Bologna Process- European Area for Higher Education
French higher education is divided into 3 "cycles" in accordance with the common European system:
| French Title | European Equivalent | Duration in Higher Education after Baccalauréat | European Credits Transfer System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence | Undergraduate | 3 years of university studies | 180 ECTS |
| Master | Graduate | 5 years of university studies | 300 ECTS |
| Doctorat | Doctorate | 8 years of university studies | N/A |
The French System of "Grande Ecole" and Master Level State Recognized "Grade Master"
An original feature of the French higher education system is the highly selective admissions procedures of French “Grandes Ecoles”. The Grande Ecole Program issues a Master's level diploma, recognized by the State (5 years of study after the French Baccalaureat).
Due to the excellence of the program delivered and high performance of its graduates, the diploma provides access to key functions in companies and to top-level careers.
Specialized Schools and Titre Certifié degree*
Qualified specialized schools deliver certified degree titles, registered and published in the Journal Officiel (Bulletin issued by the French government with official announcements).
| French Title | European Equivalent | Duration in Higher Education after Baccalauréat | European Credits Transfer System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titre Certifié niveau II | Undergraduate | Three to four years of university studies | 180 ECTS |
| Titre Certifié niveau I | Graduate | Five years of university studies | 300 ECTS |
| *For informational purposes only, subject to change without prior notice. |
France has more than 3,500 institutions of higher education, including the following:
- 77 publicly-funded universities, offering degrees in all disciplines and serving as the primary academic research centres
- A parallel system of Grandes Ecoles offering scientific, business, art and other specific programs, which offer 5-year diplomas which are equivalent to a Masters degree
- Schools of architecture
- More than 3,000 specialized schools offering degrees in a wide variety of subjects, including hotel management, culinary arts, tourism and social work.