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
La Rochelle University
La Rochelle, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Oniris
Nantes, Pays-de-la-Loire, France
Université de Caen Normandie
Caen, Normandie, France
École d'Ingénieurs en Chimie et Sciences du Numérique
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
International School of Management, Paris
Paris, Île-de-France, France
Bordeaux Sciences Agro
Gradignan, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay
Gif-sur-Yvette, Île-de-France, France
Université Rennes 2
Rennes, Bretagne, France
École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Metz
Metz, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Université de Toulon
La Garde, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, France
University of the Littoral Côte d'Opale
Dunkerque, Hauts-de-France, France
Université Paris Nanterre
Nanterre, Île-de-France, France
Mines Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Université catholique de l'ouest
Angers, Pays-de-la-Loire, France
EDHEC Business School
Roubaix, Hauts-de-France, France
Université Paris 8
Paris, Île-de-France, France
INSEAD, France
Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, France
Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord
Roubaix, Hauts-de-France, France
Université Le Havre Normandie
Le Havre, Normandie, France
Centrale Lyon
Écully, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
