Popular Subjects to Study in France
If you are a student looking to study in an established and leading country in Europe, France is one of your best options. France is known around the world for its art, culture, and cuisine, but more importantly for its dedication to high-quality global education.
Thanks to its nourishing and strong research environment, a considerable number of students from every continent choose to study in France every year to follow their dreams and prepare for a promising future. International students are drawn mainly by France's unique mix of academic excellence, affordable tuition, and quality of life.
In this article, we are going to explore some of the most popular subjects to study in France in 2025. If you are looking for thriving academic opportunities, this guide helps you find which subjects are ideal to study in France. Let’s take a closer look at what makes France one of the top study destinations and which subjects are shaping the future for international students.
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Why Study in France?
France is highly praised for its diversity and the wide range of academic opportunities available to students from different backgrounds. In 2025, France is positioned as a leader not only in the humanities and design but also in technology, business, and science.
France is the perfect place to study, whether you want to start a profession in artificial intelligence, create your own startup, or even delve into the art of luxury fashion. There is always a program or university in France that fits your dream perfectly.
Studying in France means building a solid future and gaining valuable experience beyond academic realism. Their practical and useful educational system prepares students for a journey through culture, innovation, discovery, and even a career path.
French universities have been consistently ranked among the best in Europe and offer world-class education. Getting a degree from these institutions carries global recognition and opens doors to international careers, guaranteeing a bright future. The French educational system’s reputation is deeply associated with the government's significant investment in education and its considerable budget, which keeps tuition fees relatively low, even for international students.
Accessibility is also a critical factor in France's universities' popularity and success rate. Each year, around 1,600 programs are offered entirely in English, allowing students to study in France without needing to learn the French language. Although learning French is a merit, it's not essential for many schools and institutions that extend opportunities to a much wider range of students who prefer to study in a familiar language while learning French.
Last but not least, France’s post-study opportunities make it even more appealing, primarily for International graduates who are seeking reliable work experience, especially in high-demand fields like technology, business, and engineering.
Read more: Popular Subjects to Study in Germany
The Most Popular Subjects to Study in France in 2025
Now that you know the advantages of higher education in France, let's check on some of the most popular subjects to study. These subjects have been famous and widespread for many decades and still are in 2025.
Business and Management
One of the most favored fields by students is business and management due to its high global demand. France is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and praised business schools, including HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC. Each year, many students from around the globe are attracted to these institutions, aiming to become entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders in international organizations.
The perfect balance between analytical knowledge and creative innovation has made French schools popular for studying business and management. That's why students here not only learn how to manage companies but also how to create them from scratch, develop new ideas, and lead big corporate teams.
Plus, those who have graduated from French universities are often closely connected to Europe’s startup scene. Paris, known as one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation hubs, provides a wealth of networking and internship opportunities.
If you are looking to study in this field, take a look at the ApplyKite smart position and program search engine. You can find almost any position and even professors in business and management, stay ahead of recent changes, and be notified when a new position opens.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering is a top field not just in France but all around the world, making it one of the most popular subjects to study in French schools. These schools have a valuable background in preparing some of the best engineers in fields such as mechanics, transportation, and construction.
Some of France's long-standing reputable institutions, such as The Grandes Écoles d’Ingénieurs, École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, and Arts et Métiers, have produced talented generations of engineers who lead in the aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries, acting as the backbone of their country’s success.
With the shifted focus toward sustainable and high-tech engineering in recent years, French institutions are becoming more modern and adapted to future demands. They offer more diverse programs in renewable energy, robotics, and environmental engineering, which have become especially popular due to global efforts to create greener technologies.
Suppose you choose to study energy and engineering. In that case, you have the benefit of first-hand experiences, hands-on research, internships, and industrial collaborations that help bridge theory with real-world application. Studying engineering in France means joining a community that values precision, creativity, and impact, qualities that are the backbone and critical for the engineers of tomorrow.
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science
Everything is now connected to Technology, transforming education everywhere. France is no exception, having rapidly grown its hubs for innovation in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science.
French universities and research centers are known for combining solid academic training with industry partnerships. Programs at institutions such as Sorbonne University and PSL focus on applied machine learning, cybersecurity, big data analytics, and automation. Students gain access to labs and startups where they can turn their ideas into real projects.
Finding positions, requirements, professors, and many other essential details about these new and trendy subjects might seem complicated and confusing. Still, ApplyKite’s solutions are here to help you find the field that perfectly matches your needs and situation.
Finance, Economics, and Management Science
Paris is not just a tourist city or the cultural capital of the world; it’s also one of Europe’s financial capitals. Each year, it draws many non-EU students to study finance or economics in France, who benefit from proximity to leading banks, consulting firms, and international institutions.
