Last Updated: June 23, 2022
Top Universities in Paris
Paris is one of France's most popular study destinations for international students. The best programs offered here are in art, architecture, culinary arts, and business, and students can choose a program that interests them. Since the location is also a tourist destination, students can learn more about the country and the city by living here. There are innumerable options for entertainment and education when it comes to Paris.
There are around 15 universities in Paris, most of which are well-acclaimed in France, and a bunch of them are popular internationally for the curriculum they provide. Studying here will allow candidates to experience the French way of living and immerse themselves in the country's language since most universities require candidates to learn basic French, depending on their program of choice. A few of the best universities in Paris and the details regarding the programs offered there are as follows-
Sorbonne University
Established in 2018, this university was created by combining universities like Paris-Sorbonne University, Pierre et Marie Curie University, etc. The most popular fields of study here include humanities, sciences, medicine, etc. The programs here are taught either in French or in English. Certain programs are also taught in a blended medium, and candidates must understand French and English to understand the program. Other details regarding the English-taught programs include-
Bachelor’s Programs
Bachelor’s programs at this university are offered in French only.
| Programs | Credits | Duration |
| General Bachelor’s in CS | 120 credits | 3 years |
| General Bachelor’s in Life Sciences | 120 credits | 3 years |
| General License in Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automatics | 120 credits | 4 years |
Master’s Programs
Master’s programs here are in French or English, with international students opting for the latter. A few of the best master’s programs offered here include-
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| Paris Physics Master- 2 years | BS in Physics | 30 per semester | English |
| Master in Computational Mechanics- 2 year | Degree in Engineering | 117 Credits | English |
| Master’s in High Performance Computing- 2 years | BS in Mathematics/CS | 120 credits | English |
| Digital International Program- 2 years | BS in Computer Science | 120 credits | English |
Universite PSL
Established in 2010, this collegiate university includes institutions like Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimie, Conservatoire National Superieur d’art Dramatique, College de France, Curie Institute, etc. It is a publicly funded research university now offering programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university has over 70 libraries and museums across different constituent colleges. The details for the programs offered here are as follows-
Bachelor’s Programs
Bachelor’s programs at this university are taught either in French or in a blended mode. Candidates must prove their proficiency in the language of instruction as part of the admission application to enroll in the program.
| Programs | Credits | Duration |
| Bachelor’s in Sustainable Science | 120 credits | 3 years |
| License in Social Sciences | 120 credits | 3 years |
| License in Applied Mathematics | 120 credits | 3 years |
Master’s Programs
Master’s programs are provided in French and English and are even blended, combining both languages. The international programs offered by the institution are-
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| Master’s in Energy- 2 years | BS in any subject | 120 credits | English |
| Master’s in Nuclear Energy- 2 years | BS in any subject | 120 credits | French |
| Master’s in Computer Science-2 years | BS in Computer Science | 120 credits | French/English |
| Master’s in HR Management | 3-year degree with 180 credits | 120 credits | French |
Universite Paris-Saclay
Established in 1150, this is one of the oldest universities in the city. The university offers programs in agriculture, medicine, law, engineering, social sciences, etc. These programs are provided at a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level with a primary focus on research. It is the second-best global university in France and the 17th-best university in Europe.
Bachelor’s Programs
Bachelor’s programs in this institution are taught mostly in French, and candidates will require proficiency in level B2 or C1 to enroll.
| Programs | Credits | Duration |
| Earth Science License | est. 60 credits per year | 3 years |
| Economics and Management License | 180 credits | 3 years |
| Double License in IT Mathematics | - | 3 years |
Master’s Programs
Master’s programs here are research-oriented and taught in French or English.
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| M1 Company Lawyer/Solicitor-Business Law | - | 70-78 credits | English + French |
| M1 Civil Engineering-Geomechanics & Construction Work | BS in Physics/Mechanics, Engineering | 60 credits | English + French |
| M1 Chemistry-International Track | BS in any subject | 60 credits | English |
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
This university is considered the 28th best global university in France for subjects like engineering and geosciences. Established in 1747, this purely technical institution offers only postgraduate and doctoral-level programs. The main fields of study offered here include computer science, economics, applied mathematics, and business programs like MBA and EMBA.
The details regarding programs provided here include-
Master’s Programs
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| M1 Economics | BA/BS in Mathematics/Economics | 120 credits | English |
| MSc in Sustainable Impact Analysis-1 year | 4-year Bachelor’s in Engineering/Economics/Mathematics/Statistics | 60 credits | English |
| M2 in Public Policy and Development | M1 in PPD with training | 60 credits | English + French |
Sciences Po University
Established in 1872, this institution focuses on studying social sciences, including economics, law, political science, history, etc. The university was formerly known as the Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques due to its primary focus on political science. They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs focusing on research. Most students enroll in postgraduate programs at this institution.
