Education System In France

The French university system is characterized by diversified training, interactive study environment and is focused on high quality education delivery. It welcomes around 2.5 million students every year, with approximately 12% of those from abroad. As an international student in France you are able to choose among a big variety of Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degrees.

Not only that, but an MBA in France is also considered an excellent higher education degree choice, since France is ranked the 7th largest economy in the world and 3rd largest in Europe. As a result, it is a great country to study business!

The French university system consists of more than 3,500 private and public institutions, with 72 universities and more than 200 business and engineering institutions. Universities in France award three types of degrees, in line with the European “Bologna” system based on European Credits (ECTS). The Bachelor’s degree is the Licence Professionnelle and lasts three years, the Master’s degree lasts around five years depending on the discipline and the Doctorate degree awarded after at least eight years of study.

The class format in the French university system consists of two types: The cours magistraux  which is the lectures and the travaux dirigés and travaux pratiques, which is the practical or laboratory work.

What makes the French university system more attractive to international students, is the possibility to study entirely in English! You can find hundreds of English-taught study programs in France. Don’t forget that you need to prove your English language proficiency through a TOEFL or IELTSexamination.

However, if you plan to study in French, no worries! You just need to prove your linguistic proficiency through the DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF examinations according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A B1 or B2 level is mostly needed for attending Master’s studies in France, but, depending on the program you might need to prove a competency of even C1 or C2 French level.

You can also prepare during short programs in French offered by universities. In addition to that, keep in mind that the French university system is quite…FUN (acronym for the France Université Numérique). The Digital University France is the first French online course platform including more than 300 courses from 80 institutions.