Best Universities in France in 2024

When looking for options to pursue higher education in France, one of the metrics to consider when choosing an institution is the global and national rankings. Rankings by agencies like QS and THE are decided by imposing a range of credible and crucial parameters. Below are some of the top-ranking French universities in and around the globe. 

Apart from this, universities are known as institutions; universities in France are also known for MBA, MS, and Engineering courses. Home to some of the top business schools, the country ensures that every MBA aspirant is satisfied with the diverse courses.

It is home to one of the best business universities in the world, INSEAD, France, which makes it a great study destination for MBA courses. Listed below are some of the top universities in France with their basic test score requirements:

Also, Read: How to Get a Student Visa for France

Students planning to enrol in an MS degree from universities in France can choose from the top-ranking MS programs in marketing, data science, management, and business analytics. A list of a few universities is given below:

Some Polytechnic universities in France make it a perfect study destination for those looking forward to study engineering programs. Below is a list of universities ranked for their engineering programs in France and their fees.

Also, Read: Master's in France: Top Universities, Courses, Fees & More

French universities generated the most employable graduates and have been ranked top in the Global University Employability Ranking in recent years. France is ranked second globally, after only the US and ahead of Germany, followed by the UK and China. Below is the employability ranking of famous French universities and the average salary of graduates:

Almost every year, about 3 lakh students from all over the world are admitted to French universities. Please note that the admission process for domestic and international students is different. However, International students can check the information below to secure admission to French universities:

Application Portal: CEF/ Study in France (Few universities accept online applications through the website as well), and the Intake Season in September and March

• Minimum 70% in Grade 12

• Minimum 60% for Foundation and Diploma Program

• English proficiency- IELTS Academic/ TOEFL iBT/ PTE Academic

• French language proficiency- DELF/ DALF/ TCF

• GMAT and GRE(the score varies depending on the university)

The Candidate has to submit documents that are necessary to study abroad in addition to submitting an application purpose for the university. Some major documents that need to be submitted are:

• Academic Transcripts

• CV

• Copy of Passport

• Certificate of Achievement and award (if applicable)

• Passport Size Photograph

• Portfolio

• Letter of Recommendation

• Test score reports

• Statement of purpose

• The Candidate has to submit documents that are necessary to study abroad in durng the enrollment in the universities. documents that need to be submitted are:

• Proof of Finances

• Cover Letter

• Visa

• Insurance

International students must plan their finances well before arriving because France is an expensive country to live in. However, the cost of living varies depending on the city and the institution of studying. Below is the estimated average monthly cost that a student has to bear while staying:

Indian students can apply for many scholarships to help them manage their expenses while studying in France. There are various scholarships for international students, such as French Government Scholarships, Institutional Scholarships, and Co-financed or Joint Scholarships.

Candidates with good academic scores on exams, other achievements, necessary documents, and essays explain why a scholarship is needed.

Some prominent scholarships provided by the best universities in France for international students are as follows:

In addition to these scholarships, students with good academic records seeking admission to professional or technical programs in French universities can also apply for education loans. Moreover, international students can work 964 hours as a part-time worker in a year. Several student jobs are available at colleges, such as assisting new students, helping disabled students, tutoring, IT support, working in the career centre, etc.

Some other scholarships available with academic institutions in France can cover the partial or total expenses of attending college. Here are a few scholarships that students seeking to study abroad can take advantage of:

• GSE Language Development Scholarship by Global Student Experience

• ISA Diversity Scholarship by International Studies Abroad Inc

• Annette Kade Scholarships by International Student Exchange Program

• The Michaela Farnum Memorial Scholarship by International Studies Abroad Inc. (ISA)

• Arcadia University Gilman Scholarships

• Dr. Carlos E. Memorial Scholarship by International Studies Abroad Inc.

• Boren Scholarships and Fellowships by Boren Awards For International Study

• Chateaubriand Fellowship by the University of Illinois

• GSE Summer Scholarship by Global Student Experience

• International Education of Students

• IES Abroad Excellence in a Foreign Language Scholarship by the Institute for the

• GSE Academic Scholarship by Global Student Experience

Also, Read: Best Countries to Study Abroad  

With a significant business school presence and universities making their mark worldwide, France has become a popular European study destination among international and Indian students. For those seeking European-style education at a cheaper rate than the UK, France is the perfect location to pursue higher education. With multiple top universities in France and their global recognition worldwide, the country has gained a tracking of around 358,000 international student population. The increasing popularity of the location as a top study destination is due to the universities' reputation, where French universities are as far as top countries’ universities like the UK, the US, etc.

We hope the blog gives you sufficient knowledge about the best universities in France in 2024. If you still need clarification and seeking more information on this topic, we encourage you to speak with our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) if you need more profound insight. If you cannot travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Contact us now at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

1. What is the procedure for applying to universities in France?

Admission to these top universities in France requires applicants to submit an online application or apply through the Study in France Procedure. International applicants planning to pursue education with these top universities in France must present their academic scores, fulfil language proficiency requirements (English and French, based on the course opted), and have competitive scores in tests like GMAT when applying to MBA courses.

2. For what kind of courses are French universities recognised?

The top universities in France are often recognised for their MS and Engineering courses, but students can apply for various other courses.

3. How can international scholars apply for admission to France?

International scholars can apply online by visiting the universities' official websites. The universities' intake process begins in March and ends in September.

4. What are the requirements for academic sessions at the universities in France?

The requirements for academic sessions are a minimum of 70% in Grade 12, a Minimum of 60% for the Foundation and Diploma Program, French language proficiency—DELF/ DALF/ TCF, English proficiency—IELTS Academic/ TOEFL iBT/ PTE Academic, GMAT, and GRE(the score varies depending on the university).

5. What documents are necessary for admission?

The documents essential for admission are academic transcripts, a CV, a copy of a passport, a passport-size photograph, two references, test score reports, proof of finances, a letter of recommendation, a portfolio, an essay, a cover letter, a statement of purpose, a visa, and insurance.

6. What is the rank of French universities globally?

French institutions produce the most employable graduates and have been ranked in the Global University Employability Ranking. France is ranked second globally, after only the US and ahead of Germany, followed by the UK and China.

7. What kind of scholarship did French universities provide?

French universities offer international students French Government Scholarships, Institutional Scholarships, and Co-financed or Joint Scholarships.

8. What does the MS program at French universities provide?

Students planning to enrol in an MS degree from universities in France can choose from the top-ranking MS programs in marketing, data science, management, and business analytics.

9. Are students allowed to work part-time?

French law permits students to do 964 hours of part-time work in a given year. International students are also qualified for student jobs at universities. Students are hired to help incoming students, help disabled students, provide tutoring, provide IT support and assistance, work in the career centre, and much more.

10. Is living in France is expensive?

Yes, International students must plan their finances well before arriving because France is an expensive country to live in. However, the cost of living varies depending on the city and the institution of studying.