Education System In France: Understanding French Education System

Since there are numerous factors to consider, every country’s education system is unique. When it comes to the various categories and types of diplomas and exams, the French education system is particularly renowned for being complex. France is now ranked as the top country for international students to pursue higher education. Between 2017 and 2020, there was a 10.4% increase in the number of international students enrolling in French higher education.

The renowned France education system for international students attracts many overseas students from all over the world. The intense academic focus of French schools is well-known. For instance, there are no school dances or significant events, no posters like you see in other schools in Europe, and there aren’t many extracurricular activities at least related to the school (they don’t have much funding due to the low or no prices of tuition). If students do not receive the average grades required to pass the classes, it is fairly typical in the French university system to have them repeat the academic year. 

The diversity, tourism locations, and social life make France a preferable destination for student living. If you too intend to further your education via the French education system, this blog includes all the necessary information for your reference.

Education System In France

Regarding the French educational system, the former is separated into three phases: primary, secondary, and higher education. Let’s explore each of them individually:

Primary Education In France

A student’s initial step toward education is the elementary education system. The enrollment age is three years old and up. However, children in France must enrol in educational institutions by the age of six. The kids’ age ranges range from 6 to 11 years old, and the length of time to study in France is five years.

Secondary Education In France

Students will join the high school category after completing their primary education. The French education system is organized into two phases at this place: 

• The college- A maximum of four years will be spent studying here. After finishing, students continue on to Lycee and get a brevet des Colleges. Upon completion, students are given a “brevet des colleges.”
• Lycee- For the final three years of secondary education, the student must attend the lycée (high school). After that, students must pass a test to get the baccalaureat (bac) degree (high school diploma).

Higher Education In France

Students who have finished the aforementioned requirements fall under the higher education category. There are two phases within this category of the French education system as well:

Vocational Diploma: DUT (diplome Universitaire de Technologie) and BTS are available in the two-year vocational diploma in technology (Brevet de technician Superieur). Students will need one more year of study before they may get their professional licences. Students can claim their BTS from high school, and universities will grant them a DUT.

Academic Diploma: The higher education system in France is divided into three categories-

• Universities: The majority of the French university system is provided by public institutions. They provide three different types of study degrees: Licence, Master, and Doctorate. In the French education system, these study degrees are known as cycles. Students must have a baccalaureate or an equivalent to be eligible.
• Grandes Ecoles: Grandes Ecoles operate similarly to a university, with both public and private institutions present. They are regarded as elite higher education. There are 3000 high schools in France that provide this type of education. Students will complete a specialized course of study and graduate with a Master’s degree. To be eligible, students must have a baccalaureate and have completed two years of programme preparatory courses.
• Specialized Schools: The majority of specialized schools are provided by public and private institutions. These institutes offer licence and Master’s degrees with the primary goal of developing students’ skills for their chosen career path.

Important Considerations for International Students Applying To The French Education System:

• When submitting one‘s application forms, students must provide an attestation.
• When applying for a study programme, international students will take a proficiency test in the language of instruction (For French- DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF) ( For English- IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE)

Conclusion

The French education system aims to help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in any career opportunity. According to the french education system ranking, France is home to 32 QS World University Ranking in 2022 alone. While we are aware of the beauty of French culture, it is also time to consider their valuable educational system.

FAQs

To get started, look into the public universities in France for more information. You can also read some of our blogs: 

1. Stay Away From Internet Scams And Fraud As A Student
2. Best Apps For College Students – A Complete App Guide
3. 11 Best Life Hacks For Students