Paris is one of Europe’s most popular cities for higher education, and it’s easy to see
why. Alongside its world-famous grandes écoles, the city is home to specialist universities and colleges that welcome thousands of international students every year. If you’re weighing up your options for studying in Paris, this guide walks you through what makes the city special, how the education system works, and which institutions can help you get there.
Why Study in Paris?
Paris consistently ranks among the world’s top student cities. You get access to a huge range of subject areas, from business and fashion to art, design, and communications, all within a compact, walkable capital.
The city’s global reputation opens doors. Employers across fashion, luxury goods, media, and business recognise a Paris-based education as a mark of quality. You’ll also study alongside a genuinely international student body, since Paris draws learners from across Europe, the Gulf, and beyond.
Beyond the classroom, you get museums, fashion houses, and centuries of history on your doorstep. Many programmes build these industries directly into your coursework through internships and live briefs with local companies.
Universities vs. Grandes Écoles: What's the Difference?
If you’re new to the French system, the terminology can feel confusing at first. Here’s a simple breakdown.
What Is a Grande École?
A grande école is a selective French higher education institution, distinct from the public university system. Grandes écoles typically specialise in one field, such as business, engineering, or the arts, and are known for close ties with industry, smaller class sizes, and strong graduate employment outcomes.
What Is a Traditional University?
Public universities in France (and specialist private universities) tend to offer broader academic programmes across multiple faculties. Many international students choose specialist colleges and universities in Paris because they combine focused, career-ready training with international degree recognition and English-taught options.
Why This Matters for Your Application
Your choice between routes depends on your goals. If you want deep, hands-on training in a specific creative or business field with strong industry links, a specialist college is often the better fit. If you want breadth or a research-focused path, a traditional university route may suit you more.
Top Universities and Colleges in Paris for International Students
Below are Paris-based institutions that Global Study UK works with directly, so we can support you through the entire application process, from choosing a course to arriving in the city.
École IRIS
École IRIS is a Paris fashion and design school known for practical, industry-connected training. You’ll study close to the fashion houses and ateliers that define the city’s creative reputation, with a curriculum built around real briefs and portfolio development.
ECS Paris
ECS Paris offers business and management programmes designed with international students in mind. Courses focus on practical business skills, often with English-taught pathways, making it a strong option if you want a business education with a Parisian address.
BSBI Paris
BSBI Paris (Berlin School of Business and Innovation’s Paris campus) gives you access to internationally recognised business degrees with a flexible, student-focused approach. It’s a good fit if you value a modern, career-oriented business programme in a major European capital.
Atelier Chardon Savard Paris
Atelier Chardon Savard is a respected Paris fashion school with decades of experience training designers, stylists, and fashion communicators. You’ll benefit from small class sizes and strong connections to the French fashion industry.
ESGCI Paris
ESGCI Paris focuses on business, management, and marketing degrees, with programmes designed to prepare you for international careers. It’s a solid choice if you want a business-focused education with strong practical grounding.
IESA Arts & Culture Paris
IESA Arts & Culture specialises in art market, culture, and creative management studies. If your interests lie in galleries, auction houses, cultural institutions, or arts administration, this is a genuinely specialist option.
Istituto Marangoni Paris
Istituto Marangoni is one of the most recognised names in international fashion education, and its Paris campus combines the school’s global fashion pedigree with the city’s status as a fashion capital.
Choosing the Right Path for You
With several strong options on the table, narrowing things down comes down to a few key questions.
Think About Your Subject Area
If fashion or design is your goal, École IRIS, Atelier Chardon Savard, or Istituto Marangoni Paris are natural starting points. For business and management, ECS Paris and ESGCI Paris offer practical, career-focused routes. For arts and culture, IESA is a distinctive specialist choice.
Consider the Teaching Language
Some programmes are taught in English, others in French, and some offer bilingual pathways. Check language requirements early, since this affects both your application and your day-to-day study experience.
Factor in Career Goals
Ask what graduates typically go on to do. Strong industry links and internship opportunities matter just as much as the course content itself, especially in fields like fashion and business where practical experience carries real weight.
Step 4: Apply for Your Student Visa
You can apply for a student visa as soon as you receive your offer. To study in France, most students from non-EU countries need a long-term student visa. This type of visa is often called a VLS-TS.
You will need a letter of offer from your university, proof of funding and proof of residence. You will also need to provide proof of your health insurance. As soon as you receive your offer letter, apply for your visa. Visa processing can take many weeks. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Cost of Living and Student Life in Paris
Paris is a major European capital, so budgeting matters. Accommodation is usually your biggest cost, with shared flats and student residences offering more affordable options than living alone. Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced, and many student cards offer discounts across the city.
Food costs vary widely depending on your habits, but cooking at home and shopping at local markets keeps expenses manageable. Set a realistic monthly budget before you arrive, and build in some flexibility for the first few months while you settle in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a university and a grande école in France? Grandes écoles are selective, specialist institutions with strong industry links, while traditional universities usually offer broader, multi-faculty academic programmes.
Can international students study in English in Paris? Yes. Many Paris-based colleges and universities, including several confirmed Global Study UK partners, offer English-taught programmes for international students.
Is Paris expensive for international students? Paris is one of the pricier European study destinations, but accommodation type, lifestyle choices, and student discounts all significantly affect your actual monthly costs.
How do I get help applying to study in Paris? Global Study UK offers free guidance on choosing a course, preparing your application, and applying for your visa, so you’re supported at every stage.
Start Your Paris Journey Today
Paris offers a genuinely unique combination of academic opportunity and creative energy, whatever field you want to study. Ready to take the next step? Register today and let our team guide you towards the right course in Paris.
