Overview of French Higher Education
France’s higher education system is home to 2.5 million students, with 12% coming from other countries. This diverse educational landscape offers a vast array of programs across various levels and fields, accommodating both French-speaking and international students.
Variety of Educational Institutions
The country boasts over 3,500 higher education institutions, including 72 universities, multi-institute campuses, doctoral schools, engineering schools, business schools, art schools, architecture schools, and thousands of private institutes.
France also has high schools offering preparatory courses (CPGE) for Grandes Ecoles, technical programs (STS), and professional diplomas (BTS). Additionally, over 1,200 programs are taught in English, and there are short programs focused on French language learning combined with cultural immersion.
Digital Learning and MOOCs
The digital platform France Université Numérique (FUN) offers a wide range of online courses (MOOCs), with nearly 300 courses from over 80 institutions, attracting nearly one million enrollments.
Academic Calendar
The academic year in France typically starts in September or October and includes two main semesters, holiday breaks, and a summer vacation lasting at least two months.
Teaching Methods
French higher education utilizes two main types of teaching methods:
- Lectures (cours magistraux), where professors present to large groups in amphitheaters.
- Smaller, mandatory tutorial (TD) and practical (TP) sessions that complement lectures and provide hands-on learning experiences. Internships may also be part of the curriculum
Evaluation and Certification
Student performance is assessed through continuous evaluation during the year and semester-end exams. Knowledge is tested in each subject, twice per year.
Language Requirements
For programs taught in English, proficiency in French is not mandatory, but English proficiency may be assessed. For French-taught programs, non-French-speaking students must demonstrate their French language skills, typically through recognized exams like DELF, DALF, TCF, or TEF, aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students with a French high school diploma from AEFE-accredited institutions are exempt. Generally, a B1 or B2 level is advised for undergraduate and Master’s programs, with some institutions requiring up to a C1 or C2 level for specific courses.
