France is an increasingly appealing study destination
for Nepali students, offering world-class education, affordable tuition at
public universities, a rich cultural experience and strong career opportunities
in Europe. The number of Nepali students in France is growing steadily but
remains modest due to factors like English-taught programs, scholarships and
post-study work visas.
Below are 10 popular universities for Nepali students
in 2025-2026, based on rankings (QS/THE 2026), English programs, consultancy
recommendations, and appeal to internationals from Nepal.
1.
Sorbonne
University
Exact Location: Paris (multiple campuses),
Île-de-France
Estimated Nepali Students: popular for prestige and
sciences
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year (public differentiated rates)
Popular Courses: Sciences, Health/Medicine,
Humanities, Engineering
Major Advantages:
· Historic
prestige (roots in 1257)
· Excellent
research and global recognition
· Diverse
English-taught programs
· Vibrant
Paris life with cultural immersion
· Strong
scholarships and international support
Major Disadvantages:
· High
living costs in Paris (housing competitive)
· Competitive admissions; French proficiency helpful
2.
Université
PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Exact Location: Paris, Île-de-France
Estimated Nepali Students: Growing; top-ranked draw
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year (public rates)
Popular Courses: Engineering/Technology, Sciences,
Business, Arts/Humanities
Major Advantages:
· Ranked
among world's top 50
· Interdisciplinary
excellence
· Cutting-edge
research
· Strong
industry/global partnerships
· Scholarships
and vibrant international scene
Major Disadvantages:
· Expensive
Paris living
· Intense academic environment
3.
Institute
Polytechnique de Paris (including École Polytechnique)
Exact Location: Palaiseau (near Paris), Île-de-France
Estimated Nepali Students: Attractive for
engineering/tech
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year (public; some programs higher)
Popular Courses: Engineering, Technology, AI, Sciences
Major Advantages:
· Elite
engineering focus
· Industry
ties (e.g., aerospace)
· High
employability
· English
master's options
Major Disadvantages:
· Suburban
location
· Rigorous programs
4.
University
of Paris-Saclay
Exact Location: Gif-sur-Yvette (near Paris),
Île-de-France
Estimated Nepali Students: Popular for research/tech
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year (often exemptions for non-EU)
Popular Courses: Engineering, Sciences, IT, Management
Major Advantages:
· Research
powerhouse
· Modern
facilities
· Lower
costs near Paris
· Scholarships
available
Major Disadvantages:
· Commuter
campus
· Less central vibe
5.
Sciences
Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies)
Exact Location: Paris (main), Île-de-France
Estimated Nepali Students: Favored for social sciences
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026): Higher
(private-like: €0–€14,500/year based on income; scholarships common)
Popular Courses: International Relations, Political
Science, Business, Law
Major Advantages:
· Global
leader in social sciences
· Multilingual
programs
· Strong
alumni network
· Internships
in diplomacy/NGOs
Major Disadvantages:
· Variable/high
fees
· Competitive entry
6.
HEC
Paris
Exact Location: Jouy-en-Josas (near Paris),
Île-de-France
Estimated Nepali Students: Business/MBA appeal
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€20,000–€50,000+/year (grande école; scholarships offset)
Popular Courses: MBA, Finance, Management
Major Advantages
· Excellent
career outcomes
· Top
global business school
· Networking
with people all round the globe
· English
programs
Major Disadvantages:
· Very
high fees
· Selective
7.
Université
Grenoble Alpes
Exact Location: Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Estimated Nepali Students: Growing for
sciences/engineering
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year
Popular Courses: Engineering, IT, Environmental
Sciences
Major Advantages:
· Alpine
location
· Strong
research in tech/sustainability
· Affordable
living
· Outdoor
lifestyle
Major Disadvantages:
· Regional
· Cold winters
8.
Aix-Marseille
University
Exact Location: Marseille/Aix-en-Provence,
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Estimated Nepali Students: Attractive for diversity
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year (partial exemptions common)
Popular Courses: Sciences, Health, Business
Major Advantages:
· Mediterranean
vibe
· Multicultural
· Lower
costs
· Good
support
Major Disadvantages:
· Hot
summers
· Less central
9.
University
of Montpellier
Exact Location: Montpellier, Occitanie
Estimated Nepali Students: Popular for sciences/health
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€2,770–€3,941/year
Popular Courses: Health Sciences, Environmental,
Engineering
Major Advantages:
· Sunny
south
· Historic
yet modern
· Affordable
· Vibrant
student life
Major Disadvantages:
· Regional
· Language barrier in daily life
10. INSA Lyon (National Institute of
Applied Sciences)
Exact Location: Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Estimated Nepali Students: Engineering focus
Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU, 2025–2026):
€601–€3,941/year (engineering rates)
Popular Courses: Engineering, Technology
Major Advantages:
· Practical
engineering excellence
· Industry
placements
· Affordable
Lyon living
Major Disadvantages:
· Technical
emphasis
· French
often required
General
Advantages for Nepali Students
· Affordable
public tuition
· Many
English master's programs
· Part-time
work (up to 964 hours/year)
· Post-study
work visa
· Rich
culture/food
· Scholarships
(Eiffel, Campus France)
· Pathways
to Europe-wide careers
General
Disadvantages
· French language often needed (daily life/visas)
· High Paris living costs
· Cold winters in north
· Small Nepali community
· Competitive scholarships/visas
Official
Government Websites for Updates
Campus France (Official Portal): https://www.campusfrance.org/en
Campus France Nepal: https://www.nepal.campusfrance.org/
France-Visas (Student Visa): https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en
