Best Public Universities in France 2026

Can you study in France for Free?

Introduction

Want to study in Europe, enjoy a side of Pain Au Chocolat? This might be your cue. But living in France is Expensive! How can one afford to study there for 1-2 years? Legit question if you ask me. But what if I tell you there are universities in France offering subjects in English with a registration tuition of 650 Euros! Yes, you heard it right.

France is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, offering high-quality education at an affordable cost via public universities. Public universities in France provide excellent academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and globally recognized degrees. For Indian students looking to study abroad without breaking the bank, public universities in France present an ideal opportunity.

Why Choose Public Universities in France?

Thinking of studying in France but worried about the high living expenses? This is why we prefer public universities in France.

Low Tuition Fees: Compared to private universities, public universities in France are highly affordable, with annual tuition fees as low as €170–€650 a year and € 6200 for specialized programs. By the way, did you know our founder studied in France for free? Check this out to know more!

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World-Class Education: Many public universities in France rank among the top institutions worldwide.

Scholarships & Financial Aid: Indian students can access scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Post-Study Work Opportunities: France offers international graduates job opportunities and post-study work visas.

Cultural & Career Exposure: Studying in France provides an enriching international experience with strong industry connections.

These are just some of the main reasons why public universities are so popular in France.

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Best Public Universities in France 2026

Ready to kickstart your journey in one of the best public universities of France? We got you covered! Here we have listed the top 5 public universities:

Universities

Location

Popular Courses

Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)

Paris, France

Research and Technical courses

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Palaiseau, France

Technical, managerial, and research courses

University of Paris-Saclay

Paris, France

Research, technical, and managerial courses

Sorbonne University

Paris, France

Research, technical, and managerial courses

Sciences Po

Paris, France

social sciences, particularly politics and international studies

These are not all! These universities are not only worth the penny but also prestigious. Wish to see yourself in top universities like these and many more, but are unsure of your profile? Check out our free profile evaluation today for free!  

Admission Process & Requirements

Interested in pursuing your studies in France. Getting into a French public university involves the following steps:

  • Choose Your Program & University

Research and shortlist universities based on your field of interest and career goals.

  • Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s programs: Completion of 12th grade with required subjects.

Master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Language requirements: French-taught programs require B2-level French proficiency (DELF/DALF); English-taught programs require IELTS or TOEFL equivalent. Some might also accept other alternatives like PTE or Duolingo. However, some universities in Europe no longer require IELTS or TOEFL, Click to check out!

  • Apply via Campus France

Campus France is the official platform for international applications to French universities.

Submit your application, required documents, and motivation letter.

Some programs require an interview.

  • Individual Application Portals

A few of the public universities, like ENS de Lyon, UBFC, Sorbonne University, etc, offer admission through their official website.

  • Obtain a Student Visa

Once accepted, apply for a student visa (VLS-TS) to study in France.

Public Vs Private Universities

If you're considering studying in France, understanding the differences between public and private universities is crucial. And it's confusing to say the least. So, we have detailed the comparison between the two for you!

Metrics

Public Universities

Private Universities

Funding

State funding

Funded partially (and sometimes fully) by corporations, companies 

Tuition

Tuition fees are generally less

Tuition fees are generally high

Instituition

Generally, all the universities are public with state funding. Some Grand Écoles are also government-funded

The majority of private ones are the grand écoles.

Courses

Public Universities offer courses from a broad range of disciplines like humanities, engineering, and sciences

Grand Ecoles and the private bodies are generally more specialised, be it management, technology, hence more career-oriented.

Cohort Size

Public universities often have larger class sizes, which can accommodate more students.

Generally keep smaller class sizes, more individualised attention, and closer interactions with faculty.

Accomodation

Public universities often have living arrangements on campus and agreements with student housing providers. They also offer affordable accommodation

Unfortunately, this isn't the case for private universities.

Facilities

Good facilities are also available based on prestige(Grand Ecoles). They generally have pretty decent resources and facilities like comprehensive libraries, sports facilities, and a variety of student organizations that enhance campus life.

These are generally the prestigious universities(top ones), highly selective. Based on funding offers, state-of-the-art amenities due to higher tuition fees. 

So, as you can see, public and private universities have their own perks. At the end of the day, it’s your call to decide which serves your purpose better and select accordingly. Interested in how the facilities at a Grand Ecole differ from private universities? 

