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Conversion des niveaux scolaires (France, Grande-Bretagne, États-Unis)

Saviez-vous que le système éducatif au Royaume-Uni est différent du notre ? Et que le notre est aussi différent de celui des États-Unis ?!

Cet article vous propose de faire un point là dessus, afin d’ enrichir votre culture anglo-saxonne , mais aussi pour exercer votre mémoire grâce à une astuce mnémotechnique en fin d’article qui vous permettra de ne plus jamais vous tromper dans la conversion des classes !

Voici donc un tableau récapitulatif avec en-dessous, quelques remarques pouvant vous être utiles !

Remarques :

Aux États-Unis , le système public commence en grande section de maternelle (Kindergarten) à partir de 5 ans ; ainsi, pour que les enfants soient scolarisés avant, ils peuvent être accueillis (en payant) en crèche ( daycare ), puis en maternelle (pre-school/ pre-kindergarten ).

Au Royaume-Uni , les Nursery School (établissements préscolaires, majoritairement privés) accueillent les enfants avant l’âge de 5 ans (la scolarité au Royaume Uni étant obligatoire de 5 ans à 16 ans) ; après les Nursery School, les enfants entrent en Year 1.

Toujours au Royaume-Uni , le Secondary School (équivalent du Collège + Lycée) peut se faire soit en Comprehensive School , soit en Grammar School .

• Les  Comprehensive School  sont  accessibles par tous .
• Les  Grammar School  sont aussi publiques, mais sélectives , l’entrée est basée sur un test d’aptitude. (Il y a 163 grammar schools en Angleterre après que la première ait été introduite en 1944, avec l’Education Act qui rend obligatoire l’éducation secondaire jusqu’à l’âge de 15 ans).
• Les  Public Schools sont des « independent schools » (écoles privées) qui peuvent être externats (day schools) ou internats (boarding schools).

– Enfin, le A-level au Royaume-Uni correspond au « Advanced Level (Niveau avancé) ».

Astuce  (concernant le tableau) :

Pour se souvenir de ces équivalences, il faut prendre des points de référence entre la France et les Etats-Unis  :

• 6e -> 5e -> 4e -> 3e -> 2nd -> 1ere -> Terminale
• 6th > 7th > 8th > 9th > 10th > 11th > 12th

Il peut être facile de retenir (ou intuitif) que:

• La 6e en France correspond à la 6th aux Etats-Unis
• La 4e en France correspond à son double : 8th aux Etats-Unis
• La 3e en France correspond à son triple : 9th aux Etats-Unis

En ayant ces points de repère en tête, il sera un peu plus facile de retrouver les équivalences, mais ce n’est pas tout : En connaissant les équivalences avec les Etats-Unis, vous connaissez également ceux de : l’Allemagne, l’Australie, le Canada (sauf au Québec), et le Portugal, qui eux aussi vont de 1st (notre CP) à 5th (notre CM2), et de 6th (notre 6e) à 12th (notre Terminale).

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3 réflexions au sujet de “Conversion des niveaux scolaires (France, Grande-Bretagne, États-Unis)”

bonjour dans les lycées, en France, on compte de la 12 ième (maternelle) et on remonte à 1ière et terminale (0 ième) Souvent les lycées, en France, ne font que de la 6ième à la terminale, ou de la 2ième (seconde) à le Terminale. bonne scolarité.

Bonjour achelem,

Non, ce que vous ajoutez est incorrect…

En France, le vocable « lycée » ne s’entend que pour les années seconde, première et terminale. Avant, de la sixième à la troisième incluses, c’est le « collège ». Enfin, on parle de « primaire » pour les petites années.

Le tableau qui se trouve dans l’article est en tous points exact. Il n’y a rien à ajouter.

Cordialement

Good morrow ! J ai apprecie cette table de conversion !

Bon vent de NYC

Laisser un commentaire Annuler la réponse

Study in France

Understanding the french education system.

The French education system consists of three stages: primary education, secondary education, and higher education.

Most French elementary and secondary schools, as well as a large number of universities, are public institutions that have highly centralized administrations. The curricula at primary and secondary schools are standardized across all schools for a given grade.

Formal schooling in France starts as early as age three, when many children attend kindergarten ( maternelle ). Day care ( pré-maternelle ) is available from age two.

