Universities in Paris - QS Best Student Cities Ranking | Top Universities
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Study in Paris

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Aisha Khan

Updated Jul 10, 2025
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Paris continues to be ranked among the top 10 student cities

Paris for students

The French capital remains highly ranked in this year's QS Best Student Cities ranking.

It is an important centre of international education and is home to several universities that are featured in the QS World University Rankings. Elite Parisian universities and specialised schools such as ENS ParisEcole Polytechnique ParisTechSciences Po Paris and HEC Paris have produced some of the most important philosophers, theorists, scientists, politicians, business leaders and mathematicians of the last 100 years, along with seminal movements in literature, film and art.

The City of Love has a place in the hearts of prospective students across the world. In our student survey one student said that they loved “being surrounded by beautiful monuments, history and culture,” while another said: “the nightlife is incredible”.

Will it climb back towards the number one spot next year? Have your say

Top universities in Paris

Rank
University
28

QS World University Rank

=72

QS World University Rank

=257

QS World University Rank

300

QS World University Rank

=367

QS World University Rank

801-850

QS World University Rank

951-1000

QS World University Rank

1001-1200

QS World University Rank

1001-1200

QS World University Rank

1201-1400

QS World University Rank

Paris's QS Best Student Cities performance

Affordability rank 75
Desirability rank 17
Employer Activity rank 12
Student Mix rank 42
Student View rank 41

Why study in Paris?

Good employment prospects

Scoring well in the employer activity indicator this year, Paris’s graduates are highly respected by employers. There are lots of international firms based in the city’s business district which frequently hire skilled graduates.

The museums and landmarks

Some of Europe’s most impressive landmarks and museums are located in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées.

French cuisine

From buttery croissants and fresh cheeses to duck confit, ratatouille and soufflé, Parisians definitely know good food. Enjoy lunch at a café terrace or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

The nightlife

Paris’ nightlife offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to catch up with your friends over wine, or dance all night in one of Paris’s clubs, you’re sure to find something that suits you.

What is the cost of studying in Paris?

While Paris does have a (justified) reputation for its high cost of living, this is to a large extent balanced out by low tuition fees, which only cost around US$2,100 per year for international students. 

Of course, despite this, enjoying all the delights of life in this iconic European capital will still certainly stretch your student budget, especially if you’re into haute couture and haute cuisine.

Life and culture in Paris

Paris is probably the student city with the most iconic landmarks. It’s home to the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame cathedral amongst others, as well as countless famous museums and art galleries.   

The city of love, but also the city of lights, fashion, cuisine, art and architecture, Paris is a buzzing cultural hub where students of all tastes can find something to love.  

Visit Paris’ world-famous museums such as the famous Louvre museum, Musée d’Orsay, and the Paris Museum of Modern Art. Afterwards enjoy a picnic – or a delicious Parisian crêpe – in one of Paris’ many green parks: Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes or the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.   

In the evening you can go to Paris’ clubs and bars to dance or visit the Eiffel Tower which is lit up brightly at night. Alternatively, you can take a night dip in an Art Deco pool or enjoy some traditional French cuisine in a brasserie or bistro.

Careers in Paris

Today, Parisian graduates are targeted by a vast range of employers across the continent, as is reflected in the city’s strong score for employer activity in the ranking, placing seventh worldwide.

There are also hundreds of international companies with offices in Paris’ business district, La Défense, including L’Oréal, Google, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble and Nestlé, all of which are frequently looking to hire graduates.

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