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Job Opportunities After Graduation

France offers excellent job opportunities for international students post-graduation.

Post-Study Work Visa

Master’s Graduates: Eligible for a 2-year post-study work permit. Indian students now have the chance to stay back in France for up to 5 years.

STEM Graduates: High demand in finance, engineering, and tech sectors.

Industries Hiring International Graduates

Finance & Consulting: Companies like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and EY hire graduates in finance and consulting.

Technology & IT: If you're interested in launching your career in tech, make sure you research Capgemini, Dassault Systems, and Ubisoft thoroughly.

If you are interested in a career in data science, check out these top masters programs in data science in Europe!

Luxury & Fashion: Is luxury brand Management and the fashion industry your forte? LVMH, Chanel, L’Oréal welcomes you.

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Engineering & Manufacturing: Wish to work in Engineering and manufacturing? Companies like Airbus, Renault, and Schneider Electric should be your top choice.

And more! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Wanna know the top companies that hire English-speaking graduates in Europe? Or French Business Schools! Follow our socials to get a detailed idea of it all. 

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Internships & Career Prospects

Public universities in France offer strong industry ties, making it easier for students to secure internships and full-time jobs after graduation.

Conclusion

Studying at a public university in France is an excellent opportunity for international students (especially Indian students) to access world-class education at a fraction of the cost. With affordable tuition, numerous scholarships, and strong job prospects, France is an attractive destination for higher education.

If you’re ready to start your journey in France, schedule a call with our founder and get your application started today! 

Success Stories​

Krutika
Admits from EDHEC Business School

Bijal was instrumental in structuring my application to demonstrate my work. She provided me with timely feedback and guidance. Being an MiM student herself, she shared her personal experience at every stage which helped me to have a better understanding of the process and get into the school of my choice.

Santanu Kumar Pal
Admits from EDHEC Business School

I highly recommend Bijal Gandhi, the founder of EdYou Abroad, a Higher Education Consultancy Company, for her exceptional services in guiding students through the master’s application process. Bijal’s expertise in personalized assistance, value for money, and honest, unbiased advice sets her apart. Her commitment extends beyond admission, as she continues to provide valuable guidance even after acceptance. With Bijal’s assistance, I successfully gained admission to EDHEC Business School, a top-tier institution. I am grateful for her professionalism and dedication, and I confidently endorse EdYou Abroad’s consultancy services for anyone pursuing higher education opportunities.

Urmi Panchamia
Admits from University of Toronto

EdYou with the super experienced counsellors, have ALL the answers to your Study Abroad Journey. So Helpful, couldn’t have imagined anyone else giving me the kind of insight and expertise for my applications. The guidance with Cv Building, Portfolio and SOP has increased my chances of getting into top colleges. Would recommend every student to plan their future abroad with EdYou.

Simran Jariwala
Admits from Stevens Institute of Technology

Even though I had no tech background, Bijal’s help got me into good business and data analytics programs that too with scholarships. Thank you so much for believing in me!

Sreekanth Reddy Annareddy
Admits from EDHEC, SKEMA

I highly recommend Bijal as a study abroad consultant. What really set her apart was how personalized the entire service was. She didn’t just give generic advice but took the time to understand my goals, preferences, and concerns. From suggesting the right universities to helping me refine my application, every step felt tailored to my needs.

What truly stood out was the genuine support she provided. Bijal was always there to answer my questions and give advice that felt both thoughtful and sincere. It wasn’t just about getting me into a program, she genuinely cared about my journey and well-being throughout the process. Her attention to detail and constant encouragement made a huge difference, and I felt confident every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a consultant who offers a genuine support throughout your study about journey, Bijal is the one you want by your side.

Aditya Shetty
Admits from SKEMA Business School

I am delighted to write this recommendation for Bijal, whose exceptional guidance played a pivotal role in my admission to the Master in Management program at Skema Business School, Paris.

Bijal’s expertise as a counsellor goes beyond just offering advice; she takes the time to understand her students’ aspirations, strengths, and challenges. Her ability to provide personalized strategies and insights helped me build a compelling application that truly reflected my skills and potential.

