12 Best Universities in Paris in 2025: A Complete Guide

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Paris is home to some of the world's top-ranking universities, including Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) and Université Paris-Saclay, which consistently excel in global rankings due to their strong research outputs and academic reputation. For instance, PSL is ranked 24th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings ​. These institutions are recognized for their academic programs and research initiatives.

Studying in Paris offers a rich and multicultural campus life, attracting students from over 80 nationalities, creating an environment that promotes both academic and personal growth. 

Whether you're pursuing arts and humanities at institutions such as Sorbonne University or specializing in STEM subjects at Institut Polytechnique de Paris, the best universities in Paris provide a diverse range of disciplines with competitive tuition fees and extensive international collaborations. 

Best Universities in Paris : 12 Choices to Consider

Paris remains a global leader in higher education, with institutions like PSL, Université Paris-Saclay (73rd), and Sorbonne University (63rd) excelling in QS World Rankings. These universities offer diverse programs and are renowned for their research and academic excellence. 

Before exploring the 12 Best Universities in Paris  in detail, let's have a brief overview:

University	QS Ranking 2025	Tuition Fees for International Students
HEC Paris	9	EUR 55,800 (INR 50.2 L)
Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris	24	EUR 8,723 (INR 7.9 L)
École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris	43	EUR 250 (INR 22.5 K)
Institut Polytechnique de Paris	46	EUR 15,100- EUR 27,900 (INR 13.6 L- INR 25.1 L)
Université Paris-Saclay	73	EUR 175 (INR 15.7 K)
Sorbonne University	63	EUR 175 (INR 15.7K)
CentraleSupélec	138	EUR 3,500 (INR 3.1 K)
Université Paris Cité	302	Reg. fee EUR 175 + CVEC EUR 103 (INR 15.7K) Total: EUR 278 (INR 20 K)
University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ)	800-1000	NA
AgroParisTech	4 (QS WUR Ranking By Subject)	EUR 1,000 (INR 90 K)
Télécom Paris	7 (Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes)	EUR 3,200 (INR 2.8 K)
American University of Paris (AUP)	NA	EUR 18,432 (INR 16.6 K)

Now, let's explore the 12 Best Universities in Paris in detail.

1. HEC Paris

HEC Paris is a top business school known for management excellence. With over 60,000 alumni, it offers MBA and executive programs, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business leadership.

 Here are the highlights of HEC Paris:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	1881
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Master in Management (MiM) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Executive MBA (EMBA) Master of Science (MSc) in Finance MSc in Marketing
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.0 Cambridge English: 180.
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: NA US News Rankings: 210 in subject rankings

2. Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris

Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University is a prestigious institution that unites several elite schools. With 17,000 students and 4,500 faculty members, PSL is renowned for its innovative research and global partnerships. 

Here are its salient features:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	2010
Number of Courses	300+
Popular Courses	MSc in Physics MSc in Chemistry MSc in Materials Science and Engineering MSc in Literature and Humanities​ MSc in Arts
Acceptance Rate	4%
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: NA TOEFL: NA
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 42 US News Rankings: 112

3. École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris

École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris is a prestigious grande école known for its selective admissions and academic excellence. It admits around 200 students annually, focusing on developing future leaders in education and research.

Here are some of its salient features:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	1794
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Bachelor of Science in Physics Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Master of Science in Theoretical Physics Master of Science in Mathematics
Acceptance Rate	2%
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 1001-1200 US News Rankings: 1079

4. Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a prestigious science and technology institution with over 200 years of academic heritage. Hosting 8,500 students, including 35% international, it offers programs from bachelor’s to PhD levels across 10 departments. Its collaboration of five top engineering schools increases France’s innovation leadership.

