Why French Students Choose International Universities in Paris

For French students looking for an international education, studying at an international university in Paris offers an alternative to moving abroad. English-taught programs, multicultural classrooms and international career opportunities can provide global exposure while allowing students to remain in France. An international university in Paris can combine English-taught education, multicultural learning, and global perspectives with the familiarity of studying at home. 

20.4% of French higher education graduates had an international learning experience in 2023, compared with 11% across the European Union. This suggests that international exposure is already an established part of the French higher education experience. (Source: European Commission, 2025)  

For you, the question is not simply whether to study abroad, but whether an international university in Paris can provide the global experience you want while allowing you to remain in France. 

Key Takeaways 

• Paris offers a diverse academic environment: International students represent 18% of the student population in Île-de-France.  
• The region attracts international students: 35% of international students coming to France choose Île-de-France.  
• English-taught study is available in France: There are around 1,650 programs taught in English, with 85% taught entirely in English.  
• French students already participate in international mobility: 59,400 Erasmus+ mobilities took place among students in French higher education during 2023-24.  
• Paris provides a substantial higher education ecosystem: Île-de-France has 793,820 students, representing 23.1% of university enrollment in France.  

Why Choose an International University in Paris? 

If you want international exposure, studying abroad is only one possible route. An international university in Paris can provide an English-language academic environment, multicultural classrooms, and opportunities to develop a global perspective without requiring you to relocate to another country. 

This can be particularly relevant if you are interested in international business, diplomacy, management, communications, technology, or other fields where working across countries and cultures may form part of your career. 

The choice ultimately comes down to what you want from your university experience: the language of instruction, teaching approach, student community, career preparation, and opportunities for international mobility all deserve consideration. 

Gain International Exposure While Staying in France 

An international university can make global exposure part of your everyday academic experience rather than something limited to a short period abroad. 

International students account for 18% of students in Île-de-France, the highest proportion among French regions. The region also attracts 35% of international students coming to France for higher education. (Source: Île-de-France Region, 2025) 

This means that studying in Paris can place you in a classroom where different nationalities, experiences, and perspectives are part of everyday interaction. Group projects and discussions can give you regular opportunities to work across cultural differences and develop greater confidence communicating with people from different backgrounds. 

Schiller's Paris campus provides an English-taught academic environment within this international setting. 

Study in English Without Leaving France

For many students, language is an important part of an international education. 

France has around 1,650 programs taught in English, with 85% taught entirely in English. Most are at the master's level, so you should check the availability of programs at your preferred level and subject. (Source: Campus France) 

Studying in English can help you become more comfortable using the language for presentations, academic discussions, projects, and professional communication. You can develop that experience while continuing to live and study in France. 

The growing availability of English-language education also means that French students have more options when looking ahead conventional French-language pathways. The shift toward universities in France taught in English provides useful context for this changing landscape. 

Learn in a Multicultural Environment 

An international classroom can change the way you approach your studies. 

Working with students from different countries can introduce you to perspectives shaped by different cultures, education systems, and experiences. This can strengthen your ability to listen, communicate clearly, collaborate, and adapt your approach when working with people who see an issue differently. 

International mobility is already relevant to French students. Students in French higher education completed 59,400 Erasmus+ mobilities during 2023-24, an increase of 4.1% from the previous year. (Source: French Ministry of Higher Education, 2025)  

An international university provides another way to build this perspective, allowing you to engage with different cultures throughout your degree rather than relying entirely on a period of study abroad. 

Build Skills for a Global Career 

The value of international education extends further than the classroom environment. If you plan to work with international organizations, multinational companies, overseas markets, or culturally diverse teams, you may benefit from developing skills such as cross-cultural communication, adaptability, collaboration, and confidence working in English. 

Your university network can also extend across borders. Classmates may eventually work in different countries and industries, creating professional relationships that continue after graduation. 

However, an international university should not be viewed as an automatic route to a global career. Your qualifications, experience, skills, and career decisions remain important. The advantage is having an academic environment where you can practice international communication and collaboration while developing your subject expertise. 

For students considering an international career, studying at an international university in Paris can provide opportunities to develop communication, collaboration and cross-cultural skills in an English-speaking academic environment. 

Why Does Paris Matter?

Paris adds another dimension to the experience. 

The region has 793,820 students, representing 23.1% of university enrollment in France. Its scale creates a substantial academic environment alongside access to businesses, cultural institutions, international organizations, and professional networks. (Campus: Île-de-France Region, 2025) 

For students interested in internationally focused fields, studying in Paris can connect academic learning with a city that has a strong international presence. 

Schiller's Paris campus is also moving to La Défense in September 2026, placing the university within a major business district. The new campus is designed around classrooms, collaborative spaces, student facilities, and career-focused activities. 

The location therefore becomes part of the wider university experience rather than simply an address. 

What Should You Consider Before Choosing an International University? 

If you are comparing international universities with other higher education options in France, consider:

Cost should form part of the decision from the beginning. Tuition is only one element of your overall budget, so consider accommodation, transportation, food, insurance, and personal expenses together. Our guide to the cost of studying in Paris in 2026 can help you assess the wider financial commitment. 

Why Study at Schiller International University in Paris?

Schiller, an American international university offers an English-taught, internationally focused academic environment in Paris. 

• Study in English in an internationally focused academic environment. 
• Choose from bachelor's and master's programs available at the Paris campus. 
• Experience Intercampus mobility across Schiller's global campuses.

The programs cover areas including International Relations and Diplomacy, International Business, International Marketing, Computer Science, Data Science, Sustainability Management, and Business Administration. The university's wider campus model can also provide opportunities to experience different locations as part of an international education. 

For a French student, this creates a distinct proposition: you can remain in France while studying in an environment designed around international perspectives, English-language education, and global career preparation. 

Is an English-taught international university in Paris Right for You?

An international university may be worth considering if you want to study in English, interact with students from different countries, and develop a broader perspective without moving abroad. 

It does not replace the many established pathways available through French higher education. Instead, it offers another option for students whose priorities include international exposure, multicultural learning, and globally oriented career preparation. 

Before making your decision, consider your academic goals, preferred teaching style, career plans, budget, and the kind of university environment in which you want to spend the next stage of your education. 

Ready to study in English at Schiller’s Paris campus? Explore our English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in Paris find the right program to support your academic and career goals. 

FAQs

Q1: Why would a French student choose an international university in Paris? 

You may choose an international university in Paris if you want English-taught education, multicultural learning, international perspectives, and a globally focused academic environment while remaining in France. 

Q2: Can French students study at an international university in Paris? 

Yes. French students can apply to international universities alongside public and private French institutions. Admission requirements vary by university and program. 

Q3: Can I study in English in France? 

Yes. France has around 1,650 programs taught in English, with 85% taught entirely in English. Availability varies by subject and study level. 

Q4: What are the benefits of studying at an international university in Paris? 

Potential benefits include English-language education, multicultural learning, international networking, exposure to different perspectives, and opportunities to develop skills relevant to internationally oriented careers. 

Q5: Is an American-style university different from a French university? 

The experience varies by institution. American-style education may place greater emphasis on classroom participation, continuous assessment, applied projects, presentations, and practical learning. You should assess the specific curriculum and teaching approach before choosing a university. 

Q6: Do French students need a visa to study in Paris? 

French citizens generally do not need a French student visa to study in France. Visa requirements mainly apply to students coming from outside the EU and depend on nationality and course of study. A current France student visa guide can provide further information for international applicants.