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
University of Technology - Belfort-Montbeliard
Belfort, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
ENS ICAEN
Caen, Normandie, France
School of International and Political Studies
Paris, Île-de-France, France
Paris-Saclay UniversityInstitute of Optics - Graduate School
Palaiseau, Île-de-France, France
Bordeaux INPENSCBP
Pessac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
PSL UniversityParis-Dauphine University
Paris, Île-de-France, France
INSTN
Gif-sur-Yvette, Île-de-France, France
CY Cergy Paris UniversitéInspé Versailles
Cergy, Île-de-France, France
ESAD - Amiens
Amiens, Hauts-de-France, France
Pascale Paoli University of CorsicaPaoli Tech
Corte, Corse, France
Montpellier UniversityPolytech Montpellier
Montpellier, Occitanie, France
Aix-Marseille UniversityInstitute of Public Management and Territorial Governance
Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, France
University Claude Bernard Lyon 1Polytech Lyon
Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
ESITC Caen
Épron, Normandie, France
Pascale Paoli University of Corsica
Corte, Corse, France
Lorraine UniversityENSEM
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, Grand-Est, France
Paris-Saclay UniversityCentraleSupélec
Gif-sur-Yvette, Île-de-France, France
National Library and Information Sciences School
Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Centrale LilleITEEM
Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
Lille UniversityIXAD
Lille, Hauts-de-France, France