| Grande École Tuition Fees | €10,000–€45,000 |
| Living Expenses | €9,000–€12,000 |
| Health Insurance | €300–€500 |
Pros and Cons of Studying in France
Pros
- Low tuition fees at public universities
- 2-year post-study work visa
- Strong global employability
- English-taught programs in STEM, business and social sciences
- High academic reputation and research output
Cons
- Living costs in Paris are high
- Some bachelor’s programs require French language skills
- Competitive admission for top institutions
Conclusion
France is one of the strongest global study destinations for international students in 2026, offering affordable education, world-ranked universities, English-taught programs and excellent post-study career opportunities. With institutions like Sorbonne University, PSL, Paris-Saclay, École Polytechnique and Université Grenoble Alpes, students gain access to high-quality academics, research excellence and strong employability across Europe.
For Indian students seeking a combination of affordability, global recognition and career-oriented programs, France remains one of the most attractive and practical choices for higher education abroad.
Related Blogs:
- Living Expenses for International Students in France
- Why Study in France: Key Advantages for International Students
- Top French Universities for International Students
- Part-Time Job Opportunities for International Students in France
- Living in France as an International Student: Culture, Campus, and Beyond
- Top Courses to Study in France for International Students
FAQs
1. Which is the best university in France for international students?
Université Paris-Saclay and PSL University are considered among the best due to rankings and academic excellence.
2. Are French universities affordable for international students?
Yes. Public universities in France offer low tuition fees compared to other European countries.
3. Do French universities offer English-taught programs?
Yes. Most top universities offer English-taught programs at the master’s level, especially in STEM and business.
4. Is France a good option for Indian students?
Yes. France offers scholarships, English-taught programs, and a two-year post-study work opportunity for master’s graduates.
5. Can international students work in France while studying?
Yes. Students can work up to 964 hours per year alongside their studies.
6. Which French universities are best for engineering and technology?
Université Paris-Saclay, École Polytechnique and Université Grenoble Alpes are the best choices for engineering, AI, computer science and technology programs.
7. Which university in France is best for business and management studies?
HEC Paris is the top university for business and management studies, followed by ESSEC, ESCP and other leading French business schools.
8. Are French public universities good for international students?
Yes. French public universities offer globally recognised degrees, low tuition fees and strong research opportunities for international students.
9. What is the average tuition fee at top French universities?
Public universities charge around €2,700–€4,000 per year, while business schools and grandes écoles have higher fees depending on the program.
10. Which French universities offer the most English-taught programs?
Université Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Sorbonne University, Université Grenoble Alpes and Sciences Po offer many English-taught master’s programs.
11. Is France affordable for international students compared to other countries?
Yes. France is more affordable than the UK and the US due to low public tuition fees and student housing support.
12. Which city in France is best for international students?
Paris offers top universities and jobs, while Grenoble, Montpellier and Lyon are better for affordability and student lifestyle.
13. Do French universities offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Scholarships include Eiffel Excellence, Emile Boutmy, Erasmus+, Paris-Saclay scholarships and university-specific grants.
14. Can international students stay in France after graduation?
Yes. Master’s graduates can apply for a 2-year post-study work visa, allowing them to search for jobs or start working in France.
15. Are French degrees recognised globally?
Yes. Degrees from top French universities are recognised worldwide and valued by employers across Europe, North America and Asia.