The details regarding the programs offered here include-
Bachelor’s Programs
| Programs | Credits | Duration |
| BA in Social Sciences & Humanities | 180 credits | 3 years |
| Bachelors in Arts and Sciences | min. 240 credits | 4 years |
Master’s Programs
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| Master in Economic Law-2 year | non-French Undergraduate degree | 120 credit min. | English |
| Master in International Security-2 years | - | 120 credits min. | English |
| Master in Public Policy-2 years | - | 120 credits min. | English + French |
| Master in International Development-2 years | - | 120 credits | English |
Institut PolyTechnique de Paris
Established in 1794, this institution was re-established in 2019 by bringing together five engineering schools. These institutions include Ecole Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, Telecom SudParis, etc. The institution has around 2,500 international students, and they mostly focus on interdisciplinary programs. There are more than 70 postgraduate programs offered here. The details regarding the programs offered include-
Bachelor’s Programs
| Programs | Credits | Duration |
| BS in Mathematics and Physics | 180 credits | 3 years |
| BS in CS and Mathematics | 180 credits | 3 years |
| BS in Mathematics and Economics | 180 credits | 3 years |
Master’s Programs
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Tuition |
| M1 Applied Mathematics and Statistics | BS in Mathematics/Mathematical Sciences | 60 credits | French + English |
| MA in Cybersecurity: Threats and Defenses Master | - | 140 credits | English |
| M2 in Transport et developpement durable | M1 in Engineering/Economics/Pol Science/Geography | 60 + 30 credits | French |
CY Cergy Paris University
Established in 2020, this university is the result of different old institutions coming together. It is primarily a research institute offering doctorate and post-doctorate in theoretical physics, business analytics, etc. The broad research areas offered here include experimental sciences and modeling, engineering sciences, economics, business, law & politics, human sciences, and arts & education.
Pantheon University-Paris II
Established in 1971, this university is primarily focused on research. Sorbonne University is considered to be the parent institute of this college, and the institution offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. The main areas of study that the institute focuses on include economics and management sciences, human sciences, and legal and political sciences.
| Program Level | Duration | Credits |
| Bachelor’s/License | 6 semesters | 180 credits |
| Master’s/Master | 4 semesters | 120 credits |
| Doctorate/Doctorat | 6 semesters | 180 credits |
Arts et Metiers-ParisTech
Founded in 1780, this institution is focused on engineering and research. It started offering one bachelor’s program in 2004. It also has programs dedicated to general engineering, specialized engineering, master’s degrees, and doctoral training.
Bachelor’s Program
This university offers only one bachelor’s program, which acts as a foundation course for any master’s level program in engineering.
| Program | Duration | Credit |
| Bachelor’s in Technology | 3 years | 180 credits |
Master’s Programs
Master’s programs in this university are considered to be M2 programs for students who have completed their general engineering or specialized engineering from the same institution. They will otherwise have to complete an M1 in a similar field of study to enroll in the M2 program.
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| M2 in Biomedical Engineering | Degree in Engineering | 180 credits | English |
| M2 in Energy | Degree in Engineering | 180 credits | English |
| M2 in Industrial Engineering | Degree in Engineering | 180 credits | English |
| M2 in Mechanical Engineering | Degree in Engineering | 180 credits | English |
Universite de Paris
Established in 2019, this university is the 67th best global university in the world. It goes back to 1150 and was acclaimed during the Middle Ages for being the best institution for philosophy. The programs offered here are for fields of study like humanities, social sciences, sciences, health, etc. The details for the programs are as follows-
Bachelor’s Programs
This university offers a few bachelor’s programs, most of which have French as a medium of instruction. A few of these programs are-
| Programs | Duration | Credits |
| Bachelor’s in Frontiers of Life Sciences | 3 years | 180 credits |
| Bachelor’s in Earth Science-Earth Course | 3 years | 180-240 credits |
| Bachelor’s in Language Sciences | 3 years | 180 credits |
Master’s Programs
A few of the best master’s programs offered at this university include-
| Programs | Prerequisites | Credits | Language |
| Master Frontiers in Chemistry-2 years | Bachelor’s degree/ License 3 | 120 credits | English |
| Master in Neurosciences-2 years | BS in Biomedical Science | 120 credits | English + French |
| Master in Health Economics-2 years | Bachelor’s in any subject | 120 credits | English |
| Master in International Business Law-2 years | Bachelor’s in any subject | 120 credits | English |
