Paris. A city where cobbled streets meet cutting-edge research. Where Picasso’s brushstrokes once danced across Montmartre, and today, laptops glow inside world-renowned universities. To study in Paris is to live in a place where art, literature, fashion, philosophy, and global intellect converge in the most extraordinary way.
It’s more than just baguettes and Eiffel selfies (though, let’s be real… you’ll take a few).
It’s having lectures a stone’s throw away from the Louvre, grabbing your readings from a 400-year-old bookstore, or sharing espresso-fueled discussions with students from five continents.
More than 350,000 students live in Paris, and around 20% of them are international. That speaks volumes. This city doesn’t just welcome international learners. It embraces them, inspires them, shapes them.
Welcome to Paris. Your future looks très bien.
Why International Students Flock to Paris
Here’s the thing: when you study in Paris, you’re signing up for more than just educational prestige. You’re choosing global accessibility, lifelong networks, and a culture of excellence.
Paris is home to ten universities in the QS World University Rankings, plus dozens of elite “Grandes Écoles.” Whether you’re into engineering, philosophy, international relations, fashion, or fine arts, Paris has a world-class program for that.
But it’s not just academics. Paris belongs to the world. It’s deeply multicultural, with residents from over 180 countries. From language cafés in the Marais to research centers in La Défense, diversity is everywhere. And here’s what truly matters: education in France is surprisingly affordable. Public universities charge modest fees (even for internationals), and there’s a wide network of scholarships and housing aid.
In short? Paris isn’t just a dream. It’s completely, beautifully possible.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Paris (Academic Royalty)
1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Ranked #24 in the world (QS 2024). A cluster of elite institutions, like École Normale Supérieure and Dauphine, under one academic umbrella. Best for Math, Physics, Humanities.
2. Sorbonne University
The powerhouse of the liberal arts. World-renowned for literature, philosophy, history, and biology. Campuses feel like open-air museums with deep intellectual energy.
3. Sciences Po Paris
Gold standard for political science, international relations, and social research. Alumni include presidents, diplomats, and global changemakers.
4. École Polytechnique
Known as “l’X.” A French engineering titan. Located slightly outside Paris, but still counted among its elite. Big on cutting-edge science and innovation.
5. HEC Paris
Top 10 business schools in Europe. Getting in? Tough. Outcome? Corporate stardom. MBAs, Finance, Management, Entrepreneurship, all world-class.
6. ESCP Business School
Oldest business school in the world (yep, 1819). Multi-campus presence in Europe, with a strong Paris base. Great for marketing, strategy, and digital innovation.
7. Université Paris Cité
Offers a wide array of English-taught Master’s programs in Health, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. Public. Affordable. Internationally oriented.
8. INSEEC Grande École
Solid option for business and communication studies. English-taught programs and strong internship links within the French corporate ecosystem.
9. Paris College of Art
Private. Pricey. But absolutely elite in creative education. Photography, fashion, design, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with future Vogue cover artists.
10. École des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA)
The place where Monet once sat. Now a revered hotspot for fine arts education. Getting accepted is no walk in the park, but wow, what a campus.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Paris
- The Student Hotel Paris La Défense
- ECLA Paris Massy
- Les Estudines Paris Nanterre
- Spotahome Paris Residences
- Cardinal Campus Paris Sud
- Campuséa Paris Bagnolet
- Studapart Residences Paris
- Kley Paris Gentilly
- Nexity Studéa Paris
- Résidence Maison des Mines et des Ponts et Chaussées
Top 10 Student Areas in Paris (And What Makes Them Student Magnets)
1. Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
The academic soul of Paris. Home to Sorbonne University, Collège de France, and ENS. Packed with charming bookshops and cafes. Closest housing: Les Estudines, Maison des Mines.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arr.)
Elegant, artsy, and literary-rich. Think jazz clubs, philosophy cafés, Picasso nooks. Close to Sciences Po and Paris College of Art. Nearby spot: Nexity Studéa.
3. Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arr.)
Trendy, Jewish heritage, LGBTQ+-friendly, very walkable. Great location for Art and Liberal Arts students. Spotahome has some modern housing here.