While  pré-maternelle  and  maternelle  are not mandatory, all children must be enrolled in school by age six.

Primary school consists of five years of study, from approximately age six to age eleven (similar to a US elementary school).

After primary school, students move to the secondary level, which is divided into two stages.

The first stage, the  collège , is composed of four years of study, for students ages eleven through fifteen (similar to a US middle school). Students receive a  brevet des collèges  upon its completion.

After the  collège  students attend the  lycée  (high school) for the final three years of secondary education. Students then take an examination to receive the  baccalauréat  ( bac ) qualification. The  baccalauréat  is equivalent to the US high school diploma, but differs in that it requires preparatory study.

After the  lycée , students choose to pursue either a vocational diploma or an academic diploma.

Vocational diplomas:

The DUT ( diplôme universitaire de technologie ) and BTS ( brevet de technicien supérieur ) are two-year technology-oriented degrees. BTS courses are offered by high schools, whereas DUT are awarded by universities. A DUT or BTS may be followed by one additional qualifying year of study, leading to a  licence professionnelle .

Academic diplomas:

There are three types of higher education institutions in France: universities , Grandes écoles , and specialized schools .

Universities  are public institutions that offer academic, technical, and professional degrees to any student who has obtained a  baccalauréat  or its foreign equivalent. University study leads to degrees in many fields. Degrees are awarded at three different levels of achievement, called  cycles , within a framework referred to as  licence ,  master ,  doctorat  (LMD), which is described in the following section.

The Grandes écoles  are selective public and private institutions. They are similar to universities, but typically offer a more specialized three-year course of study, in subjects such as business, public administration, or engineering. Students are admitted to the G randes écoles  based on their scores on a competitive exam. Before taking this exam, students must have obtained a  baccalauréat,  and they often have taken a two-year preparatory course ( cours préparatoires  or  prépas ). Students graduate from a G rande école  with a master's degree ( master ).

Specialized schools  are public or private institutions that train students for professional careers in specific fields, such as art, architecture, social work, or tourism. They offer  licence  and  master  degrees.

The  licence , a three-year course of study, is an undergraduate degree equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the English-speaking world.

After the  licence , students can complete a  master , a two-year course of study equivalent to a master's degree. The  master  can be a professional degree ( master professionnel ), e.g. law, business, or engineering, or it can be a research degree ( master recherche ), leading towards doctoral work.

Students holding a  master recherche  may complete an additional three years' coursework to qualify for a  doctorat   (doctoral-degree equivalent). The  doctorat  is obligatory for medical doctors, who receive a state diploma in medicine ( diplôme d'Etat de docteur en médecine ).

Source:  CampusFrance

The LMD framework is the result of the Bologna Process to harmonize university qualifications in Europe.

While the previous system no longer exists, you may hear people refer to their degrees using the old terminology. Prior to the reform, the first two years of what is now the  licence  were referred to as the DEUG ( diplôme d’études universitaires générales ). The third year of today’s  licence  was referred to as the  licence , and the fourth year as the  maîtrise . Today’s  master recherche  was a year-long degree called a DEA ( diplôme d’études approfondies ) and the  master professionnel  a DESS ( diplôme d’études spécialisées ).

You may also hear students refer to their academic credentials in terms of how many years of study they have completed since the  baccalauréat . For example, a master’s degree is a  “bac plus cinq”  (Bac+5). 

There is no standard or official equivalency between French and American degrees. The following infomation is provided as a guideline:

An American  high school diploma sometimes qualifies the student to enter an institution of higher education in France. The institution will rate its equivalency on a case-by-case basis.

An American associate degree  often qualifies the student to enter during the first or second year at a French institution. The institution will rate its equivalency on a case-by-case basis.

An American  bachelor's degree may be rated as equivalent to a licence . Certain institutions consider it equivalent to two or three years' study towards a DUT , BTS , or  licence . This may, in turn, qualify the student for application to a master's degree program in a French institution. The institution will rate its equivalency on a case-by-case basis.

An American  master’s degree qualifies the student to begin a second master's degree program in Europe or a doctoral degree program. The institution will rate its equivalency on a case-by-case basis.

An American doctoral degree (PhD) is considered equivalent to a French doctorat . The degree qualifies the researcher to begin a post-doctoral program or to teach in French instituions of higher education.

