Surprising but true: France now offers over 1,500 full degree programs in English. Yet for some reason, most folks still assume you need to be fluent in French to even think about studying there. Uh… not quite.
When I first looked into French universities, I panicked a little. Okay, a lot. My French was limited to “merci” and whatever I remembered from that one week in Paris — which wasn’t much. I honestly thought I’d blown my shot. But here’s the twist: turns out, I didn’t need French at all. Not to apply, not to study, not even to graduate. Who knew?
So in this guide, I’m gonna walk you through exactly how you can study in France without knowing French — and still land at a respected university. I’ll also show you my personal system for filtering out the duds, some cringe-worthy mistakes I made (yep, I’ll own them), and the lesser-known programs that are surprisingly awesome.
Let’s Clear This Up: Do You Really Need French?
Here’s the thing — French culture is super proud of its language. Totally get it. But that doesn’t mean French universities are stuck in the past. In fact, France has been actively working to attract more international students. According to Campus France, there are now more than 1,600 programs taught entirely in English. Yep. Not “bilingual.” Not “some English.” Fully. In. English.
Still don’t believe me? I didn’t either. My first thought was, “This feels too easy.” But then I applied to Sciences Po. The entire process — from the website to the interviews — was in English. No French test. No translation hassles. I almost thought I was missing something.
To be fair, some people argue that day-to-day life can be tricky without French — and they’re not wrong. Ordering lunch? Booking a doctor? Yeah, it helps to know a few words. But for your degree? Totally optional. Your classes, exams, presentations, group projects — all in English. I know because I’ve lived it. And trust me, I barely got past “où est la bibliothèque?”
My 3-Step Clarity Filter (Because Google Isn’t Enough)
Let’s be honest: Googling “English universities in France” brings up a mess. Sponsored listings, shady programs, dead links… it’s overwhelming. That’s why I created what I call the Clarity Filter — a simple 3-step system that helped me cut through the noise. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Confirm the Language Don’t assume just because a school has an English version of its website that the courses are in English. Hit Ctrl + F and search “language of instruction.” If it says “taught entirely in English,” you’re golden. If it says “French with English support,” hard pass.
- Step 2: Rankings & Accreditation Check if the university shows up in the QS World Rankings or on official .edu/.gov lists. It’s not just for bragging rights — it means legit recognition and better job prospects later. I once nearly applied to a “university” that turned out to be more of a co-working space. No joke.
- Step 3: Responsiveness & Support Here’s one that people miss — email them. Seriously. I emailed 7 different schools to ask about visa support, English course breakdowns, and scholarship options. Only 4 got back to me within two days. Those are the ones that made my shortlist. If they don’t answer before you apply, good luck after you enroll.
Some schools that passed my Clarity Filter (and actually impressed me):
- Sciences Po – Social sciences powerhouse, super international.
- École Polytechnique – Great for engineering and tech, especially Master’s programs.
- University of Paris-Saclay – Quietly climbing the rankings, especially in science fields.
- INSEAD – For MBAs, it’s basically royalty. Think Ivy League vibes.
Real Talk: What Could Go Wrong?
Okay, let’s talk about the stuff nobody likes to admit. Because things can go sideways, fast.
Take my friend Sasha — she enrolled in a business program in Nice that promised English instruction. Day one, her marketing professor walked in and started lecturing in rapid-fire French. When she asked if the class could switch to English, the prof replied (and I quote): “You’re in France. Adapt.” 😬
So here’s my advice: always, always confirm with current students. I found most of them on LinkedIn or Reddit. Ask what the day-to-day is like. Is the instruction really in English? Are assignments in English too? Are the group projects a weird mix of Franglais? Don’t trust brochures — they’re sales pitches, not reality.
Another heads-up: while private schools might sound cushy, some are, well, more flash than substance. Public universities like Sorbonne or Aix-Marseille often have stronger reputations and clearer paths to post-study visas. While some argue private schools offer more personalized help, I’ve found their visa support hit or miss — and that’s putting it politely.
Also — and this is an intentional typo fix — don’t let the housing situation “accomodate (sic)” your expectations. French bureaucracy is no joke. If you’re applying solo, be ready to navigate paperwork that might make you want to scream into a croissant. Been there.
Final Thoughts: Your No-French Game Plan
So… can you study in France without knowing French? Absolutely. Should you prepare a little anyway? Also yes. Think of French like sunscreen — not strictly necessary, but it’ll save you a lot of pain down the road.
Quick Takeaway Checklist (visualize this as a snappy, bold graphic):
- ✔ Over 1,500 English-taught programs in France
- ✔ Use the 3-Step Clarity Filter: Language, Ranking, Support
- ⚠ Don’t trust vague “English-friendly” claims — verify everything
- 💬 Learn a few French basics — even just for the boulangerie
Look, if I could pull this off with my zero-to-hero French and a half-baked plan, so can you. The key is knowing what to look for and who to trust. If this post helped even a little, share it with someone else in research-mode — or better yet, send them the names of those verified universities.
P.S. My dog now understands “s’il vous plaît” and “sit” in the same command. Total win.