Top student cities in 2025: the complete list to help you choose your city of study

1. Montpellier: The Mediterranean Prodigy

Montpellier takes first place in the 2024 ranking thanks to its energy, diverse academic programs, and sunny setting near the Mediterranean. With over 80,000 students—17% of the population—it’s a true student city. It offers a wide range of programs in business, law, arts, and media, with institutions such as Paul Valéry University, MOMA, and the University of Montpellier. The presence of six grandes écoles and many research centers adds to its academic appeal.

It also stands out with free public transportation—rare among major French cities. While housing options are decent (though not exceptional), Montpellier makes up for it with great accessibility, a 23% employment growth over ten years, and good air quality. Students especially appreciate its welcoming atmosphere and dynamic vibe. It combines attractiveness, economic vitality, and international openness, securing its spot as a top French university city.

3. Caen: Discreet but Essential

En troisième position, Caen séduit par l’équilibre entre la diversité de ses formations et son développement économique. La ville accueille 36 000 étudiants sur une population de 214 000 habitants, avec une belle présence de prépas, grandes écoles et filières porteuses comme le commerce, le tourisme ou le génie civil, sciences.

Facile d’accès et bien desservie, Caen bénéficie d’un parc immobilier attractif et de tarifs de transport réduits de moitié pour les étudiants. Son environnement dynamique, marqué par une qualité de l’air remarquable, plus de 600 km de pistes cyclables et 1 100 hectares de parcs, contribue largement à son succès.

Les initiatives locales, les équipements sportifs à prix accessible et une programmation culturelle satisfaisante renforcent encore l’attrait de la ville. Ce sont d’ailleurs 96 % des étudiants qui la recommandent, saluant sa convivialité, son énergie et son excellent rapport qualité-prix.

5. Grenoble: Science Amid Mountains and Innovation

Ranked fifth, Grenoble wins students over with its academic strength, stunning natural environment, and affordability. Over 13% of the population are students, including 15.45% international students.

This human-scale Alpine city offers solid programs in business, engineering, digital fields, and construction. Surrounded by mountains and green spaces, it’s ideal for outdoor activities, boasting nearly 700 km of bike lanes.

Though its arts scene is modest, Grenoble invests heavily in sustainability and has an active student community. Students appreciate the city’s friendly atmosphere and stimulating environment, affirming its appeal.

6. Besançon: Great Quality of Life and Accessibility

Besançon is in sixth place, attracting students with its pleasant surroundings and dense educational offering. With over 16% of its population made up of students, Besançon offers some of the lowest rents in France, making it easy to find accommodation.

The city boasts a rich heritage, including a UNESCO-listed site, and numerous cultural and sporting facilities. Its courses cover business, civil engineering and management, with a good balance between universities, grandes écoles and specialist establishments. See the course description for each course on the official website.

The school’s attractiveness is further enhanced by its health facilities, its safety record, which is considered satisfactory, and its friendly atmosphere. Nearly 96% of students recommend it, praising its accessible environment and local energy.

6. Strasbourg (tie): Europe Within Reach

Strasbourg also lands in sixth place, standing out with its international focus and strong programs in business, arts, law, and political science.

The Alsatian capital welcomes a high number of international students (16.29%) thanks to top-quality courses and a rich living environment, including UNESCO heritage sites, bike paths, and historic districts. While rent is relatively high, excellent public transport, sports facilities, and healthcare access make up for it.

With a recommendation rate close to 98%, Strasbourg offers a cosmopolitan student experience in a manageable city praised for its energy and engagement.