The  Ministry of Education  and the  Ministry of Higher Education and Research  are responsible for determining the equivalency status of foreign applicants to public institutions. To receive an attestation de niveau d'études , you may contact  ENIC-NARIC  if you live outside France, or you may contact your local  rectorat  if you live in France. Identify your rectorat , then consult its website to find the  DARIC  ( Délégation académique aux Relations internationales et à la Coopération . 

American degree equivalences may also be determined by the Franco-American Fulbright Commission, for a small fee (+33 1 44 14 53 60, [email protected] ). To obtain the document, you must submit a copy of your diploma, along with your transcripts and a full description of all your courses and the grades you received. All of these documents must be translated into French by a certified translator. When you apply to a French institution, you must include this  attestation  as part of your dossier.

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The French education system

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General overview of the french education system, the stages of the french education system, useful links, follow enic-naric france on social networks.

In France, education is mandatory and free from 3 to 16 years old. Access to higher education is dependent on achieving the baccalaureate national diploma.

The French education system is characterised by a strong State presence in the organisation and funding of education. On a national level, it is governed by the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in a general framework set by the legislator, which, according to the Constitution, “lays down the basic principles of education” ( article 34 of the Constitution of 4 October 1958 ). 

The official language in education is French. State education is free and secular. According to the French Education Code , education is mandatory for every child between the ages of 3 and 16 years.

Preschool education is provided in nurseries (pupils aged 3 to 6 years)

Attended by almost all children from the age of 3, preschools and primary schools comprise “primary” education. It falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education.

Primary education is provided in primary schools (pupils aged 6 to 11 years)

Primary education lasts five years. At the end of primary education, pupils automatically progress to the next level of education (collège = lower secondary school).

Lower secondary education is provided in collèges (pupils aged 11 to 15 years)

Attending collège is mandatory for all pupils. At the end of this stage (classe de 3e = year 9), pupils are presented with the Diplôme national du brevet (DNB), which is an exam that does not influence admission to higher secondary education. Depending on the pupil’s academic record and future plans, they may be directed to a year 10 class (classe de 2e) in a general and technological or vocational lycée (upper secondary school) or the first year of the CAP vocational qualification.

Upper secondary education is provided in general and technological or vocational lycées (pupils aged 15 to 18 years)

This stage takes three years and includes three academic tracks: the general (which prepares pupils for a longer career in higher education), the technological (which prepares pupils for a shorter career in higher education with a technological focus) and the vocational (which mainly leads to employment, but also optionally to higher education).

Completion of upper secondary education is recognised with obtaining the national diploma: the baccalaureate. This provides access to higher education and constitutes  the first university grade .

Higher education

In France, higher education is taught in institutes governed by a number of legal statutes, which are listed in  the French Education Code . Consult the dedicated webpage for more information on higher education in France.

A8 levels of educational attainment

French classification of levels of educational attainment defined by the French statistical commission on vocational training and social advancement Level VI : those who left education in the first three years of secondary education (1st, 2nd and 3rd years) or prevocational training courses (primary education certificate (certificat d'études primaires -CEP), prevocational classes (classes pré-professionnelles de niveau - CPPN) and preparatory apprenticeship classes (classes préparatoires à l’apprentissage - CPA)) in one year. Level Vb : those who left education in the 4th year of general secondary education, the 3rd or 4th year of a technical secondary course or shorter secondary education courses before the final year. Level V : those who left education having completed the final year of a short vocational course or dropped out of schooling during general secondary education before the final year. Level IV : those who left education having reached the final year of general secondary education or who dropped out of education after the baccalauréat without reaching Level III. Level III : those who left education having obtained a 'Bac + 2' qualification marking the successful conclusion of two years of higher education following the baccalauréat (technological university diploma (Diplôme universitaire de technologie - DUT), higher technical certificate (Brevet de technicien supérieur - BTS), diploma of general university studies (Diplôme d’études universitaires générales - DEUG), nursing and social training courses, etc.). Levels II and I : those who left education having obtained a Bachelor's degree-level or postgraduate qualification or a diploma awarded by a Grande École. International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) ISCED level 1 : primary education ISCED level 2 : lower secondary education ISCED level 3 : upper secondary education ISCED level 4 : post-secondary non-tertiary education (uncommon in France: basic legal qualification (capacité en Droit), diploma giving access to university studies (Diplôme d’accès aux études universitaires - DAEU) ISCED level 5 : short-cycle tertiary education ISCED 5A, tertiary-type A programmes: preparation for Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes (general subjects at universities and qualifications awarded by engineering or business schools, etc.) ISCED 5B: tertiary-type B programmes (DUT, BTS, paramedical and social care qualifications, etc.) ISCED level 6 : doctoral or equivalent level The purpose of this classification is to produce statistics on education and training that are comparable between different countries. It is an international agreement organised by UNESCO. It makes it possible to break down the numbers of students, changes in graduate numbers and finances in terms of cycles of education. It is also used to break down the population in terms of levels of educational attainment. Only successful studies for which students obtain a qualification are taken into account.

