Around 300,000 international students flock to France every year, making up 12% of the country's university student population. The allure of France’s culture, cuisines and class make it an attractive choice for studying abroad, but more importantly, it also boasts plenty of high-quality institutions.
The French higher education system is underpinned by strong government support. The country's research departments and business schools are some of the best in the world.
Before applying to study in France, it's always helpful to have an understanding of how the French higher education system works. Here’s a breakdown of the things you need to know.
Quick facts about the French higher education system
- French public universities charge both EU and non-EU students only EUR 170 to EUR 650 per year
- A bachelor's degree, also known as 'licence,' lasts 3-4 years
- A master's degree usually lasts 2 years
- Postgraduate study in France has a strong research focus
- France has four universities ranked in the top 100 of the 2024 QS World University Rankings
- France has more than 220 business and management schools
Types of institutions in the French higher education system
There are three types of institutions in the French higher education system:
- Universities
- Higher schools (Grandes Écoles)
- Specialised schools
Universities
Universities are public institutions funded by the French government, which also oversees the regulations of national degrees granted by universities. Universities offer a variety of courses in different areas, such as arts, humanities, sports and science.
Universities provide affordable but high-quality education and are popular among international students - about 75% of international students in France opt to receive higher education at universities.
Higher schools (Grandes Écoles)
Higher schools (Grandes Écoles) are public and private higher education institutions that run alongside universities. Also recognised by the French government, Grandes Écoles are the pinnacle of France's higher education. These prestigious institutions admit students through a competitive entry exam.
In order to qualify for this entry exam, students have to complete two years of preparatory classes called 'Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles' (CPGE). CPGE classes provide specialised education in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry and natural sciences.
Grandes Écoles usually specialise in specific subjects, such as business and management, engineering, public administration, veterinary and so on. Well-known examples of Grandes Écoles include the Institutes of Advanced Education (ENS) and Political Science Institutes (IEP).
About one-fifth of France's international students study at Grandes Écoles.
Specialised schools
Specialised schools are career-oriented public and private higher education institutions that provide specialised courses in professional fields.
Students of specialised schools can learn how to become professionals in architecture, journalism, tourism, social work, design, medicine and many other fields.
How does the French higher education system work?
An academic year in France kicks off in September or October. Exams are held at the end of each semester, and summer holidays commence after students finish their second-semester exams.
When it comes to teaching formats, classes at French higher education institutions are divided into lectures and tutorials.
Lectures are usually non-mandatory. During a lecture, a lecturer or professor teaches in a lecture hall accommodating anywhere from 100 to over 1,000 students.
Tutorials, on the other hand, are compulsory. Designed to complement lectures, tutorials are conducted in smaller groups and encourage students to apply the theories they have learned from lectures.
Admission requirements of the French higher education system
To receive higher education in France, prospective students must have successfully passed the baccalauréat or hold a secondary school diploma equivalent to the baccalauréat, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-levels. The baccalauréat is the standard requirement for admission to higher education institutions in France.
Depending on the course you are applying to, you might need to take an entrance examination. This is particularly common for courses in arts, engineering and business.
Applying to Grandes Écoles
For those aspiring to enter one of the prestigious Grandes Écoles, the process is more rigorous. On top of your secondary school diploma, as mentioned earlier, admission to Grandes Écoles typically requires two years of intensive preparation known as 'Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles' (CPGE).
While CPGE programmes in scientific fields often require proficiency in mathematics and sciences, programmes in humanities and social sciences may require proficiency in the French language. Don't forget to check the language requirements of the specific CPGE you are interested in before applying.
The application process for CPGE programmes may involve submitting academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores (if required) and other relevant documents. There may also be an entrance exam or selection process. CPGE classes are highly competitive, with only the top 20% of applicants gaining admission.
After completing your CPGE classes, you must sit for entrance exams specific to the Grandes Écoles you wish to enter. The content and format of these competitive, discipline-specific exams vary with institutions and courses. Grandes Écoles only accept a limited number of students every year based on their performance in the entrance exams.
French language proficiency requirement
Most undergraduate programmes in France are taught in French. If you are applying to a course conducted in French, you will be required to demonstrate your level of French by submitting your results of a French language proficiency test like the DELF or DALF.
If you are looking to study at the bachelor's and master's levels, you will usually need level B1 and level B2 respectively. Certain institutions may require a more advanced language proficiency level for particular programmes.
You are exempt from proving your French language proficiency if you have obtained a French secondary education diploma in an AEFE (the Agency for French Education Abroad/Agence pour l’Enseignement du Français à l’Etranger) institution.
If the study programme you are applying to is taught in English, you will only have to demonstrate your level of English. French higher education institutions usually accept international English tests such as IELTS and TOEFL as proof of English proficiency.
Now that you've learnt more about the French higher education system, are you intrigued to start your study abroad journey in France? If you are not convinced yet, check out our article on why you should study in France to help you decide if France is your ideal study destination.
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