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France has a tremendous education system, which makes it one of the prime destinations for international students. French education system is one which promises exemplary opportunities of practical education and industry knowledge. The education system basically divides into three levels: primary, secondary, and higher education.
In this blog, we will explore the different education system in France and give you a wider understanding of the possibilities of abroad education.
Table of Content
1French Education System for International Students2French Education System Ranking3French Education System4Grading System in France5Conclusion6Frequently Asked Questions
French Education System for International Students
France offers updated, accessible education programs that satisfy the demands of the developing economy. The country welcomes around 12% of 2.5 million students every single year. Looking into this in detail.
| Education System | Stages of studies | Age Group |
| Primary | Pre- primary | 2 or 3 to 6 |
| Primary | 6 to 11 | |
| Secondary | Lower Secondary | 11 to 15 |
| Upper Secondary | 15 to 18 | |
| Higher | Vocational Diploma | 2-year technical degree |
| Academic Diploma | University studies /Grand Ecoles |
French Education System Ranking
The education system in France is ranked among the top systems of education and is known for its excellence in academics, innovation, and inclusivity. It is also known for its public funding, achievements in research and the history of Nobel laureates, philosophers etc.
According to the QS World University Rank, four Universities in France is ranked among the top 100.
As per the Times Higher Education France is represented in the list of “young universities”.
Under THE Global University Employability Ranking, the ranking places France second worldwide for graduate employability.
French curriculum focusses on the critical thinking ability and equips the students to be independent and uphold cultural knowledge.
French Education System
As we discussed above, the French education system primarily divides into three levels: Primary, Secondary, and Higher education.
Primary Education
It is divided into two, Pre- primary and primary education. Stage 1 is pre- primary education which is for students under the age group 2/3 to 6 years. Usually, the French people begin their studies at the age of 3
The second stage is Primary education for students starting from age 6 to 11. This education helps students for a seamless transition into the secondary level of education.
Secondary Education
Secondary education is compulsory for students belonging to an age group of 11 to 18 which is accessible to all students. There are further subdivisions in secondary education namely:
Lower Secondary education is for students from the age group of 11 to 15. This is a compulsory education which lays a foundation for their higher education.
Upper Secondary education students are those falling under the age group of 15 to 18, After which they are free to choose their education pathways like:
1. General (for long- term higher studies)
2. Technological (Primarily for technological higher studies)
3. Professional (for working professional with an option to continue higher studies)
Higher Education
In the French higher education system there are two types of diplomas which are Vocational Diploma and Academic Diploma. Each course has specific purpose and offers specialized training in the technical and academic fields.
1. Vocational Diploma are 2- year technical degrees available, which offers a chance of attaining technical skills and vocational training. It provides an additional opportunity to attain license professionally by studying for an extra year.
2. Academic Diploma in the French education system is offered through universities providing undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
3. Grand Ecoles which specialize in various streams such as Engineering and Business and is offered by selected public universities. For admission, students must have completed 2 years of intermediate preparatory study.
4. Specialized Schools offer professional courses at bachelors or master’s level in fields such as arts, tourism, social work, architecture and more.
LMD Framework
It is a license program as a 3- year course, which is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. One can consider this as a pathway to a master’s program.
Other international education systems, such as the American, have equivalents to French education as outlined in the Diploma and Degree Equivalence.
Diploma and Degree Equivalence
It provides guidelines for equivalence in American and French education. However, there is no official or standard equivalency for American and French education.
Diploma and Degree Equivalence provides guidelines for equivalence in American and French education. However, there is no official or standard equivalency for American and French education.
American high school diploma allows student to enter an institution of higher education.
Similarly, an American associate degree provides entry into the first or second year at a French institution.
Bachelor’s degree in America can be equivalent to a license. Further an American masters provides students to pursue a second masters in France or a doctoral degree.
Doctoral degree from America is equivalent to French doctorate where students can pursue post-doctoral program.
Education in France has unending possibilities and is recognized all over the world, for its inclusivity, affordability and easy access. In 2017, France higher education system has provided schooling for more than 15.2 million students, which is an evident example for the popularity of French education.
Grading System in France
The grading in the French education system evaluates students on a scale from 0 to 20. Students need to earn a minimum score of 10 to pass. The evaluation in French higher education is stricter, which makes it rare to award grades of 20, 19, or 18. Let us look at the grading system in France.
| A (Excellent) | 18 & above |
| B (very good, with few errors) | 16-18 |
| C (good, with few errors) | 14-16 |
| D (satisfactory with many errors) | 12-14 |
| E (sufficient) | 10-12 |
| F (Failed) | Lower than 10 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, France has one of the best education systems in the world and students have higher opportunities of acquiring a rewarding job. France higher education system tops the world class systems of studies and has tremendous opportunities of growth. So, if you are someone planning your studies in France, you are on the right path. For more clarity in the entire processing of your France student visa, feel free to contact Canapprove at the earliest.
