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. The oldest dates back to 1339. Use the filters to compare them by ranking, campus setting, and control type.

482

Universities

127

Cities

296

Public

147

Private

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.

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

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482 universities found

MO.CO. Esba

Montpellier, Occitanie, France

Control Type: Public

University of Pau and the Adour RegionISA BTP

Anglet, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Avignon Art School

Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, France

Control Type: Public

National School of Civil Aviation

Toulouse, Occitanie, France

Control Type: Public

Université de la Polynésie française

Faa'a, France

Control Type: Public

ESSA

Yutz, Grand-Est, France

Type: College

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1930

ESCE

Paris, Île-de-France, France

Type: College

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1968

Rennes 1 University

Rennes, Bretagne, France

Type: University

Control Type: Public

IIM School of Web Design and Multimedia

Paris La Défense, France

Control Type: Private

EDC Paris Business School

Courbevoie, Île-de-France, France

Control Type: Private

Nîmes School of Fine Arts

Nîmes, Occitanie, France

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1985

University of Pau and the Adour RegionESIGTI

Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1991

University of the Littoral Côte d'Opale

Dunkerque, Hauts-de-France, France

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1991

IMT Mines TelecomTelecom Paris

Palaiseau, Île-de-France, France

Control Type: Public

IDELCA Business School

Montpellier, France

ISAE-ENSMA

Futuroscope Chasseneuil, France

Type: College

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1948

PSL UniversityESPCI Paris

Paris, Île-de-France, France

Type: College

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1882

Université de Guyane

Cayenne, France

Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie

Nouméa, France

Institut Limayrac

Toulouse, France

ISEP

Paris, France

École des hautes études en sciences sociales

France

FERRANDI Paris

Paris, France

TRAVELLING École Supérieure du Cinéma et de la Télévision

Roubaix, France

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Universities in France

Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities are there in France?

Are there public and private universities in France?

How do I choose the right university in France?

What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?

Top Universities in France

MO.CO. Esba

University of Pau and the Adour RegionISA BTP

Avignon Art School

National School of Civil Aviation

Université de la Polynésie française

ESSA

ESCE

Rennes 1 University

IIM School of Web Design and Multimedia

EDC Paris Business School

Nîmes School of Fine Arts

University of Pau and the Adour RegionESIGTI

University of the Littoral Côte d'Opale

IMT Mines TelecomTelecom Paris

IDELCA Business School

ISAE-ENSMA

PSL UniversityESPCI Paris

Université de Guyane

Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie

Institut Limayrac

ISEP

École des hautes études en sciences sociales

FERRANDI Paris

TRAVELLING École Supérieure du Cinéma et de la Télévision

Helpful Resources

Explore Universities in Other Countries

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