Here's a closer look at Institut Polytechnique de Paris:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	2019
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science Master of Science (MSc) in Data and Artificial Intelligence Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	A strong academic record, particularly in mathematics and science, is required for engineering programs. High scores in national or standardized entrance examinations. For international applicants, evidence of prior preparation and academic excellence in subjects relevant to the chosen program.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	TOEFL: 90 IELTS: 6.5 Cambridge CAE Advanced: 176
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 71 US News Rankings: NA

5. Université Paris-Saclay

Université Paris-Saclay is a research-driven institution that combines historic universities and engineering schools. With 275 research labs and strong multidisciplinary programs, it excels in scientific breakthroughs and ranks highly worldwide.

Below are the highlights of Université Paris-Saclay:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	2019
Number of Courses	400
Popular Courses	MA in European Studies MSc in Physics BSc in Biochemistry  BSc in Computer Science
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 64 US News Rankings: 76

6. Sorbonne University

Sorbonne University, formed through the merger of historic institutions, educates 55,600 students and excels in arts, humanities, and scientific research. With strong international collaborations and high global rankings, it balances heritage with innovation.

Below are the features of Sorbonne University:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	1257
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Master of Science in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering Bachelor of Science in Physics Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: NA TOEFL: NA
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 76 US News Rankings: 56

7. CentraleSupélec

CentraleSupélec is a top engineering school educating 2,500 students. Known for its innovative approach, it combines theoretical rigor with practical application, supported by strong industry ties and research excellence.

Here are the highlights of CentraleSupélec:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	2015
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	MSc in Data Science  MSc in Business Analytics  MSc in Artificial Intelligence Bachelor in Global Engineering (
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: For some programs, candidates must have completed their Bachelor's degree at a non-French university.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	TOEFL: 90 IELTS: 6.5
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 501–600 US News Rankings: 20

8. Université Paris Cité

Université Paris Cité is a leading public institution with 63,000 students, offering a multicultural, interdisciplinary environment. Known for academic and research excellence, it adapts its curricula to global trends and technological advancements.

Here are the highlights of the university:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	2019
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Bachelor in History Bachelor in Frontiers of Life Sciences Master in Biomedical Engineering: Biomaging (BIM) Master in Biomedical Engineering: Bioengineering and Innovation in Neuroscience
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 5.5 TOEFL: NA
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 183 US News Rankings: 43

9. University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) 

University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) serves 30,000 students, offering diverse programs across humanities, sciences, and technology. Known for its interdisciplinary research, the university drives significant advancements across various fields. 

The table below contains the highlights of the university:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	1991
Number of Courses	200
Popular Courses	Master of Science in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development Master of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Master 1 Literature and Languages, Research and Literary Creation Bachelor in Environmental Science Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Law Bachelor in Political Science
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education. Graduate: Relevant bachelor's degree.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	A French language certificate is not required, but a B2 level is highly recommended
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 351-400 US News Rankings: NA

10. AgroParisTech

AgroParisTech is a leading institution in agricultural and environmental sciences, educating around 3,000 students. It focuses on sustainable innovation through cutting-edge programs, research, and industry partnerships.

Here are the highlights of the university:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	2007
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Master of Science in European Forestry (Erasmus Mundus) Master of Science in Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution Bachelor in Life Sciences Engineering Bachelor in Food Science Engineering
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat for undergraduate courses. Bachelor's degree or equivalent for graduate courses.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: NA TOEFL: NA
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: NA US News Rankings: 761

11. Télécom Paris

Télécom Paris is a leading institution in engineering, IT, and telecommunications, with 50% of its 1,500 students from abroad. It combines advanced courses with practical training, excelling in global technology rankings.

Below are the salient features of the university:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	1878
Number of Courses	NA
Popular Courses	Master of Science in Engineering (Diplôme d'Ingénieur) Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master of Science in Internet of Things Bachelor in Engineering
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	For undergraduate programs,  a strong background in mathematics and the sciences is required.  For graduate and doctoral studies, candidates are expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 5.5 TOEFL: 72 B1 level in French and/or English (B2 recommended)
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: 1201-1500 US News Rankings: 1049

12. American University of Paris (AUP)

American University of Paris (AUP) offers a distinct liberal arts education combining a global curriculum and a cosmopolitan campus life. It enrolls over 1,280 students worldwide, inculcating diverse ideas and cultures. Its programs emphasize experiential learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship. 

