Studying in France

France not only enjoys a reputation of being the land of art and culture, but also of being one of the world’s largest industrial power. It’s initiative in scientific and technological innovation and achievements in the fields of transportation, electronics, telecommunications, chemistry, biotechnology, and health is among the best in the world.

Studying in France can be as good and enriching an experience as it would be in any other leading study destinations of the world. It has around 400 institutionsof higher education and research and a system of accreditation that ensures quality education. Higher education in France is world-renowned for its quality and accessibility.

Studying in France is relatively inexpensive because the government funds a significant share of the cost. Tuition and health insurance at public schools are paid for by the French government. Admission and promotion is through a system of merit-based examinations. Thus students are ensured a fair chance of pursuing their course irrespective of their financial or social status.

France has 87 state universities: 20 in the Paris region, 64 outside Paris, and 3 in overseas territories. Its higher educational institutions are divided into the following categories:

• Universities
• Grandes Ecoles
  

Universities

Each university is divided into departments or UFR (Unités de formation et de recherché) which cover every discipline, right from science to the humanities. Each discipline has minimum course units called as UV (Unités de valeur). To complete any course it is essential to pass these UV. University diplomas are nationally standardised and transferable between institutions.

University studies are divided into three stages:

• Premier Cycle
• Deuxième Cycle
• Troisième Cycles
  

Premier Cycle

The Premier Cycle refers to the two years of undergraduate level university studies leading to the DEUG (diplôme d'études universitaires générales) or the DEUST (diploma of scientific and technical university studies).

DEUG -This is a multidisciplinary general diploma which grants a non professional qualification. 

DEUST -This is a professional diploma, with courses tailored to individual needs by instructors. The programme includes directed studies, practical exercises, professional instruction, and internships.

Deuxième Cycle

This Cycle consists of the first two years of graduate studies at University:

• License
• Masters Degree (Maitrise)

License
Completing the first year of the Second Cycle (also known as Baccalaureate + 3 years) leads to a License. A License continues studies commenced in the DEUG and is a transitional degree. Approved studies or work experience can be credited toward a License, which recognises basic education or professional training.

Masters Degree (Maitrise)

Completing the second and final year of the second cycle (also known as the Baccalaureate + 4 years) leads to a Masters Degree. In the Humanities, the master’s degree year is principally devoted to a thesis written under the guidance of a director of studies. In other fields such as law or economics, the master’s degree year continues the course studies of the License year.

Troisième Cycle

The Troisième Cycle leads either to

• DESS (Diploma of Specialised Higher Studies)
• DEA (Diploma of Extended Studies)

DESS (Diploma of Specialised Higher Studies)
The DESS is a one-year course in a university department, including a minimum compulsory three-month work experience, and many hours of seminars, practical assignments, and directed studies. Admission depends on a competition and interview. Places depend on internship opportunities.

DEA (Diploma of Extended Studies)
The DEA occupies one year after the masters degree and provides an introduction to research work in a specific discipline. This DEA is mandatory if the student is planning to conduct research. The DEA is awarded after a dissertation has been presented to a jury. This dissertation is usually the first stage in a proposed Doctoral thesis. In practice, however, fewer than 50 percent of students start their thesis immediately after obtaining the DEA.

Doctorate
Equivalent to the American Ph. D., this diploma is granted after two to five years of research and a successful Thesis Defence. Most grants are made for graduate study, usually at the doctoral level. The length of grants varies by programme.

For any intake that a student wishes to apply applications should be submitted as early as possible. Although most programmes i.e. management and engineering programmes are taught in English, having a basic knowledge of French is beneficial in order to converse with the local people.