Overview of the French Higher Education System
Higher education in France is characterized by its diversity of institutions and its adherence to the European "LMD" (Licence, Master, Doctorat) framework. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the system remains divided between public universities, which are open to all holders of a high school diploma (Baccalauréat), and specialized schools with selective admission processes.
International students can choose between three main tracks: academic studies at universities, professionalizing short-cycle programs, or elite training in "Grandes Écoles." Most programs are taught in French, but there is a growing number of English-taught programs specifically designed for foreign nationals.
Public Universities and the LMD Framework
France has 67 public universities funded by the state. These institutions offer degrees in all disciplines, including sciences, humanities, law, and medicine. The system is structured into three main cycles:
- Licence (Bachelor's): A three-year program (180 ECTS credits).
- Master: A two-year program following the Licence (120 ECTS credits).
- Doctorat (PhD): A three-year research-based cycle following a Master’s degree.
For the 2025/2026 cycle, tuition fees in public universities are subsidized by the French government. However, differentiated fees apply to many non-EU/EEA students. Standard annual rates are approximately:
- Licence: 2,850 EUR ($2,992 USD, Jan 2026).
- Master: 3,879 EUR ($4,073 USD, Jan 2026).
- Doctorat: 391 EUR ($410 USD, Jan 2026).
Detailed information on specific university enrollments can be found on the official Campus France website.
Grandes Écoles and Specialized Schools
The "Grandes Écoles" are unique to France. They are prestigious, highly selective institutions that focus on engineering, business, and political science (Sciences Po). Admission usually requires passing competitive entrance exams (concours) after two years of preparatory classes (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles or CPGE), though international students may often apply via parallel admission tracks based on their previous degrees.
Business and Engineering Schools
Private business schools and state-recognized engineering schools offer specialized training. Tuition fees in these institutions are significantly higher than in public universities, often ranging from 8,000 EUR ($8,400 USD, Jan 2026) to over 25,000 EUR ($26,250 USD, Jan 2026) per year depending on the prestige and location of the school.
Schools of Art and Architecture
France hosts nearly 50 public schools of art and design (Écoles Supérieures d’Art) and 20 national schools of architecture (ENSA). These schools award national diplomas and require a portfolio or an entrance exam for admission.
Short-term and Technical Options
For students seeking rapid entry into the labor market, several two-to-three-year options exist:
- B.U.T. (Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie): A three-year program taught at Institutes of Technology (IUT) attached to universities. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
- B.T.S. (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur): A two-year specialized technical degree usually offered in high schools (Lycées).
These programs are highly valued by employers for their internship requirements and focus on specific professional sectors such as tourism, communication, or industrial maintenance.
Practical Requirements for International Students
The application process depends on the student’s nationality and country of residence. Most non-EU students must use the "Etudes en France" (EEF) online procedure managed by Campus France.
Language Proficiency
For French-taught programs, a B2 level in the DELF or TCF exam is generally the minimum requirement. For English-taught programs, standardized test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS are mandatory. Language requirements depend on individual situation and specific institution policies.
Student Visas
Foreign nationals from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must obtain a Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit (VLS-TS). The cost for the visa processing via Campus France is typically around 75 EUR ($79 USD, Jan 2026), excluding the mandatory student life and campus fee (CVEC) which is approximately 103 EUR ($108 USD, Jan 2026) for the 2025/2026 academic year.