Throughout the process, Bijal was not only a mentor but also a source of constant encouragement. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured my essays, resume, and other materials met the highest standards. She also provided invaluable support in preparing me for interviews, equipping me with the confidence and clarity needed to succeed.

I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone seeking expert guidance for their academic or professional journey. Her skills, experience, and passion for helping others achieve their goals make her an asset to anyone fortunate enough to work with her.

Ananya Shenoy
Admits from Georgetown University

Bijal played a pivotal role in helping me structure my application to highlight my work and achievements effectively. Her feedback was always timely, insightful, and tailored to my goals. Her guidance was instrumental throughout the process and played a key part in helping me gain admission to the school of my choice. Thankyou!

Sivaraam K
Admits from ESADE, EDHEC, FSFM

I am incredibly grateful to Bijal for the invaluable support and guidance she provided throughout my academic journey. At a time when I felt uncertain and doubted the strength of my profile, Bijal’s insightful understanding and personalized approach completely transformed my perspective. She helped me streamline my entire application process and gave me clarity on choosing the right university—one that I genuinely had a chance at—and even helped improve my acceptance chances significantly.

What truly stood out was her dedication to my essay drafting challenges. Bijal treated it with such care and importance that it felt extraordinary, and I am deeply thankful for that. Even after receiving an early admission offer, she encouraged me to hold on and explore other options, knowing my profile was strong enough for a better fit. Thanks to her mentorship, care, and up-to-date knowledge of universities worldwide, I ultimately secured a place at a top 20 global university for my business master’s program—something no other consultancy would have advised.

Bijal made me realize the potential in my profile when I couldn’t see it myself. I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone seeking deep, thoughtful analysis for university selection, academic research, or professional guidance. She is not only growing in her expertise but also helping others grow alongside her.

Anshul Pokharna
Admits from EDHEC, BITSOM

I worked with Bijal Gandhi during my MBA application process, and I’m genuinely glad I did. When I first started, I was focused on going abroad. But after a few discussions with my parents, I began exploring Indian options too — that’s where Bijal really stepped in.

She never gave templated advice. Instead, she helped me think through both options carefully — understanding my profile, career goals, and what I really wanted from an MBA. Her approach was balanced, honest, and very thoughtful.

One thing I truly appreciated was how seriously she took BITSoM. A lot of people would have dismissed it just because it’s a new school, but she did her homework. She looked into the faculty, curriculum, industry connects, and overall potential. Her analysis gave me the confidence to apply — and eventually accept the offer.

If you’re looking for someone who’ll truly guide you — not just help you apply — Bijal is someone you can trust.

Bhavana Manikonda
Admits from UCL

am super happy to recommend Bijal! She was an amazing mentor who guided me through a big career change from medicine to management. I got into UCL, which top 9 in the world…I was clueless about what course to choose, which university to choose , but Bijal’s guidance and support were spot on. She’s super friendly, and always available to help.Bijal not only provided me with valuable insights and advice but also ensured that I was well-prepared for every step of the process. She was consistently available to answer my questions and offer support, and her enthusiasm and passion for her work are contagious.
I can surely say that no one understands what course you need and university you pick,beacuse I have seen friends struggle taking universities and courses recommended by consultants as they get money through tieups she really never compromised and I really love this about her.

What struck me most about Bijal was her commitment to delivering on her promises. She did everything she mentioned . I had a smooth and successful experience. Her guidance and mentorship were invaluable, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her. Bijal made the whole process smooth and stress-free. If you need guidance on your abroad journey bijal is the best!!!

Mrunal Hulke
Admits from ESSEC Business School

I’m incredibly grateful to Bijal for her unwavering support throughout my study abroad application journey. From our first conversation, she took the time to truly understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, and helped me express my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her feedback on my applications to HEC Paris and ESSEC Business School was always clear, actionable, and encouraging, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Bijal also guided me through my interview prep, helping me find my voice and present myself with confidence. Thanks to her mentorship, I was thrilled to receive initial shortlists from both schools. I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone pursuing their dream of studying abroad, her guidance and genuine care truly make all the difference.

Cesar Souza
Admits from London Business School

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, and especially to Bijal Gandhi from EdYou Abroad, who played a key role in making this achievement possible. Their support went far beyond strategic guidance. They helped me structure my story, highlight my experiences, and build a coherent and authentic application. I couldn’t have done it without them.

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