French High School Study Abroad · University targets
French universities & QS ranking map
See how French public universities and Grandes Écoles are positioned globally, which majors they excel in, and what BAC profiles they prefer.
Quick facts
- Public universities: broad programs with affordable tuition; BAC record and language level are key.
- Grandes Écoles: selective business/engineering schools (e.g., ESSEC, HEC, CentraleSupélec) value strong math and specialty alignment.
- Campus locations affect lifestyle and housing; early planning helps secure host families or boarding.
QS 2026 tiers at a glance
Use these tiers to benchmark expectations for language, BAC scores, and specialties.
Tier 1 (Top 100)
Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University. Strong STEM, humanities, and research programs.
Expectations: high continuous assessment, strong math/science specialties, and B2/C1 French.
Tier 2 (Top 200)
École des Ponts ParisTech, ENS Lyon, Université Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po.
Expectations: solid specialty coefficients, strong essays/orals, and relevant options (expert math, geopolitics, etc.).
Tier 3 (Top 500)
Regional universities with focused majors (business, hospitality, art/design, applied sciences).
Expectations: consistent grades, matching specialties, and clear motivation for the chosen campus.
Match specialties to university majors
Align Première/Terminale specialties with university prerequisites to strengthen Parcoursup files.
Engineering & CS
Math + Physics-Chemistry or Math + Digital Sciences. Add expert math option for selective schools.
Business & Economics
Economics & Social Sciences + Math. Case studies and internships strengthen motivation letters.
Health & Life Sciences
Life Sciences + Math/Physics. Keep lab portfolios and relevant volunteering.
Humanities & Law
History-Geopolitics + Humanities/Literature/Philosophy. Emphasize essays, debates, and the Grand Oral.
Art, Design & Architecture
Arts + Digital Sciences or Math. Build portfolios and document exhibitions/workshops.
Hospitality & Tourism
Languages + Economics & Social Sciences. Highlight internships and intercultural projects.
Plan backwards from your target school
Share your preferred majors and regions. We will map BAC specialties, language goals, and visa timing so your French High School Study Abroad journey fits university expectations.