School system of France
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France has a long history in academic excellence . Today , its school system provides students with a clear pathway to success .
Why study in France ?
France is home to several world-renowned academic institutions that have helped shape the modern world . From prestigious art schools to business-focused institutions , French universities have been providing students with a first-class education for centuries . Today , students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities , small class sizes , low tuition fees and leading professors in universities across the country .
Education in France
French students first attend school at the age of 6 and stay in L ’ École Primaire until the age of 10 . Between 11 and 15 , students attend Le Collège , which is equivalent to middle school . Students must pass a test called Le Brevet to graduate from Le Collège and progress to Le Lycée . At Le Lycée , students spend three years studying for their Baccalauréat général , which is the qualification required to enter university .
Undergraduate
Students can apply to their chosen public and private universities once they have gained the necessary academic and language qualifications . Public universities accept all applicants who have the Baccalauréat général or international equivalent ; private institutions , however , have a much stricter application process , including an entrance exam . Tuition fees also vary depending on the type of university and course . Undergraduate degrees usually last for three years and focus on one subject . Students collect up to 60 ECTS ( credits ) per year and need 180 to graduate .
Postgraduate
A master ’ s degree in France lasts for two years . After the first year of study , students must decide between working toward a teacher-led master ’ s degree or a master ’ s degree in research , with the latter option viewed as a PhD gateway . Depending on your course and institution , you ’ ll have to complete a dissertation or research project to graduate with a master ’ s degree .
France ’ s top universities *
1 ) Paris Sciences et Lettres - PSL Research University Paris
2 ) Sorbonne University 3 ) École Polytechnique 4 ) Paris-Saclay University 5 ) University of Paris 6 ) École des Ponts ParisTech = 7 ) Aix-Marseille University = 7 ) Université de Bordeaux = 7 ) École Normale Supérieure de Lyon = 7 ) Université de Montpellier * Times Higher Education Rankings 2022
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