France is well known worldwide for so many different things: food, wine, tourism, literature, art, architecture, history…the list goes on, and also includes excellent Master in France programs. There are a variety of world class universities throughout the country offering top-notch Master in France programs, and this beautiful country with so much to offer is becoming increasingly attractive as a study destination for students from around the world.
France is among the leaders in international graduate education. French universities are offering more and more of their Master in France programs in English, especially within the fields of International Business, Management, Marketing, Economics and MBA, but also in fields such as International Studies, Engineering, Technology and Law, to name just a few. With a Master in France, graduates have excellent opportunities for careers in the region as well as around the world.
The following table lists the top universities in France in 2023 according to global rankings.
| University | THE 2023 | QS 2023 | ARWU 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris | 47 | 26 | 40 |
| Sorbonne University | 90 | 60 | 43 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | =95 | 48 | 301-400 |
| Paris-Saclay University | 93 | 69 | 16 |
| University of Paris | =114 | =248 | 78 |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | 251-300 | – | – |
| Aix-Marseille University | 301-350 | =490 | – |
| University of Bordeaux | 301-350 | 521-530 | 201-300 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 301-350 | 111 | – |
| Montpellier University | 301-350 | 501-510 | – |
| Grenoble Alpes University | 401-500 | =317 | 101-150 |
| IMT Atlantique | 351-400 | – | – |
| Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 | 401-500 | 601-650 | 201-300 |
| University of Côte d’Azur | 501-600 | 751-800 | 501-600 |
| École des Mines de Saint-Étienne | 501-600 | – | – |
| L’institut Agro | 401-500 | – | – |
| Sciences Po | 501-600 | 259 | – |
| Centrale Nantes | 501-600 | – | – |
| Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées | 501-600 | – | – |
| University of Lille | 501-600 | 751-800 | 301-400 |
Why Study in France?
1. Very affordable tuition fees
If you come from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you won’t pay more than 800 EUR per academic year; this applies to degrees at all levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
In some cases, non-EU/EEA students enjoy the same benefits, but in others they do pay higher tuition. Even so, studying in France still remains less expensive than in other countries, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
2. The number of English-taught degrees is growing
To attract more international students, both public and private universities in France have been increasing the number of English-taught study programmes in their academic offer.
There are over 1,500 courses taught in the English language, and the number is growing every year.
3. Excellent opportunities to learn or improve your French
Although English remains the primary international language in many sectors, you shouldn’t overlook French. It is the third most common business language and the official language in over 30 countries worldwide.
Remember that people who speak at least two foreign languages have better chances to get higher salaries or apply for positions at large multinational corporations and institutions.
French is also famously known as “the language of love” (la langue de l’amour), and we must admit, there’s something quite special about the words, the sounds, the accents, and how everything blends together beautifully.
4. France is a hub for research and innovation
Many French higher education institutions invest a lot of resources in their research facilities and staff. If you see yourself spending long hours in laboratories, conducting experiments, and working on humanity’s next breakthrough, France is the place to go.
Over 64 Nobel Laureates and 15 Fields Medals highlight the importance that France places on research and progress.
5. Visit famous tourist attractions
From human-made wonders to natural beauties, there’s so much to see in the Hexagon (popular nickname for France).
You can enjoy the French Riviera, explore the Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux, take a photo from the top of the Eiffel Tower, and quench your thirst for history at the Louvre Museum — these and many other attractions have transformed France into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
