Completing your secondary education at home and dreaming of studying abroad in mighty Europe, but feeling confused with the options? France might just be the answer you’re looking for.
However, international students like you often find it challenging to navigate and understand a foreign country’s education system. With its unique combination of traditional and modern academic programs, diverse institutions, and market competitive opportunities, France’s higher education system might seem complex at first, but it’s worth exploring for the incredible benefits it offers. Let’s break it down and help you make an informed choice!
Types of Higher Education Institutions in France
1. Universities
Universities in France are public institutions welcoming students from around the world, funded by the French state. High school graduates or equivalent can apply to these universities, offering diverse fields like literature, science, medicine, and humanities.
Most importantly, universities in France offer degrees according to national standards, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate, where they incorporate learning and research into academic programs. Some well-known universities include PSL University and Sorbonne University and a lot of them provide flexibility in terms of eradicating language barriers through access to education in both French and English.
2. The Grandes Ecoles
The category of Grandes Ecoles consists of top-notch, specialized educational institutions such as EPITA – School of Engineering and Computer Science, EMLV – Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci, and ESIGELEC. These Grandes Ecoles, as the name suggests, are extremely prestigious public and private institutions, which offer undergraduate degrees consisting of a 5-year plan, while some also accredit the label of Master’s.
With a very low acceptance rate, above-average tuition fees, and most of the training provided in English, these universities are classified as elite institutes, comprising only 5% of the French student population.
3. Specialized Schools and Institutes
Multiple educational institutions provide specific courses in certain sectors such as communication, journalism, fashion and design, and political sciences. With education cycles of around 2 – 5 years, students can apply to these schools where the admission is based on competitive entrance exams and portfolios of the students. Upon completion, graduates are awarded either degrees or certificates, but their recognition by the State is not assured, and it may vary from one organization to another. Clermont Business School is one of the many business schools recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education.
4. Schools Of Arts And Applied Arts
With around 50 public schools operating under this category, French schools offer training in principles of art, design, and communication in a span of 3 to 5 years, divided into two levels. Some well-known schools of arts under the supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education include Boulle, Olivier de Serres, Duperré, and Estienne. These schools provide national degrees in fields of graphic design, spatial design, fashion, etc, where some schools are also under the Ministry of Culture, opening a pathway for international students to learn from the best. As appealing as it sounds, the process of getting into these schools can be a challenging task, due to their highly selective procedure consisting of a competitive entrance exam followed by reviewing the applicant’s file and interviews.
5. The National Schools Of Architecture
You must be aware of the mind-blowing architecture in France, and the popularity of cultural sites and museums. With historical landmarks and inspirations all around, institutions like École Spéciale d’Architecture (Special School of Architecture) and Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (National Institute of Applied Sciences) are the ones to go for. The above-mentioned schools are a part of the ENSA which is a network of 20 similar public schools, overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education. Not only do these schools excel in their curriculum and approach, but they also reward equivalent degrees, which are recognized all around the world.
Types Of Degree Levels in France
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Via the LMD approach, a bachelor’s degree in France is also referred to as a Licence. Following the completion of secondary or high school, students are eligible to apply for a Bachelor (Licence) level, which is awarded upon completion of six semesters, usually taking up around 3 years. With each semester when successfully completed, candidates are rewarded with 30 ECTs and hence, they gain 180 ECTS credits post-bachelor.
2. Master’s Degree
Taking up about 2 years and consisting of four semesters, a master’s degree can be obtained after a total of 5 years of postsecondary education. Students can gain 120 ECTS towards the end of the study period.
3. Doctorate Degree
Consisting of six semesters that span for around 3 years and result in 180 ECTS credits earned, the doctorate degree can be done after gaining a master’s. The doctorate is awarded post-completion of sixteen semesters and ends up with a grand total of 480 ECTS credits, which take up a minimum of 8 years of postsecondary education.
FAQs: Higher Education in France
What Grading System Does Higher Education in France Use?
The French education system employs the European Credits Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is recognized all over Europe and elsewhere. Each semester accounts for a certain number of credits earned when completed successfully. The credits are based on smaller bits of the academic program such as lectures, internships, and practical work. The adoption of ECTS by institutions facilitates students’ transfers, mobility, and academic transparency, and it makes complex comparisons simpler.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in France?
Foreign students in France have distinct scholarship opportunities to avail, including Campus Scholarships, Foreign Ministry Scholarships, and The Ministry of Higher Education Scholarships which are based on social criteria and the applicant must be residing in France for two years at least alongside being a taxpayer, Aid from regional authorities and the well known Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships. The Erasmus+ is a study program rewarding highly talented individuals from around the world, with scholarships for about one or two years, no matter what the field of study is. To dive deep into the scholarship eligibility criteria, make sure to check out official websites as well as contact the embassies near you.
Having an overview regarding the academic structure and degrees, along with the availability of scholarships might have provided you with a clear picture of what studying in France looks like. Now, you can conduct thorough research regarding universities that might be the best fit for you, and take your next big step towards success.
Check out our Study in France for step-by-step guides and articles about the country. You can also browse several Available Programs for more study opportunities!
