July 30, 2025 
When thinking of a world-class education combined with culture, affordability, and career opportunities, study in France often stands out. But to make the most of your journey, choosing the right university is crucial.
Whether you’re planning to study in France from India, exploring study in France for international students, or still figuring out how to study in France, here’s a carefully curated list of the top universities in France in 2025—with insights tailored for Indian students.
These universities are globally ranked, offer English-taught programs, and are closely supported by reputed study in France consultants in India, making the entire journey smoother for aspiring students.
Top Universities to Study In France
List of Top Universities to Study In France
When thinking of a world-class education combined with culture, affordability, and career opportunities, study in France often stands out. But to make the most of your journey, choosing the right university is crucial.
Whether you’re planning to study in France from India, exploring study in France for international students, or still figuring out how to study in France, here’s a carefully curated list of the top universities in France in 2025—with insights tailored for Indian students.
These universities are globally ranked, offer English-taught programs, and are closely supported by reputed study in France consultants in India, making the entire journey smoother for aspiring students.
List of Top Universities to Study In France
1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Global Ranking: Top 25 (QS 2025)
Popular Courses: Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Philosophy
Language of Instruction: French & English
Location: Paris
PSL is a highly prestigious institution that brings together multiple elite schools like École Normale Supérieure and Chimie ParisTech. For those wondering why study in France, PSL offers a perfect mix of academic depth and real-world exposure. The university collaborates extensively with research institutions and industry partners, making it ideal for research-driven students.
If you’re aiming to study in France without IELTS, PSL offers flexibility—many master’s programs allow alternative proof of English proficiency, or consider your medium of instruction.
2. École Polytechnique
Global Ranking: Top 50
Popular Courses: Engineering, Applied Sciences, Artificial Intelligence
Language of Instruction: English (for most graduate programs)
Location: Palaiseau, near Paris
Known for producing Nobel laureates and global tech leaders, École Polytechnique is among the most competitive universities in France. It’s often the best course to study in France if you want to work in STEM fields. The university accepts international students through rigorous but transparent admission processes.
If you’re checking the requirements to study in France for Indian students, note that a strong background in science and mathematics, along with high academic scores, is essential. However, what truly helps is connecting with trusted study in France consultancy services who can guide your application profile for this highly selective school.
3. HEC Paris
Global Ranking: #1 in Europe for Business (Financial Times 2024)
Popular Courses: MBA, MSc in Strategic Management, Finance, Marketing
Language of Instruction: English
Location: Jouy-en-Josas
If you are searching for study in France for Indian students with a focus on business leadership, HEC Paris tops the list. It offers one of the highest post-graduation salary packages in Europe. Moreover, their career services are internationally acclaimed, with over 250 global recruiters visiting the campus annually.
If you’re uncertain why to study in France when other countries are available, HEC answers that through global exposure, dual-degree programs with Ivy League universities, and massive startup support. Indian applicants can also benefit from HEC’s strong alumni presence in India, which is often facilitated through registered study in France consultants near me in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
4. Sorbonne University
Global Ranking: Top 100
Popular Courses: Law, Arts, Medicine, Computer Science
Language of Instruction: Mostly French, some English master’s programs
Location: Paris
Sorbonne is iconic. Located in the cultural and intellectual hub of Paris, it is ideal for those aiming for deep theoretical knowledge combined with historical significance. If you’re a student looking for study in France for Indian students after 12th, some Sorbonne partner schools offer integrated bachelor’s programs in English that lead to Sorbonne degrees.
The requirements to study in France for international students at Sorbonne vary by program but generally include a strong academic record, language proficiency, and sometimes entrance exams. Many Indian students take help from experienced study in France consultants in India to meet the application requirements and translate academic documents for submission.
5. Grenoble Ecole de Management
Global Ranking: Top 50 in Management (QS)
Popular Courses: Innovation Management, Digital Strategy, Entrepreneurship
Language of Instruction: English
Location: Grenoble, tech capital of France
Grenoble is a modern, tech-driven business school known for strong industry links, high employability rates, and a unique global focus. If you’re exploring study in France without IELTS, Grenoble offers that pathway through internal language tests or proof of English-medium education.
Many programs come with paid internships and direct links to companies in the Grenoble tech ecosystem—an incredible benefit for students who want ROI-driven education.
