Explore the list of top 15 universities in France for international students in 2026. Check the best public universities in France for higher education.
France is one of the trending study abroad destinations for higher education among international students. It attracts thousands of applicants every year to study undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Business, Engineering, Medicine, Arts, Law, etc. Popular universities like Université PSL, Université Paris-Saclay, etc., are ranked among the top 15 Universities in France for International students. All these universities offer education in both French and English, provide excellent research facilities, affordable education, and a globally recognised degree with multiple job options. Students who are planning to study in France have multiple options in public or private universities.
In this post, we are going to explore all the Top 15 Universities in France for International Students along with their world ranking in 2026.
France is among the top destinations for students looking for quality education at an affordable cost. Universities in France provide quality education with research opportunities and global connectivity to get better job opportunities. They offer education in both French and English for international students. Apart from globally ranked universities and higher education standards, France offers multiple scholarships and a safe environment for students.
France is home to numerous globally ranked universities, and many of them are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Mentioned below are the top universities in France for international students with the latest ranking:
Top Universities in France | QS Ranking in 2026 |
Université PSL | 26 |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 |
Université Paris-Saclay | 70 |
Sorbonne University | 72 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 205 |
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 257 |
Université Paris Cité | 300 |
Université Grenoble Alpes | 321 |
Sciences Po | 367 |
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon | 406 |
Université de Strasbourg | 420 |
Aix-Marseille University | 428 |
Université de Montpellier | 430 |
University of Bordeaux | 494 |
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 | 587 |
Let’s explore all the above universities in France one by one for higher education.
Founded in 2010, the Université PSL is located in Paris, a popular city in France. It is one of the top public universities in France with 3,000 industrial partners, 70 libraries, and 140 laboratories to provide better education.
Founded in 2019, Institut Polytechnique de Paris is among the most popular universities in France for international students. It is known for its science and technology courses and has around 43% of international students.
Founded in 2019, the Université Paris-Saclay is a top-ranked university in France for education in the areas of science and engineering, life sciences and health, etc. Located south of Paris, the university has 220 laboratories, 335 industrial partnerships, and 400 international partnerships for a better career.
Founded in 2018, Sorbonne University is one of the best universities in France for higher education. Currently, it ranks at #72 in the world and in the top 10 in France.
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is known for specialising in science and the humanities. It is a top choice among international students for higher education in France.
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is the world’s leading French university for humanities and social sciences. Currently, it ranks #257 and a home to over 45,000 students.
Founded in 2019, the Université Paris Cité is a popular research university for students. Currently, it ranks at #300 in the world and a home to around 60,000 students.
Founded in 1339, the Université Grenoble Alpes is one of the oldest universities in France. It is also one of the best universities in France for international students.
Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is one of the toughest universities to get admission to. The Sciences Po acceptance rate is just 10% and has 50% of international students.
Founded in 1957, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon is a top-ranked university in the world. It is home to 28% international students from over 100 countries.
The Université de Strasbourg is known for its multicultural environment and quality education. The university attracts students due to its global ranking.
Founded in 1409, Aix-Marseille University is the oldest and largest multidisciplinary university in France. It has around 80,000 students, including 12,000 international students.
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