There are a large number of higher educational institutions in France. They are either public (subsidised by the French State) or private. Enrolment fees in public institutions (universities, highschools or schools that have signed a contract with the State) are less expensive than in private institutions. Presentation of trainings and diplomas available at the university. The amount of enrolment fees at university is (per year) : 173,57€ for Licence, 230,57€ for Master and 346,57€ for Doctorat. You need to add to this amount : 195€ for affiliation to the student Social Security. • General programs These academic programs are aimed at offering an indepth knowledge in a specific discipline (literature, arts, human sciences, mathematics, economics, law, computer science, etc).
See disciplines available in Paris universities or Paris area universities. Studies are divided into three levels : - Bachelor’s degree : obtained in three years : Licence1 (L1), Licence 2 (L2) and Licence 3 (L3). This corresponds to the first cycle of university studies. - Master : You can be admitted to Master 1 (M1) after earning your bachelor’s degree. It is followed by the Master 2 (M2) for which two possibilities are available : Master 2 in research, that normally leads to a PhD or the vocational Master 2 (see below). Contrary to the Bachelor’s degree and M1, admission to M2 is selective. The two years of the Master form the 2nd cycle of university studies. - PhD : PhD years form the 3rd cycle of university studies. Download the list of doctoral schools in French universities. • Vocational programs These programs train students for a specific profession. The number of students is much lower than in general programs. Admission is on record. Examination of the student’s record can be followed by an interview with a jury or a written exam. For some of these programs, foreign students can be selected only on record and motivation letter. - IUT (Technology University Institute) : the DUT (University Technology Diploma) is obtained in two years. - IUP (Vocational University Institute) : the diplomas issued by IUP are obtained in four years. Admission is possible after a first year of studies at the university. - Vocational Bachelor Degree : one year studies : admission after two years of higher education. - Professional Master 2 : one year studies. Admission after completing Master 1 (see above). Please note : there is another vocational diploma : BTS (Advanced Technician Certificate). BTS are available in highschools (and not in universities) where students are trained to a profession for two years. This diploma is very much in demand in the hotel industry, industry, applied arts, management and agriculture. • Health studies To study medicine, pharmacy and odontology, you have to go to university and follow a very specific course. At the end of the first year, called PCEM1, students have to pass a very selective competition. Those who succeed continue towards a PCEM2, then the four years of studies of a DCEM cycle and, finally, a hospital training for three years. Trainings to the professions of nurse, veterinary, social worker and paramedical professions are available in public schools, independent from universities. Admission is on entrance exam. Do you wish to enrol in a French university or educational institution ? Consult Campus France website You should also read the file on specialized institutions and higher educational institutions