Indian applicants often find the admission process streamlined through certified study in France consultancy firms, who can also assist with housing and visa documentation.
6. University of Paris-Saclay
QS Ranking 2025: Top 75
Strengths: Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Computer Science
Language: English (Master’s and PhD programs), French (Bachelor’s)
Location: South of Paris, in the innovation corridor
University of Paris-Saclay is rising fast in global rankings, thanks to its excellence in research and engineering. The university collaborates with top French research centers like CNRS and CEA. If you’re aiming to study in France for international students, particularly in STEM, this is one of your best bets.
For Indian students, the university offers affordable tuition (around €243/year for bachelor’s, €377 for master’s), generous scholarships, and options to study in France without IELTS, especially if you’ve studied in English previously.
Many Indian aspirants use trusted study in France consultancy services to navigate the research-heavy programs, submit compelling SOPs, and handle document translation—all of which are essential for a strong application.
7. NEOMA Business School
QS Global MBA Ranking: Top 100 (Europe)
Known for: Marketing, Business Analytics, International Business
Language of Instruction: English
Location: Campuses in Paris, Rouen, and Reims
NEOMA stands out for its future-facing curriculum and hands-on learning model. It offers a great environment for students wanting a balance between academic rigor and real-world exposure. NEOMA’s master’s programs are designed for global employability and come with internships built into the curriculum.
Indian students interested in how to study in France can explore NEOMA through their Global BBA (after 12th) or MSc programs. The school actively works with verified study in France consultants in India, and admissions are relatively straightforward compared to other grandes écoles.
What’s more, NEOMA has partnerships with over 300 universities worldwide and a vast global alumni network. So, if you’re looking for the best course to study in France in the field of digital or global business, this is it.
8. Université de Montpellier
QS Ranking 2025: Top 200
Popular Fields: Life Sciences, Medicine, Ecology, Pharmacology
Language: Mostly French (with growing English master’s programs)
Location: Montpellier, Southern France
For Indian students keen on healthcare, biotech, or environmental sciences, Montpellier offers a rich academic foundation at a much lower cost of living than Paris. The university is a research powerhouse in medicine and life sciences, and its programs are highly respected throughout Europe.
Those exploring requirements to study in France for Indian students will appreciate Montpellier’s structured admission process—bachelor’s degrees require B2-level French, but many postgraduate programs are in English.
Using a study in France consultancy can help Indian students understand course structures, especially in regulated fields like pharmacy and medicine, where the admission pathway is very specific.
9. Toulouse School of Economics (TSE)
QS Subject Ranking 2025: Top 50 in Economics
Specializations: Microeconomics, Data Science, Econometrics
Language: English (Graduate programs)
Location: Toulouse, France
TSE is one of Europe’s best institutions for economics and data science. If you’re focused on analytics, policy, or quantitative finance, this school should be on your radar.
Indian students benefit from:
- Highly affordable tuition fees (approx. €250–€400/year)
- An option to study in France without IELTS
- Pathways to internships via partner companies like EDF, OECD, and BNP Paribas
If you’re applying to study in France from India, TSE provides strong ROI with excellent job placement statistics. It’s also highly recommended by many study in France consultants near me, especially for students from economics or mathematics backgrounds.
10. Université de Strasbourg
Ranking: Top 200 globally
Best For: Medicine, Chemistry, Philosophy, International Law
Language: French (Undergraduate), English (Selective Master’s programs)
Location: Strasbourg, near the German border
Strasbourg offers a beautiful blend of German and French influences, both culturally and academically. It’s one of the oldest universities in France, but also one of the most dynamic for international students.
The university is particularly known for its strengths in medicine and fundamental sciences. It’s a great choice for students who’ve completed 12th and are exploring bilingual or multilingual education. Most study in France consultants recommend Strasbourg for its research, affordable tuition, and exchange programs.
For those wondering why to study in France rather than other EU nations—Strasbourg offers excellent post-study visa options, access to EU-wide internships, and connections with institutions like the European Parliament.
Quick Tip
When selecting the right university, always evaluate:
- Does it offer your best course to study in France?
- Can you study in France without IELTS?
- Are there study in France consultants near me who’ve placed students there?
- Does the university support students with housing, internships, or visa advice?
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