Universities in France
Explore top-rated universities and colleges in France. Discover rankings, campus details, and key information about top French higher education institutions to help you choose the best place to study.
France is home to 725 universities and colleges listed in our directory, spread across 148 cities. Of these, 439 are public and 199 are private institutions. The highest-ranked institution is Sorbonne Université (world rank #60). The oldest dates back to 1339. Use the filters to compare them by ranking, campus setting, and control type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many universities are there in France?
Our directory lists 725 universities and colleges in France across 148 cities. You can filter them by control type, campus setting, and more.
Which is the top-ranked university in France?
Based on world ranking, Sorbonne Université is the highest-ranked institution in France in our directory (world rank #60).
Are there public and private universities in France?
Yes. France has 439 public and 199 private institutions in our directory. Public universities are typically state-funded, while private institutions are independently run.
How do I choose the right university in France?
Compare institutions by world and country ranking, location, campus setting (urban, suburban, or rural), and control type. Open any university profile for detailed admission information, programs, and fees.
What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?
An urban campus sits in or near a city, putting internships, public transport, and cultural life within easy reach, though living costs are often higher. A rural or suburban campus offers a quieter, community-focused environment with more space and typically lower costs. Use the Campus Type filter to match the setting to your lifestyle.
Top Universities in France
Université Bourgogne EuropeISAT
Nevers, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Paris Nanterre University
Nanterre, Île-de-France, France
Dunkerque-Tourcoing Superior School of Art
Tourcoing, Hauts-de-France, France
EDC Paris Business School
Courbevoie, Île-de-France, France
University Grenoble AlpesGrenoble INP - Esisar
Valence, Occitanie, France
PSL UniversityMines ParisTech
Paris, Île-de-France, France
SCBS – South Champagne Business School
Troyes, Grand-Est, France
Caen-Cherbourg School of Arts and Media
Caen, Normandie, France
ESIEA
Paris, Île-de-France, France
ENVT
Toulouse, Occitanie, France
Haute Alsace University
Mulhouse, Grand-Est, France
Saint-Etienne Higher School of Art and Design
Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
EBI
Cergy, Île-de-France, France
National Graduate School of Chemistry of Rennes
Rennes, Bretagne, France
University Sorbonne Paris NordGalilee Institute
Villetaneuse, Île-de-France, France
EDA Aliénor
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Paris East Créteil Val de Marne UniversityInspé Créteil
Bonneuil sur Marne, France
Paris-Saclay UniversityENS Paris-Saclay
Cachan, Île-de-France, France
IMT Mines TelecomTelecom Paris
Palaiseau, Île-de-France, France
Tours University
Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France