Top 10 Universities in Paris

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris is a popular study destination for international students. It places seventh this year in the most recent QS Best Student Cities ranking. 

The QS World University Rankings 2022, features 32 French universities, with 12 of these located in its capital city. 

Here’s a look at the top 10 highest ranked universities in Paris in the QS World University Rankings® 2022: 

If culture is what you’re looking for from a student city, Paris is the study destination for you. With the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie amongst around 130 others, Paris is home to some of the most famous museums in the world.  

Of course, you cannot forget the many famous landmarks dotted around the city: from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe to the Notre Dame Cathedral. There’s a reason Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world.  

The river Seine running through its centre only adds to the beauty of the city, which features historic monuments, including cathedrals, chapels, and palaces. 

“It’s very convenient being a student in Paris. You have access to everything from cultural life to the latest innovations, without mentioning the historical and architectural assets of the city,” said Anne Boisjot, who studies chemical engineering at Université PSL. 

Anne describes Paris as “the best city in the world” but as she grew up in the city, she admits that she may be slightly biased. “Whatever you enjoy doing, Paris will give you the opportunity to do it” she said.   

Paris is also home to some of the world’s best universities, including the highest-ranking school in Paris, Université PSL, ranking 44th in the world after rising eight places this year. 

Remy Haddad, a third-year undergraduate student at Université PSL, said: “I knew about the academic excellence of Université PSL, but I also chose to study there for its rich and stimulating student life. Université PSL is the perfect combination of quality teaching and a rich student life with many opportunities for personal involvement.” 

When asked what he enjoys most about studying at PSL, Remy said: “it’s the diversity of the people I meet. PSL students come from different backgrounds and cultures and study very different disciplines. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn from each other and the learning takes place both in class and during these interactions.” 

Anne said: “PSL is a young and very promising university, so I wanted to join this dynamic community and benefit from its impressive worldwide network.” She added: “It's very inspiring to interact with experts that are passionate about their fields of studies.” 

As you might expect, studying in Paris is not cheap. A single person living in France’s capital would need around £828 per month for living expenses plus £1,052 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, according to Numbeo. However, this high cost is balanced out by low tuition fees. Tuition fees at universities in the city only cost around £2,375 per year for international students. 

If you're from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you will not need a student visa to study in France. If you're from one of the 31 countries in which CampusFrance runs the CEF procedure, listed on the CampusFrance website, then you're obliged to use the CEF online application system. This guides you through the entire application process, including obtaining a visa, how to apply and which documents you require. 

If you're not from one of these countries, you’ll need to submit a preliminary application at your local French embassy before applying to one or more French universities. The way you apply will depend on your previous qualifications and where you are applying. Contact the universities you’re thinking about attending for guidance on the correct procedure to follow. 

“Paris is an amazing city to be a student. The cultural life is incredibly rich, and it is a city that inspires dreams all over the world,” said Remy.