Here are its salient features:

Criteria	Details
Founding Year	1962
Number of Courses	100
Popular Courses	Bachelor of Arts in Art History Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Master of Arts in Global Communications Master of Arts in Fashion Studies
Acceptance Rate	65% - 66%
Eligibility Criteria	High school certificate A relevant bachelor's degree for master’s.
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 88 Cambridge English: 176. TOEIC: 810
Rankings 2025	THE Rankings: NA US News Rankings: 91

After exploring the 12 Best Universities in Paris, let's look at the financial aid options available for students.

Numerous fully funded scholarships are available for Indian students in 2025, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. These opportunities span across the USA, UK, Europe, and beyond, offering a chance to pursue higher education without financial constraints.

Scholarships for International Students in Paris 

Paris offers a range of scholarships for international students in 2025, including the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships, providing financial support for master's and doctoral programs. 

These programs attract global talent, offering funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Notable scholarships include up to EUR 10,000 (INR 96.8 K) per year for tuition and additional support for travel and visa costs

Below are some internal and external scholarships for students in Paris:

Internal Scholarships for International Students in Paris

Up to 11 universities and institutions in Paris offer internal scholarships specifically designed for international students, helping make your education more affordable. From merit-based awards to need-based grants, these funding opportunities can significantly reduce tuition fees and living expenses.

Here are some internal scholarships:

Scholarship	Details
PSL Graduate Program Excellence Grants	Eligibility: Undergraduate degree and be applying for or already enrolled in one of the PSL Graduate programs. Benefits:  A full or partial waiver of tuition fees.
The Eiffel Scholarship Programme of Excellence	Eligibility:  International students who want to pursue a Master's or PhD degree at a French institution. An excellent academic record and, for research programmes, a sound and well-defined research project. Benefits:  A generous monthly allowance (EUR 1,181- EUR 1,800) (INR 17.7L- INR 17.2 L) to cover living expenses during study.
The Émile Boutmy Scholarship	Eligibility:  Outstanding international students, predominantly from outside the European Union, are applying for undergraduate programs at Sciences Po. Benefits:  An award of EUR 14,720 (INR 14.1L) that can notably reduce the cost of tuition fees. Also, include additional financial support to help cover living expenses during the study period.

Beyond internal scholarships in France, which are applicable to universities in Paris, students can explore financial awards offered by governments.

External Scholarships for International Students in Paris

Beyond university-specific aid, external scholarships such as Gobelins offered by governments, NGOs, and global organizations can help fund your education in the French capital. Whether you’re pursuing arts, business, STEM, or social sciences, there are grants, fellowships, and merit-based awards to support your academic journey.

Below are some key external scholarships:

Scholarship	Details
GOBELINS Social Fund	Eligibility: Enrollment at Gobelins and proof of financial need. Benefits:  Consists of EUR 13,500 (INR 12.9 L) grants or subsidies that can help offset tuition fees and administrative costs Contribution toward living expenses throughout one’s course of study.
Campus Bourses (France Excellence Charpak Scholarship)	Eligibility:  A demonstrated level of academic merit combined with a need for financial support Enrollment in a full-time program at Gobelins Submission of relevant documentation proving one’s financial situation Benefits:  Partial or full waivers of tuition fees  In some cases, additional stipends of EUR 860 (INR 82.4L) that help cover living or academic material expenses
International Master’s Scholarships Program	Eligibility: Acceptance into one of the Master’s programs at Gobelins An exceptional academic record and, where applicable, a strong creative or professional portfolio Benefits:  Waiving tuition fees. Additional financial assistance of EUR 860 (INR 82.4L)to offset living expenses and academic costs. Access to mentorship programs and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Paris offers rich cultural experiences, world-class education, and is home to top institutions like Université de France. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to understand the cost of living in France.

