In the 2026 Figaro Étudiant rankings of the best French design schools, the École supérieure d’art et design de Saint-Étienne came 5th, tied with the École Camondo.
It is the 1st public regional school in this Top 10.
The 2026 ranking of design schools by Le Figaro Étudiant is based on three main evaluation criteria: the academic quality of the courses, international reputation, and graduates’ employability.
The schools assessed, whether public or private, are all open to students after the High School Diploma (Baccalauréat in France), and most are listed on Parcoursup.
Located at the heart of Saint-Étienne’s creative district and in the Cité du design quarter, Ésad Saint-Étienne is home to over 400 art and design students. Partnered with the Cité du design within a public cultural cooperation institution, this school of “hands-on learning” boasts outstanding technical workshops. It trains new generations of creators attuned to contemporary issues and prepares them to enter the world of art or design.
