You’re not alone! France is a favorite place for students from other countries. In 2020/2021, over 370,000 students picked France. From 2017 to 2020, the number of international students grew by 10.4%. Why do so many love France? It mixes great schools, amazing culture, and fun study experiences. You can enjoy lively student towns or beautiful cities. France has something for everyone! It’s now the fourth most popular place for international students. Want to know the best cities to study in France? Let’s find out!
Paris isn’t just about school—it’s full of culture. You can study near famous places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Spend weekends visiting art galleries, watching plays, or walking in pretty areas like Montmartre. The city has many festivals and events to enjoy French culture. If you love history or food, Paris has something special for you.
Living in Paris can be expensive, but you can save money. Groceries cost about €200 to €350 a month. University cafeterias offer meals for €3 to €5. Public transport is cheap and easy, with metro passes costing €30 to €80 monthly. Students usually spend €1,200 to €2,300 each month in Paris. This is more than other French cities, but careful planning helps you enjoy life here.
Paris mixes old traditions with new ideas. It’s a top spot for study abroad programs, bringing students from everywhere. Libraries, coworking spaces, and cafes make it a great place to learn. Paris is also a global hub for business, fashion, and art. Studying here gives you a great education and chances to meet people who can help your future.
Lyon is a great place for learning in France. It has many well-known schools that attract students worldwide. Here’s a quick look at some of Lyon’s universities and their rankings:
| University Name | Ranking in France | Ranking in Europe | Ranking in World | Total Students | Percentage of International Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VetAgro Sup | #146 | #1171 | #3910 | 1,200 | N/A |
| ENS Lyon | #11 | #174 | #364 | 2,300 | N/A |
| Central School of Lyon | #33 | #392 | #876 | 1,440 | N/A |
| Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 | #66 | #607 | #1594 | 27,000 | 15% |
| Lumière University Lyon 2 | #131 | #1027 | #3278 | 27,300 | 18% |
| Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 | #3 | #126 | #278 | 47,860 | 11% |
These schools offer many programs, including popular ones in Europe. Whether you like science, business, or art, Lyon has options for you.
Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history. The city is known for its old buildings and lively culture. You can visit museums, watch live shows, or walk by the Rhône and Saône rivers. Lyon also has fun festivals like the Festival of Lights, which brings visitors from everywhere.
Lyon is cheaper than Paris for students. Here’s what you might spend:
Lyon is famous for its amazing food, perfect for food lovers. The city is calm but focused on learning and new ideas. Its location makes it easy to travel around France and Europe. The friendly people make international students feel welcome quickly.
Toulouse, also called “The Pink City,” is great for learning. It ranks 78th in QS Best Student Cities, showing its global charm. The University of Toulouse is a top school with many programs. About 16% of its students come from other countries, making it welcoming for all.
Studying here is affordable for most students. Tuition costs about $600 yearly, and international fees can be as low as $400. This makes Toulouse one of the cheapest cities to study in France.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Average international fees | US$400 |
| Tuition fees in Toulouse | US$600 per year |
| Living costs (1 bedroom apt) | US$743 per month |
Toulouse is lively and full of culture. It’s famous for its aerospace industry and rich history. Visit places like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin or walk by the Garonne River. The city has many festivals and events to enjoy French traditions.
Toulouse is cheaper than many French cities.
Here’s what you might spend:
Toulouse blends old traditions with new ideas. It’s popular for science and tech programs. The warm weather and kind locals make it easy to adjust. Its location near the Pyrenees and Mediterranean is great for trips.
Montpellier is a lively city known for great schools. It has some of France’s oldest and best universities. Students from all over the world come here to study. The University of Montpellier is ranked 13th in France and 542nd worldwide. It has about 35,000 to 39,999 students each year. The city offers many subjects like science, technology, arts, and humanities. Whether you want to study medicine, engineering, or business, Montpellier has programs for you.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Country Rank | 13th |
| World Rank | 542nd |
| Enrollment | 35,000 – 39,999 students |
Montpellier mixes old history with modern life. Its medieval streets and pretty squares are fun to explore. You can visit the Place de la Comédie or the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. The city also has music festivals and art shows. These events let you enjoy French culture while living here.
Montpellier is cheaper than other big cities in France. Here’s a look at housing costs:
Living costs, including food, transport, and other needs, are about €1,800 monthly. This makes Montpellier a good choice for students on a budget.
| Facility Type | Description | Cost of Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Housing | Mostly for international or first-year students. | Around 500-700 EUR monthly |
| Off-Campus Housing | Apartments, shared flats, or homestays. | Around 400-800 EUR monthly |
| Student Residences | Private housing near schools. | Around 450-750 EUR monthly |
| Temporary Housing | Hotels or short-term rentals for brief stays. | About 60-100 EUR per night |
Montpellier is full of energy and has a Mediterranean vibe. It’s a favorite for study abroad students because of its sunny weather. The city is close to the beach, perfect for weekend trips. Public transport is easy to use and helps you get around quickly. If you want a mix of good schools and a relaxed lifestyle, Montpellier is a great pick.
Bordeaux is a great place to study. It combines history with new ideas. The University of Bordeaux is one of France’s best schools. It ranks high in the QS World University Rankings, proving its quality.
| Year | QS World University Ranking |
|---|---|
| 2012 | #=306 |
| 2014 | #=309 |
| 2015 | #=363 |
| 2024 | #=465 |
| 2025 | #=535 |
The school has over 51,000 students, including 7,459 from other countries. Bordeaux offers programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It’s also popular for study abroad programs, making it a global education hub.
Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with amazing sights. Its beautiful buildings and lively streets are fun to explore. Walk by the Garonne River or visit the Place de la Bourse, a famous spot. Bordeaux is also known for its wine. You can visit vineyards and enjoy wine festivals that celebrate its history.
Bordeaux is cheaper than Paris for living.
Here’s a quick look at costs:
| Category | Cost in Bordeaux | Cost in Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | €950 | €1,400 |
| Groceries | €250 | €300 |
| Dining (meal) | €25 | €35 |
Save money by sharing housing or cooking meals at home. Public transport is affordable and helps you travel easily around the city.
Bordeaux is a mix of learning, culture, and fun. It’s in southwestern France, offering nice weather and lovely views. The city is close to the Atlantic coast, perfect for weekend trips. Its calm lifestyle and kind people make it a great place to live and study.
Grenoble is a top spot for learning and new ideas. It has Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), which works on research in health, technology, and city planning. These projects show Grenoble’s focus on solving big problems. The city welcomes students from 60+ countries and has 110 global partners.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Nationalities | 60 |
| Teaching Staff | 350 experts |
| International Partners | 110 |
| Graduates per Year | 800 |
| Total Students | 2,000 |
| Internships per Year | 250 |
| Company Contacts | 1,700 |
| Employment Rate | 92% within 8 months of graduation |
Grenoble has 59,000 students, including 10,000 from 160 different countries. This makes it a favorite for study abroad programs in the area.
Grenoble is surrounded by the Alps, offering amazing views and outdoor fun. Visit museums like Musée de Grenoble or enjoy art shows. The city has festivals all year for music, movies, and local culture. Its mix of old and new makes it special.
Grenoble is cheaper than many French cities. You’ll need about EUR 906 monthly, not counting rent. This is much less than Paris, where costs are EUR 1,107 without rent. Grenoble’s low prices make it great for students.
Grenoble is known for its beautiful mountains and eco-friendly focus. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers, with skiing, hiking, and biking nearby. The city’s creative energy and friendly people make it ideal for international students. If you want great schools and nature, Grenoble is the place to be.
Nantes is a great city for students from other countries. Nantes University is a top school here. It ranks between 601–800th in the world. The university has six campuses, making it easy to find resources.
Here’s why Nantes University is a good choice:
If you want to study abroad, Nantes has many programs to pick from.
Nantes is a creative and charming city. It’s famous for its art and unique spots like Les Machines de l’île, where you’ll see giant mechanical animals. History fans can visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne or the Bouffay district. Festivals like Voyage à Nantes fill the city with art and fun events.
Living in Nantes costs less than in Paris. Here’s a look at common expenses:
| Category | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8,050 |
| Food | $3,800 |
| Transport | $600 |
| Utilities | $2,690 |
Planning your budget for housing, food, and transport helps you enjoy life in this lively city without spending too much.
Nantes mixes new ideas with a relaxed lifestyle. Its spot near the Loire River makes it beautiful, and its eco-friendly efforts make it green. The kind locals and warm vibe help international students feel welcome. If you want a city with good schools, culture, and low costs, Nantes is a great pick in France.
Strasbourg has one of France’s top schools, the University of Strasbourg. It ranks #=456 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing it among the best 450 schools worldwide. This makes it a great pick for students from other countries. The university offers scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Erasmus+, and IDEx Scholarships. These help students save money and make studying easier.
The school also helps students plan their careers. It offers career advice, workshops, and job fairs. These tools prepare students for work after they graduate.
Strasbourg mixes French and German cultures in a special way. Its old town, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit famous spots like the Strasbourg Cathedral and Petite France district. The city also has fun events like the Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of Europe’s oldest and most popular.
If you enjoy art and music, you’ll love the city’s museums and festivals. Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament, giving it an international feel.
Strasbourg is affordable compared to other French cities. Here’s what you might spend:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Utilities | €290/month for basics; €20-€30/month for internet |
| Transportation | €1.90 per ride; €45 for a monthly pass |
| Accommodation | €300-€450/month for dorms; €350-€500/month for shared apartments |
| Food | €200-€300/month for groceries; €1.24/liter for milk |
| Entertainment | €33 for dinner for two; €19 for two movie tickets |
| Average Monthly Budget | €750-€850, including housing |
Budgeting wisely will help you enjoy this lively city without spending too much.
Strasbourg is known for its global vibe. It’s home to the European Parliament, making it important for politics. Its spot near Germany makes traveling around Europe easy.
Strasbourg combines old-world beauty with modern ideas. Whether walking by canals or joining cultural events, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this city.
France is a fantastic place to study abroad. Each city has something special to offer. Paris has famous sights, while Grenoble has beautiful mountains. You’ll discover excellent schools, lively cultures, and budget-friendly choices. Pick the best city for your studies and enjoy your adventure as an international student.
Look at school websites for scholarships like Eiffel Excellence or Erasmus+. Apply early and make sure your papers are correct.
💡 Tip: Search for scholarships that match your study area for better chances!
Yes, it is! All students in France must have health insurance. You can use either the French system or private insurance.
