Today, the term most commonly refers to the Sorbonne, one of the most prestigious universities in France. But Paris is home to a wide range of higher education institutions, from public universities like Université Paris Cité or Université Paris-Saclay to specialized campuses such as Université de Paris 8 (Vincennes–Saint-Denis) or Université Sorbonne Nouvelle.
Alongside them, Paris also hosts world-class business schools, a French specificity that combines academic rigor with strong corporate connections.
What is the University of Paris?
The University of Paris was founded in the 12th century and shaped the European intellectual tradition. Over time, it became associated with the Sorbonne and with faculties that specialized in theology, law, medicine, and the arts.
In 1970, the University of Paris was divided into multiple independent institutions, often named after their location (for example, Université Paris Nanterre, also known as Paris X, or Université Paris 13 Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, located in Villetaneuse).
In 2019, reforms led to the creation of larger universities:
- Sorbonne University (SU), bringing together Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6) and Paris-Sorbonne (Paris 4).
- Université Paris Cité, formed from Paris Descartes (Paris 5) and Paris Diderot (Paris 7).
- Université Paris-Saclay, now among the world’s top-ranked universities in sciences and engineering, and formerly known as Université d’Orsay (Paris 11).
Thus, the term “University of Paris” can refer to different entities, but most often it is understood internationally as the Sorbonne.
Main Universities in Paris Today
Paris is not home to one single “University of Paris,” but rather to a network of institutions, each with its own identity and academic focus. Unlike the Anglo-Saxon model where a single university often covers every discipline, Parisian universities tend to specialize by field. Some are recognized for their excellence in humanities, others for science and engineering, while a few concentrate on law, economics, or social sciences. This distribution of expertise allows students to choose an institution that best matches their academic ambitions.
Sorbonne University (Sorbonne Université)
Formed from the merger of Paris IV (Sorbonne) and Paris VI (Pierre et Marie Curie), it is strong in humanities, sciences, and medicine.
Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)
A collegiate research university composed of several affiliated schools, including Paris Dauphine, with strengths in management, economics, and decision sciences.
Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II)
Internationally recognized for law and political science.
Université Paris Nanterre (Paris X)
Known for law, economics, humanities, and social sciences.
Université Paris 8 (Vincennes–Saint-Denis)
Specializes in arts, humanities, and social sciences, with significant online offerings through its digital platforms.
Université Paris 13 (Sorbonne Paris Nord)
Focuses on health, sciences, and social issues.
Université Paris Cité
Created from the merger of Paris Descartes and Paris Diderot, it focuses on health, sciences, and social sciences.
Université Paris-Saclay
Highly ranked for science and engineering, with extensive online learning platforms such as eCampus Paris-Saclay.
Business Schools in Paris : a French specificity
French higher education is generally divided into three main tracks :
Open to all students who have completed the baccalauréat, they cover a wide range of disciplines from humanities to sciences and medicine. They are research-oriented and usually have large student populations.
Highly selective institutions (public or private) that require entrance exams or competitive applications, sometimes after two years of preparatory classes (classes préparatoires). They include elite schools in engineering, humanities, and education (such as the École Normale Supérieure), as well as renowned business schools like HEC Paris or Paris School of Business (PSB).
Focused on professional and applied fields such as tourism, gastronomy, accounting, fashion, or the arts. These schools provide practical training aimed at specific careers and often maintain close links with their respective industries.
Within this system, business schools represent the branch dedicated to management, economics, and international business. Unlike public universities, French business schools are private institutions. They operate independently, charge tuition fees, and maintain strong ties with companies and international networks. Because of their selectivity and career-oriented programs, they are regarded as the elite of French business and management education, attracting both top French students and a growing number of international candidates.
Key features of Parisian business schools include :
- Selective admissions through competitive exams or academic applications.
- Smaller class sizes and interactive teaching methods.
- Strong corporate links, with internships and applied business projects.
- Programs entirely taught in English, designed for international students.
- Worldwide recognition thanks to accreditations such as AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
Paris is home to some of the most renowned institutions in Europe, such as HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, and Paris School of Business (PSB). These schools stand out not only for their academic rigor but also for their close connection to the corporate world, providing students with a direct pathway to leadership roles in global companies.
Paris School of Business : A global Business School in the heart of Paris
Paris School of Business (PSB) provides an excellent alternative to traditional universities for students aiming at international business careers.
- 100% English-taught and French/English programs : Bachelor, MScs, MBA.
- Global community : Over 100 nationalities.
- Career pathways : Strong ties with multinational companies in Paris.
- Summer and Winter Schools : Short programs (2 weeks) combining academics and cultural immersion.
- Location advantage : Situated in Paris, close to business districts, startups, and cultural landmarks.
- Global partnerships : PSB collaborates with over 100 partner universities worldwide across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, offering opportunities for study abroad, exchange programs, and double degrees.
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Why Choose a Business School over a University?
While institutions such as Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Université Paris Nanterre, or Université Paris Cité deliver excellent academic training, business schools like Paris School of Business (PSB) offer a very different experience.
- Career-focused learning : Programs are designed in close alignment with the expectations of employers, combining theory with practical projects, internships, and strong corporate exposure.
- English-taught degrees : PSB programs are available 100% in English, making them fully accessible to international students.
- Personalized environment : Unlike the large lecture halls of public universities, business schools emphasize smaller class sizes, closer interaction with faculty, and tailored support for students.
- Vibrant campus life : Business schools nurture student engagement through sports and humanitarian associations, active student unions (Bureaux des Étudiants), and a wide range of cultural and networking events.
- Global diversity : PSB brings together students from more than 100 nationalities, creating a melting pot of perspectives and cultures, and developing intercultural skills essential for future leaders.
- Strong international orientation : Thanks to its many exchange agreements and partnerships, PSB offers students the chance to study abroad or pursue double degrees.
In short, PSB combines academic rigor with a dynamic, supportive, and international environment — a distinctive model within the French higher education landscape that appeals strongly to students seeking both professional preparation and cultural immersion in Paris.
For international students, the choice depends on academic goals : a research-oriented path at Sorbonne or Saclay, or a career-oriented business education at Paris School of Business, which combines English-taught degrees, international diversity, and strong corporate connections — right in the heart of Paris.