How to cite this paper : . Levels of educational attainment. In: Higher education & research in France, facts and figures - 50 indicators [online]. KABLA-LANGLOIS Isabelle (dir.). Paris: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, 2016. 9th ed. Chapter A8 [Accessed 05/04/2024]. ISBN 978-2-11-151572-7. https://publication.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/eesr/9EN/EESR9EN_Annexe_8-levels_of_educational_attainment.php

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Higher Education and Research in France, Facts and Figures - Summary

Higher education

Key figures

6. Secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education

Secondary education lasts 7 years, from the Sixième (ISCED 2, 11-year-old pupils) to the Terminale (ISCED 3, 18-year-old pupils). It is divided into two educational levels: lower secondary education (4 years), dispensed in collèges , and upper secondary education (3 years), dispensed in lycées .

The transition from collège to lycée is the first step in a pupil’s path to specialisation – children will continue their schooling either in a " lycée providing general and technological education" or in a "professional lycée ". The class council recommends the appropriate stream to families at the end of collège , basing its recommendation on the pupil’s school reports and particular interests.

Education provided in collèges is dispensed over 4 school years and 2 educational cycles:

• 1st year or " Sixième " – consolidation cycle;
• 2nd year or " Cinquième " – furthering cycle;
• 3rd year or " Quatrième " – furthering cycle;
• 4th year or " Troisième " – furthering cycle. 

Continuing on from primary school, the primary objective of a collège is to help pupils acquire the knowledge and skills of the common core of knowledge, skills and culture and prepare for his or her specialisation. The first national exam Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB - National brevet certificate) is takes place at the end of collège schooling. Passing the DNB does not condition the entry into upper secondary education ( lycée ).

Upper secondary education is dispensed in general and technological lycées or in professional lycées , and extends over 3 years:

• 1st year or " Seconde ";
• 2nd year or " Première ";
• 3rd year or " Terminale ". 

Whether it is general or vocational, the lycée provides a lot of diversity in potential training paths. It leads on to higher studies or access to professional life.

Upper secondary education provides three educational paths: general, technological and professional:

• the general path prepares pupils for long-term higher studies;
• the technological path mainly prepares pupils for higher technological studies: lycée streams preparing the Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS -Superior technician’s Certificate), the Diplôme des métiers d'art (DMA - art trade diploma), or the Diplôme universitaire de technologie (DUT - University Technological Diploma). It may also lead to longer-term studies, with students attending a class preparing for entry into a Grande École or continuing on to study for a Vocational bachelor’s degree after obtaining their BTS or DUT;
• the professional path leads mainly to active working life, but also enables students to continue their studies up to higher levels of qualification (BTS, DUT). Initial vocational training can also take the form of apprenticeship: put under contract to a company, apprentices serve internships, alternating between the company (in which they spend 60 to 75% of their time) and a Centre de formation d'apprentis (CFA - apprentice training centre). The Department of National Education, Higher Education and Research is responsible for educational monitoring of all training courses dispensed to those who have chosen this particular path to qualification. 

The diploma awarded at the end of upper secondary schooling is the baccalauréat , which is both a sign of successful completion of secondary studies as well as the first Higher Education degree, access to higher studies being conditional upon its obtention. Pupils at professional lycées can also prepare for the Certificat d’aptitude professionnelle (CAP - Professional Aptitude Certificate), or the Brevet d’Études Professionnelles (BEP – Vocational studies’ certificate). While the CAP is still very much a stream in itself, from which pupils can go directly into a profession, these two diplomas are now optional in order to pass the vocational baccalauréat .

