The different types of higher education institutions in France

What are the different types of schools and universities in France?

What field do you want to pursue in your studies in France? You should definitely find out about higher education institutions abroad.

1. The Universities

Funded by the French State, universities are the first gateway for all foreign students. In fact, these institutions welcome more than 75% of foreign students. Present throughout France, they deliver recognized national diplomas such as Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees. Its courses cover all fields of teaching and research (Sciences, letters, languages, arts, human sciences, health, sport, etc.)

To enroll in the 1st year, a bachelor's degree or any equivalent diploma is required.

2. The Grandes Ecoles

Grandes Écoles are public or private higher education institutions recognized by the State. They welcome more than 20% of foreign students and deliver courses at the bac+5-level Master's degree.

There are many of them in France:

● Écoles Normale Supérieure (ENS)

● Institute of Political Studies (IEP)

● Engineering school

● School of Business and Management

● Veterinary schools, etc.

Admission is by selection and is defined by a competition after the student has spent two years in preparatory class. The registration and application fees are higher compared to those of universities.

3. Specialized schools and institutes

In France, there are nearly 3,000 higher education institutions, whether public or private. They offer a variety of academic programs in specialized fields such as health, audiovisual, communication, journalism, fashion and design, agronomy, political science, and more.

These institutions award degrees and certificates regardless of whether they are recognized by the state or not. Admission to these schools and specialized institutes is generally through selective competitions or an evaluation of the file. The duration of studies in these institutions generally varies from two to five years.

4. The higher schools of art and applied arts

The public higher schools of art and design are directly attached to the Ministry of Culture. These schools offer training programs in art, design, and communication.

These courses are scheduled over 2 cycles of three or five years leading to the obtaining of national diplomas.

At the same time, four particularly renowned public arts schools are directly under the aegis of the Ministry of Higher Education.

We will cite:

● Boulle schools,

● Olivier de Serres,

● Duperré and Estienne.

They award national diplomas in fields such as design, graphic design, space design, fashion, or artistic crafts.

These higher education institutions in art and applied arts have rigorous selection processes, based on the evaluation of candidate files, competitions, and sometimes interviews. Candidates have the option of submitting their applications online via the Campus Art platform.

5. The National Schools of Architecture

They form a network of 20 public schools under the supervision of the ministries of Culture and Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Two other institutions, the École Spéciale d'Architecture and the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Strasbourg, are part of this same network.

Architecture schools offer three cycles of training awarding national diplomas recognized by the State: license, master and doctorate.

Applications can also be submitted online on the Campus Art website.

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