Top 3 universities in Toulouse
If you're looking for a place to study in Toulouse, here's an updated ranking of Toulouse's universities, based on international rankings and academic reputation. This guide will help you better understand the strengths of each institution and help you choose the one that best matches your ambitions.

The top 3 universities in Toulouse
1. Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier (UT3)
- ARWU ranking (Shanghai): between 301ᵉ and 400ᵉ place worldwide.
- ARWU thematic highlights:
20ᵉ worldwide in remote sensing (2ᵉ in France)
26ᵉ in Earth sciences (5ᵉ in France)
48ᵉ in oceanography (3ᵉ in France)
Top 100 in ecology, atmospheric sciences and statistics
- Key areas: natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, health, social sciences.
- Student satisfaction: 3.8/5
This Toulouse based university is particularly renowned for its cutting-edge science and engineering research laboratories. Students appreciate the quality of the teaching and the many international collaborations.
2. Université Toulouse 1 – Capitole (UT1)
ARWU 2024 ranking: between 301ᵉ and 400ᵉ place worldwide and between 12th and 16th place nationally.
Excellence in economics: 1ʳᵉ in France, 16ᵉ in the world thanks to the Toulouse School of Economics.
QS 2024 ranking: 5ᵉ French university in social sciences and management.
Student satisfaction: 3.7/5
UT1 is the benchmark for those wishing to specialize in law, economics, management or the social sciences. Its professional network and close links with companies facilitate integration.
3. Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès (UT2)
ARWU 2024 ranking: between 301ᵉ and 400ᵉ place worldwide.
QS 2024 ranking: between 301ᵉ and 400ᵉ place worldwide.
Student satisfaction: 3.6/5
This university is renowned for its training in the humanities and arts. It offers a favorable environment for creativity and research in the humanities.
Other key schools in Toulouse
INSA Toulouse: renowned engineering school, with courses in civil engineering, computer science, electronics, etc.
École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse: ranked among the best in the world in the veterinary field.
IUT Toulouse A: the largest IUT in France, with a strong focus on work-study programs and a high rate of professional integration.
Summary table of rankings and specialities
Why choose Toulouse for your studies?
Rankings aside, Toulouse is a dynamic and welcoming student city. Here are just a few of the reasons why it attracts thousands of students every year:
- Rich student life: numerous associations, festivals, sporting events and an intense cultural life.
- Heritage and lifestyle: a pleasant historic centre, green spaces, and proximity to nature (the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean).
- Career opportunities: major aeronautical companies (Airbus), technology companies and innovative start-ups.
- Resources for students: modern libraries, documentation centres, financial aid, support schemes to help students succeed, and a wide range of services for student well-being.
- Suitable accommodation: Toulouse offers a wide range of student accommodation. Modern, well-located residences such as UXCO Student Atlas and UXCO Student Thales offer services designed to make daily life easier for students.
Our student residencies
Atlas residence
26 rue de la Caravelle, 31200 Toulouse
From studio, 1-bedroom to shared apartment
Thalès residence
6 Avenue des Herbettes, 31400 Toulouse
From studio to 2-bedroom
Free advice and quotation service to choose your university in Toulouse
To help you make your choice, here are a few criteria to consider:
- Specialisation: check that the university offers a programme that matches your career plans.
- Admission requirements: find out about any prerequisites, competitive entrance exams or applications.
- International opportunities: mobility, internships abroad, university exchanges.
- Campus life: activities on offer, services, general atmosphere.
Don’t hesitate to consult the official university websites and attend open days to meet the teaching staff and students.
Conclusion
Toulouse is home to a range of quality institutions, each with its own strengths. Whether you have a passion for the sciences, the humanities, economics or engineering, you’ll find a university or school that will support you in your academic and professional success. With its attractive living environment and many assets, Toulouse is an ideal city in which to study, grow and build a promising future.
FAQ – Studying in Toulouse
It’s time to find your student accommodation! In Toulouse, UXCO Student offers two fully equipped residences:
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UXCO Student Atlas for premium student housing
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UXCO Student Thalès, right in the heart of the science campus.
Furnished studios or shared flats, stylish common areas, gym, coworking spaces, and year-round events are waiting for you.
Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier University is a benchmark in natural sciences, engineering, life sciences and health, with excellent international rankings in remote sensing, earth sciences and oceanography.
Toulouse 1 – Capitole University is highly recognised in these fields, thanks in particular to the Toulouse School of Economics, ranked 1ʳᵉ in France and 16ᵉ worldwide in economics.
The Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès offers solid training in the humanities and arts, with a good balance between teaching and research.
INSA Toulouse is a renowned engineering school offering a wide range of engineering courses. The École Nationale Vétérinaire is ranked among the best in the world for veterinary training.
Yes, IUT Toulouse A is the largest IUT in France and offers a wide range of work-study programs with a very good rate of professional integration.
Consider your areas of interest, the programs on offer, internationalization opportunities, admission requirements and student life on campus. Attending open days is also a good way to assess the atmosphere and facilities.
Absolutely, Toulouse is a very lively city with numerous associations, cultural and sporting events, and a pleasant living environment for students.
The official websites of universities, schools and establishments (UT1, UT2, UT3, INSA, École Vétérinaire, IUT) are the best source for detailed information on courses, admissions and services.