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Last modified: 2026-09-24

# Universities in Paris for International Students: Which to Choose, Rankings, Costs and Admission

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Paris and its inner suburbs host more than ten public universities, three large groupings (PSL, Paris-Saclay and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris), stand-alone grandes écoles such as Sciences Po and HEC, and hundreds of private schools. Four Paris institutions are in the QS World University Rankings 2027 top 100: PSL (34th), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (=43rd), Sorbonne Université (73rd) and Paris-Saclay (76th). The standard public-university fee for non-EU students in 2026/27 is $3,299 (€2,902) a year for a licence (bachelor's) and $4,490 (€3,950) for a master's, although for 2026/27 Université Paris Cité and Paris-Saclay have cut it for international students to the national rate of $202 and $290 (€178 and €255). Sciences Po charges $16,937 (€14,900) a year for its undergraduate programme. The biggest cost in Paris is housing, not tuition: the average student studio rents for $1,049 (€923) a month.

Below you will find the main institutions on one map, rankings with source and year, real costs, admission routes and a comparison of Paris with its suburbs. Dollar figures use the ECB rate of 24 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1367) and are rounded.

The Panthéon at the end of Rue Soufflot in the Latin Quarter, near the Sorbonne and the Faculty of Law, Paris, France. Photo: xiquinhosilva from Cacau / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panthéon_from_the_Rue_Soufflot,_Paris_27_May_2017.jpg), [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0).

## Map of universities in Paris and the suburbs {#section-1}

| Institution | Type | Strengths | Location |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sorbonne Université](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sorbonne) | Public university | Humanities, medicine, science and engineering | Latin Quarter and other central campuses |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | Public university | Law, economics, management, political science, history, philosophy, art | Central Paris |
| Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas (Paris 2) | Public university | Law, economics and management, political science, journalism and communication | Central Paris |
| Université Sorbonne Nouvelle | Public university | Languages and literature, film, theatre, teaching French as a foreign language | Paris |
| Université Paris Cité | Public university | Medicine and health, sciences, humanities and social sciences | Paris |
| [Université PSL](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-psl) | Grouping of schools | Fundamental sciences, economics and management (Dauphine-PSL), engineering (Mines Paris-PSL), humanities (ENS-PSL) | Central Paris |
| [Université Paris-Saclay](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-paris-saclay) | University grouping | Physics, mathematics, engineering, biology, medicine, law | Saclay plateau and Orsay, south of Paris |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Grouping of engineering schools | Engineering, applied mathematics, economics and statistics (including École polytechnique, ENSTA, ENSAE, Télécom Paris) | Palaiseau, south of Paris |
| [Sciences Po](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sciences-po) | Grand établissement | Political science, international relations, law, economics, journalism | Paris and six regional campuses |
| Université Paris Nanterre | Public university | Law, economics, humanities and social sciences, sport | Nanterre, west |
| Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis | Public university | Arts, humanities and social sciences | Saint-Denis, north |
| Université Sorbonne Paris Nord | Public university | Health, law, economics, technology | Villetaneuse, Bobigny, Saint-Denis |
| Université Paris-Est Créteil and Université Gustave Eiffel | Public universities | Health, law, urban and transport engineering | Eastern Île-de-France |
| CY Cergy Paris Université | Public university | Economics, engineering, humanities | Cergy, north-west |
| INALCO, EHESS, CNAM | Public grands établissements | Languages and civilisations; social sciences (mainly master's and doctoral); adult education | Paris |
| HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP | Business schools | Management, finance, MSc and MBA | Jouy-en-Josas, Cergy, Paris |
| [SKEMA Business School](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-skema-business-school), Paris campus | Private business school | Management, finance, luxury, international business | Paris, plus Lille and Sophia Antipolis |
| [Istituto Marangoni Paris](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-istituto-marangoni-france) | Private fashion and design school | Fashion design, fashion business, styling | Paris |
| [Le Cordon Bleu Paris](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-le-cordon-bleu-paris) | Private culinary school | Cuisine, pastry, restaurant management | Paris |

Four different universities carry "Sorbonne" in their name: Sorbonne Université, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Sorbonne Nouvelle and Sorbonne Paris Nord. They are separate institutions with their own programmes and admissions, so use the exact name in your application.

