1.1. Schematic Description of the Higher Education System

https://www.onisep.fr/orientation#le-systeme-educatif

 

1.2. Description of Higher Education System

Higher education in France is delivered at universities, vocational colleges, engineering schools and some courses are held in high schools. It tends to align with the structuring of programs in 3 cycles: bachelor, master, PhD.

BUT: Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie – Bachelor’s Degree in Technology, BTS: Brevet de Technicien Supérieur – Higher Technical Certificate, and DEUST: Diplôme d’Études Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques – diploma in scientific and technical university studies correspond to 120 ECTS; courses are therefore practice-oriented and include periods of work placement. DUT are only prepared in university colleges, DEUST in faculties, and BTS by high schools, private institutes. Graduates can access in third year of a bachelor’s program.

The preparatory classes for the “grandes écoles” (CPGE, Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles) are organised over two years. They are divided into three categories: i) economics and business preparatory classes, ii) literature preparatory classes, iii) science preparatory classes. They prepare students for competitive entrance exams to grandes écoles, particularly engineering and business schools and teacher training colleges (ENS). They are open to holders of a baccalaureate or equivalent qualification, subject to review of their application. Students who successfully complete two years of higher education in CPGE obtain 120 European credits (ECTS) and either continue on to a grande école if they pass the competitive entrance exam or continue in a bachelor’s degree programme.

Academic bachelor programs (“Licence”) are national diplomas equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, which confers on its holder the grade of licence. This diploma certifies a level corresponding to the attainment of 180 European credits beyond the baccalaureate, equivalent to three years of studies and 60 ECTS credits per year.

Professional bachelor programs are national higher education diplomas that confer bachelor’s degree on its holder and aims to prepare students for the job market. The professional bachelor’s degree certifies a level corresponding to 180 ECTS credits at the end of specific, professionalised training programmes that enable students to gradually develop their career plans.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Technology (BUT): Professional bachelor’s degree programmes organised into 180 ECTS credits and run only by university institutes of technology (IUT) are commonly referred to as university bachelor’s degrees in technology (BUT). It follows a strict national training framework. It is divided into 24 specialties and nearly 85 courses.

The engineering programs take place in 5 years (300 ECTS) and are accessible either in the third year after 120 ECTS validated (in a bachelor program or during a short cycle program), or directly in first year, from the end of secondary studies. This degree confers upon its holder the rank of master and the title of graduate engineer. Some three-year programmes admit French or foreign students who have successfully completed their first year of a master’s degree in the second year of the engineering programme, based on an application review.

Since 2020, there have been three paths to enter the second year of the first cycle of long-term health studies: medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, maieutic – MMOP):

• via a specific “health access” course, with an option from another discipline. These courses are organized in universities with health faculties. The student follows the specific health course and an option that corresponds to their strengths and their other possible projects (eg. law option, biology option, languages option…). Exams results determine the path of the 2nde year of the 1rst cycle. If he/she is not admitted, he/she can continue in the 2nd year of the bachelor corresponding to his/her option, and can re-apply for health studies if he/she wishes after at least one additional year;
• via a bachelor, with an “health access” option. High school students choose the bachelor that best fits their projects and their strengths from any type of bachelor (eg. letters, law, biology, management-economics, etc.) which offers an “health access” option. Within this license, he/she thus follows additional lessons linked to the “health access” option.  Depending on the exam results, students are offered the opportunity to continue their health studies in medicine, pharmacy, midwifery or dentistryIf not admitted, he/she can continue in the 2nd year of bachelor, and to re-apply for health studies after at least one additional year. If he/she does not validate the 1st year of bachelor, he/she cannot apply for health studies.

• These long-term health studies confer the intermediate degrees of bachelor and master, but which do not allow the exercise of a health profession. Only the professional diploma allows professional exercise. Health studies last between 6 to 12 years.
• The paramedical and social sector diplomas take place in 3 to 5 years and are gradually reengineered to respect the Bachelor / Master framework. It is possible to enter paramedical studies directly after high school.

Master’s programs are characterized by the integration of teaching and research, a professional experience, and a master’s thesis. They cover 120 ECTS. Master degrees are awarded by universities and some university colleges.

The Higher Diploma in Applied Arts (DSAA) is a five-year professional qualification awarded by the State after two years of training. It certifies a level corresponding to the attainment of 300 European credits. It certifies that the holder has mastered the technological, artistic and general knowledge, techniques and skills relevant to the speciality and enabling them to perform functions requiring a high level of design expertise. From 2026 onwards, the DSAA will confer the degree of Master’s on holders of this diploma.

The Doctorate represents the highest level of specialization in scientific research. It is based on an original research project that typically lasts three years and gives rise to the public presentation of a doctoral thesis. This degree is only issued by universities.

