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Universities in France
803 universities
803
Universities
697
Ranked
215
With Logos
#194
Best Rank
Higher Education in France
France has one of the world's most distinctive higher education systems, with 803 institutions divided between universities, Grandes Ecoles, and specialized institutions. The Grandes Ecoles, including Ecole Polytechnique, HEC Paris, and Sciences Po, operate separately from the university network and select students through competitive entrance examinations. The Hceres agency evaluates research and higher education quality. Most instruction is in French, though English-medium programs are expanding at business schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
France has approximately 70 public universities and over 250 Grandes Ecoles (elite higher education institutions). The system also includes specialized engineering schools (Ecoles d'Ingenieurs), business schools, and research institutes.
Public university tuition for EU students is very low: approximately 170 EUR per year for bachelor's and 243 EUR for master's programs. Non-EU international students pay differentiated fees of about 2,770 EUR (bachelor's) and 3,770 EUR (master's) at public universities. Grandes Ecoles and private institutions charge significantly more.
Grandes Ecoles are prestigious French higher education institutions that operate parallel to the university system. They include elite engineering schools (Ecole Polytechnique, Mines ParisTech), business schools (HEC Paris, ESSEC), and ENS (Ecole Normale Superieure). Admission is highly competitive, typically requiring 2 years of preparatory classes (Classes Preparatoires).