## Rankings: what QS, THE and ARWU say {#section-2}

| Institution | QS 2027 | THE 2026 | ARWU 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Université PSL | 34 | 48 | 33 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | =43 | =68 | 201–300 |
| Sorbonne Université | 73 | =76 | 55 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 76 | =68 | 13 |
| Université Paris Cité | =303 | =190 | 57 |
| Sciences Po | =354 | 601–800 | not listed |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | =246 | 801–1000 | not listed |

THE 2026 also ranks CY Cergy Paris Université (1001–1200), Paris Nanterre and Sorbonne Nouvelle (1501+); Paris-Panthéon-Assas submitted data but was not ranked. THE's 2027 edition is released on 30 September 2026.

How to read them: ARWU is almost entirely research output (publications, citations, prizes), which is why Paris-Saclay is 13th there and 76th in QS. QS and THE give more weight to reputation surveys and international mix. Specialised law, business and art schools barely register in overall tables even when they lead their field. Most importantly, a ranking scores the whole institution, while you apply to one programme: compare programmes, teaching language, requirements and price.

## What studying in Paris costs in 2026/27 {#section-3}

| Item | Per year |
| --- | --- |
| Public university, standard non-EU rate: licence | $3,299 (€2,902) |
| Same: master's | $4,490 (€3,950) |
| National rate (EU citizens and students the institution exempts from the higher rate): licence / master's | $202 (€178) / $290 (€255) |
| Student life contribution (CVEC) | $119 (€105) |
| Sciences Po, tax residence outside the EEA: undergraduate / master's | $16,937 (€14,900) / $23,461 (€20,640) |
| Private institutions, Campus France range | typically $6,820–20,461 (€6,000–18,000) |

Higher fees and exemptions. Higher fees for non-EU students were introduced in 2019, and institutions could waive them. Decree no. 2026-385 of 19 May 2026 limited those waivers. According to the ministry guidance quoted by Université Paris Cité, only exemptions decided or announced to students before 21 May 2026 remain valid. For 2026/27, Université Paris Cité and Université Paris-Saclay had already decided to charge international students the national rate: $202 (€178) for a licence and $290 (€255) for a master's. Each university will announce its 2027/28 policy separately. Check the "droits d'inscription" page of your chosen university in spring and do not budget for a waiver that has not been confirmed. The full breakdown is in our guide to the [cost of studying in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-france).

Living costs. The student residence permit for 2026/27 requires proof of at least $997 (€877.50) a month. A realistic Paris budget is higher: Crous de Paris residences mostly cost $409–637 (€360–560) a month, and the average private studio $1,049 (€923). How to find housing, and what changed with CAF aid, is covered in our guide to [student housing in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-france).

## Paris or the suburbs: campus location and rent {#section-4}

Many "Paris" institutions are outside the city: Paris-Saclay and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris on the Saclay plateau, Paris Nanterre in Nanterre, CY in Cergy, UPEC in Créteil, HEC in Jouy-en-Josas. Rents there are lower than in Paris, but not by much. LocService's 2026 review puts the average student studio at:

| City | Average studio | Nearby institutions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Paris | $1,049 (€923) | Sorbonne Université, Paris 1, Paris 2, Paris Cité, PSL, Sciences Po |
| Créteil | $904 (€795) | UPEC |
| Saint-Denis | $888 (€781) | Paris 8, Sorbonne Paris Nord (partly) |
| Nanterre | $809 (€712) | Paris Nanterre |
| Cergy | $778 (€684) | CY Cergy Paris Université, ESSEC |
| Orsay | $773 (€680) | Paris-Saclay |
| Évry | $763 (€671) | Université d'Évry (Paris-Saclay) |

Saving $148–284 (€130–250) a month is easily eaten up by commuting costs and time. Living in Paris and commuting to Saclay only makes sense with a convenient RER line; for suburban campuses, a Crous residence near campus is usually the better deal.

## How to apply to a Paris university {#section-5}

There is no Paris-specific procedure: the route depends on your level, the type of institution and where you live.