More info about the French higher education system: https://www.campusfrance.org/en

 

1.3. List of Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions
List of all the French public higher education institutions (universities, “grands établissements”, “grandes écoles”, etc)

Business schools
Commission d’évaluation des formations et diplômes de gestion, CEFDG

Engineering studies
Commission des titres d’ingénieur, CTI

Public higher education institutions are mainly dependent on the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, but other ministries supervise institutions of higher education: ministries in charge of culture, communication, food, armies, etc.

More info about the French higher education institutions: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/institutes-higher-education-France 

 

1.4. Number of Students in Higher Education

The number of student registrations in higher education in France reached 3,013,000 in 2024-2025. University share of total enrolment accounts for 61.3%. In 2023-2024, the number of foreign students participating in international mobility programmes in France is estimated at 319,900, representing 11.5% of the total higher education student population.

Number of students (academic year 2024-25)	Public	Private	Total
Universities	1,631,500	0	1,631,500
Engineering schools	86,100	59,100	145,800
Others university educational institutions	36,700	49,700	86,400
Preparatory classes for the “grandes écoles”	73,500	13,500	86,900
Preparatory classes for “BTS” in high schools	158,900,2	58,800	217,700
Graduate schools specialized for business, management or accounting	1,000	257,000	258,000
Artistic or cultural graduate schools	17,300	60,200	77,500
Paramedical schools outside universities	92,600	32,700	124,800
Schools preparing for social functions	500	32,700	33,200
Schools of various specialities	75,900	87,600	163,500
Total	2213,100	799,700	3012,800

 

1.5. Structure of Academic Year

The academic year usually starts in September. Classes take place in two semesters (September-January, February-June). Each semester ends with an examination period. Period of examination are: December-January and April-June. There is a general second chance examination period in August-September. The end of the academic year is officially between July and August.

 

1.6. National Qualifications Framework (or Similar)

France has adopted in January 2019 a revised national qualification framework in line with the European 8-level qualification framework (EQF).

The National Register for Professional Certifications (RNCP: Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) is operated by a multi-stakeholder body, the National Commission for Professional Certifications (CNCP), which includes, among others, the certifying ministries and the social partners.

 

1.7. Learning Outcomes in Higher Education

Higher education institutions describe the learning outcomes for each HE programmes. Reference skills for bachelors, for the doctorate, as well as for professional degrees, particularly in the health sector have been published. They are being written for the masters. The Higher Education Quality Agency (Higher Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education or Hcéres) evaluates the achievement of quality objectives every five years.

 

1.8. Admission Requirements to Higher Education

For bachelor’s programs or short programs in 2 years, the general admission is the French “Baccalauréat” (diploma awarded after completion of secondary studies). If a foreign diploma is recognized on the basis of a French decree, a European directive or an international convention, the holder could apply for diploma programs. Students may also be admitted, after an individual assessment of their secondary education diploma, if they provide access to higher education in their home country. Higher education institutions are also allowed to admit persons who cannot meet the general admission requirement. For all students, French or foreigners, admission to a Bachelor’s degree course may be subject to additional courses or other support measures, as part of a pedagogical success contract or “learning agreement”.

The Diploma for Access to University Studies (DAEU): The Diploma for Access to University Studies confers the same rights as those attached to passing the Baccalaureate. Foreign higher education diplomas give access to master’s programs if the admission commissions of HE institutions consider that the foreign diploma of higher education is corresponding to the French higher education diploma giving access to the program concerned.

Access to health studies and other vocational degrees is subject to special rules.

Doctoral programs are open to graduates holding a master’s degree, after registration authorization issued by the doctoral school. Foreign higher education degrees give access to doctoral programs if the board of the doctoral school considers that the foreign higher education degree is corresponding to a French master’s degree.

Find more information on: https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/fr/etudiants-etrangers-inscriptions-dans-l-enseignement-superieur-francais-46508

Language requirements
In principle, French is the language for teaching and learning. However, courses in English with foreign lecturers and teachers may exist at the master level. Specific courses can sometimes be provided mainly or completely in English as part of international exchange programs.
Most HE institutions require a test of knowledge of French (“Test de connaissance du français”, TCF: http://www.ciep.fr/tcf-dap). Each HEI has the freedom to request the level of its choice, but the level 4 of the TCF is often the requested level. This corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (https://www.coe.int/fr/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages).

English-language courses in France:
There are 1,700 English-language courses, mainly at Master’s level, available on the Campus France catalog (Finding the programme for you | Campus France) European universities alliances : 64 French higher education establishments are currently involved in 54 of the 65 selected alliances.  European universities alliances offer courses and diploma in English. (Les Universités européennes | enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr)

 

1.9. Grading System

Range of notes: 0 to 20; Pass mark: 10 and up.

