A Bachelor’s degree from France opens the door to a promising future. The number of international students studying in France has increased recently. The sixth most popular country to host international students is France. Many international students aspire to study in France because of its highly regarded universities, varied academic offerings and welcoming culture. In France obtaining a Bachelor’s degree called a Licence or Licence Professionnelle typically takes three years . Finance, business administration, engineering, entrepreneurship, film studies, culinary arts, hotel management, and fashion design are among the most popular undergraduate programs in France. We will offer you a carefully compiled list of the top French universities for obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in this blog.
Leading French Universities for Undergraduate Studies
France has some of the world-renowned education institutes with a rich academic history. Some of the French universities which provide the best environment for studying for international students are:
University of PSL
Polytechnique Institute of Paris
Paris-Saclay University
Sciences Po
University of Bordeaux
University of Paris 1- Panthéon-Sorbonne
University of Grenoble Alpes
Aix Marseille University
Paris School of Business
Paris College of Arts
Now, we will learn about these universities one by one and see what makes them ideal choices for foreign students.
1. University of PSL
Paris Sciences et Lettres University or simply PSL is the first university to feature in our list. It was established in 2010, in Paris. PSL is the 1st French university in the top 50, as per the Times Higher Education University Rankings. It is a collegiate university which consists of 11 constituent schools, that are:
College of France
National Higher Conservatory of Dramatic Art
Dauphine
National Charter School
National School of Chemistry of Paris
National School of Mines of Paris
École normale supérieure
Practical School of Advanced Studies
ESPCI Paris
Curie Institute
Paris Observatory
PSL is known for its Bachelor courses in Art History, Physics, Political Science, Sustainability Sciences, and Organizational Science. It offers Merit Scholarships worth €900 per year to high school graduates who passed the baccalaureate with high honors and to graduates of Bachelor’s programs who would like to continue a Master’s degree program, at PSL. To apply for a UG course here, you need to submit a personal statement and an LOR , which provides a proper explanation of your plans to study at PSL, and how it aligns with your career goals. To write this effectively, seek help from professional SOP and LOR writers.
2. Polytechnique Institute of Paris
Engineering aspirants are in for a treat here at the Polytechnique Institute of Paris. It is situated in Palaiseau and was built in 2019. It is the No.2 university in France, as per the QS World University Rankings, 2015. It includes 6 French Engineering schools, which are as follows:
Polytechnic School
ENSTA Paris
ENSAE Paris
ParisTech Bridge School
Telecom Paris
Telecom SudParis
It is best known for offering Bachelor’s degrees in the following subjects: Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Energy. Its Polytechnic School offers the Women in Science Scholarships which amounts to €4,800, per year , to its female undergraduate students. As part of the application process, students may be asked to attend an interview in addition to submitting a resume, SOP, and LOR. Contact well-known study abroad consultants for the best advice on writing academic papers and preparing for university interviews. They offer resume, SOP, and LOR writing services in addition to interview advice.
3. Paris-Saclay University
As a result of the division of the University of Paris, the Paris Saclay University came into being in 2019. It is located in Orsay, France. As per the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, it is the 12th university in the world. It has 5 faculties Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law-Economics-Management, and Sports Sciences.
It also has an Engineering school, three technical institutes, & an undergraduate university school. It offers dual courses for its Bachelor programs such as: (a) Law & Economy, (b) IT & Mathematics, (c) Physics, and Engineering Sciences, (d) Chemistry & Life Sciences, and (e) Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences.
4. Sciences Po
Sciences Po also known as the Paris Institute of Political Sciences is a private and a public research university situated in Paris. It was created in 1872 and has been a pioneer in the promotion of political science as an academic field in France. It is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs and the European University of Social Sciences. It includes an Undergraduate College, six professional schools, and a Doctoral School. It offers many notable Bachelor courses in Communications, Economics, International affairs, Law, Journalism, Organizational Behavior, and Public affairs.
The Sciences Po provides the Émile Boutmy Scholarship to first-time applicants, from a non-EU state, who have sought admission in a UG course at the university. Based on merit, it provides scholarships valued between €6,500 & €14,720 per year, for 3 years of the UG course. To avail of this scholarship, students might be asked to provide proof of their income and documents explaining their family situation. To apply for a UG course at Sciences PO, you need to submit an SOP and an LOR , and at times even a resume . To write as per the university requirements, seek help from experienced resumes, SOP, and LOR writers.
5. University of Bordeaux
Bestowed with the title of ‘Initiative of Excellence,’ the University of Bordeaux was built in 1441. It is based in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. It has two research centers for Neuroscience and Computer Science and three faculties that are:
College of Law, Political Science, Economics and Management
College of Health Sciences
College of Human Sciences
As part of its application process, students are required to write a personal statement , outlining their reasons for pursuing an undergraduate program at the institution, and how it will be beneficial to their career goals. Consult professional SOP writers or online SOP writers , to write eloquently.
6. University of Paris 1- Panthéon-Sorbonne
If you are someone with a keen interest in visual art, and humanities, then you must consider the University of Paris 1- Panthéon-Sorbonne for studying Bachelor’s in France. Established in 1971, in Paris, this university has three main areas of specialization: Economics and Management, Human Sciences, and Legal and Political Sciences. It is the second-largest university in France that specializes in the arts and humanities.
It is renowned for providing some of the greatest undergraduate degrees in the fields of law- management- finance arts and culture professions plastic arts economics and history of art and archaeology. To apply for a UG program here you must send in a cover letter and resume that explains why you want to take a certain UG course at the university and how it will advance your goals. Consult with well-known study abroad consultants who specialize in academic writing services if you want to write in a way that will stand out to the admissions committee.
