France is one of the top choices for international students hoping to study abroad. At the heart of France’s renowned educational landscape are its public universities. The best public universities in France have a rich tradition of academic excellence. Managed by the Ministry of National Education, France’s public education system is designed to be inclusive, providing affordable, secular education to all from an early age. The approach extends to higher education, where public universities play a pivotal role.
Key highlights:
- Differences between private and public universities in France
- Key things to know about public universities in France for international students
- Application process
- Work opportunities
- Post-graduation options
- List of public universities in France
- Eligibility criteria
- Tuition fees
Differences between private and public universities in France
Public and private universities in France differ in multiple ways.
Funding and tuition
Public universities receive funding from the state. Several public universities in France that teach in English offer affordable education to international students. Private institutions, on the other hand, rely predominantly on tuition fees and donations, resulting in significantly higher tuition costs.
Admission standards
Admission to public universities is relatively open. Any student who has earned the baccalauréat, which is an academic qualification earned after completing secondary education or an equivalent qualification, is eligible to enrol. The inclusivity fosters a diverse and international student body, reflecting accessible education. Admission to private universities is more selective, often requiring higher academic qualifications or specific entrance exams.
Class size and student support
Public universities often have larger class sizes, which can accommodate more students. Private institutions generally keep smaller class sizes, fostering more individualised attention and closer interactions with faculty.
Curriculum and specialisations
Public institutions offer a broad curriculum across disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and engineering. They often focus on research-oriented programmes, offering students access to extensive libraries, research centres, and extracurricular activities. Private universities tend to specialise in specific fields, such as business, technology, or art.
Facilities and resources
Backed by government funding, public universities generally have well-established facilities, including comprehensive libraries, sports facilities, and a variety of student organisations that enhance campus life. Private university facilities can vary widely based on funding. Some varsities can offer state-of-the-art amenities due to higher tuition fees.
Also Read: Popular Universities in France for Higher Education
Key things to know about public universities in France for international students
Public universities in France provide an attractive and accessible pathway for international students, offering quality education with relatively low tuition fees and a range of opportunities to enrich the student experience. Here’s what prospective international students should know:
Eligibility criteria
Requirements vary by programme. To gain admission to a public institute in France, students should meet the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree for master’s programmes
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL for English programmes)
Work opportunities
International students can work part-time for 964 hours per year, which can help offset living expenses to support their lifestyle.
Post-graduation options
International students can apply for an APS (Autorisation provisoire de séjour), a one-year post-study work permit, which will allow them to gain experience in France. It offers a vital stepping stone into the French job market and can lead to further work opportunities.
Also Read: Everything You Must Know Before Planning to Study in France
List of public universities in France
The most popular and affordable public universities in the country include:
- Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- Sorbonne University
- Paris Saclay University
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
- École des Ponts ParisTech (Ponts)
- Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University
- University of Paris Cite
- University Grenoble Alpes
- Sciences Po
Other popular Paris public universities in France
- Paris 8 University Vincennes-Saint-Denis
- New Sorbonne University - Paris III
- Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas
- Sorbonne Paris North University
- Arts et Métiers ParisTech
Also Read: Top IT Universities in France for Cutting-Edge Education
Application process for public universities
Master’s and doctoral applications can be submitted directly to universities. Standard documentation includes:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A valid passport
- Some programmes may also request a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and recommendation letters
Tuition fees
Public universities in France are known for their low tuition fees. International students can expect to pay between €2,000 and €10,000 annually, depending on the university and programme.
Studying at public universities in Paris and France will offer incredible opportunities to international students. These institutions provide learners with an excellent education. While these universities are affordable, international students must evaluate their finances before travelling to France.
Please remember that apart from tuition fees, you will still have to budget for living, travel, and other expenses. You can opt for a loan for education to fund your higher education journey in France. At Avanse Financial Services, we provide up to 100% funding and student-friendly interest rates to ease your journey. You can also use our education loan calculator connect with us.
