Master's Degree Programs in France

The higher education in France is structured in cycles just like primary and secondary levels. The first cycle lasts for two years and leads to a DEUG certification, which is comparable to a Diploma in Higher Education in the UK or an Associate's Degree in the USA. The second cycle, which is also of two years duration, leads first to a bachelor's degree and then after a further year to the equivalent of a higher or master's or a postgraduate degree. The third, open only to selected postgraduate students, leads to highest educational qualifications and can pave the way to obtain a PhD degree. University studies in France basically consist of three programs:

Admission to the postgraduate programs in the Universities and 'Grandes Écoles' (competitive institutes of France) in France is a highly competitive procedure where the students will have to clear the entrance examination conducted in the respective higher educational Institutes or Universities. However, as the different higher Institutes follow different guidelines, international students are advised to clearly check for the exact details. However, 'Grandes Écoles' also admit both foreign and French students on the basis of their qualifications and experience, as well as on the basis of any previous courses and the exceptional potential of the students who seek admission in the respective educational systems.