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cheapest universities in france for international students

France is considered an international hub for its artistic, cultural, and scientific significance. It is known for its iconic French way of life, aesthetically pleasing cities, iconic architecture, and especially tantalizing cuisine.

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France has a highly regarded education system, and its universities have been ranked among the top in the world.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that up to 90% of international students choose to opt for France as a study abroad destination due to these very tempting reasons.

In addition to the high standards of academic education offered by the universities, students have access to a life-changing educational experience, be it in terms of world-famous museums and stunning sites to globally recognized cuisine and cultural aesthetics at anyone’s doorstep. In this article, we present a series of cheap universities in France. This will hopefully give you an idea of the finances and funding that go into studying in this iconic country.

Do you want to know more about Cheapest Universities In France For International Students, tuition free universities in france for international students 2021, public universities in paris and more? Then read on to know more as this article provides the latest informattion about all these and more.

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What are some of the most popular degrees in France for International Students?

France is home to many excellent degree programs. For international students, these are the most popular courses:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Computer Science
  • Law
  • Business

How much does it cost to study at a university in France?

In terms of tuition fees, the costs can range from around EUR 180 to 15,000 in total, which largely depends on the university. When considering the costs of living, this will depend on the student’s lifestyle and the location of the university. Large cities like Paris range from EUR 1200 to 1800 per month while areas in Lyons/Bordeaux or Toulouse can be as low as EUR 600 per month.

Do I have to learn French to study?

French is considered to be the primary language of instruction with teaching activities. However, with the constant increase in international students who arrive in the country, there are now hundreds of different courses that are taught and administered in English across a majority of French universities. If you are wanting to learn in English, you will need to have English proficiency exam results such as the IELTS or TOEFL.https://de3daef779bafbcf5242113f89f2747a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

To this end, learning French is not a major prerequisite. However, if you are enrolling in a French-taught course, proficiency in the language is compulsory.

Cheap Universities in France

1. University of Paris

The University of Paris is a public university that was founded through a merger between the Paris Descartes and the Paris Diderot Universities. Founded in 2019, this cheap university in France is an institution that is committed to scientific, cultural, and professional applications through education.

The university currently offers degrees to a student population of over 50,000. It also maintains a strong research profile, overseeing over 10 different institutes and 87 laboratories while also maintaining collaborations with multiple foreign and national universities.

The university aims to conduct and provide education and research related to science at a high standard. The top programs at the University of Paris are Business and Nursing.

2. University of Orleans

The Université d’Orleans is a public research university that is based in the city of Orleans in Northwestern France. Its history dates back to the early 14th century although the current university gained its status only in 1960. So theoretically, this makes the University of Orleans one of the oldest universities in the country.

The university manages and provides a range of academic programs including Law, Management, Economics, Linguistics, Social Sciences, Classical Languages, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.

Collectively, the university has grown to become a national hub and an influential center for learning throughout the century. It is ranked among the top 100 universities in France. It is an original member of the Leonardo da Vinci Association of Institutions in the country too.

3. University de Montpelier

Founded in 1289, the University of Montpellier is classified as the oldest university in the country. Located in the southeastern city of Montpellier, the university underwent a split into 3 different universities before it was merged back into its original status in 2015. Currently, the university has a student enrolment of over 41,000 in total.

Academically, this one of the cheapest universities in France is comprised of 7 major departments including Law, Economics, Pharmacy, Medicine, Odontology, Exercise Science and Business Administration. These departments enable the university to provide over 100 different courses and degrees of study for the students. Fields such as Law and Ecological Studies are among the most highly ranked in the country.

Research institutes are cutting-edge and an essential core of the university’s presence in the country and regularly contribute to the economy of the region. The university has further been ranked among the top 50 most innovative universities in the world.

4. University of Strasbourg

The University of Strasbourg is a public research university located in the city of Strasbourg in France. With a student population of over 55,000 and around 3300 researchers working at the university, it is among the largest institutions of higher education in the country.https://de3daef779bafbcf5242113f89f2747a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

This was after the university underwent a merger with 3 other minor universities. As of 2019, the university has been associated with approximately 20 Nobel Laureates and 2 Field medallists. It is also a member of the League of European Research Universities for its high contributions to research.

It is also one of the most international universities in the region; approximately 20% of the student population consists of foreign students who come from over 150 different countries in the world for their studies. As a result, the city is one of the most popular destinations for study abroad students.

5. University of Burgundy

The University of Burgundy is another public university located in the eastern region of Dijon in France. Founded in 1722, the university currently provides student education for over 30,000, of which approximately 10% are international students coming from around 100 different countries.

The main campus of this cheap university in France is located just outside the city of Dijon with the majority of the academic faculties located in the region.

The university is academically comprised of around 10 major faculties along with 3 institutes of technology, 4 engineering schools, and institutes of education. The university’s primary Institute of Technology also offers higher-level diplomas and short-term courses across a wide array of disciplines.

International students also have access to the CIEF, a center for learning the French language which helps them to develop their proficiency in the language during the course of their studies.

Additionally, it is classified to be one of the top universities in France to offer plenty of support as well as a diverse student life for international and disabled students.

6. École Normale Supérieure (Paris)

The Ecole Normale Superieure of Paris (or ENS Paris) is a graduate university based in the capital of Paris. It is known to be the most influential and selective institution of higher education in the region and possibly the country.

The university was founded in the early 18th century and currently has over 2500 students studying its degrees. It has received particular recognition in the fields of physics and mathematics with an exceedingly high proportion of Nobel Laureates and Field Medallists.

Academically, the university is divided into the ‘Letters’ section which oversees the arts, social and human sciences and subsequently includes 8 sub-departments. Its second division is the ‘Sciences’ section that manages the natural and mathematical sciences section and includes 7 sub-departments. Student classes are small, seeing as the university has one of the lowest student enrolments in the country due to its increasing selectivity in admissions.

7. École Centrale de Lyon

Based in the iconic region of Lyon, the Ecole Centrale de Lyon is a research institution that was founded in 1857. It is one of the oldest graduate schools in the country and is a member of the Grandes Ecoles of France, a group committed to providing high-quality education in science, engineering, business education, and research.

The most reputed and highly ranked fields in the university are those of biosciences, acoustic technology, and nanotechnology. The student population numbers around 1300+ in total and students have access to an educational experience that is focused on training highly skilled graduates with a strong focus on applied science.

This cheap university in France for international students further maintains very strong links with other world-class institutions across the world, including the likes of the Darmstadt Institute of Technology in Germany and the Imperial College of London.

8. Sciences Po

The Sciences Po (or the Paris Institute of Political Studies) is a prestigious institution of higher education located primarily in Paris, with additional campuses in other regions of the country. The institution has a student population of over 14,000 students. These areas include Reims, Dijon, Poitiers and Le Havre.

Academically, the university is comprised of the Undergraduate College and 7 Graduate Schools (which are similar to faculties and oversee fields such as Law, Public Affairs, International Affairs, and Journalism. The undergraduate college offers a range of degrees with a multidisciplinary basis as well as dual degrees in collaboration with partner institutions across the world.

In terms of research, Sciences Po has a thriving community and is connected to cutting-edge research in the fields of economics, political science, sociology, and history.

9. École Polytechnique

Ecole Polytechnique is another public institution of higher education. Founded in 1794, it is a member of the Grandes Ecole network and is committed to providing quality education in the field of engineering.

With a student population of over 3500, the university is most reputed for its iconic ‘polytechnic engineer’ program; it includes significantly broader training as opposed to the majority of public universities in the country and focuses on providing a more widespread learning experience.

Additionally, numerous Masters and doctoral programs are offered to the students as well. These programs at this cheap university in France tend to be linked and administered in collaboration with other universities in the Grandes Ecole Network.

