Organization of Higher Education

The 90 French Universities are Public Institutions who accept students who have passed their A levels (French Bac) (Except in the fields of medicine, pharmacy and Technology). The Universities are multidisciplinary and autonomous. They consist of several departments and faculties : sciences, literature, languages, law, economics etc. Information on at least one living foreign language can be found in these departments.
The diploma is obtained after clearing written and oral examinations that take place continuously during a study year, a final examination or a combination of the two.
Short courses on higher technological studies within 2 years : The universities offering short term technological studies are affiliated with the main universities. The diploma is awarded by the University of Technology (DUT).

Short term technician courses implemented in schools take two years. The diploma awarded is called BTS (Brevet de Technician Superieur) and differs from other short term technological studies because it is more specialized and adapted to precise fields (85 specializations and approximately 220,000 students) The candidates have to submit a file of previous degrees obtained. The selection will be made in favor of the most qualified candidates.

Les Grandes Ecoles, a system unique to France, was created to impart specialized higher education. The requirements for these schools are high. Specializations are mainly in the fields of social sciences, economics, science or engineering . Some Grandes ecoles are public while others are private.

Private Schools : Some Institutions are approved and award a diploma recognized be the state, while others are not.

Academic Calendar :
October to May for universities.
September to June for schools not at the university level.