After exploring financial options to reduce the cost of living in Paris, it's time to check out the steps to apply to French universities. Let’s find out how.

How to Apply to the Best Universities in Paris?

Paris has up to 11 universities, and each university has its own specific requirements, but typically, you will need to submit transcripts, English language test scores, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP). Some universities may also require a portfolio and letters of recommendation.

Before going into the steps involved, let’s identify the required documents:

Criteria	Details
Academic Requirements	BSc or MSc studies: Secondary school (maturity) certificate and transcript of grades. Second-cycle (Masters) studies: Higher education diploma (MA, BA, engineer diploma or equivalent) and transcript of grades obtained.
English Language Proficiency	IELTS TOEFL TOEIC Cambridge English Test Duolingo English Test International Baccalaureate  PTE General
Health Certificate	Stating no objections to undertake studies on the chosen program.
Visa (foreigners staying in Paris)	A photocopy of visa or other document proving legalisation of stay in Paris
Proof of Payment	Receipt of application fee payment.
Photograph	Passport format photo (35mm x 45mm)
Miscellaneous Documents	CV Cover letter Recommendation letter

Note: Requirements may vary depending on the specific university and program. Please refer to the university's website for the latest updates.

Now that you know the visa requirements, let’s look at the application steps. For 2025 admissions, platforms like Études en France and MonMaster simplify applying to top Paris universities.

Application deadlines:

Category	Application Deadlines
DAP (First-Year Bachelor’s)	January 15, 2025
HDAP (Second/Third-Year Bachelor’s & Master’s)	January 31, 2025
University Response Deadline	May 7, 2025
Student Response Deadline	May 31, 2025
Études en France Platform Opens	October 1, 2024

After going through the deadlines, let’s look at application steps.

Application steps

Application Steps	Details
1. Create an Account	Register on Études en France platform
2. Select Programs	Choose up to 3 programs (DAP) or 7 (HDAP)
3. Submit Documents	Upload transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of French proficiency
4. Pay Application Fee	Fee varies by country (~€170–€250)
5. Campus France Interview	Mandatory for some countries (check requirements)
6. University Responses	Await decisions by May 7, 2025
7. Accept Offer	Confirm your choice by May 31, 2025

Tips for a Successful Application

• Research Programs: Utilize Campus France to find suitable programs.
• Prepare Documents Early: Ensure all documents are translated and meet the requirements.
• Meet Deadlines: Adhere strictly to application and response deadlines.
• Seek Assistance: Contact Campus France for guidance throughout the process.​

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, international students can navigate the application process to study at the best universities in Paris for the 2025 academic year.

Once you receive the letter of acceptance from university, you need to apply for a student visa to study. Let’s check out the process.

Student Visa Process for Paris

To study in Paris, international students must apply for a student visa via the France-Visas platform. Students from 40+ countries, including India, can use the streamlined Études en France process.

Student visa denials can derail your study abroad dreams, but with the right preparation, you can turn the tide in your favor. Also understand how to avoid student visa rejection and take the first step towards studying abroad with confidence.

Key Steps in the Application Process:

• Create an Account: Register on the Études en France platform to begin your application.​
• Submit Required Documents: Prepare and upload necessary documents, including proof of admission, financial resources, and accommodation details.​
• Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the French consulate or visa center in your country.​
• Attend the Appointment: Submit your application, provide biometric data, and pay the visa fee.​
• Track Application Status: Monitor the progress of your application through the France-Visas platform.​

The visa application process typically takes about 15 days, but it's recommended to apply well in advance to account for any unforeseen delays. For detailed information and to start your application, visit the France-Visas website.

Paris is increasingly recognized as a growing hub for technology and business in Europe. Let's explore some of the job prospects in the country.

Career Opportunities In Paris After Graduation

To study in Paris, non-European students must secure a career permit and, after graduation, either have a job offer with a salary of at least EUR 2,220 per month or apply for an Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS). This temporary permit, valid for 12 months, allows graduates to search for employment or start a business.