With its high standards of academics, it comes as no surprise that, internationally, the university has gained a strong academic reputation and it is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.

University of Paris

tuition free universities in france for international students 2021

In terms of popularity, France is listed as one of the top destinations for international students.

Home to some of the world’s best universities, students are also drawn to France because they can practise or improve their French, visit famous museums, and experience the typical “à la française” lifestyle. Another major benefit is the affordable tuition fee system.

Let’s find out more about the cost of studying and living in France for international students like you.

1. University tuition fees in France

Tuition fees at public universities

Tuition fees at public universities in France have variable prices, depending on your chosen study level.

  • For Bachelor’s programmes, the average tuition fees are around 170 EUR per year.
  • Engineering degrees have higher tuition fees of around 620 EUR per academic year.
  • The average tuition fees for Medicine studies can reach up to 450 EUR per year.
  • The average fees for a Master’s degree are around 260 EUR/year and for a PhD 396 EUR/year; you should expect higher fees for certain specialised degrees.

Aside from tuition fees, you will also need to pay a contribution to campus and student life of 91 EUR.

Keep in mind that tuition fees at public universities often only apply to students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you might have to pay more for your studies. To avoid confusion or future problems, visit the university/study programme page and check if tuition costs apply to students from your country.

Tuition fees at other higher education institutions

  • Grandes ecoles – Foreign students will pay more at France’s highly selective grandes écoles and grands établissements (great schools and establishments), which set their own fees (about 500-600 EUR per year, but in some cases, they can lead up to 10,000 EUR per year).
  • Private universities – Tuition fees start at 1,500 EUR and can go over 20,000 EUR per year.
  • At business schools, regardless of the degree level, fees range between 5,000 and 30,000 EUR a year.

Most affordable universities in France

Check out some of the French universities with the most affordable tuition fees:

  • University of Orleans – tuition fees: 170 – 601 EUR/year
  • University of Strasbourg – tuition fees: 184 – 610 EUR/year
  • Grenoble INP Institute of Engineering Univ. Grenoble Alpes – tuition fees: 122 – 470 EUR/year
  • University of Burgundy – tuition fees: 170 – 601 EUR/year

Universities we recommend in France

  • Emlyon Business School
  • HEC Paris
  • EURECOM – Graduate school and Research center in Digital Science
  • Institut Polytechnique de Paris
  • Université de Lyon

2. Average student living costs in France

The overall living costs in France depend on your lifestyle, but, most of all, they depend on your chosen location, mainly the French city you live in.

Check the average budget you would need for each large city in France:

  • Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence)
  • Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month
  • Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between 800 – 1,000 EUR
  • For the rest of France, you can manage with smaller amounts (at least 650 EUR)

3. Student accommodation costs

Prices for accommodation are usually above the international average of 200 – 300 EUR/month.

The main housing options for students in France are:

  • Student halls of residence – on average, 200 EUR/month. Paris is the exception, at 400 EUR/month. Around 13% of international students live in student residences. It’s one of the most popular accommodation options among students, but the demand is much higher than the supply.
  • Rent/share an apartment – between 400 and 700 EUR/month (800 EUR/month in Paris), while in smaller French cities you can rent a small apartment for about 300 EUR/month.
  • If you live with your partner and/or child(ren), the price for rent will range from 700 to 1,000 EUR/month, and you could pay higher if you choose an apartment in the city centre. The utility bills (electricity, water, the internet) would be another 200 EUR/month.
  • Host family – you can find rates that are only 200 EUR/month to about 800 EUR/month in Paris.

International students also have access to VISALE, which is a programme that acts as a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who promises to cover your rent costs if you can no longer do it. However, the VISALE programme only helps international students who rent an apartment/room in a university residence (student hall).

4. Food costs in France

French food is delicious, sophisticated and the common conception is that it is expensive as well. That may be because the French truly value every meal and they make it seem like they always celebrate something when they eat. However, food is not pricey all over France.

One person can expect to spend on average about 250 – 300 EUR/month on groceries in Paris, or less in the provinces.

