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6 best public universities in France with English-language programmes
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25 Nov 2024
There are no English universities in France, but there are many great French universities that offer programmes taught in English.
This is a key factor that’s made France a popular international student hub in recent years.
In fact, the 2023-2024 academic year saw one of the sharpest growth of the country’s international student body, where 430,466 foreign students made up 14% of France’s student body.
It’s no surprise, considering the plenty of reasons to study and live in the City of Love.
Top of the list is prestige. Four institutions in the country are listed among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Lucrative scholarships to study free or at a low cost make France one of the more affordable study abroad destinations, too.
The best part? You get quality and affordability and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in one of the greatest cities in human civilisations.
Here, you’ll be swept away by the beauty of landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, and more. Then, there are the cities outside the capital of Paris that boast their own unique offerings.
At this point, you likely can’t wait to go. And the best news? You don’t even need to be able to speak, read, and write French to study at these public universities that offer English-language programmes.
English universities in France: 6 best public universities in France with English-language programmes
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1. Université PSL
Located in Paris, Université PSL (PSL) is France’s number one university — according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 — offers research-led education that encourages discussion and interdisciplinary learning.
Here, students are guaranteed individual mentoring, small class sizes and personalised academic pathways.
Better yet, what makes PSL one of the best English universities in France is the fact that one out of five students here is from abroad.
PSL’s bachelor’s programme in Sustainability Sciences is taught partially in English. Those who seek an English-taught master’s degree will have more options to pick from as PSL offers over twenty programmes and tracks taught entirely in English and up to ten taught partially in English.
Studying at one of these English universities in France will mean having the opportunity to visit the country’s range of offerings, such as “la petite Venise” (The Litte Venise) in Colmar, eastern France. Source: AFP
2. École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique (EP) is a higher learning institution under the supervision of the French Ministry of Defence. It is also part of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, a public higher education and research institution.
Where better to learn than in a school with ties to the national military and with a student body of over 40% of international students?
Some English programmes you can find here include the:
- Three-year Bachelor of Science programme for those interested in Mathematics and Science
- Two-year Master of Science and Technology degree for those with a science or engineering background
- Executive Master’s, which focuses on understanding the technological trends that are set to play a vital role in organisations and their business development.
The best part about studying abroad at these English universities in France is being able to immerse yourself in the culture. Of course, picking up French will be of massive help too. Source: AFP
3. Université Paris Cité
Established in 2018 through the merger of Paris Diderot, Paris Descartes, and Institut de physique du globe de Paris, Université Paris Cité is France’s leading multidisciplinary university.
It offers students state-of-the-art, innovative courses in the fields such as Arts, Humanities and Languages; Human, Economic and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; and Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing.
With campuses and research sites across the city, this university has an exceptional heritage within Paris and its inner suburbs.
All of the English-taught programmes available at Université Paris Cité are for postgraduate students. This includes, but is not limited to, a Master in Biomedical Engineering, a Master in Earth and Planet Sciences, a Master in Banking and Finance, a Master in Linguistics, and a Master in Public Health.
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4. Sorbonne University
In the heart of Paris, you’ll find Sorbonne University — a multidisciplinary, research-intensive, world-class institution.
Like other public universities, they do offer English-language programmes and are more than ready to provide international students with a warm welcome.
One way is through the Buddy System, an online platform that matches international students with local students or “buddies.”
Like Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne University only offers English-taught programmes through its postgraduate degrees. These degrees can be found in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, such as the Master in Computational Mechanics, the Master of Computer Science, and more.
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5. Sciences Po
Sciences Po, a public university in France, is ranked among the finest institutions in humanities and social sciences in the world. Research conducted here often enriches public debate.
It also boasts a diverse student body — 50% of students are international, representing nearly 150 countries.
Here, you can opt for a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree, taught in both English and French.
For postgraduate students, you’ll have a choice of seven schools and their offerings to choose from: the School of Public Affairs, the Paris School of International Affairs, Law School, Journalism School, the School of Management and Impact, the Urban School, and the School for Research.
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6. Université Grenoble Alpe
The third largest university in France, Université Grenoble Alpe is located southeast of Paris, near the borders of Switzerland and Italy. Here, picturesque views, affordable cost of living, and quality education is guaranteed.
For undergraduate students interested in applied foreign languages, foreign and regional languages, literature, and civilisations, or international business professions — the Université Grenoble Alpe is for you.
Students in economics and management programmes can also opt for a transfer to the university in their third year and join the managerial economics for international markets programme.
On the other hand, those who want to pursue a master’s degree will be spoiled for choice. The university has English-taught programmes in science, technology, health, engineering, humanities and social sciences, architecture, law, economics, management, and political science.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on November 25, 2024.
