Top 10 Universities in France for International Students 2026-27
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Table of Contents
- Why Study in France?
- Top 10 Universities in France in 2026
- Popular Courses in France for International Students in 2026
- Admission Requirements to Study in French Universities in 2026
- Document Requirements for French Universities in 2026
- Scholarships for Top Universities in Canada in 2026
- Ignite Your Academic Passion with GetGIS
Pursuing higher education in France offers a gateway to world-class universities and a wide spectrum of high-demand courses. With top universities in France for international students like Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, and Sorbonne University, the country has established itself as a premier destination. The country's academic landscape is particularly strong in fields such as MBA, Engineering, Hotel Management, Fashion Design, Computer Science, Data Science, Finance, and Medicine, attracting diverse academic talent from around the globe.
Why Study in France?
France is the fourth most popular choice for international students. With its fascinating culture and top-notch education, France is not just a place to study but an exciting adventure. It's your ticket to a great education and a global experience all in one! Let's explore why France is an ideal destination for studying
- French authorities are providing a five-year Schengen visa to Indian students with a master's degree or higher, provided they have completed at least one semester of study in France.
- The cost of studying in France is more budget-friendly compared to other countries, with an average of €200 or USD $250 for undergraduate programs.
- In a recent development, President Emmanuel Macron has expressed France's readiness to receive 30,000 Indian students in its tertiary institutions by the year 2030.
- France takes pride in having 36 institutions listed in the QS World University Rankings 2021, with 10 of them securing positions within the global top 300.
Top 10 Universities in France in 2026
Discover the best of French education with our top 10 universities for international students. From the prestigious Sorbonne to the innovative Paris-Saclay, find your perfect fit with the help of the table given below.
University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2026 |
Avg Tuition Fees in Euros |
Avg Tuition Fees in INR |
Université PSL |
24 |
550 - 8000 |
50100 - 728728 |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
38 |
16800 - 20000 |
1530328 - 1821820 |
Sorbonne University |
59 |
17000 - 20000 |
1548547 - 1821820 |
Université Paris-Saclay |
71 |
15500 - 20000 |
1411910 - 1821820 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
184 |
180 - 400 |
16396 - 36436 |
École des Ponts ParisTech |
192 |
15000 - 20000 |
1366365 - 1821820 |
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne |
261 |
5000 - 15000 |
455455 - 1366365 |
Sciences Po |
319 |
13000 - 18000 |
1184183 - 1639638 |
Université de Paris |
236 |
10000 - 18000 |
910910 - 1639638 |
Université Grenoble Alpes |
294 |
4000 - 18000 |
364364 - 1639638 |
Also Read: Top 10 Business Universities in France for International Students
Popular Courses in France for International Students in 2026
France, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a global reputation for academic excellence, offers a diverse range of universities and courses that cater to international students seeking a world-class education. Let’s dive a little deeper.
Top Courses |
Universities |
Avg Tuition Fees in Euros |
Avg Tuition Fees in INR |
MBA |
HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC Business School |
30,000 - 100,000 |
27,33,540 - 91,11,800 |
Engineering |
Ecole Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Sorbonne University |
10,000 - 30,000 |
9,11,800 - 27,33,540 |
Hotel Management |
ESGCI, VATEL International Business School |
7,000 - 18,000 |
6,37,826 - 16,40,124 |
Fashion Designing |
ESMOD, Paris College of Art, Institut Français de la Mode |
8,900 - 20,000 |
8,10,950 - 18,22,360 |
Computer Science |
Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), Université de Paris, Grenoble Institute of Technology |
5,000 - 15,000 |
4,55,590 - 13,66,770 |
Data Science |
CentraleSupélec, EDC Paris Business School, Data ScienceTech Institute |
10,000 - 40,000 |
9,11,800 - 36,44,720 |
Finance |
ESCP Europe, Emlyon Business School, Skema Business School |
12,000 - 40,000 |
10,93,416 - 36,44,720 |
Medicine |
Western Brittany University, Aix-Marseille University, Université Montpellier |
15,000 - 40,000 |
13,66,770 - 36,44,720 |
Admission Requirements to Study in French Universities in 2026
It's crucial to recognize the admission requirements or benchmarks that serve as a general guideline; however, the specific criteria may vary among institutions.
Study Level |
Educational Requirement |
Minimum Percentage |
IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score |
Backlog Information |
Other Standardized Tests |
Bachelors |
12 Years of Education (10+2) / 10+3 years diploma |
60 |
Overall 5.5, Min 5.5 in each band |
Up to 10 backlogs (some private universities may accept more) |
NA |
Masters (MS/MBA) |
3/4 Years of Graduate Degree |
60 |
Overall 6.5, no band less than 6 |
NA |
NA |
Explore: France Student Visa Requirements
Document Requirements for French Universities in 2026
In order to ensure a smooth application process, it is quintessential to meet the document requirements. Submission typically includes attested copies of academic transcripts and more. Below is a complete list:
- Attested copies of Standard X, XII, and Bachelor's degree mark sheets (if applicable)
- Two academic reference letters from recently acquainted professors
- If applicable, two letters of recommendation from an employer/manager familiar with the candidate's professional capabilities
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume
- Photocopies of language test scores and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
- Portfolio (for applicants to art and design or architecture programs)
- Additional documents, such as certificates/achievements at state and national levels, and details of extracurricular activities
- Proof of financial resources
- Health insurance documentation
- A copy of the passport
- Scanned passport-size photographs
Explore: Exploring the Average Cost of Living in France 2025
If you're wondering about the cost of living in France and whether it's within your budget, I suggest reading this blog. It can be helpful to have a clear understanding of the expenses before making any major decisions.
Scholarships for Top Universities in Canada in 2026
Top universities in Canada offer a variety of prestigious scholarships to international students, ranging from fully funded doctoral awards to merit-based undergraduate scholarships. These scholarships also cover tuition fees but often include living expenses, travel allowances, and other support to help students focus fully on their studies.
Here are some of the scholarships of top universities in Canada for international students.
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility & Coverage |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
Prestigious award for exceptional doctoral students in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. |
Highly competitive, fully funded for doctoral studies |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships |
National program for international postdoctoral researchers across various fields. |
Fully funded postdoctoral support |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships |
Fully funded undergraduate award from the University of Toronto for exceptional international students. |
Full tuition and support |
University of Toronto Scholarships |
Multiple scholarships, including school nominations besides Pearson Scholarships. |
Varies by program |
University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships |
Includes the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, covering full tuition and living expenses. |
Merit-based, full funding available |
University of Alberta Scholarships |
A range of scholarships for international students at undergraduate and graduate levels. |
Varies by faculty and program |
University of Waterloo Scholarships |
Diverse scholarships targeting international students across many disciplines and levels. |
Merit-based awards, varying coverage |
Ignite Your Academic Passion with GetGIS
As you embark on your journey to pursue higher education in France, remember that you're not alone. GetGIS, a leading immigration consultancy, is here to guide you through every step of the process, from PR visa applications to study abroad services, SOP assistance, and post-landing services. With GetGIS's expertise and personalized support, you can navigate the complexities of immigration and focus on achieving your academic dreams. Schedule a Free Consultation and unlock the doors to academic excellence in France.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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