The average price for a meal in the least expensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR. In gourmet restaurants, menus can be more expensive.

A more affordable option where you can have a meal anywhere in France are the bistros, brasseries and crepe stands. Some bistros serve substantial meals, and a crepe can take the place of lunch and prices are from 5 to 8 EUR.

You will get the best value if you buy from the supermarket; the cheapest supermarkets in France are Leclerc, followed by Géant Casino. Affordable places for having dinner include the Courtepaille restaurant chain, Buffalo Grill, or inexpensive restaurants in Paris, like Michi.

5. Transportation costs

  • A monthly pass for the bus, metro or tram is usually between 30 – 75 EUR.
  • Taxis are also relatively inexpensive in Paris, around 1.50 EUR/km, and you would spend 7 – 10 EUR for a short journey.
  • You can rent a bike through the Vélib bicycle rental programme; in France, Bordeaux is the most bike-friendly city.
  • You can also use the TGV to visit other cities in France for around 30 EUR a trip.

6. Extra costs and savings

  • Health insurance costs 20 – 50 EUR/month, depending on the chosen cover.
  • Books or other learning materials average at 50 EUR/month.
  • If you purchase an international youth travel card, you can get major discounts to visit sights around France.

7. University scholarships and grants

Scholarships for international students are offered by some universities, by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the French embassy from your country.

Some universities offer scholarships of 10,000 EUR per academic year to students who are maximum 30 years old the year of acceptance and who meet the criteria of academic excellence.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships through The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, mainly for students who enrol in Master’s (1,181 EUR/month) and PhD courses (1,400 EUR/month).

Most grants are awarded on the basis of financial need to students who are less than 28 years of age. The amount awarded for the need-based grant depends on the assessment of social criteria and varies between 1,606 and 4,600 EUR per year. The merit-based grant ranges from 1,800 to 6,100 EUR. At the same time, those eligible for a grant receive exemption or discount in healthcare coverage.

Cheapest Universities In France For International Students

The list of the 15 cheapest universities in France for international students is as follows;

  • University of Paris
  • Jean Monnet University
  • Claude Bernard University
  • Blaise Pascal University
  • Henri Poincare University
  • Joseph Fourier University
  • Paris 13 University
  • Pierre and Marie Curie University
  • École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
  • Université Paris-Sud 11
  • Université Paris Descartes
  • Catholic University of Lyon
  • Université Paris Dauphine
  • Universite d’Orleans
  • Universite de Montpellier

University of Paris

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. The University of Paris, otherwise known as the Sorbonne is located in Paris, France, from around 1150 to 1793, and from 1806 to 1970.

This institution is known to be the second-oldest university in Europe and internationally highly reputed for its scholastic performance in the humanities ever since the Middle Ages – notably in theology and philosophy.

The university of Paris introduced several academic standards and traditions that have stood the taste of time ever since and spread internationally, such as doctoral degrees and student nations.

A very large number of popes, scientists, intellectuals, and royalty were educated at the University of Paris.

2. Jean Monnet University

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. Based in Saint-Étienne, Jean Monnet University is a French public university that was created in 1969. It is under the Academy of Lyon and belongs to the recent administrative entity denominated the University of Lyon, which gathers different schools in Lyon and Saint-Étienne.

Its main campus is situated in Tréfilerie, in the city of Saint-Étienne. It has arts, languages, and letters courses, law, medicine, engineering, economics and management, human sciences, and the Maison de l’Université (administrative building).

Metare campus is for the study of sciences and sports. This campus is situated in a less urbanized place in the city.

3. Claude Bernard University

School Website

The Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is one of the cheap universities in France for international students and is one among the three public universities of Lyon, France.

The major areas of study covered by the university are science and medicine. The main administrative, teaching and research facilities are situated in Villeurbanne. Other campuses are the domains of Gerland, Rockefeller, and Laennec.