1. First year of a licence at a public university. Apply through the prior-admission procedure (DAP). You may choose up to three universities, which review the file simultaneously. Applicants living in Russia use Études en France (open from 1 November to 15 December 2025 for 2026/27); applicants in Kazakhstan submit the "white file" between 1 October and 15 December. French at B2 is required, via DELF B2 or the TCF with the written section; see our guide to [DELF, DALF and TCF](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-french-language-tests-delf-dalf-tcf).
2. Licence years 2–3 and master's. Russia-based applicants use Études en France (for 2026/27 the window closed on 30 January 2026). Residents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan apply for master's programmes on Mon Master. The programme sets requirements; French-taught programmes usually ask for B2.
3. Sciences Po, grandes écoles, business and private schools. Their own competition or direct application within the school's deadlines; applicants from Études en France countries still use Études en France for the visa.
4. Preparatory classes (CPGE) and technology bachelor's (BUT). Through Parcoursup.

For details see our guides to [bachelor's](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-france) and [master's degrees in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-france).

It is wise to include at least one regional university among your three DAP choices: all three review your file at the same time, and all three can say no.

## Which Paris institution fits your goal {#section-6}

| Goal | First choice | Alternative |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fundamental science, research career | PSL, Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université | Paris Cité |
| Engineering with a strong brand | Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Paris-Saclay schools (e.g. CentraleSupélec) | Regional engineering schools via competition |
| Law | Paris 1, Paris-Panthéon-Assas | Paris Nanterre, Paris Cité |
| Political science, international relations | Sciences Po | Paris 1, Paris 2 |
| Economics and management at a public institution | Dauphine-PSL, Paris 1 | Paris Nanterre, CY |
| Medicine (via PASS or L.AS in first year) | Sorbonne Université, Paris Cité, Paris-Saclay | Regional medical faculties with lower living costs |
| Languages, film, French as a foreign language | Sorbonne Nouvelle, INALCO | Sorbonne Université (Faculty of Arts and Humanities) |
| English-taught business, fast career start | HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, SKEMA | Regional business schools, e.g. SCBS (South Champagne Business School) in Troyes |
| Fashion, design, culinary arts | Istituto Marangoni Paris, Le Cordon Bleu Paris | Public art schools of the Ministry of Culture |

## Private schools: checking that the diploma is recognised {#section-7}

Paris has many private schools with English-taught programmes and high fees. Campus France advises checking status before paying. State-recognised qualifications include national university diplomas, engineering degrees approved by the CTI, business-school diplomas holding a CEFDG visa, and programmes registered in the national qualifications directory (RNCP). An unrecognised diploma carries only the school's name: it may have value on the job market but may not count for further study. Check this before applying to any fashion, culinary or business school.

## Common mistakes when choosing Paris {#section-8}

- Confusing the "Sorbonnes". Sorbonne Université, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Sorbonne Nouvelle and Sorbonne Paris Nord are separate institutions.
- Choosing by overall ranking. A law or business school may be stronger than its place in the QS table suggests.
- Assuming last year's fee waiver still applies. After the decree of 19 May 2026, check the exemption policy for your academic year.
- Listing only Paris universities in DAP. All three could say no at once.
- Moving to a suburb to save on rent without costing the commute. The rent gap is often smaller than transport costs and lost time.
- Not checking a private school's diploma status. Without CTI, CEFDG or RNCP recognition, a later master's may be harder.

## Next step {#section-9}

Decide your level and language first (French or English, licence or master's), because they determine the institutions and the procedure. Then compare three to five programmes on requirements, fees for your academic year and campus location. The university decides on admission and on fee exemptions under its own rules, and the French consulate decides on the visa; StudyU does not guarantee any of these outcomes. Personal strategy, requirement checks, programme shortlisting, documents and application support are provided under a contract with StudyU. For the wider picture see [Study in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-france), and for options beyond the capital our guide to [universities in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-france-for-international-students).

## FAQ {#faq}

### Which universities are in Paris?

Public universities: Sorbonne Université, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris-Panthéon-Assas, Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris Cité, Paris Nanterre, Paris 8, Sorbonne Paris Nord, UPEC, Gustave Eiffel and CY. Groupings: PSL, Paris-Saclay and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Paris is also home to Sciences Po, INALCO, EHESS, the HEC, ESSEC and ESCP business schools, and many private schools.

