Study in FranceStudy in France in English

Study in France in English

In a perfect world, studying in France would mean you’re already fluent in French and you’re enjoying the culture and everything it has to offer without worrying if you understand the specials on the menu. If you’re thinking of going to study in France but you’re worried the language barrier will be a problem. Not to worry, you’ve got plenty of options. Studying in English in France, while not popular, does exist. 

French universities might ask for one of these language proficiency tests, if English is not your first language: 

  1. TOEFL scores
  2. IELTS scores
  3. Cambridge Examination
  4. Advanced Cambridge test

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to study in France in English:

  1. If you aren’t comfortable with living in a city where little to no English is spoken, stick to major cities like Paris and Lyon where most people can speak English.
  2. Try to find dorms with international students who will most likely speak English so you can feel a familiar atmosphere where you live. That is of course if you are nervous about functioning in French at first.
  3. Try to learn a bit of French before you take off to University. There are many helpful (some of them free) language learning apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, Pimsleur, etc. Or, take a few classes in your city if they offer one. 

Not knowing French while you’re studying in one of its cities  is nothing to be ashamed of, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps towards learning it so you can provide yourself the best stay that the French culture has to offer.

Universities Offering Degrees in English

Studying in English in France is something that most International students will look for, we’ve compiled a variety of the best Universities offering English taught programmes in different cities of France. Starting from: 

The American University of Paris

The American University of Paris was founded in 1962, it is a private, independent, and accredited liberal arts University in Paris. They offer many courses in English starting from Art History to Entrepreneurship to Computer Science and Sociocultural Anthropology. Needless to say you have a variety of great subjects you can major or minor in, you can check  them all out at the university website and learn more about each of them so you can make the best choice. The University although teaches classes in English, it does require you to have a certain level of proficiency in French by the time you graduate. You wouldn’t want to be studying in a University in the heart of France without learning French at some point. 

Sciences Po

A higher education institution that was founded in 1872 for the purpose of promoting a new class of French politicians after the French defeat in the Franco-Prorussian War may be the University for you. Sciences Po offers courses in 25 languages including English, and the best part is that you can learn French along the way. 

Sciences Po is located in seven cities of France: Paris, Dijon, Le Havre, Menton, Nancy, Poitiers, and Reims. You don’t have to necessarily live in Paris to attend Sciences Po, you have 6 other beautiful French cities to pick from. On all campuses students have to choose a multidisciplinary major:

  1. Politics and Government
  2. Economics and Societies
  3. Political Humanities 

Common expectations before applying:

  • Know Sciences Po educational program.
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in social sciences and humanities.
  • Be interested in French and international current events and contemporary issues.
  • Be able to mobilize and bring together relevant knowledge.
  • Show strengths at oral and written expression.
  • Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Show one’s capacity to develop a personal reflection.
  • Show one’s personal commitment and team spirit.
  • Be fond of innovation and multidisciplinarity.
  • Master English language for English taught programs

Paris Dauphine University

The only institution in France to be both a University and grand école (A grand école is a French institution of higher education that is separate from, but parallel and often connected to, the main framework of the French public University system). Paris Dauphine University offers studies in law, finance, economics, mathematics, and business strategy. 

The classes are taught in English and French by highly professional academics.

University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Pantheon-Sorbonne has three domains:

  1. Human Sciences
  2. Economic and Management Sciences
  3. Legal and Political Sciences

It is divided into several departments such as:

  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Art
  • Sorbonne School of Management
  • History
  • Geography
  • Philosophy
  • Art History and Archaeology
  • Applied Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Economics

General requirements:

Admission is based on academic excellence and it is mandatory for applicants to have a recognized Bachelor Degree (B.A., B.S., etc…) or a degree at the level of a Bachelor Degree (for example, 180 ECTS credits in the European system) . Any additional studies (second Bachelor degree, Master degree, or graduate studies) should be mentioned in the application.

Previous studies in quantitative economics are useful, but students with other backgrounds, especially with good mathematical training are also welcomed. In addition to the programme, some courses may be offered within the first year for accepted students who do not meet prerequisites.

Language requirements:

Good knowledge of English is an essential requirement. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an English test certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

Minimum English Language Test Requirements:

Test typeMinimum score required
TOEFL (IBT)76
TOEFL (Computer-based)230
TOEFL (paper version)550
IELTS6.0
Cambridge ExaminationC
Advanced Cambridge testB

Students who come from an English speaking country or that have a diploma from a University where the courses are taught in English are not required to take English tests.

Université Paris Sud

For students who have an undergraduate degree, Université Paris Sud offers Master’s and PhD courses in science and mathematics taught in English. With two years of Master’s, studying the subject you love in the country you love, you can also take other fun courses this University has to offer.

Latest Articles

More articles