Post-secondary Non-Tertiary Education (ISCED 4) is almost non-existent in France, as the diploma sanctioning completion of higher secondary studies (ISCED 3) (the baccalauréat ) is also the first degree of higher educational (ISCED 5).

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French degrees, LMD System and equivalences

French higher education has adopted the LMD system. Most degrees that it awards also give ECTS credits that are recognised by many countries in the European Union and around the world.

DEGREES STANDARDISED WITH THE LMD REFORM AND CREDITS

The three-level organisation of post-secondary education is shared by most countries in the European Union; in France, meaning licence-master-doctorat (Bachelor's-Master's-Doctorate), or the LMD system.

This system standardised the levels and organises recognition of the degrees in the different countries. It makes educational mobility easier in Europe and elsewhere.

LMD degrees are obtained by successfully completing a certain number of semesters from the time of entry in the higher education programme. Each semester awards up to 30 ECTS (European Credits Transfer System) credits that are valid in, and can be transferred to other countries.

A Bachelor's requires successful completion of six semesters, resulting in 180 ECTS credits. An additional four semesters are required to obtain a Master's, with an additional 120 ECTS credits. A Doctorate is awarded after successful completion of sixteen semesters and awards a total of 480 ECTS credits in a minimum of eight years of studies starting from the first year of the Bachelor's programme.

DEGREES RECOGNISED AND GUARANTEED BY THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT

The value of a French higher education diploma is guaranteed by the State when it's a French diploma, a degree certified by the French Ministry of Education ("diplôme visé") or titles registered on the RNCP (French Directory of Professional Certifications).

For various "Grandes Ecoles" and business/engineering schools, the quality of training and diplomas may also be certified by independent organisations issuing accreditations or labels.

EQUIVALENCES BETWEEN FRENCH AND FOREIGN DEGREES

Each establishment defines its own admission criteria, according to the student's background and the programme requirements. Only the host establishment is authorised to accept or refuse an applicant. Mutual agreements to recognise degrees may nonetheless make requests for equivalence easier.

The ENIC-NARIC centre may provide an attestation certifying to the French value of a degree obtained from a foreign educational system. This attestation does not constitute an equivalence in and of itself, but some institutes of higher education require it. The procedure costs 70 Euros per request.

The ENIC-NARIC European network also lets you certify the value for your country of the years you spent studying in France.

CERTIFYING PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

There are several structures that certify professional experience with the aim of enrolling in training or certifying a degree, diploma or level of qualification.

There are two distinct procedures : VAP 85 and VAE. The first enables direct access to training following certification of past experience. The second awards all or part of a degree by certifying the applicant's skills and knowledge.

The applicant must submit a dossier to a jury. In practice, these structures are frequently used by French higher education institutes to determine the level of an applicant with respect to the requirements of the programmes they provide.

On the same subject

• Know more about equivalencies of diplomas http://www.ciep.fr/en/enic-naric-france

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The different types of institutes of higher education in France

In France, there are more than 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education. Universities, Grandes Ecoles and schools of art or architecture: there is a wide choice for foreign students who want to study in France.

The universities: higher education for all

Universities receive 75% of the foreign students who pick France for their post-secondary education. These public institutes of higher education are financed by the French State. Located all around France, the universities confer national degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) that all have the same academic value.

Everyone who has a high school diploma or equivalent can enrol in first year. Science, literature, languages, arts, humanities, medicine and sport: university programmes cover all of the areas of learning and research.

The Grandes Ecoles: the French culture of excellence

20% of foreign students are enrolled in a programme in the Grandes Ecoles. Écoles Normales Supérieures (ENS -Institutes of Advanced Education), Instituts d’Etudes Politiques (IEP - Political Science Institutes), engineering schools, business and management schools, veterinary schools and a few others, these Grandes Ecoles are public and private institutes of higher education recognised by the State . They confer degrees for 5 years of undergraduate studies, and some award the title of Master . Much of the training is provided in English.

Admission to the Grandes Ecoles is very selective. It is based on a competitive entry exam after two years of preparatory classes, with an appropriate degree or directly after high school for schools that have an integrated preparatory programme. Tuition and fees are higher than for university.

Specialised schools and institutes: specific programmes

Nearly 3,000 public and private institutes of higher education offer courses in specific sectors such as medicine, audio-visual, communication, journalism, fashion and design, agronomy, political science, etc.