7. University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
You should enroll at the University of Grenoble Alpes if you are interested in science and want to study at a university with significant research partnerships. The third-largest university in France was established in 1339. Located in the center of Grenoble which is home to numerous scientific institutions, UGA collaborates with institutions like the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNSA).
Language studies, science, technology, architecture, humanities, health, sports, society, law, and economics are all represented among its many departments. Popular UG courses to study here are: Economics and Management, International business and Management, Management, and Professional Bachelor’s degree courses in Computer Networks, and Telecommunication.
The Grenoble INP Foundation offers scholarships, worth €5,000 per semester, for a maximum duration of 2 semesters for its Master’s degree students. If you are an international student, under 28 years of age , you can apply for this scholarship. Candidates will be selected based on their transcripts, LORs, and scientific projects .
8. Aix Marseille University (AMU)
As a result of 2 former universities in France, Aix Marseille University came into being in 2012. It is located in the Provence region of southern France and is consistently ranked among the top 200 educational institutions in the world. It is known for offering one of the best undergraduate programs in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Business and Management, Nursing, Rehabilitation Sciences, Social sciences, and Life sciences.
The university provides the Excellence Initiative Student Mobility Grant can be used by international students for various internships and for studying certain courses. As part of its application process, students need to submit a CV, a Motivation Letter stating what and why they wish to study at AMU, and 1 LOR in French or English.
9. Paris School of Business (PSB)
A student who wants to gain business acumen should include the Paris School of Business in his/her list of universities to study in France for a Bachelor’s degree. PSB was built in 1974 and is a part of a network of 7 B-schools in Paris. It’s known for its BBA, MBA, MSc, MIM, DBA, and Executive Education courses in English and French. Some of its prominent Bachelor courses include: Finance & Accounting, International Management, Luxury Brand Management, International Marketing, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing.
By signing an agreement with Erasmus , the Paris School of Business provides a certain amount of subsidy to third and fourth-year Grande Ecole-Master in Management program students as well as second-year undergraduate students. To apply here, you have to submit a resume, a Motivation letter (1500 words), and 1 academic LOR . If you are selected, you will be called for an interview .
10. Paris College of Arts (PCA)
Students who look forward to making a career in art and design should have a look at the Paris College of Arts. It was formed in 1981 and is accredited by the US National Association of Art and Design (NASAD), located in Paris, France. As per the CEO World Magazine, it is ranked 10th, globally among the premier fashion schools. PCA offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the following fields: Communication Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Photography, and Film Art.
PCA grants the Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship to graduate visual artists and musicians to pursue advanced artistic studies in Paris. It is awarded in partnership with the US Foundation. It offers students with €10,000 stipend , a rent-controlled live-in artist workshop or music studio at the Foundation of the United States, and access to on-site performance and exhibition facilities.
If you wish to apply for an undergraduate course at PCA, then you need to write a personal statement and schedule an interview with the admissions office. To help you prepare better for your university application, contact leading study abroad consultants, who provide interview guidance, and SOP writing services.
Application Requirements for Studying Bachelor’s in France
To pursue a Bachelor’s degree in France, you should know that as part of the university application process, students are required to submit certain essential documents. These application requirements differ based on the course and university you have applied for. However, the common documents asked are:
Completed university application form , having all the correct details.
Academic transcripts and high-school leaving certificate from a recognized educational institute.
Competitive exam scores in the GRE or GMAT , to evaluate your problem-solving and thinking abilities, might be asked by certain universities in France.
Academic documents like a resume, Cover Letter, Motivation Letter, SOP, and LOR , explain your interest in studying at a university in France, and how studying a particular course will impact your career goals and plans.
To write in a way that impresses the admissions authority, in a foolproof manner, contact experienced study abroad consultants who have a team of dedicated SOP and LOR writers.
Results from the TOEFL or IELTS language proficiency tests demonstrate your ability to communicate successfully in an academic context where English is the primary language of instruction. At French universities, the majority of the courses are taught in English. If you want to continue your education, find employment in France, or settle there it is always preferable to learn French. You can take French language proficiency tests such as DALF, DELF, TEF, or TCF.
Evidence of finances and housing shows that you have enough money to pay for your tuition living expenses and a good place to stay while you’re studying for your Bachelor’s degree in France.
Health insurance covering medical and hospital expenses, of at least €30,000 .
A valid passport and a Student visa for France , bearing your correct initials.
Cost of Studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in France
The lowest tuition costs are found in France when compared to other European nations. This is a result of the French government funding the majority of the country’s universities. However, compared to domestic students, international students will have comparatively higher living expenses and tuition costs. These costs will also change depending on the French city course and university you select.
The approximate cost of tuition for a Bachelor’s degree in France would be €2,850 per year at a public university , and €6,000 to €18,000 per year, at a private university . Some French universities, institutions, and the government offer several need-based and merit-based scholarships to international students with tight budgets. To get a better idea regarding university scholarships, seek help from renowned study abroad consultants.
Conclusion
A major decision that can change your life is to study for a Bachelor’s degree in France. You must be knowledgeable about the prerequisites for applying to French universities as well as their academic programs, costs and services for students. Get in touch with your local study abroad consultants if like many students you would like more details about pursuing an undergraduate degree in France. In the education consulting industry, Contentholic is well-known for its individualized approach to everything from writing SOPs and LORs to helping with university applications visa filing, and scholarship assistance. Reach out to us, and look forward to having a wholesome experience of studying Bachelor’s in France.
