Education in France: Higher Education System and Opportunities for International Students
Education in France is primarily state-funded, making tuition fees at public universities quite affordable. Students typically pay between 130 to 1000 euros per year for tuition. French universities accept all applicants who meet the specific entry requirements.
Higher Education System in France
The higher education system in France is divided into two main cycles: short cycles (les formations courtes) and long cycles (les formations longues).
Short Cycle (Les Formations Courtes)
This cycle typically lasts two years and offers specialized education in fields such as economics, communications, services, and electronics. It is designed to prepare students for specific professions quickly.
Long Cycle (Les Formations Longues)
The long cycle consists of three stages:
First Stage (2 years): This phase culminates in the DEUG (Diplôme d'Études Universitaires Générales), a general university education diploma. Most students continue their studies beyond this stage as it only covers the basic program.
Second Stage (1 year): Students earn a Licence diploma after completing the second year. A year later, they receive a Master 1 (previously called MST), which marks the completion of the initial stages of higher education.
Third Stage (1-2 years): This phase involves postgraduate studies, similar to a graduate school in other countries.
Doctorate Program
After completing the Master's degree, students can pursue a Doctorate over a period of 3 to 4 years.
Higher Education in English
France offers around 600 programs entirely taught in English, particularly in fields such as business, management, engineering, and the exact sciences. However, English-taught programs are less common in humanities, literature, design, and art, where knowledge of the French language is usually required.
Cost of Education in France
Public Universities: Tuition fees range from 130 to 1,000 euros per year, depending on the program.
Private Universities and Grandes Écoles: Tuition fees range from 6,000 to 12,000 euros annually.
How to Enter a University in France
To enroll in French-language programs, students must have a secondary education certificate and DELF or DALF certificates, which demonstrate proficiency in French. Universities generally accept any student whose grades meet the entry requirements of the specific department.
Challenges of Higher Education in France
While France offers affordable education, the higher education system does have some drawbacks:
Overcrowding: Public universities must accept all eligible students in the first year, leading to overcrowded classes and limited resources.
High Dropout Rate: The ease of entry into university results in a high dropout rate after the first year, which can range from 20% to 70%.
Universities vs. Grandes Écoles
France's higher education system comprises universities and grandes écoles, each with distinct characteristics.
Grandes Écoles
Grandes Écoles are considered more prestigious and offer a wider range of specialized programs. However, competition is intense. Entrance to a grande école is not immediate after high school; students must either complete two years of preparatory studies in France or hold a higher education degree from another country, such as Azerbaijan.
CPGE (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles): These preparatory classes last 2-3 years, depending on the field of study. Students attend these classes to prepare for entrance exams and entrance into prestigious institutions.
Fields of Study: Grandes écoles prepare specialists in engineering, management, economics, military affairs, education, and culture.
Types of CPGE
There are three main types of CPGE programs:
Science Classes: Focus on seven areas of natural sciences, including mathematics, physics, literature, philosophy, and a foreign language. Students may also choose optional subjects like biology, chemistry, geology, programming, or biotechnology.
Economic Classes: These classes prepare students for entry into the best business schools in France. The curriculum includes mathematics, business history, geography, French, philosophy, and additional foreign languages.
Philological Classes: Focus on the humanities, including philosophy, literature, history, geography, foreign languages, and ancient languages. Many preparatory schools partner with universities, allowing students who do not gain entry to a grande école to transfer directly into the second or third year of another university.
Admission to Grandes Écoles
Admission to most Grandes Écoles for undergraduate programs typically occurs after completing preparatory classes. The admission process can vary depending on the institution. Some Grandes Écoles select candidates based on the results of an entrance exam, while others may require an interview or submission of a portfolio. Entrance exams often span several weeks and assess the knowledge acquired by students during their CPGE (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles) through written tests. After passing these exams, candidates face another stage: a practical assignment that must be solved and orally defended.
Some Grandes Écoles also allow direct admission after completing high school. This approach is common, particularly in engineering Grandes Écoles, where the two-year preparatory classes are integrated into the main program.
Master's Degree
The Master's degree in Grandes Écoles typically lasts two years. Compared to regular universities, the Master's program at these institutions is more intensive and rigorous.
Student Employment
Foreign students studying in France have the right to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. Upon completion of their program, graduates can apply for a one-year visa (visa recherche d’emploi) to search for employment in France. After living in France for two consecutive years without interruption, graduates may also become eligible for French citizenship.
Employment Prospects in France
While France offers numerous opportunities, the employment market can be challenging. Over half of the young population aged 25-29 are unemployed, and France ranks seventh in the world for unemployment according to the OECD. Despite proficiency in French, foreigners may face difficulties securing formal employment, as some employers find it easier to refuse foreign workers rather than handle the complexities of work permits and related issues. Interestingly, 27% of the French are also seeking work in neighboring countries.