Here are some popular job roles and their average salary in Paris:

Job Roles	Average Annual Salary (French Złoty)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Doctors	EUR 57,500	INR​ 1.8L
Nurses	EUR 3,277	INR 2.9L
Civil Engineers	EUR 48,000	INR​ 43.2L
Financial Analysts	EUR 51,000	INR 45.9L
Accountants	EUR 42,350	INR 38.1L  ​

Source: Glassdoor

After discussing the job roles and salaries offered in Paris, let’s explore the top companies hiring graduates in Paris.

Top Recruiters in Paris

Graduates from Paris universities can secure roles like business analyst or audit manager at firms such as Accenture and Allegro. With a 12% rise in demand, these roles are seeing steady growth. Skills in data analysis and financial modeling are highly valued.

Here are some top companies hiring graduates from Paris and their average annual salaries:

Recruiter	Job Roles	Average Annual Salary (French Złoty)
Datadog	Software Engineer	EUR 57,000 (INR 51.3L)
Salesforce	Account Executive	EUR 65,000 (INR 55.8L)
Solantis	Consultant	EUR 41,000 (INR 36.9L)
Criteo	Data scientist	EUR 52,000 (INR 46.8L)
Microsoft	Customer Success Manager	EUR 67,000 (INR 60.3L)

Source: Glassdoor

Among the available options, choosing the right university for your career goals can be challenging. Let’s explore how you can make an informed decision when selecting the best universities in Paris.

How to Select the Right University in Paris?

Choosing the right university in Paris can significantly shape your academic and professional path. Home to over 350,000 students, Paris hosts globally ranked institutions offering specialised, high-impact programs.  

Here’s are the steps to help you make the right choice:

1. Consider Your Field of Study

Paris offers world-class education in various disciplines such as arts, sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences. Start by identifying universities that specialize in your area of interest.

• HEC Paris is renowned for business and management programs.
• Sorbonne University excels in humanities and sciences.

2. Rankings and Reputation

Use global rankings like QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education to assess academic standing and research quality.

• PSL Research University and Université Paris-Saclay are among the best universities in Paris among the top 100 worldwide.
• They offer advanced research infrastructure and experienced faculty.

3. Program Offerings

Check if the university provides the exact program you’re interested in, especially in niche or emerging fields:

• Télécom Paris offers programs in Artificial Intelligence.
• AgroParisTech specializes in environmental sustainability.

4. Location and Campus Life

The best universities in Paris are spread across the city and suburbs. Choose based on your preferred lifestyle:

• For a good, urban feel, consider institutions near central Paris.
• For a quieter, residential setting, look into suburban campuses.

Campus environments differ too:

• Université Paris Cité offers a multicultural and modern atmosphere.
• École Normale Supérieure (ENS) has a more traditional academic culture.

5. Connectivity and Access to Facilities

Evaluate how accessible the campus is via public transport and the quality of nearby amenities.

• Many universities are well-connected by the Paris Metro, RER trains, and bus lines, making commuting easy.
• Check for proximity to libraries, student housing, cafeterias, and cultural venues for a balanced experience.

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Look into scholarship opportunities and financial aid for international students.

• Université Paris-Saclay and HEC Paris provide merit-based scholarships.
• These financial aids can make studying in Paris more affordable.

By considering these factors, you can select a university that not only aligns with your academic goals but also enhances your overall experience in Paris.

Now that you have explored the best universities in Paris, let's see how upGrad can support you in this journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study in Paris?

upGrad offers complete support for students looking to study in the best universities in Paris. You can get help in research and shortlist top institutions based on your academic interests, program specializations, and career goals. 

upGrad also assists with preparing required documents, such as academic transcripts, CV, and Letters of Recommendation. UpGrad’s visa support services help you understand the requirements, including documents like proof of funds and health insurance.

Find out whether Paris is the right fit for your study abroad journey. Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's experts to get personalized guidance on choosing the best university, understanding the visa process, and securing financial aid!