### Which is the best university in Paris?

In QS 2027 the highest-ranked Paris institution is PSL (34th in the world); in ARWU 2026 it is Paris-Saclay (13th). For law, Paris 1 and Paris 2 are strong; for political science, Sciences Po; for business, HEC, ESSEC and ESCP. The best choice depends on your field.

### How much does Sorbonne Université cost for international students?

Sorbonne Université is a public university. The standard non-EU rate in 2026/27 is $3,299 (€2,902) for a licence year and $4,490 (€3,950) for a master's year unless the university reduces it for your case. Check its fee and exemption page for your academic year.

### Can I study in Paris in English?

Yes, mainly at master's level, at Sciences Po, in business schools and in private schools. Campus France counts more than 1,600 English-taught programmes across France. Public-university licences are almost all taught in French.

### Do I need French to enter a Paris university?

For first year via DAP you need B2, proven with DELF B2, DALF or the TCF with the written section. For master's programmes the programme sets the level. English-taught programmes do not require a French certificate, but may test your English.

### How much does student life in Paris cost?

The visa requires proof of at least $997 (€877.50) a month. Crous de Paris housing mostly costs $409–637 (€360–560) a month and the average private studio $1,049 (€923). Since 1 July 2026 a non-EU student with a student residence permit receives CAF rent aid only with a Crous grant, a job or an alternance contract.

### When should I apply for 2027/28?

For first year via DAP, in autumn 2026. In the last cycle the window ran from 1 November to 15 December for Russia-based applicants and from 1 October to 15 December in Kazakhstan. Russia-based master's applicants using Études en France had until the end of January. Campus France publishes the exact 2027/28 dates in the autumn.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Université PSL](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/universite-psl)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Institut Polytechnique de Paris](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/institut-polytechnique-de-paris)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Sorbonne University](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/sorbonne-university)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Université Paris-Saclay](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/universite-paris-saclay)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/universite-paris-1-pantheon-sorbonne)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Université Paris Cité](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/universite-paris-cite)
- [QS World University Rankings 2027: Sciences Po](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/sciences-po)
- [Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking)
- [ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026](https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2026)
- [Campus France: tuition and 2026/27 rates](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/cout-etudes-superieures-france-frais-inscription)
- [Campus France: CVEC 2026/27](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/les-10-choses-a-savoir-sur-la-contribution-vie-etudiante-et-de-campus-cvec-0)
- [Université Paris Cité: 2026/27 fees and exemptions](https://u-paris.fr/droits-dinscription/)
- [Université Paris-Saclay: 2026/27 fees and exemptions](https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/admission/droits-dinscription)
- [Sciences Po: tuition fees 2026/27](https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/tuition-fees/)
- [Campus France: how to apply, DAP and deadlines](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/candidature-enseignement-superieur-france)
- [Campus France Russia: 2026/27 deadlines](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/zapis-v-vuzy-podacha-dokumentov)
- [Campus France: institutional quality and diploma recognition](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/labels-etablissements-France)
- [Service-Public: student residence permit and financial requirement](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2231)
- [Crous de Paris: residences and 2026/27 rates](https://www.crous-paris.fr/se-loger/liste-de-nos-logements/)
- [Service-Public: APL for international students from 1 July 2026](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F12006)
- [LocService: student housing prices 2026 (market data)](https://www.locservice.fr/actualites/marche-logement-etudiant-france-2026-16110.html)

Official sources and rankings checked on 24 September 2026. ECB rate on 24 September 2026: €1 = $1.1367.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Sorbonne University (Sorbonne Université): Admission, Fees and Programmes](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sorbonne)
- [Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres): Admission, Programmes and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-psl)
- [Université Paris-Saclay: Admission, Programmes and Fees for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-paris-saclay)
- [Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies): Admission, Fees and Scholarships](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sciences-po)
- [SKEMA Business School](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-skema-business-school)
- [Istituto Marangoni Paris](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-istituto-marangoni-france)

Updated: September 2026