How much does it cost to study in France?

Tuition fees in France are generally low, especially for public universities. For EU/EEA students, fees are around 170-600 euros per year. Non-EU students pay higher fees, typically between 1,700-3,770 euros annually. However, there are many scholarships available to help cover these costs. Living expenses vary by city, with Paris being more expensive than other areas. On average, students should budget around 800-1,200 euros per month for living costs.

Can I study online at universities in France?

Yes, online study options are available in France. Many universities offer online master's programmes. You can find these programmes by visiting the online master's programmes page. These courses allow you to study from anywhere while still earning a degree from a French university.

Are there part-time study options available in France?

Part-time study options are available in France, though they may be less common than full-time programmes. You can explore part-time master's programmes by visiting the part-time master's programmes page. These options are ideal for students who need to balance work or other commitments with their studies.

Are there 1-year master's programmes in France?

Yes, 1-year master's programmes are available in France. These accelerated programmes are a great option for students looking to complete their degree quickly. You can find 1-year master's programmes by visiting the 1-year master's programmes page.

Can I study at a top-ranked university in France with a scholarship?

Yes, it is possible to study at top-ranked universities in France with a scholarship. Universities like Université PSL in Paris, Paris-Saclay University, and Sorbonne University offer excellent programmes. Scholarships are available to help cover tuition and living expenses. You can find scholarship opportunities by visiting the scholarships page.

How is the Studyportals University Meta Ranking calculated?

The Studyportals University Meta Ranking aggregates data from multiple ranking sources to provide a comprehensive comparison of universities. This ranking helps students compare the best universities in France with institutions globally. For a detailed explanation, visit the Studyportals University Meta Ranking page.

France

Top Universities in France: 68 Ranked Universities in 2026

Studyportals Meta Ranking, combining the world's leading rankings

Choosing the right university in France can be a daunting task, especially for international students. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a ranked list of universities in France using a meta-ranking score. This score takes into account various factors such as academic reputation, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes.

France is known for its high-quality education system, and many of its universities offer programmes in English to accommodate international students. The percentage of online programmes in France is 5%, providing flexibility for those who prefer distance learning.

When it comes to tuition fees, France offers a range of options for international students. The lower-end tuition fee, represented by the €254, is an affordable choice for many students. On the other hand, the higher-end tuition fee, indicated by the €34,656, may be more suitable for those seeking a prestigious institution with top-notch facilities.

For students looking for a balance between cost and quality, the typical tuition fee, denoted by the €12,104, is a great option. This fee represents the median cost among French universities, ensuring that students receive a good value for their investment.

In conclusion, France offers a diverse range of universities for international students, each with its own unique strengths and characteristics. By considering factors such as meta-ranking scores, online programme availability, and tuition fees, you can find the perfect fit for your educational goals and budget.

The University of Sydney

Reims, France +4•3,956 Reviews

#39

Worldwide

•Top 0.6% Global Rank

211 Masters On-campus Online

Paris-Saclay University

Paris, France •4,129 Reviews

#43

Worldwide

•Top 0.7% Global Rank

63 Masters On-campus

KU Leuven

Saint-Alban, France +9•4,1135 Reviews

#50

Worldwide

•Top 0.8% Global Rank

98 Masters On-campus

Sorbonne University

Paris, France •4,153 Reviews

#53

Worldwide

•Top 0.8% Global Rank

8 Masters On-campus

Georgia Institute of Technology

Metz, France +1•4,450 Reviews

#71

Worldwide

•Top 1.1% Global Rank

74 Masters On-campus Online

Uppsala University

Montpellier, France +10•4,2114 Reviews

#92

Worldwide

•Top 1.4% Global Rank

138 Masters On-campus Online

London School of Economics and Political Science

Paris, France +10•4,474 Reviews

#102

Worldwide

•Top 1.5% Global Rank

163 Masters On-campus Online

University of Barcelona

Montpellier, France +8•4,0104 Reviews

#112

Worldwide

•Top 1.7% Global Rank

41 Masters On-campus

Queen Mary University of London

Paris, France +4•4,1118 Reviews

#118

Worldwide

•Top 1.8% Global Rank

262 Masters On-campus Online

University Paris Cité

Paris, France +1•4,351 Reviews

#128

Worldwide

•Top 1.9% Global Rank

27 Masters On-campus

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Lyon, France +4•4,192 Reviews

#182

Worldwide

•Top 2.8% Global Rank

58 Masters On-campus Online

MIP Politecnico Di Milano

Nantes, France +12•4,018 Reviews

#199

Worldwide

•Top 3% Global Rank

35 Masters On-campus

University of Antwerp

Paris, France +4•4,366 Reviews

#218

Worldwide

•Top 3.3% Global Rank

37 Masters On-campus

Université Grenoble Alpes

Grenoble, France +1•4,146 Reviews

#228

Worldwide

•Top 3.5% Global Rank

7 Masters On-campus

University of Montpellier

Montpellier, France •4,330 Reviews

#254

Worldwide

•Top 3.9% Global Rank

11 Masters On-campus

Aix-Marseille University

Marseille, France +1•4,198 Reviews

#262

Worldwide

•Top 4% Global Rank

34 Masters On-campus

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

Lyon, France •3,610 Reviews

#290

Worldwide

•Top 4.4% Global Rank

5 Masters On-campus

University of Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France +1•4,246 Reviews

#304

Worldwide

•Top 4.6% Global Rank

28 Masters On-campus Online

Claude Bernard Lyon 1

Lyon, France +1•4,565 Reviews

#341

Worldwide

•Top 5.2% Global Rank

1 Masters On-campus

University Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier

Toulouse, France •3,84 Reviews

#350

Worldwide

•Top 5.3% Global Rank

1 Masters On-campus

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition fees in France are generally low, especially for public universities. For EU/EEA students, fees are around 170-600 euros per year. Non-EU students pay higher fees, typically between 1,700-3,770 euros annually. However, there are many scholarships available to help cover these costs. Living expenses vary by city, with Paris being more expensive than other areas. On average, students should budget around 800-1,200 euros per month for living costs.
Yes, online study options are available in France. Many universities offer online master's programmes. You can find these programmes by visiting the online master's programmes page. These courses allow you to study from anywhere while still earning a degree from a French university.
Part-time study options are available in France, though they may be less common than full-time programmes. You can explore part-time master's programmes by visiting the part-time master's programmes page. These options are ideal for students who need to balance work or other commitments with their studies.
Yes, 1-year master's programmes are available in France. These accelerated programmes are a great option for students looking to complete their degree quickly. You can find 1-year master's programmes by visiting the 1-year master's programmes page.
Yes, it is possible to study at top-ranked universities in France with a scholarship. Universities like Université PSL in Paris, Paris-Saclay University, and Sorbonne University offer excellent programmes. Scholarships are available to help cover tuition and living expenses. You can find scholarship opportunities by visiting the scholarships page.
The Studyportals University Meta Ranking aggregates data from multiple ranking sources to provide a comprehensive comparison of universities. This ranking helps students compare the best universities in France with institutions globally. For a detailed explanation, visit the Studyportals University Meta Ranking page.