Description of the scoring system:
For each course, there is a system of 0-20. 10 is the passing grade.
Depending on the degree, there are systems of compensation between courses, so that the transition may be possible with the general average (for example, average earned in the year or semester).
Normally, the notation is absolute, that is to say related to the extent to which the learning outcomes have been achieved. In principle, the classification culture is the same everywhere, but in practice, there can sometimes be variability from one professor, faculty or institution and another.

 

1.10. Tuition Fee System for International Students

Tuition fees are the same for French students and students from the European Union. In public universities, tuition is largely subsidized by the State and registration costs are low: 178 € in “licence” (i.e. bachelor level), 254 € in master’s courses, 628€ in engineer course, 397€ in doctorate. In addition, students must pay a fee for student life and campus life (CVEC): 105€ (2025-2026).

For foreigners from outside of the European Union, from September 2019, tuition fees will be 2895€ in “licence” and 3941€ in master’s degree, and in doctorate, 2895 à 3941 € in engineer degree. However, as part of their autonomy, higher education institutions have the possibility of exempting nationals of one or more countries from specific fees for foreign students, depending on their international policy, and also in the case of supervised mobility (agreements between institutions).

 

1.11. Graduation Requirements and/or Qualification Awarding Requirements

Bachelor: 180 ECTS
Master: 120 ECTS (300 ECTS in total after the Baccalauréat)
Engineering degree: 300 ECTS

 

1.12. Relevant Current and Prospective Reforms in Higher Education

Not applicable.

 

2.1. Quality Assurance Body in Higher Education

In France, there are three agencies dedicated to quality assurance: The High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (ie : the Hcéres), the Commission des titres d’ingénieur (CTI) and the Commission for the Evaluation of Management Programs and Degrees (CEFDG).

The High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (ie : the Hcéres) is an independent public authority. It is compliant with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and as such, is a full member of ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) and registered in EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education). Hcéres is also recognised internationally and is a full member of the INQAAHE (International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education).

Hcéres’ evaluations are based on the principles of objectivity, transparency, and equal treatment for all entities. The High Council carefully selects experts with world-class academic expertise, teaching responsibilities and a neutral and balanced representation of disciplines. The expert panel also relies on the expertise of a student representative, a member of higher education administrative staff, and a professional from the labour market or public sector. The process is therefore a peer review coordinated by Hcéres staff. https://www.hceres.fr/sites/default/files/media/downloads/evaluation-charter-2024.pdf

Hcéres is responsible for:

• evaluating higher education institutions and clusters of institutions, study programmes, research units, national research organisations, scientific cooperation foundations and the French National Research Agency, or, where applicable, overseeing the quality of evaluations carried out by other bodies;
• producing evaluation reports that contribute to strategic thinking among stakeholders in higher education, research and innovation, as well as to the design and evaluation of public policies;
• contributing to the definition of a national policy on research integrity and promoting the harmonisation and sharing of practices among higher education and research institutions in this field.

Hcéres also shares its expertise internationally, carrying out evaluations of higher education institutions, study programmes, research units and national research organisations worldwide. Positive evaluations lead to accreditation and the award of a quality label. https://www.hceres.fr/fr/international

The Commission des titres d’ingénieur (CTI) was established by Law in 1934 (French Education Code, Article L.642-2 and following). CTI is the French quality assurance agency, registered in EQAR, and dedicated to the engineering field. In France, the CTI is the relevant body in charge of carrying out evaluation procedures that lead to the accreditation of the institutions to award the engineering degree “titre d’ingénieur diplômé”.The various missions of the CTI have evolved over the years, and currently include: :

• Periodic evaluation of all French higher education institutions offering master level programmes in engineering, that leads to the accreditation of the institutions to award the engineering degree.
• The CTI can also carry out evaluation procedures of engineering programmes provided by French institutions on their campuses abroad, in order to extend the accreditation to the foreign site.
• On request of the institutions and agreement of relevant governments, evaluation of foreign higher education institutions. The positive outcome of a CTI procedure may lead to the recognition of their engineering degrees at master’s level in France (‘‘Admission par l’Etat’’). This recognition is granted by the French Ministry of Higher Education
• Evaluation of French and foreign engineering programmes in order to award quality labels (EUR-ACE® from ENAEE and CeQuInt From ECA).

Since 2020, the CTI is in charge of the evaluation of French institutional Bachelor degrees in order to grant them the academic grade of “licence”.

Defining the generic profile of the engineer at master’s level and drawing up criteria and procedures for awarding the engineering degree and for carrying out the CTI’s missions.

CTI is the natural point of contact for foreign engineering bodies and promote the academic and professional recognition of the French engineering degree

Thanks to its recognition by the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR), the CTI has become the main player in implementing the Bologna Process and developing a quality assurance culture within French engineering HEIs. In this context, the CTI cooperates with other French and international quality assurance agencies, either under bilateral agreements or in networks such as FrAQ-Sup, ENQA, ECA and ENAEE.

