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 482 universities and colleges listed in our directory, spread across 127 cities. Of these, 296 are public and 147 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 482 universities and colleges in France across 127 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 296 public and 147 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
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, Grand-Est, France
University of Pau and the Adour Region
Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
École nationale d'ingénieurs de Brest
Plouzané, Bretagne, France
Université Toulouse-I-Capitole
Toulouse, Occitanie, France
Université de la Reunion
Saint-Pierre, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, France
Arts et Métiers
Paris, Île-de-France, France
VetAgro Sup
Lempdes, France
Limoges University
Limoges, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Le Mans University
Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire, France
Université d'Artois
Arras, Hauts-de-France, France
Université de Cergy-Pontoise
Cergy-Pontoise, Île-de-France, France
École nationale supérieure de techniques avancées Bretagne
Brest, Bretagne, France
Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris
Paris, Île-de-France, France
École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse
Toulouse, Occitanie, France
Institut Agro Rennes-Angers
Rennes, Bretagne, France
Institut d’Optique Graduate School
Orsay, Île-de-France, France
University of Perpignan Via Domitia
Perpignan, Occitanie, France
École Nationale Supérieure de l'Électronique et de ses Applications
Cergy, Île-de-France, France
Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier
Montpellier, Occitanie, France
École des Mines de Douai
Douai, Hauts-de-France, France