For those seeking a career in finance at top companies and corporations, studying in France is the best investment and career choice. It's known that major institutions in France have been educating relatable and professional economists and experts for a global audience. These programs are specifically designed to prepare students for careers in financial analysis, investment management, and fintech innovation. Courses combine theory with real-world exposure through case studies, simulations, and internships.
Psychology and Social Sciences
France has many historically significant figures in sociology and psychology who are still relevant and frequently referenced, like Michelle Focaut and Jacques Lacan. This tradition is still ongoing in France, primarily due to the world’s focus more on well-being, diversity, and inclusion; these fields are becoming increasingly relevant.
French universities are now offering more English-taught programs in these fields to include students from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds. France’s universities provide some of the best courses in cognitive psychology, social research, and human resource development. Students learn to understand the human mind and behavior in both scientific and cultural contexts.
Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences
We can't go over popular subjects in France without mentioning medicine and health science. With global-scale research and flourishing industries and manufactures in health science, France is the best place to get a degree in health sciences and nursing.
France’s healthcare system is among the top in the world, which is reflected in its medical education, practicing excellence, and hands-on research programs. Medical faculties and research institutes offer a wide range of programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences.
For international students who are genuinely passionate about studying medicine and health sciences, France is an ideal choice due to its English-taught programs, low-cost fees, and updated courses, which prepare them for their future careers. The combination of rigorous scientific training and practical experience in modern hospitals makes studying healthcare in France both challenging and highly rewarding.
Fashion, Art, and Design
Paris is all about eye-catching arts, designs, attractive buildings, galleries, paintings, sculptures, and more. Whether you choose to study fashion, art, or design in Paris or other major cities like Lyon or Nice, France is the best option for pursuing a reputable academic degree. France has always been a leading country in setting the standard in beauty, fashion, and art. Its capital defines the trends and is the home of the most talented artists.
Programs in fashion design, interior architecture, and visual communication give students the freedom to explore their artistic identities while learning from some of the world’s top professionals. Studying art or design in France isn’t just an education; it’s an immersion in inspiration.
Law, Politics, and International Relations
Can you imagine not choosing France to study law and politics when it was the leading country, a prominent member of the European Union, and a significant global power? If your goal is to become a distinguished lawyer, diplomat, or policymaker, France offers a rich environment for studying law, public policy, and international relations.
Programs at universities like Panthéon-Sorbonne provide a deep understanding of European institutions, human rights, and diplomacy. Students benefit from the proximity to international organizations and conferences, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world politics. Many talented and high-profile lawyers and experts in international relations and regulation have studied in France and pursued brilliant career paths.
Humanities, Languages, and Cultural Studies
France’s intellectual legacy continues to shine in the fields of literature, philosophy, linguistics, and history by attracting international students who want to explore ideas, language, and culture at their roots. French universities now combine traditional studies with digital media, translation, and intercultural communication, helping students adapt classic knowledge to modern careers.
If you are passionate about writing, culture, or philosophy, and are looking to study in France, check your chances of acceptance and resume with the ApplyKite AI tool, which is designed to help you with your academic dreams. You can quickly get professional feedback on how to find the best universities related to your interests and how to elevate your resume and application. This service is designed to facilitate the application process and let you reach your goals faster.
How to Choose the Right Program in France?
First of all, you need to choose your subjects and find your fields of interest. Start by thinking about your long-term goals and the kind of lifestyle you want. Do you prefer a creative path, a technical one, or something research-based?
France offers a variety of programs at both public universities and specialized schools, so it’s worth comparing options carefully. Check whether your preferred course is available in English, look for scholarships, and research the city’s culture and cost of living.
Platforms like Campus France can help you find programs, apply online, and plan your move. Once you identify what you love, everything else falls into place. The right program will not only educate you but also transform your life.
If applying to France is hard and you're still confused, check ApplyKite and leave everything to our team. Plus, you can easily check the university's requirements and needs on the platform and find the recent positions and programs that match your educational background, budget, language, and research interests. We are here to make the princess easy, accessible, and fast.
Build Your Future in France
France in 2025 offers an extraordinary combination of quality education, cultural richness, and personal growth. Whether you see yourself as an engineer, designer, psychologist, or chef, there’s a place for you here. Find your passion and follow your dreams in France. While enjoying a beautiful country full of history, culture, music, and attractive cities, your academic and career path is developing in top and respected universities.
Studying in France is not just about earning a degree. It’s about becoming part of a community that values knowledge, creativity, and global connection. So if you’re ready to start your next chapter, explore the programs that inspire you and take that first step toward studying in one of the world’s most dynamic and welcoming academic destinations. Your journey to France could be the beginning of something truly life-changing.