These institutes confer degrees and certificates that may or may not be recognised by the State. Admission to these specialised schools and institutes is based on a competitive entry exam or the applicant's file. Studies there generally last two to five years.

Schools of art and applied arts

In France, there are nearly 50 public schools of art and design directly overseen by the Ministry of Culture. Training in art, design and communication is provided in two steps of three or five years, with national degrees awarded on successful completion. Some also offer a third level of studies.

Four highly-reputable public schools of art are directly overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education: Boulle, Olivier de Serres, Duperré and Estienne. They confer national degrees in graphic design, spatial design, fashion and arts and crafts.

Some private schools or schools that depend from chambers of commerce and industry award their own degrees. Some are registered in the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP - National Repertoire of Professional Certifications) . These institutes of higher education in art and applied arts are very selective, and enrolment is through analysis of the applicant's file, by competitive entry exam and / or interview. Applications may be filed online on the site Campus Art .

The national schools of architecture (ENSA)

The Ecoles Nationales Supérieures d’Architecture (ENSA - the national schools of architecture) form a network of 20 public schools overseen by both the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher education, Research and Innovation. Two other institutes, the École Spéciale d’Architecture (Special School of Architecture) and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (National Institute of Applied Science) in Strasbourg, are part of the same network and confer equivalent degrees.

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Follow the main steps to come study in France

• Higher education system in France
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The three-level organisation of post-secondary education is shared by most countries in the European Union; in France, meaning Licence-Master-Doctorat (Bachelor's-Master's-Doctorate), or the LMD system .

This system standardises the levels and organises recognition of the degrees in the different countries. It makes educational mobility easier in Europe and elsewhere.

Degrees organisation

Within the framework of the European harmonization of higher education, university higher education programme is organised in 3 degrees recognised in all European countries. 

• L (Licence or bachelor’s degree)
• D (Doctorat)

The L-M-D European system uses the ECTS system ( European Credit Transfer System ).

• 60 credits represent the workload of one academic year
• 30 credits represent the workload of one academic semester

L is for Licence (bachelor's degree)

The first degree is Licence (bachelor’s degree). A Bachelor's requires successful completion of six semesters, resulting in 180 ECTS credits. 

M is for Master

An additional four semesters (corresponding to 120 ECTS crédits) are required to obtain a Master's degree, resulting in 300 ECTS.

Two different kind of Master's degrees exist:

• Research Master: 120 credits including a research work are necessary to get it (4 semesters after your Bachelor’s degree)
• Professional Master: 120 credits plus a work experience of 3 to 5 months according to the subject, plus an internship report are necessary to get it (4 semesters after Licence)

D is for Doctorat

The third degree is Doctorat: 180 credits, plus a doctoral thesis, plus attending a certain number of seminars are necessary to get it (6 semesters after a Master's degree.)

French educational system

French higher education has adopted the LMD system. Most degrees that it awards also give ECTS credits that are recognised by countries in the European Union and around the world. One particularity of the French educational system is that the students can choose between three different types of educational establishments.

• Universities, which offer degree courses in nearly all subjects.
• “Grandes Ecoles", elite colleges which offer very high level specialised courses in subjects like business, politics or engineering. These establishments are very selective.
• Vocational colleges, covering a wide range of professional courses from agriculture to design or occupational therapy. These colleges prepare students specifically for a particular career.

  Université Catholique de Lille is unique in its combination of Faculties, “Grandes Ecoles”, and vocational colleges.

See the full list of our colleges and institutions

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• French degrees, LMD system and equivalences
• How higher education works in France
• The different types of institutes of higher education in France

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French higher education has adopted the LMD system. Most degrees that it awards also give ECTS credits that are recognised by many countries in the European Union and around the world.

Degrees standardised with the LMD reform and credits

The three-level organisation of post-secondary education is shared by most countries in the European Union; in France, meaning licence-master-doctorat (Bachelor's-Master's-Doctorate) , or the LMD system. This system standardises the levels and organises recognition of the degrees in the different countries. It makes educational mobility easier in Europe and elsewhere.

LMD degrees are obtained by successfully completing a certain number of semesters from the time of entry in the higher education programme. Each semester awards up to 30 ECTS (European Credits Transfer System) credits that are valid in, and can be transferred to other countries.

