Universities in France ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 231 Universities in France

The French Republic is divided into 18 administrative regions (French: régions), with 13 located in metropolitan France and five as overseas regions. Each region is further subdivided into departments (French: départements). The largest concentration of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria is found in the Île-de-France region, home to the capital and largest city, Paris, renowned for its prestigious universities and vibrant academic culture. Other regions with significant numbers of higher education institutions include Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (with Lyon as its capital), Occitanie (centered around Toulouse), and Hauts-de-France (with Lille). The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all regions that include at least one French higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes (28)  
Bourgogne-Franche-Comte (7)  
Bretagne (15)  
Centre-Val de Loire (3)  
Corsica (1)  
Grand Est (12)  
Hauts-de-France (19)  
Ile-de-France (74)  
Normandie (9)  
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (15)  
Occitanie (25)  
Pays de la Loire (16)  
Provence-Alpes-Cote d Azur (7)  

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Overview of France Universities

France's higher education system features diverse institutions including public universities, private Grandes Écoles and specialized schools. Public universities dominate the landscape, offering tuition-free education for domestic/EU students at undergraduate levels. The system operates under LMD architecture (Licence/Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) and emphasizes research-intensive programs. Institutions range from comprehensive universities covering broad disciplines to specialized schools focused on fields like engineering, business or humanities. International students are attracted by France's academic prestige and cultural richness.

Top 10 France Universities

1. Université de Strasbourg (University of Strasbourg) - Unistra - CountryRank: #1 | WorldRank: #178 | Strasbourg, Grand Est | Est. 1621 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Sciences, Humanities, Law, Health | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
2. Université de Paris (University of Paris) - - CountryRank: #2 | WorldRank: #239 | Paris, Ile-de-France | Est. 2019 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Medicine, Sciences, Social Sciences | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
3. Université de Lille (University of Lille) - Ulille - CountryRank: #3 | WorldRank: #253 | Lille, Hauts-de-France | Est. 2018 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Engineering, Economics, Law | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
4. Sorbonne Université (Sorbonne University) - SU - CountryRank: #4 | WorldRank: #302 | Paris, Ile-de-France | Est. 2018 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Arts, Medicine, Engineering | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
5. Université Grenoble Alpes (Grenoble Alpes University) - UGA - CountryRank: #5 | WorldRank: #359 | Saint-Martin-d'Hères, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes | Est. 1339 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Technology, Environmental Sciences | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
6. Université de Lorraine (University of Lorraine) - UL - CountryRank: #6 | WorldRank: #369 | Nancy, Grand Est | Est. 2012 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Engineering, Materials Science | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
7. École Normale Supérieure (Normal Superior School) - ENS - CountryRank: #7 | WorldRank: #370 | Paris, Ile-de-France | Est. 1794 | Public | Research-intensive | Specialized | Fields: Humanities, Fundamental Sciences | Levels: Master-Doctorate
8. Université de Bordeaux (University of Bordeaux) - UB - CountryRank: #8 | WorldRank: #373 | Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Est. 1441 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Neuroscience, Computer Science | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
9. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (Claude Bernard University Lyon 1) - UCBL - CountryRank: #9 | WorldRank: #404 | Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes | Est. 1971 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Health Sciences, Sports | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate
10. Université Côte d'Azur (University of Côte d'Azur) - UCA - CountryRank: #10 | WorldRank: #456 | Nice, Provence-Alpes-Cote d Azur | Est. 1965 | Public | Research-intensive | Comprehensive | Fields: Digital Sciences, Art | Levels: Bachelor-Doctorate

Analysis of University Types

France hosts 231 higher education institutions. Public universities form the majority (141 institutions, 61%), including tuition-free state-funded research universities. Private institutions account for 89 (39%), encompassing business schools, engineering institutes and specialized colleges. This distribution reflects France's dual system balancing accessible public education with specialized private offerings.

Global Ranking and Standing

France demonstrates strong global academic influence with 1 university ranking in the world's top 200 (0.4% of French institutions) and 37 in the top 1,000 (16% of national institutions). These top-ranked France universities contribute significantly to global research output and attract substantial international enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are French public universities free for international students?
A: EU/EEA students pay nominal fees (€170-€600/year). Non-EU students pay differentiated fees (€2,770-€3,770/year) for bachelor/master programs, with many scholarships available.

Q: What distinguishes Grandes Écoles from universities?
A: Grandes Écoles are elite institutions (public/private) with competitive entrance exams, focusing on engineering, business or public administration. Universities offer broader access and wider discipline variety.

Q: What language is required to study in France?
A: While many programs (especially STEM) are English-taught at graduate levels, B2 French proficiency is recommended for daily life. Some programs require C1 French certification.

Q: When do university applications open?
A: Main intake begins in September/October. Application portals typically open November-March, with deadlines varying by institution and student nationality (Campus France procedure for non-EU).

Q: How important are university rankings in France?
A: Institutional prestige varies by field: universities dominate STEM rankings, while specialized Grandes Écoles lead in business/engineering. Many employers value Grande École diplomas highly.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about French universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in France
  Explore the most traditional and long-established French post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in France
  Search for French higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• French Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular French town or city.
• Top Public Universities in France
  Discover French public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in France
  Find out about French private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in France
  Explore French not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in France
  Look for French for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top French Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in France have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top French Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in France that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top French Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in France are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top French Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in France with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.