The high rate of cultural and technological development features of
France attracts lots of international students from all around the
globe. France's reputation in the field of higher education makes it as
one of the most sought-after education center in the world. French
higher education system has a number of encouraging factors that make it
very successful and attractive among overseas students. In particular, a
wide range of institutions available in the two major categories namely
'universities' and 'grandes écoles' (competitive institutes of
France). There are specialist schools too that offer lots of academic
program options to the international students community.
The universities and other higher institutes in France offer
undergraduate or bachelor's degree programs that provide basic
technological and professional coursework and cover all disciplinary
fields. The "grandes écoles" and specialist schools
offer programs leading to specific professions: engineering, management,
arts, architecture, law, public administration and health. These
institutions can be either public or private. The degrees offered by the
public institutions and most of the private institutions are subject to
educational supervision by the French government and are recognized
officially. Foreign students may enter any of these establishments. The
French higher education system offers both short and long programs.
University studies in France consist of three programs:
