Are you looking for English speaking universities or English-taught programs in France?
Do you want to study in France but you cannot speak the French language?
Is not speaking French the limiting factor to your dream of studying in France?
We have come to the knowledge that most students end up not coming to France because they do not know how to speak French.
However, we bring some good news because there are many English speaking universities in France.
Although the major language instruction in most French universities is in the French language, there are many English-taught programs available for students who cannot speak French.
What this means is that you too can study in France even without knowing French.
In this guide, you will find a list of English speaking universities in France for you.
We have given you insight into all you need to know about these schools to help you make a choice.
But keep in mind that some of these English taught universities in France teach some courses only in English.
Let’s find out more below!!!
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Table of Contents
Studying in France
When you think of fine wine, fashion, famous tourist attractions and architecture, one of the countries that should come to mind first is FRANCE.
Besides having a lot of life goodness, France is also home to a lot of world-class universities which have in time struck a chord in the academic world.
However, the militating factor to this being not one of the popular study abroad destinations is the fact that it is not an anglophone country.
Because of this, France has a relatively low percentage of French people who speak English.
This often leads many prospective international students to ask the question: Can I study an English-taught program in France?
And that question we have answered below!!!
Is France an Anglophone Country?
That’s a big NO.
France is not an anglophone country.
However, various reports show that under 40% of the local population speak English.
And about 13% speak it more fluently.
This means that even though it is not an anglophone country, many of her people are embracing the English language.
And that means as a student who does not know the French language, you are more likely to bump into an English speaking French man when you ask for help, shopping, or use public transport.
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How Many English Speaking Universities are there in France?
Although we cannot give you an exact number in answer to this question, what we do know is that there are over 1,100 English-taught study programmes at French universities.
These universities cover all levels of academic study.
However, just about 900 study programs are English-taught at the Master’s level.
Some of the English speaking universities in France include;
- HEC Paris
- Université de Lyon
- KEDGE Business School
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- IESA – School of Arts and Culture.
How do I Know If A Study Programme is Taught in English?
It’s a simple task to decipher.
All English speaking universities in France that have English-taught programs list them in their portal.
To avoid any pleasant surprises, you can check the language requirements for each degree before you apply.
When you search for an academic course on your preferred university website, check out the details on their pages in order to determine if the programme is English-taught.
What English Proficiency Test do I Need to Study in English Speaking Universities in France?
For you to be admitted to any of the English-taught programs in any French university, you have to show proof of the English language.
In France, the most common English tests approved by French universities are:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
The actual test scores required by each French instituition is university-specific.
Therefore, once you’ve made a choice of institution, visit the school website to find out what the English language proficiency test score is required.
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List of Best English Speaking Universities in France
Without further ado, here is a list of English speaking universities with English-taught study programs in France.
We compiled this list based on the latest QS Rankings.
These are the best universities in France that offer English-taught programmes;
#1. École Polytechnique
- Founded: 1794
- Location: Palaiseau, France
- Number of Students: 3,600
- 2021 Ranking: 61st QS World University Rankings, 87th World University Rankings
Even in reference to its name you can see that École Polytechnique is not by origin an anglophone institution.
However, today, they have English taught programs.
Studying at this university is a chance to participate in world-class academic research.
Also, Écolee Polytechnique gives her students the opportunity to master the management and networking skills necessary for the market out there.
Interestingly, you get all of this in a relaxed and one-of-a-kind atmosphere under the guidance of distinguished researchers and leading figures of the business world.
It may interest you to know that École Polytechnique holds a leading role in the French academic tradition.
#2. Sorbonne University
- Founded: 1968
- Location: Paris, France
- Number of Students: 55,000
- 2021 Ranking: 72nd QS World University Rankings, 88th World University Rankings
Sorbonne University is one of the multidisciplinary, research-intensive and world-class English speaking universities in France that offers English-taught programs.
This college is found in the heart of Paris and is committed to the success of each of her students.
Majorly, they are devoted to meeting the scientific needs and challenges of the 21st century.
Most of its reputed footings can be traced to the University of Paris.
#3. CentraleSupélec
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Bures-sur-Yvette, France
- Number of Students: Not Specified
- 2021 Ranking: Not Specified At This Time
CentraleSupélec came about as a merger between two leading engineering schools in France; Ecole Centrale Paris and Supélec.
Hence the name CentraleSupélec.
In this university of higher learning, you can study in English.
What this means is that you do not have to know the French language to study in CentraleSupélec.
This does not mean there are no french-speaking programs, only a handful of the courses offered in CentraleSupélec are offered in English.
Hence why it is one of the French-speaking universities in France.
CentraleSupélec is devoted to sciences and engineering.
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#4. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
- Founded: 1880
- Location: Lyon, France
- Number of Students: Not Specified
- 2021 Ranking: 130th QS World University Rankings, 301st World University Rankings
Your first knowledge of the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is that this college is an elite French public institution.
At École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, students are trained to become professors, researchers, senior civil servants as well as business and political leaders.
Also, there is an option of you choosing your courses and splitting your time between training and research into sciences and humanities.
Even to date, the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon remains committed to disseminating knowledge to the widest audience and to promoting equal opportunity.
Judging from the QS World University Rankings, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is one of the top international ranking universities in popularity and performance.
#5. Panthéon-Sorbonne University
- Founded: 1970
- Location: Paris, France
- Number of Students: 42,500
- 2021 Ranking: 290th QS World University Rankings, 305th World University Rankings
Panthéon-Sorbonne University is one of the largest French universities in France.
Its exceeding goal according to the university motto is to become one of the major centres of research and knowledge in France.
Currently, this college has turned out to be an international and innovation centre since its inception in 1970.
Although a heavy French-speaking university, some of her programs are English-taught.
This makes it one of the English speaking universities in France.
#6. Sciences Po
- Founded: 1872
- Location: Paris, France
- Number of Students: 13,000
- 2021 Ranking: 261st QS World University Rankings, 401st World University Rankings
Sciences Po is an internationally recognized French research university.
It’s ranked among the finest institutions in the fields of humanities and social sciences.
Although it was instituted as a response to the political and moral unrest in France after the Franco-Prussian War, this school has evolved to be a world-class institute of higher learning.
Based on its foundation, Sciences Po was originally intended to educate the new elite and generate modern knowledge for a new France.
However, today, it has been partially nationalised and divided into the Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques (FNSP) and the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (IEP).
Most of her programs are English-taught making it one of the English speaking universities in France.
Some other English-taught Universities in France include;
- ENS Paris-Saclay
- Université de Paris
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
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Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in English in France
Do I Have to Learn French to Study in these English Speaking Universities in France?
Learning French is absolutely not compulsory.
However, it is necessary.
The truth is, you will need to learn a word or two in the French language early on to be able to hold a conversation.
The reason is not far-fetched, it will help you make more friends as well as feel relaxed.
Moreover, adding French language proficiency wouldn’t be a bad idea.
More often than not, you’ll have to ‘parler un peu français’.
And that’s absolutely fine.
Summary
Yes, you can study in France without having to speak French.
In any of these English speaking universities, you can study your preferred program of choice in English.
But remember you will have to show proof of English language proficiency before you’re admitted.
Good luck!!!
References
- https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/2948/best-english-taught-universities-in-france-where-you-can-study-in-2021.html
- http://blog.lodgis.com/en/top-english-speaking-university-courses-in-paris/
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