13 Best Universities in France for Indian Students

France is a popular choice among Indian students who are looking for high-quality education at a reasonable price amidst picturesque surroundings. France offers various fields of study, including science, engineering and the arts, and is considered a top destination for those considering studying abroad.

1. Université PSL

QS World Ranking - 24

Courses Offered

• Arts and Humanities

• Social Sciences and Management

• Natural Sciences

• Business and Management

• Engineering and Technology

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 2,770 to EUR 3,770

2. Sorbonne Université

QS World Ranking – 59

Courses Offered

• Geography

• History

• Humanities & Social Sciences

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 7,880 to EUR 18,344

3. Université Paris-Saclay

QS World Ranking - 71

Courses Offered

• Arts and Humanities

• Business and Management

• Engineering and Technology

• Life Sciences and Medicine

• Natural Sciences

• Social Sciences and Management

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 170 

4. Université de Paris Cité

QS World Ranking – 236

Courses Offered

• Biomedical Engineering

• Life Sciences

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Neurosciences

• Humanities and social sciences

• Public Health

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 100 to EUR 380

5. Université Grenoble-Alpes

QS World Ranking - 294

Courses Offered

• Architecture

• Geography

• Arts

• Language

• Human sciences

• Law

• Economics

• Political studies

• Management

• Materials

• Computer science

• Mathematics

• Information and communication sciences

• Engineering

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 170 to EUR 380

6. Université de Montpellier

QS World Ranking - 382

Courses Offered

• Law

• Economics

• Management

• Political and Social Sciences

• Science

• Technology 

• Health

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 9,745 to EUR 25,000 

7. Aix-Marseille Université

QS World Ranking – 387

Courses Offered

• Arts and Humanities

• Languages

• Social Sciences

• Law and Political Science

• Economics and Management 

• Health

Tuition Fees - Approx. EUR 2,770 to EUR 3,770 

8. Université de Strasbourg

QS World Ranking - 421

Courses Offered

• Arts

• Law

• Economics

• Management

• Political and Social Sciences

• Social Sciences and Humanities

• Science and Technology

• Health

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 600 

9. Institut Eurécom

QS World Ranking - 451-500

Courses Offered 

• Engineering

• IT & Software

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 10,050 to EUR 13, 400

10. Université Claude Bernard Lyon

QS World Ranking - 452

Courses Offered 

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Biochemistry

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Earth science

• Electrical engineering

• Computer science

• Mechanical engineering

• Medicine

• Pharmacy

• Odontology

• Audiology

• Occupational therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Speech therapy

• Ophthalmology

• Psychomotricity

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 990  

11. Université de Bordeaux

QS World Ranking - 465

Courses Offered - Engineering

Tuition Fees – EUR 1,850 
 

12. Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III

QS World Ranking - 511

Courses Offered

• Engineering Related Technology

• Public Affairs and Law

• Social Sciences

• Medical and Allied Health Care

• Art Design and Architecture

• Business and Management

• Computer Science and IT

• Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences

• Hospitality Leisure and Sports

• Journalism and Media

• Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 2,000 

13. Université de Rennes

QS World Ranking – 711-720

Courses Offered 

• Engineering Related Technology

• Parks and Recreation Resources

• Philosophy Religion and Theology

• Public Affairs and Law

• Social Sciences

• Medical and Allied Health Care

• Business and Management

• Computer Science and IT

• Hospitality Leisure and Sports

• Journalism and Media

• Natural Sciences and Mathematics 

Tuition Fees – Approx. EUR 2,500

• Academic Qualifications: Students are required to present valid proof of academic qualification like 12th Grade results, a bachelor's or master's degree, etc.  
  

• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.  
  

• Language Proficiency: You might need to show proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction at your chosen institution.  
  

• Standardized Tests: Students must present scores for standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, SAT or LSAT, depending on the level and requirement of the chosen course and university.   
  

• Medical Exam: In some cases, a medical examination may be required.   

• Statement of Purpose: Students must write a statement of purpose, stating their reason to study in a particular university.  
  

• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation for college admission is a short document typically written by a teacher, counsellor or mentor highlighting your strengths and potential contributions to a university.

• Culture: France is a country rich in history and culture. While some parts of the country may be a little expensive for students, most museums, galleries and historical monuments offer free entry for students under the age of 26 years. This makes it easier to explore the country in the most efficient and affordable manner. 

• Creating a Local Bank Account: It is important that students have a local bank account to avoid heavy accumulation of transaction fees and ATM withdrawal costs. Unlike other countries, queries are resolved on appointment basis in France.

• CAF Application: It is crucial to put in your CAF (Caisses d"Allocations Familiales) application as soon as possible. CAF is the sum of money allocated to students by the government to help pay for accommodation. It is advisable to put in your applications as soon as you create your local bank account.

• Language Proficiency: Almost all universities in France have English-taught courses. Like other European countries, it is recommended for incoming students to have a basic knowledge of the language to be able to communicate better with the locals and their fellow university-mates. To get a French Language certification, you can appear for DELF or DALF exams. 

• Rent: Students have several options when it comes to living, like student halls of residence, a shared apartment or a homestay. The rent in France can cost between 400 and 700 EUR/month (800 EUR/month in Paris), while in smaller French cities, you can rent a small apartment for about 300 EUR/month. 

• Transport: A monthly pass for the bus, metro or tram is usually between 30 - 75 EUR. 

• Phone, Internet and Electricity: Phone, Internet and Electricity plans cost approximately 130 EUR/month for students in France. 

• Food: Grocery shopping in France costs approximately 40 to 50 EUR/month for students.