4. Montparnasse (14th Arr.)
Affordable-ish and lively. Good access to Paris Cité and Beaux-Arts. Kley Paris Gentilly is just a bike ride away.
5. La Défense
Massive modern business district with affordable student residences. Often chosen by HEC and ESCP students. TSH La Défense is top-tier here.
6. Cité Universitaire (13th Arr.)
Nearly 6,000 international students call this mega-campus home. It’s also centrally located with its own RER station. Affordable and lively.
7. Nanterre
Suburban but well-connected. Right by Université Paris Nanterre and Les Estudines. Bonus: cheaper rent and quieter living.
8. Gentilly
Calm, green, close to the Parc Montsouris and major campuses. Ideal for UPMC, Paris Sud, and Vélizy students. Check out Kley Paris.
9. Bagnolet
A little edgy and urban-lush. Feels hip, multicultural, and young. Campuséa Paris Bagnolet has good deals for students across disciplines.
10. Ivry-sur-Seine
Popular with engineering and business students. A short metro ride from central Paris. Look into affordable housing via Cardinal Campus.
Cost of Living in Paris: Worth Every Euro (With Smart Planning)
Let’s be honest, Paris is not cheap.
But it’s not London-expensive either. And with a little budgeting, it’s absolutely doable.
- Student Housing: €450–€900/month (shared studio or residence)
- Groceries: €250/month
- Transport (Navigo Pass): €42/month (unlimited metro, tram, RER within city zones)
- Phone/Internet: €30/month
- Dining out/Entertainment: €100–€200/month
Your average monthly budget when you study in Paris? Around €1,000–€1,400. And that includes pain au chocolat therapy.
Good news: French universities offer housing aid through CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), which can cut rent by 20-40%. Worth applying.
Transport in Paris: The City That Moves with You
Paris has one of the most efficient and extensive public transport networks in Europe. And students live for it.
With 16 metro lines, multiple RER trains, buses, and night services, you’ll never be stuck. The Imagine R student card gives you unlimited travel for just €350/year. That’s less than €1 per day.
Prefer a greener route? Paris is big on biking. You can grab a Vélib’ (Paris’s public bike system) with student discounts. Electric scooters and car shares are everywhere. Quick tip? Avoid rush hour on Line 13 unless you enjoy full-body contact with strangers.
Final Thoughts: Is Studying in Paris Really Worth It?
One word? Oui.
When you study in Paris, you’re not just earning a degree, you’re entering one of the world’s most inspiring academic AND cultural landscapes. You’ll challenge your perspective in world-class classrooms, form lifelong friendships, and live in a city that makes poetry out of the everyday.
From the cafés of Saint-Michel to the labs of Sorbonne, Paris teaches you more than textbooks ever could. It’s an education and an awakening.
Honestly? It changes you. And once you’ve lived here, studied here, grown here, every other place feels just a little less magical.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Paris
1. Can I study in Paris without knowing French?
Yes! Many universities offer full English-taught programs, especially at Master’s level.
2. Is Paris expensive for students?
It can be, but housing aid (CAF), student dining halls, and public transport discounts make it manageable.
3. Is it easy to get student accommodation in Paris?
Not really. It’s competitive. Start early and check platforms like CROUS or private providers.
4. Can international students work while studying?
Yes. Up to 964 hours per year (roughly 20 hours/week).
5. What visa do I need to study in Paris?
Non-EU students need a student visa (VLS-TS). EU students don’t need a visa.
6. Are French universities recognized internationally?
Absolutely. Institutions like Sorbonne, PSL, and Sciences Po are globally prestigious.
7. How long does it take to get a degree in France?
Bachelor’s: 3 years. Master’s: 2 years. Doctorate: 3 years.
8. Can I stay in France after graduation?
Yes! You can apply for a post-study work permit (1 year, extendable).
9. What are Grandes Écoles?
Elite institutions outside the regular public system. Competitive, rigorous, often specialized.
10. Is Paris safe for international students?
Yes, generally. Standard big-city precautions are enough. Always lock your bike.
