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English Universities in Paris: Study in France in English

Paris is one of the most inspiring cities in the world — a global hub for art, culture, and higher education. Every year, thousands of international students choose to study in France, attracted by the country’s academic reputation and affordable tuition. But what if you don’t speak French?

Good news: you can study in English universities in Paris — or more precisely, in French institutions that offer English-taught programs. This guide explains how higher education works in France, what options exist for English speakers, and how to apply to the right program for you.

Are there English Universities in Paris?

The term “English universities in Paris” can be confusing. France doesn’t have British-style “English universities.” Instead, its higher education system is divided into several categories:

  • Public universities, funded by the state, open to large numbers of students.
  • Private institutions, which set their own tuition fees and often offer more international programs.
  • Grandes Écoles, highly selective institutions that train the country’s future leaders in business, engineering, and public administration. Many of them are private, especially the business schools.

Most of these institutions now offer programs fully taught in English, from Bachelor’s to Master’s level — meaning you can earn a French degree recognized across Europe, without needing to speak French fluently.

Why study in Paris in English?

Studying in Paris gives you access to :

1.

World-class education 
in one of Europe’s leading academic cities.

2.

Internationally recognized degrees
under the European Higher Education framework.

3.

Affordable tuition fees,
often lower than in the UK or the US.

4.

An international student community,
with peers from over 100 nationalities.

5.

The opportunity to learn French
while studying in English — a valuable skill for your future career.

Beyond academics, Paris offers a unique lifestyle: cafés, museums, cultural events, and the chance to experience Europe’s most cosmopolitan capital.

The French higher education system explained

To understand where to study in English, it’s important to know how higher education is structured in France:

  • Public universities (like Sorbonne University or Université Paris Cité) are government-funded and open to a wide range of students. They generally offer more theoretical programs.
  • Private universities and schools include business, design, and engineering institutions with more international orientation and smaller class sizes.
  • Grandes Écoles (such as HEC, ESSEC, Sciences Po, or École Polytechnique) are selective institutions with competitive admissions and strong links to industry. Many of them offer Bachelor, Master or MSc programs entirely in English.

Best English-Taught Universities in Paris (2025 Selection)

Here’s an overview of the main English-speaking institutions in Paris, organized by category : french schools and american or british schools.

French English-Taught Universities

Public Universities (State-Funded)

  • Sorbonne University – Offers several Master’s programs in English, especially in science, international relations, and humanities.
  • Université Paris Cité – English-taught programs in medicine, life sciences, and economics.
  • Université Paris-Saclay – Known for research excellence and English courses in engineering and data science.

Public universities are low-cost, but classes are usually large and admission can be competitive for international students.

 

Grandes Écoles & Business Schools (Selective Institutions)

These schools are more selective and often private, offering smaller cohorts, career-oriented programs, and international exposure.

  • Paris School of Business (PSB) – Offers Bachelor and MSc programs entirely taught in English in management, marketing, finance, and luxury. Its campus welcomes over 100 nationalities.
  • ESSEC Business School – A top-tier Grande École with an English-taught Global BBA and Master in Management.
  • HEC Paris – World-renowned for its MBA and MSc programs, fully in English.
  • INSEAD (Fontainebleau, near Paris) – International MBA and Executive programs in English.
  • Sciences Po Paris – Prestigious political science school offering English tracks in its Bachelor and Master programs.

 

Engineering and Technology Schools

  • École Polytechnique – Elite institution offering an English-taught Bachelor of Science.
  • EPITA & ECE Paris – Engineering schools specialized in computer science, AI, and digital innovation.
  • Institut Polytechnique de Paris – Offers advanced English-taught programs in engineering, mathematics, and IT.

 

Arts, Design, and Creative Studies

  • Bellecour École (Paris & Lyon) – Offers programs in art, design, and animation, with several English-taught options for international students.
  • Paris College of Art – Fully international institution teaching in English in visual arts, design, and photography.

American & British Universities in Paris

These are real English universities in the sense that they follow an Anglo-Saxon academic system, teach entirely in English, and deliver US or UK-accredited degrees.

  • The American University of Paris (AUP) – One of the oldest and most prestigious English-speaking universities in France. Offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in international relations, communication, art history, business, and global affairs. Degrees are accredited in the US.
  • The University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP) – A British university affiliated with the University of London, offering degrees in politics, international relations, and French studies, all taught in English.
  • St. John’s University (Paris Campus) – US-accredited programs in business and liberal arts, with opportunities to study across New York, Rome, and Paris.
  • Schiller International University – A fully international university with campuses in Paris, Madrid, Heidelberg, and Tampa (Florida), offering business and international relations degrees in English.
  • Paris College of Art (PCA) – US-accredited institution teaching fine arts, photography, design, and fashion, entirely in English.

These universities offer a fully English-speaking environment, ideal for students who want to live in France but follow a familiar American or British curriculum.

Admission Requirements

To apply for an English-taught program in Paris, you’ll need:

  • A high school diploma (for Bachelor programs) or Bachelor’s degree (for Master programs).
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+, or Duolingo 100+).
  • A motivation letter and academic transcripts.
  • Some schools may require an interview (online) or a portfolio (for arts programs).

Applications are made either through Campus France (for public universities) or directly on the school’s website (for private institutions and Grandes Écoles).

Living in Paris as an International Student

Living in Paris offers an unforgettable experience — but it also requires planning.

  • Tuition fees: From €3,000–€10,000/year in public universities, €9,000–€20,000/year in private schools.
  • Accommodation: Student residences and shared apartments cost between €600–€1,000/month.
  • Student visa: Non-EU students need a VLS-TS long-stay visa, obtained via Campus France.
  • Scholarships: Available through the Eiffel Excellence Program, Erasmus+, or specific school partnerships.

Despite the cost of living, many students find part-time jobs or internships during their studies, especially in international companies based in Paris.

Learn French while studying in English

Even if your program is fully in English, learning French will make your experience richer and your career opportunities broader.
Many schools offer free or optional French classes alongside English courses, allowing you to integrate easily into local life.