List of 73 Best Universities in Paris (2026 Fees)

While known as a global capital for art, culture, fashion, and food, Paris also has an impressive selection of internationally acclaimed universities. The “City of Lights” is a highly preferred destination not only by tourists from around the world but also international students looking to discover and hone their talents in a thriving environment. The Ecole Normale Supérieure, Ecole Polytechnique, and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie are some of the universities in Paris globally known for their exceptional program offerings. Whether your passion is in the arts or in the sciences, Paris has an ideal option to start your study abroad experience.

The charm of Paris is found in its brilliant colors and architectures which can be seen even during an idle afternoon stroll down the streets. The Eiffel Tower tops the list of attractions, along with the Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, Musée National d'Art Moderne, and the National Museum of the Renaissance. Paris is also an ideal location for going into a gastronomic adventure as it has a variety of restaurants and cafés that offer the best of Parisian cuisine. Likewise, social engagements are easy to form in this friendly city. In general, the French are amiable people who love to chat and dine. Essentially, a study abroad experience in Paris is not only centered on acquiring outstanding education inside the university but also embracing a unique culture. As Jules Renard famously mentioned, “Ajoutez deux lettres à Paris et c’est le paradis”. This means “Add two letters to Paris and it’s paradise”.

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• Schools in Paris
• School Holidays in Paris
• Public Holidays in France
• Student Visa Requirements in France
• How to Get a Scholarship in France

Table of Contents

• Facts about Universities in Paris
• What is the education like in Paris?
• Quick Facts about Paris

Facts about Universities in Paris

• There are 9,000 primary, secondary, and higher education schools and institutions in Paris.
• Paris has the largest university student population in Europe with almost 400,000 registered students.
• Universities in Paris are classified into grandes ecoles (specialized centres) and public universities.
• Higher education is concentrated in the Paris region. There are 55 specialised centres of higher-education different from the public university structure.
• The first center of higher education is the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• The University of Paris was founded in 1150 and held students from across Europe. It has six faculties - law, science, medicine, pharmaceutical studies, literature, and theology.
• As time went by, the University of Paris was divided into different branches across the city, each representing a faculty: the Faculty of Law became The Panthéon-Assas University, Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Paris-Descartes University and Paris-Nanterre University; the Faculty of Medicine became the Paris Descartes University; the Faculty of Science became the Paris-Diderot University and Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University; and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities became the Paris-Sorbonne University and Sorbonne Nouvelle.
• Approximately 330,000 people work for the education sector.
• There are 170,000 teachers and professors teaching 2.9 million children and students.
• Robert de Sorbon created the Collège de Sorbonne in 1257.
• Other notable universities include the University of Cergy-Pontoise, University of Évry Val d'Essonne, University of Marne-la-Vallée, École Supérieure Robert De Sorbon, and University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.
• Education costs in Paris are significantly lower than other parts of Europe. Tuition fees can range from $1,000 to $4,000 per semester for public universities. Private universities may charge up to $15,000 to $18,000 per semester.

What is the education like in Paris?

France is known for having one of the best education systems in the world. French education has a rigorous education system with a national curriculum, teaching methods, and high academic standards. Its core philosophies are teacher authority, individual competition with absolute grading system, emphasis on analytical thought or critical thinking, and high academic expectations. Out of 65 countries ranked, France placed 25th in terms of quality of education.

In Paris, school is free from age 6 to 16. This is also the age for compulsory education where students need to attend primary and secondary school. After the mandatory education, students need to re-enter school for two years to be able to take a baccalaureate exam which is the main requirement to enter a university.

The Ministry of Education sets the education curriculum in Paris which does not include a requirement to wear school uniforms. Moreover, schools are solely used for academic learning. Hence, schools do not encourage sports or creative activities. These activities are promoted by the community or other private organizations. The school year in Paris usually begins in September and ends in July of the following year. There is a two-month summer break and two or three-week Christmas and Easter break.

Quick Facts about Paris

• Paris is France’s most populous city.
• With an area of 547,000 sq km, France is the largest country in the European Union.
• The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic towers in the world. It is just a temporary installation which is expected to stand for a maximum of 20 years after the World Fair in 1889.
• If you want to visit the Eiffel Tower, you have to climb 1,665 steps to reach the top. You can also take the elevator.
• Lutetia is the old Roman name of the city of Paris. Lutetia used to be located in present-day Nanterre. The residents called themselves "Parisii" which led to the city being called “Paris”.
• There are 38 cities called "Paris" across the world. These cities are located in the United States, Sweden, and Panama.
• Paris alone has a total of 1,803 monuments and 173 museums.
• The train stations of Paris have dozens of pianos.
• This city also has 450 parks and gardens spread out across 1,200 acres of Parisian land.
• Paris holds the world’s largest number of libraries. In total, it houses 830 libraries.
• Built in 1964, the Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris.
• Originally, the Panthéon or "Temple of the Republic", built in 1791, was a church called the Église Sainte-Geneviève.
• Paris has only one “Stop” sign until 2012. Currently, it has been removed from the exit of a construction material company in the 16th arrondissement.
• A Boldini painting was locked in a Paris flat for 70 years without any renter. The painting was discovered later.
• The Statue of Liberty has five replicas all over the city of Paris.
• Emmanuel is the main bell in the Notre Dame Cathedral which weighs over 13 tonnes.
• There are 6,100 rues or streets in Paris. Rue des Degrés is just 5.75 metres long and is the shortest rue in Paris.
• The Louvre Museum in Paris is the most visited museum in the world.
• The Paris Métro is the world’s fourth largest public transport system boasting of 302 stations.

Studying in Paris should not just be a dream. Plan your study abroad adventure in the City of Lights now. Who knows, your dream might just come true!

Below is a comprehensive list of all universities in Paris. Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best university in Paris with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.

Edarabia showcases all universities and colleges in Paris which can be filtered by courses and tuition fees. International students looking to get a degree in Paris can choose from a diverse range of programs and diplomas and obtain their Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs (or MBAs) from some of the top-rated institutions. Some universities also offer online courses through which students can apply for distance learning and get an online degree in certain fields.

Students who require financial aid can apply for scholarships in order to study higher education at a lower cost. Student visas and accommodation are also provided to students at many universities. There are study abroad and exchange programs offered in order to promote language development skills while giving students the opportunity to interact with other cultures around the world. Additionally, each university/college has ratings based on student reviews and are ranked below accordingly.

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