study in Paris
The densest concentration of universities and grandes écoles in France, with the prestige and the job market that follow — and the country's hardest, most expensive housing market.
Paris concentrates French higher education to a degree no other capital in Europe matches: the reorganised Sorbonne universities, the grandes écoles, and specialist institutes in almost every discipline, within one transport network.
For a graduate, the argument is access — to employers, to research institutions, and to a professional network that is genuinely national in reach. The cultural life is extraordinary and much of it is free or heavily discounted for students under 26.
The counterweight is housing. Paris rents are the highest in France, rooms are small by any standard, and the rental process demands a guarantor resident in France — a requirement that catches nearly every international student unprepared.
A partial list — the Paris region holds dozens of institutions. Confirm the fee policy and the language of instruction on the specific programme page.
Sorbonne University
Sciences, medicine, humanities and engineering, across central Paris campuses.Université Paris-Saclay
South of Paris; one of France's strongest research clusters in mathematics, physics and life sciences.Université Paris Cité
Medicine, sciences, humanities and social sciences, formed from a merger of several Paris institutions.Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Law, economics, political science, history and art history.Paris is the most expensive place to study in France, and housing is the reason. Tuition at a public university — even at the differentiated non-EU rate — remains far below the UK or Australia; rent is what makes the total large.
Against the other cities we cover in France, Paris is one of the more expensive. That is our reading of this country’s own spread, not a published index.
Tuition at a French public university for non-EU students is around €2,850 a year for a licence and €3,879 for a master's.
The practical texture of the place — what a week actually looks like.
Climate
Mild damp winters and warm summers. Grey rather than cold; short winter days.
Getting around
The métro, RER and buses on a Navigo pass, with a substantial student rate. Excellent coverage — no other French city compares.
Housing
The hardest in France. CROUS student residences are cheap and heavily oversubscribed; the private market demands a guarantor and moves fast.
Working
Non-EU students on a student residence permit may work up to 964 hours a year — roughly 60% of full time. French is usually required.
Language
Some master's programmes are English-taught, but administration, housing and part-time work all run in French. Arrive with some.
Student discounts
Museums, cinemas and transport are heavily discounted for students under 26. The cultural life is genuinely affordable.
French landlords normally require a <em>garant</em> — a guarantor resident in France who commits to paying if you cannot. Students can use the Visale scheme instead, which is free and state-backed.
Apply for Visale before you look for a flat, not after a landlord asks. Without a guarantor or a Visale certificate you will be refused on paperwork regardless of your funds. The other route around it is a CROUS residence, which does not require a guarantor and costs a fraction of the private market — apply the moment your admission is confirmed, because places are allocated long before term.
Paris is one of 3 cities we cover in France. Tap any pin to compare — the city you pick moves your total cost more than almost any other choice you make.