The Commission for the Evaluation of Management Programs and Degrees (CEFDG):

This is the only national body authorized to evaluate the quality of programs offered by private and consular management schools, which can then receive official recognition (award of a university degree or issuance of a visa).

The Commission for the Evaluation of Management Training and Degrees (CEFDG) is under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.

It was created by Decree No. 2001-295 of April 4, 2001, which defines its missions.

Its role is to:

• organize quality control for higher education programs in business and management, with a view to building a European higher education area;
• examine the evolution of these programs, in line with the national higher education system as a whole;
• take into account the recruitment potential of institutions and changes in the job market.

It thus evaluates business and management programs offered by private and consular technical higher education institutions, as part of the procedures for state recognition and authorization to award degrees, as provided for in Articles L. 443-2 and L. 641-5 of the Education Code.

For each degree evaluated, the CEFDG issues an opinion accompanied by recommendations, which is sent to the institution concerned and to the MESR. These opinions lead to the awarding of a visa or university degree, for a period of between 1 and 5 years.

The duration of accreditation has a particular influence on national rankings. There has been a sharp increase in the number of applications in recent years.

Official list of schools entitled to award the title of engineer (2024 update): https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000050980178

 

2.2. Quality Assurance System

	Study programme	Institution	Further explanation
Voluntary	On request, all HEIs whose evaluation is not compulsory and which asks for an external evaluation	On request, all HEIs whose evaluation is not compulsory and which asks for an external evaluation
Compulsory	Public HEIs and engineer schools	Public HEIs, private HEIs with a public service mission and engineer schools
Regularity	5 years	5 years
External	Hcéres CTI	Hcéres CTI
Internal	HEIs	HEIs

 

2.3. Programme Authorisation and Quality Assurance

• Based on Hcéres’ evaluation reports, the Ministry for Higher Education and Research accredits the study programmes (Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate) and students receive a nationally recognised diploma.
• On the basis of the CTI evaluation, engineering schools are empowered by the accreditation from their supervisory ministries to award the engineering degree.

List of accredited schools to issue the engineering degree: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000050980178

 

3.1. Description of Credit System

French higher education institutions use ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). A credit represents 25 to 30 hours of work for a student. The courses are independent modules which, depending on the course, may all be compulsory or to which students can register according to their preferences and their schedule, taking due account of the semester system. In the bachelor’s degree, the new regulation favoring the flexibility and the personalization of the courses makes that the students can choose a traditional rhythm of 30 credits per semester or to progress more or less quickly according to their capacities and their constraints.
ECTS link: https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/inclusive-and-connected-higher-education/european-credit-transfer-and-accumulation-system

 

 

3.2. Credit Transfer System(s)

ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System

 

3.3. Additional Information

Students may be exempted from a teaching unit based on credits acquired elsewhere (in another program or institution, in France or abroad) or according to skills acquired outside a formal learning context (validation of acquired experience). These elements are evaluated by the institutions.

 

3.4. Is Application of Credit System in Higher Education Institutions Mandatory?

Yes, for the majority of programs (bachelor’s or master’s degrees), the use of ECTS credits is mandatory.

For other types of degrees — especially professional programs and qualifications from grandes écoles that are not bachelor’s or master’s degrees and not officially recognized by the MESR — institutions may choose to assign ECTS credits to their courses. However, since these credits are not certified by the ministry, assigning them is optional.

 

3.5. Number of Credits per Academic Year/Semester

A typical semester corresponds to 30 ECTS (except for the second cycle of medical studies: 20 ECTS).

 

3.6. Number of Credits per Higher Education Cycle

• Short cycle programs (European level 5): 120 ECTS.
• Bachelor degree programs (European level 6): 180 ECTS.
• Master degree programs (European level 7): 120 ECTS after Bachelor
• Engineer degree (European level 7): 300 ECTS (no intermediate degree)
• No credits are used for PhD (level 8).

 

3.7. Description of Credit Unit

1 ECTS-credit equals 25-30 hours (of 60 minutes) of student workload. Workload (based on the ECTS-definition) is an estimation of the time the individual typically needs to complete all learning activities such as lectures, seminars, projects, practical work, work placements and individual study required to achieve the defined learning outcomes in formal learning environments.

 

3.8. Link between Learning Outcomes and Credits

A student is awarded credits upon achievement of the defined learning outcomes related to the educational unit/course. Learning outcomes (in connection with the ECTS-definition) are statements of what the individual knows, understands and is able to do on completion of a learning process. The achievement of learning outcomes has to be assessed through procedures based on clear and transparent criteria.

Learning outcomes are attributed to individual educational units and to programmes as a whole. They are also used in European and national qualifications frameworks to describe the level of the individual qualification.