Teaching is provided by Claude Bernard Lyon 1 university in the following fields: science and technology, health and sport. In addition, Lyon 1 helps each of its students to personally prepare their own career path.

This institution has been known for the establishment of a strong intellectual reputation both in France and throughout the globe and is continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge. It has also been after the promotion of education through research and constantly encouraging dialogue between science and society.

Its campuses, situated in the heart of an outstanding region, are lively places with a good number of activities. As well as enabling students to develop and achieve a sense of personal fulfillment: a University to live life to the full.

4. Blaise Pascal University

School Website

Also known as Université Blaise Pascal, Blaise Pascal is one of the cheap universities in France for international students and is a public university established in 1854 with its main campus in Clermont-Ferrand, as part of Clermont-Ferrand University, France, with satellite locations in other parts of the region of Auvergne.

The Blaise Pascal University was created by the division of the University into two entities and was named after mathematician, scientist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal, who was given birth to in Clermont.

This institution offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Language and Cultural Studies, and Science and Technology. It also offers bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Business and Social Science.

5. Henri Poincare University

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. Established in the year 1970, this University is otherwise known as Nancy 1 and is a public research university situated in Nancy, France. It was a member of the Nancy-Université federation, belonging to the French Nancy-Metz Academy.

As of the year 2012, Henri Poincaré University stopped existing and merged with the University of Nancy 2, the University Paul Verlaine in Metz and the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, to form the now known University of Lorraine.

The faculties that make up this school include science and technology, medical school, pharmacy, Dentistry, sports, engineering schools telecom while its three institutes of technology are nancy- brabois, longwy and st. Die.

6. Joseph Fourier University

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. This university is also known as Grenoble I. It was a French university located in the city of Grenoble and majored in the fields of sciences, technologies, and health. Presently, this university is part of the Université Grenoble Alpes. The origins of this scientific university can be traced all the way back to 1811 when a faculty of science was established in Grenoble by scientist Joseph Fourier.

This institution provides students with a high-quality education, giving them the enablement à to gain strong professional skills in courses like sciences, technology, medicine and society (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Mechanics, Engineering and Technology, Earth and Universe Sciences, Environment, Geography, Sports science, and Physical Education).

Joseph Fourier university runs many laboratories, many in association with CNRS, Grenoble-INP and other major institutions.

7. Paris 13 University

School Link

This institution is one of the thirteen universities in Paris which replaced the University of Paris in 1970. It is also identified as the University of Paris North (Université Paris Nord).

This university was created when the Rector of the Academy of Paris decided to create 13 autonomous multidisciplinary universities, which replaced the faculties of the University of Paris, and the faculty of Villetaneuse.

Following the dismantling of the University of Paris, the buildings and land of the establishment were owned by the chancellor of the universities of Paris. The Chancery of Creteil universities provides budgetary control and the University of Legality.

This university offers to its students a wide range of academic training, in courses that include Arts, Humanities, Science, communication, economics and management, law, political and socials sciences, Health, Medicine and Human Biology and the physical and sports activities

Université Paris 13 Nord is a reputable academic institution and teaching center in the North of Paris.

8. Pierre and Marie Curie University

School Website

This institution of higher learning, also known as Paris VI, is a public research university in Paris, France.

This university has more than 125 laboratories. It is one of the largest teaching institutes of science and medicine in Europe.

Its establishment came through in 1971 after the division of the famous University of Paris, it was divided among 18 different campuses into four French regions. And was one of the inheritors of the faculty of Sciences of the University of Paris, which was divided into several universities in the year 1970.

9. École Normale Superieure (ENS Paris)

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. ENS Paris is a French higher education establishment outside the framework of the public university system, and a constituent college of a collegiate university based in the Latin Quarter of Paris known as PSL Research University.

Located in the scholastic Latin Quarter, just west of the Seine in the center of the city. This college is within walking distance of famous sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the second-largest public park in Paris – the Jardin du Luxembourg,.

