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4 Top Universities to Study in France

Would you like to study in France? Then you'll be happy to know that the country is an increasingly popular destination for international students, with over 300,000 students from all over the world currently studying in the country.

So, if you're looking for a top-quality education in a beautiful and culturally rich country, France could be the perfect place for you. Do you need help to make your choice? Lucky for you, we've put together a list of the four best universities for international students in France.

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But first, let's review the steps that international students must take in order to apply to a French university.

How to Apply to a French University as an International Student

If you are a non-EU national, you will need to go through a few extra steps in order to secure yourself a place at the prestigious universities mentioned in this article.

  1. The first step is to check whether you meet the entry requirements. You will need to have completed high school and achieved good grades in order to be eligible to apply.
  2. If you meet the entry requirements, the next step is to fill out an application form. You can find the application form on the university's website.
  3. Once you have submitted your application form, you will need to send in some supporting documents. These include a copy of your passport, a CV, and academic transcripts.
  4. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of a place at the university. You will then need to pay a deposit in order to secure your place.
  5. Finally, you will need to apply for a student visa (do this only after your application process is complete!). You can find more information about how to do this on the website of the French embassy in your home country.
  6. If you are planning to study in France for more than three months, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

If you reside in a country that is part of the EU, you will not a visa to study in France. However, you will still need to apply for a residence permit.

Now that you know how to apply to a French university from abroad, let's take a look at the best French universities for international students.

1. Paris-Sorbonne University

Imagine what it must feel like to finish your lessons for the day and go out into the streets of Paris, looking for a bar where you can sit down and revise your notes while listening to a street musician.

Located in the heart of Paris, Paris-Sorbonne University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in France. The university is particularly well-known for its programmes in arts and humanities, and it has been ranked as the best university in France for arts and humanities courses by the Shanghai Ranking consultancy.

Paris-Sorbonne University is also a great choice for international students as it offers a wide range of courses taught in English, making it easier for those who are not fluent in French to follow along. What's more, it offers a range of financial aid options to international students including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Studying at Paris-Sorbonne University is a great way to improve your French language skills and learn about French culture. And, as an international student, you will be able to make friends from all over the world.

2. Grenoble Alpes University

Grenoble Alpes University is located in the city of Grenoble, in the southeast of France, a region known for its splendid French riviera, all-year-long mild weather, gorgeous sandy beaches, and wild, wild nightlife.

The university is particularly well-known for its programmes in science and engineering, and it has a strong international focus, with over 10% of its students coming from outside of France. This makes it a great choice for students who want to study in France in a multicultural environment.

Besides science and engineering, some of the most popular courses at Grenoble Alpes University include business and law, and it also has a strong reputation for its research programs.

Additionally, Grenoble Alpes University is known for its low tuition rates and the variety of scholarships and financial help options it has for international students!

3. Aix-Marseille University

Aix-Marseille University is located in the city of Marseille, on the Mediterranean coast of France. The university is particularly well-known for its programmes in medicine and health sciences, and it has been ranked as the single best university in France for these courses by the Shanghai Ranking consultancy.

This renowned institution is a great choice for students who want to study in France in a beautiful location by the sea, but it is also an ideal place for those who want to interact with other international students. The city of Marseille is multicultural, with a large population of immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East. As you can imagine, this makes it a great place to learn about different cultures.

Aix Marseille University has a student population of over 60,000, with approximately 5,000 international students. As a result, you will never feel like an outsider there. Besides, the university offers a number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for foreigners that will allow you to focus on your studies and not have to look for a badly-paid job to make ends meet.

4. University of Bordeaux

The University of Bordeaux is located in the southwestern city of Bordeaux. The university is particularly well-known for its programmes in wine studies and oenology.

In addition to wine studies, the University of Bordeaux offers a wide range of other courses. For example, here you can study business, law, and engineering. The university has a strong international focus, with over 20% of its students coming from outside of France.

The city of Bordeaux is home to many of the world’s best vineyards. Plus, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is a great choice for students who want to study in France in a beautiful city with a rich history.

If you are looking for a top French university that is welcoming to international students, the University of Bordeaux is just what you’re looking for. At the moment, there are over 5,000 students from more than 100 different countries studying at the university.

So, why is the University of Bordeaux so popular among foreigners? First, tuition fees are very reasonable, especially for European Union students. For non-EU students, they are around €7,000 per year. This, of course, is still comparatively cheap. Especially with financial assistance available for those who demonstrate financial need.

The university also has a number of services and facilities specifically created to help international students settle in and make the most of their time at the university. These include an International Welcome Center, language courses, and orientation programmes. As a foreign student, you will never feel as pampered as at the University of Bordeaux!

Are you ready to study in France?

So, there you have it – four of the best French universities for international students! All of the schools we have mentioned have a strong international focus. Not only that, but they also offer a number of programmes that are popular among foreigners. Additionally, they have reasonable tuition fees and offer financial assistance to help international students pay for their studies.

If you want to study in France, be sure to check the official websites for these 4 top universities and, above all, be sure to boost your French language skills before you travel.

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