A Bachelor's requires successful completion of six semesters, resulting in 180 ECTS credits. An additional four semesters are required to obtain a Master's, with an additional 120 ECTS credits. A Doctorate is awarded after successful completion of sixteen semesters and awards a total of 480 ECTS credits in a minimum of eight years of studies starting from the first year of the Bachelor's programme.

Degrees recognised and guaranteed by the French government

The value of a French higher education diploma is guaranteed by the State when it's a French diploma, a degree certified by the French Ministry of Education ("diplôme visé") or titles registered on the RNCP (French Directory of Professional Certifications).  

For various "Grandes Ecoles" and business/engineering schools, the quality of training and diplomas may also be certified by independent organisations issuing accreditations or labels.

Equivalences between French and foreign degrees

Each establishment defines its own admission criteria, according to the student's background and the programme requirements. Only the host establishment is authorised to accept or refuse an applicant. Mutual agreements to recognise degrees may nonetheless make requests for equivalence easier.

The ENIC-NARIC centre may provide an attestation certifying to the French value of a degree obtained from a foreign educational system. This attestation does not constitute an equivalence in and of itself, but some institutes of higher education require it. The procedure costs 70 Euros per request.

The ENIC-NARIC European network also lets you certify the value for your country of the years you spent studying in France.

Certifying professional experience

There are several structures that certify professional experience with the aim of enrolling in training or certifying a degree, diploma or level of qualification.

There are two distinct procedures : VAP 85 and VAE. The first enables direct access to training following certification of past experience. The second awards all or part of a degree by certifying the applicant's skills and knowledge.

The applicant must submit a dossier to a jury. In practice, these structures are frequently used by French higher education institutes to determine the level of an applicant with respect to the requirements of the programmes they provide.

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French degrees, LMD system and equivalences

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French higher education has adopted the LMD system. Most degrees that it awards also give ECTS credits that are recognised by many countries in the European Union and around the world.

Degrees standardised with the LMD reform and credits

The three-level organisation of post-secondary education is shared by most countries in the European Union; in France, meaning licence-master-doctorat (Bachelor's-Master's-Doctorate) , or the LMD system. This system standardises the levels and organises recognition of the degrees in the different countries. It makes educational mobility easier in Europe and elsewhere.

LMD degrees are obtained by successfully completing a certain number of semesters from the time of entry in the higher education programme. Each semester awards up to 30 ECTS (European Credits Transfer System) credits that are valid in, and can be transferred to other countries.

A Bachelor's requires successful completion of six semesters, resulting in 180 ECTS credits. An additional four semesters are required to obtain a Master's, with an additional 120 ECTS credits. A Doctorate is awarded after successful completion of sixteen semesters and awards a total of 480 ECTS credits in a minimum of eight years of studies starting from the first year of the Bachelor's programme.

Degrees recognised and guaranteed by the French government

The value of a French higher education diploma is guaranteed by the State when it's a French diploma, a degree certified by the French Ministry of Education ("diplôme visé") or titles registered on the RNCP (French Directory of Professional Certifications).  

For various "Grandes Ecoles" and business/engineering schools, the quality of training and diplomas may also be certified by independent organisations issuing accreditations or labels.

Equivalences between French and foreign degrees

Each establishment defines its own admission criteria, according to the student's background and the programme requirements. Only the host establishment is authorised to accept or refuse an applicant. Mutual agreements to recognise degrees may nonetheless make requests for equivalence easier.

The ENIC-NARIC centre may provide an attestation certifying to the French value of a degree obtained from a foreign educational system. This attestation does not constitute an equivalence in and of itself, but some institutes of higher education require it. The procedure costs 70 Euros per request.

The ENIC-NARIC European network also lets you certify the value for your country of the years you spent studying in France.

Certifying professional experience

There are several structures that certify professional experience with the aim of enrolling in training or certifying a degree, diploma or level of qualification.

There are two distinct procedures : VAP 85 and VAE. The first enables direct access to training following certification of past experience. The second awards all or part of a degree by certifying the applicant's skills and knowledge.

The applicant must submit a dossier to a jury. In practice, these structures are frequently used by French higher education institutes to determine the level of an applicant with respect to the requirements of the programmes they provide.

Related contents

• Know more about equivalencies of diplomas http://www.ciep.fr/en/enic-naric-france