Choose France

Degrees The degrees conferred in French universities and other institutions

of higher education are certified by the French government.
LEVELS THE LMD SYSTEM
Universities
18 semesters • State diploma of doctor of
The system of degrees awarded in French higher education 9 (+ 9 years) medicine
reflects a common European architecture. The LMD system—
for licence (bachelor), master, and doctorate—is based on DOCTORATE • Doctorate
the number of semesters completed since leaving secondary 8 16 semesters Schools of art
(+ 8 years) Grandes Écoles Schools of architecture
school and their equivalent in European credits under the Eu-
ropean Credit Transfer System (ECTS)*: 7 Schools of business
Schools of engineering
Other institutions
(lycées, specialized schools)

• Licence = 6 semesters = 180 ECTS (Baccalauréat + 3 years) • State diploma of doctor of

12 semesters dental surgery
• Specialized mastère - Ms • HMONP (professional credential
6 (+ 6 years) • State diploma of doctor of
• Master of Business in architecture to apply for a
• Master = 10 semesters = 300 ECTS (Baccalauréat + 5 years) pharmacy
Administration - MBA building permit)

• Doctorate = 16 semesters (Baccalauréat + 8 years) MASTER • Research master • Engineering degree • Diploma of Art schools (DNSEP)
5 10 semesters (+ 5 years) • Professional master • Master of Science - MSc • State Diploma of architect
300 ECTS • Engineering degree • Business school diplomas • Diplomas of specialized schools

• The universities confer “national diplomas,” • A similar accreditation procedure exists for
• Degrees of the Grandes Ecoles (health, social, tourism...)
4
which have the same weight regardless of the government-recognized schools of business and
institution that confers them. management, the diplomas of which are approved • Diplomas of Art schools
LICENCE • Licence (bachelor)
by the Ministry of National Education and, in many
3 (DNAT - DNAP)

• Like the licence, master, and doctorate, the

diplôme d’ingénieur is a national diploma. The
schools that award it are accredited by the French
national commission on engineering degrees
cases, have obtained international recognition or
accreditation.
• France’s schools of art and specialized schools
6 semesters (+ 3 years) • Licence professionnelle • Architecture diploma
180 ECTS (professional bachelor)
4 semesters • University diploma in • preparation for selection to • Diploma of Art schools (DMA)
2 (+ 2 years) technology (DUT)
• University diploma in
the Grandes Écoles - CPGE • Higher technical certificate (BTS)

(CTI). also undergo national certification. science and technology

1 (DEUST)

Completion of secondary school + baccalauréat = access to higher education

Did you know?

• Any student presently enrolled in
*ECTS credits: Credits earned under the European Credit Transfer
System are recognized throughout Europe. A full year of academic work higher education in his or her home
represents 60 ECTS credits. country may apply for admission to a
http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc48_fr.htm French university or other institution
of higher education, provided he or she
meets certain criteria.
8 9