Key figures on higher education in France
• 85 Public universities
• 224 Engineering schools
• 220 Business schools
• 291 Doctoral departments
• 1,200 Research laboratories
• 1 out of every 3 French doctoral degrees is awarded to a student from outside France.
Public universities and clusters of institutions known as PRES welcome international students throughout France. France's 20 PRES are clusters of universities, specialized schools, and research organizations.
France's 83 public universities are funded by the national government, which closely regulates the "national diplomas" granted by the universities. This system allows the universities to offer students an excellent education at a very affordable price. France's universities are comprehensive—that is, they offer training in all disciplines.
Annual tuition charges in France's public universities are set by law. In 2011–12 the charges were as follows:
- €177 for licence programs
- €245 for master's programs
- €372 for doctoral programs
- €584 for students in public engineering schools
Schools of management
France's 230 B-schools admit a very large number of international students, based either on their academic background or their scores on an entrance exam. Most programs require 3 years of study and are capped by the award of the school's diploma. Graduates often continue on for a specialized advanced degree such as the MBA or a specialized master
Annual tuition at most schools is between €3,000 and €10,000.
Schools of Engineering
There are more than 250 schools of engineering in France.
Students are admitted to engineering schools on the basis of their application or their performance on an entrance examination or other tests.
Annual tuition in France's public schools of engineering is approximately €500.
Specialized Schools
Specialized schools like the institutes of political studies (IEP), veterinary schools, and other schools in a variety of specialized areas enroll about 30,000 international students, who, upon graduation, enjoy excellent career prospects.
The basic degree offered is equivalent to a European Master.
Interim or specialized degrees may also be offered:
Bachelor, after 3 or 4 years of study
Master of Science (MSc), after 4 or 5 years of study
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Mastère Spécialisé (Ms), after 6 six years of study (1 year following the grande école degree)
Short programs:
Short programs are designed to enable graduates to begin their careers in the shortest possible time, without forgoing the possibility of continuing their higher education.
Short programs, most of which require 2 or 3 years of study, are abundant in the areas of business, manufacturing, and services. Many short programs are offered in multidisciplinary institutes affiliated with universities or specialized schools.
Long programs:
Long programs are offered in universities, grandes écoles, and specialized schools. How they are organized depends on the institution in which they are offered.
Studies are organized into three basic levels:
Licence: 3 years of study corresponding to 6 semesters and 180 ECTS credits.
Master: 5 years of study, 4 semestres supplémentaires validés par l'obtention de 120 crédits ECTS.
At the master's level, two paths are possible. Students who choose a "research" master (formerly known as the DEA) typically intend to go on to earn a doctorate, whereas those who elect a "professional" master (formerly DESS) want to begin their careers directly after graduation.
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