Degrees/Diplomas

Long study Universities : The first phase is geared at providing basic fundamentals and orientation. These universities accept students who have cleared their A levels. In two years, the first phase enables students to obtain a diploma in general study (DEUG). This formation imparts in many disciplines and there is a period of orientation. The duration of the orientation varies depending on the universities. The diploma is essential to be accepted to the second phase (2eme Cycle)
The second phase further develops knowledge in general, studies with high levels of preparation and training for exercising professional roles. They last for 2 years after obtaining DEUG. There are different types of diplomas :
- Fundamental, professional and/or specializations resulting in licence (DEUG + 1) and Maîtrise (licence + 1 )
- Specialization in professional fields in 2 years which result in Maîtrise de sciences et techniques (MST), Maîtrise de sciences de gestion (MSG), or Maîtrise de methods informatiques appliqués à la gestion (MIAGE)
- Professional universities also propose a formation of a period of 3 years after BTS or DUT (First year of superior education). This diploma awarded is a Maîtrise d’ingénieur-maître (Bac + 4 )
The third phase consists of research and awards the highly specialized degree of doctorate.

Les Grandes Ecoles : A unique characteristic of the grandes ecoles is their selective admission process. Acceptance is after clearing entrance examinations (concours) or, infrequently, on assessment of files. The preparation for the concours takes 2 years in special preparatory classes after A levels. Some grandes ecoles themselves hold preparatory programs. The grandes ecoles do not receive an official designation, but they are linked to schools of high levels of education and award the diploma Bac + 5. They are specialized in a specific field of study : commerce, management, engineering (telecommunications, civil, marine, information technology, chemical…), or political sciences. There are approximately 500 grandes ecoles in all.
The 155 public engineering schools, like their private counterparts (300 total), recruit their students by concours or on after Bac+ 2 . For further information on engineering schools visit the website at http://www.cefi.org/WELCOME.HTM
The duration of studies, in most grandes ecoles, is 3 years after 2 years of preparatory classes For further information check their website : http://www.cge.asso.fr/nouveau/Ecoles.htm

Private engineering schools in commerce and management are recognized by the state and the ministry. They are the only establishments that deliver an official diploma.

Short courses and professional fields :
The creation of these courses correspond to the demand by organizations for specialized people. The places in these institutions are highly sought after. The selection criterion is tough. To be selected a student has to complete his A levels or equivalent. The selection is based on completed application files and sometimes on written and oral presentations.
Schools and certain private institutions have a section for technical studies. The students who pass out from this course can directly start working in relevant fields. The duration of studies is 2 years, and the diploma awarded is BTS.