2. French Universities

There are 83 universities in France, including reputably the world’s first university, the Sorbonne in Paris, established in the 13th Century.

On this page we look at the admission criteria and over the page you can read about the qualifications you can study for at a French University.

1. 2.1. Admission
2. 2.2. Qualifications

2.1. Admission to a French University

To gain entry students should normally possess a Baccalauréat (BAC), or commensurate international qualification.

For those not holding the BAC it is also possible to study a foundation course called the Diplôme d’accès aux études universitaires (DAEU) over one year, which gives admission to university.

The DAEU has the same educational equivalent as a Baccalauréat.

The course is open to anyone of any age provided they left school at least two years previously. It can be taken on a distance basis, or by directly attending a university over a period of up to four years.

Some universities also admit a small number by recognition of professional experience and personal knowledge, provided candidates can also pass an entrance examination.

Candidates from the EEC area wishing to attend a French university will need a good command of the French language and (if not part of an exchange programme) would need to apply direct to the university of their choice. Preliminary contact with the university is recommended in the first instance, as admission procedures and criteria do vary.

Within Europe a major inter-governmental agreement signed in 1999 called ‘The Bologna Agreement’ governs the general provisions on student mobility.

Further developments of this agreement now make it fairly easy for students in one country to secure access to education in another European country, provided the qualification and language criteria are met.

At the end of the day the decision on admittance to a higher education institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution and admission is not automatic.

However, French higher education institutions are keen to attract international students and will normally make every effort to approve your application.

Whether or not you live in France or abroad, the process of applying can best be started at Commencer ses Etudes supérieures en France.

Those from outside the EU need to apply through the French Embassy in their home country by mid January in the academic year preceding the proposed course of study.