This is a research-led institute, the school is counted among the prestigious French universities which form the grandes écoles and is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students. It is particularly notable for its departments of humanities and science.

ENS Paris boasts an alumni community that includes 13 Nobel Prize winners, as well as all eight French Fields Medals winners. Most especially, the most coveted prize for young mathematicians.

10. Université Paris-Sud 11

School Website

Also known as the University of Paris XI, this university is a French university distributed among several campuses. Basically, in the southern suburbs of Paris including Orsay, Cachan, Châtenay.

The main campus of this university is located in Orsay and boasts of its wide scope of multidisciplinary courses, and is spread across four campuses in the southern suburbs of Paris.

Paris-Sud is one of the largest and most well-known French universities, particularly in science and mathematics.

11. Université Paris Descartes

School Website

This institution of higher learning is the only university in Paris and the whole Ile-de-France region that teaches medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry all in one university. This institution was named after 17th-century philosopher René Descartes, who inherited its medical department.

This legacy is still evident, with the institution ranking within the top 150 for anatomy & physiology, pharmacy, and medicine in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

12. Catholic University of Lyon

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. This University is a private university based in Lyon, France, and is recognized as one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.

It was established in 1875 and combines respect for Christian heritage with a spirit of openness.

Since its establishment, this university stands at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers in the center of Lyon.

With its location at the heart of a regional capital, its establishment was done by lay Catholics. Its close ties to business and strong international links. This university seeks to promote academic excellence, creativity, and integrity.

This institution offers programs in courses like; Theology and Religious Sciences, Philosophy and Law, Human Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, Language and Literature and Science

13. Université Paris Dauphine

School Website

The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in France for international students. This university is a public research and higher education institution in Paris, France and is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.

Dauphine was established as a faculty of economics and management in 1968 in the former NATO headquarters in western Paris, in the 16th arrondissement.

Dauphine is well known for its teaching in economics, finance, law, IT, social sciences finance and mathematics and business strategy.

14. Universite d’Orleans

School Website

Situated in the city of Orleans, France, a one-hour ride from Paris and just a minute ride from the famous chateaux of the Loire River Valley is enough to get to this institution. Established in 1306 by Pope Clement V, the school has been an important center of learning since then.

The academic program it offers include Law, Economics, Management, History, Geography, Linguistics, Literature, Foreign Languages. As well as Classical Languages, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, and other fields.

15. Universite de Montpellier

public universities in paris

How to apply

Each university in France has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some documents you might need to include in your university application:

  • A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
  • A transcript/record of your previous courses
  • A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
  • Your CV
  • Testing scores
  • Evidence of scholarship or funding
  • Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
  • Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a French university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in France you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require French, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To apply to study in France, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in France are:

  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL
  • IELTS
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 

Still, you should always check your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.

The public universities in France are some of the most prestigious in the world. The universities in France are known for their education standards and research facilities. State universities in France Talking about non-technical courses, the arts and fashion is something that is prevalent all over the country, making courses related to them some of the best courses to choose. In short, from Science and Engineering to Arts and Fashion, there is something for everyone in France. Here are some of the top public universities of France: Here is the list of best public universities in France for international students:

  • PSL Research University
  • Sorbonne University
  • The University of Paris- Sud
  • University of Paris 1 – Pantheon Sorbonne University
  • Grenoble Alps University

Top public universities in France

Every year QS world university ranking releases a list of top-ranking universities in the whole world. The rankings of the universities are assessed based on factors such as their academic and employer reputations, research impact, etc. Here we have mentioned the top ten universities in France which are public universities:

France rankUniversityQS World University Rankings 2021
1Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)52
2Ecole Polytechnique68
3Sorbonne University83
4CentraleSupélec138
5Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon161
=6Ecole des Ponts ParisTech242
=6Sciences Po Paris242
8Université de Paris275
9Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne287
10ENS Paris-Saclay291

Requirements to Study in France

The following documents will be needed to be submitted while applying:

  • For Bachelor’s degree, you will need Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII. If you are applying for a master’s, attach a bachelor’s degree as well.
  • Letter of reference and Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Resume
  • Photocopied score reports of language tests and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
  • If you are applying for English-taught universities in France, you may need an IELTS  or TOEFL Score.
  • Certificates/achievements and extracurricular activities
  • Proof of financial stability
  • A copy of your passport
  • A couple of passport size photographs

You can also contact your nearest campus France office for assistance to get into France for studies. The entity helps international students with their whole journey from their home country to France for studies from choosing the University to the application for a student visa in France. Non-EU students from specific countries and for selected programs can apply to the French universities and study visas with the help of Campus France.

France, therefore, is the country to go to, if one wants to get a world-class education at reasonably affordable prices. So overall it is very clear as to why France can be a place for a student to attend a high-quality education at an affordable cost, and become fluent in the beautiful and internationally used French language. In some of the top-ranked universities in France, almost thirty percent of the students are from other countries.

university of orleans tuition fees for international students

Undergraduate & GraduateMBAEngineering
Tuition & Fees$15,797$17,797$16,297
Books & Insurance$ 4,996$ 4,996$4,996
Living Expenses$14,207$14,207$14,207
Total Fall & Spring$35,000$37,000$35,500

* For each dependent, additional $3,000 USD is required.

INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident, but your secondary education transcripts are from outside of the U.S. (i.e. you are not a U.S. high school graduate), you must meet the international freshmen applicant requirements. Please submit a photocopy of both sides of your Alien Registration Card (Form I-551).

TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores are not required for applicants from the following countries:

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.K. (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), U.S.A.

Applicants who are not from one of the above countries but have previously completed high school and/or college level work in the US may also receive an English Proficiency waiver.

International Freshmen Applicants

Minimum admission requirements for freshmen:

  • Official high school transcripts must be sent directly from the school. The transcripts must be in the original language, accompanied by an official English translation.
  • Must have achieved at least a 2.5 core GPA, as calculated by UNO Admissions. In addition, students must have the minimum ACT/SAT scores (listed below)

Math Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 19 or SAT 510 – English Test Scores (one of the following):
– ACT 18
– SAT 500 (Evidence-based Reading & Writing)
– TOEFL (paper-based) 550
– TOEFL IB 79
– IELTS 6.5
– Duolingo English Test 100

International Transfer Applicants

Minimum admission requirements for transfers:

  • All foreign transcripts (universities outside of the U.S.) must be evaluated by an NACES Evaluation AgencySPANTRAN is recommended. An official course-by-course evaluation must be included.
  • Have earned at least 24 hours of university-level credits, including a university-level math course .
  • A minimum GPA of 2.25 on all university work *Less than 24 hours of university work must meet the freshman admission requirements as well as have a 2.25 GPA on the university work.
  • TOEFL (paper-based) 550, TOEFL IB 79, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 100. 
    International Graduate Applications
  • All foreign transcripts (universities outside of the U.S.) must be evaluated by an NACES Evaluation Agency. SPANTRAN is recommended. An official course-by-course evaluation must be included. Intensive English Language Program Students who require additional English preparation may first enroll in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). The Admissions Office will conditionally admit students pending successful completion of the UNO IELP program. The admission letter will include language that to be fully admitted to UNO, the student will need to meet the criteria above. In place of English test scores above, the student may also secure admission by successfully completing IELP with the following scores: 63+ LGVR and 70+ Writing on the IELP Exit Exam. Contact the IELP office by email or leaving a message at 504-280-5530. Supplemental Documents• Financial Support Form Please submit forms & direct questions to internationaladmit@uno.eduMath Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 19 or SAT 510 – English Test Scores (one of the following):
    – ACT 18
    – SAT 500 (Evidence-based Reading & Writing)
    – TOEFL (paper-based) 550
    – TOEFL IB 79
    – IELTS 6.5 – Duolingo English Test – Minimum score 100
    The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with the University of New Orleans when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. 
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