Have you completed your secondary education at home and dreamed of studying in Europe, but feel overwhelmed by the options? France may be the answer you are looking for.
However, international students often find it challenging to navigate and understand a foreign country’s education system. With its combination of traditional and modern academic programs, diverse institutions, and career opportunities, France’s higher education system may seem complex at first, but it is worth exploring. Let’s break it down and help you make an informed choice.
Types of Higher Education Institutions in France
1. Universities
Most universities in France are public institutions funded by the French state, and they welcome students from around the world. International applicants generally need a secondary-school qualification that provides access to higher education in their home country. Application procedures depend on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, country of residence, intended study level, and chosen institution.
French universities follow the national Licence-Master-Doctorat, or LMD, framework and offer bachelor’s-equivalent, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Their academic programs combine teaching and research in fields such as literature, science, medicine, and the humanities. Well-known institutions include PSL University and Sorbonne University. French remains the primary language of instruction for many programs, although some degree programs and individual courses are taught partly or entirely in English.
2. The Grandes Ecoles
The Grandes Écoles are highly selective, specialized public or private higher education institutions. Examples include EPITA – School of Engineering and Computer Science, EMLV – Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci, and ESIGELEC. Program structures vary, but flagship engineering and management programs commonly involve five years of study after secondary school and may lead to a diploma that confers the national grade of master.
Admission routes vary by institution and program. Students may enter after completing competitive preparatory classes, after earning a relevant higher education qualification, or directly after secondary school through an integrated preparatory program. Tuition is generally higher than at public universities, and many Grandes Écoles offer English-taught options. Campus France reports that approximately 20% of international students in France are enrolled in Grandes Écoles.
3. Specialized Schools and Institutes
France has nearly 3,000 public and private specialized schools and institutes offering programs in fields such as communication, journalism, fashion, design, political science, health, and business. Programs generally last from two to five years, and admission may be based on an entrance examination, an application review, an interview, or a portfolio in creative fields. Graduates may receive degrees or certificates, but official recognition varies by institution and program. Applicants should check whether a qualification is a national diploma, holds a state visa or academic grade, or is registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications. Clermont School of Business is one example of a specialized business school, but applicants should verify the current recognition status of the specific program they intend to pursue.
4. Schools Of Arts And Applied Arts
France has dozens of public schools specializing in art, design, and applied arts. A network of approximately 45 public postsecondary schools of art and design operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education. These schools generally offer three-year and five-year study cycles leading to national diplomas. Public applied arts schools include Boulle, Olivier de Serres, Duperré, and Estienne. They offer programs in areas such as graphic design, spatial design, product design, and fashion. Admission is selective and may involve an application review, a portfolio, an examination, and an interview.
5. The National Schools Of Architecture
France has 21 public National Schools of Architecture, known as Écoles Nationales Supérieures d’Architecture or ENSAs, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. The network has included ENSA La Réunion as an independent school since March 2025. École Spéciale d’Architecture (Special School of Architecture) and the architecture school within Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (National Institute of Applied Sciences) in Strasbourg are additional institutions that offer recognized architecture education, but they are not part of the ENSA network.
The standard ENSA pathway consists of a three-year first cycle leading to the Diplôme d’Études en Architecture, which confers the grade of licence, followed by a two-year second cycle leading to the Diplôme d’État d’Architecte, which confers the grade of master. Graduates who wish to practice architecture independently in their own name must generally complete the additional one-year Habilitation à la Maîtrise d’Œuvre en son Nom Propre. Recognition of a French architecture qualification outside France depends on the professional and regulatory requirements of the destination country.
Types Of Degree Levels in France
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Under the LMD framework, the principal bachelor’s-level university degree in France is called the Licence. After completing secondary school or an equivalent qualification, eligible students can apply for a Bachelor (Licence) level. A Licence normally consists of six semesters completed over three years. Each successfully completed semester is generally worth 30 ECTS credits, giving students a total of 180 ECTS credits upon graduation.
2. Master’s Degree
A master’s degree normally consists of four semesters completed over two years after a Licence. It represents 120 additional ECTS credits, bringing the student’s total to 300 ECTS credits and five years of higher education.
3. Doctorate Degree
After earning a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification, students may apply for a doctorate degree. A standard full-time doctorate usually takes three years and culminates in the preparation and defense of a doctoral thesis. In the LMD framework, the doctorate is awarded after a minimum of eight years of higher education, or 16 semesters from the beginning of the Licence, and corresponds to 480 ECTS credits across the complete higher education pathway.
FAQs: Higher Education in France
What Grading System Does Higher Education in France Use?
French higher education institutions commonly use a 0-to-20 grading scale, with 10 out of 20 generally considered a passing grade. However, assessment and compensation rules can vary by institution and program. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is separate from the grading scale. It measures academic workload and credits, with 60 ECTS credits normally representing one full academic year. ECTS makes it easier for institutions to recognize periods of study, compare qualifications, and support student mobility between European countries.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in France?
International students can apply for a range of scholarship opportunities offered by the French government, higher education institutions, regional authorities, foreign governments, foundations, and international organizations. Campus France’s Campus Bourses database allows applicants to search for funding based on their nationality, study level, field, and other criteria. Applications for some French government scholarships are handled through the cultural service of the French embassy in the applicant’s country, while others must be submitted by a French higher education institution.
French social-criteria grants are not automatically available to every international student. Eligibility depends on nationality, residence status, family circumstances, and other conditions. For many non-European Union students, the requirements include holding a valid residence permit, having been domiciled in France for at least two years, and being attached to a tax household in France for at least two years. Different rules apply to students from the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, as well as refugees and certain other protected groups.
The Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships, including Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships, are another option. Erasmus Mundus programs generally last one to two academic years and may offer competitive full scholarships to highly ranked applicants from around the world. Depending on the award, funding may cover participation costs and contribute toward travel, visa, and living expenses. Because eligibility and coverage vary, applicants should always review the current rules on the official program or scholarship website.
Understanding France’s academic structure, degree levels, and scholarship options can give you a clearer picture of what studying in the country involves. You can now conduct more detailed research into the universities and programs that best fit your academic goals and take the next step toward studying in France.
Check out our Study in France guide for step-by-step information and articles about the country. If you are interested, you can also browse several Available Programs for International Students!
