Pre-university Education

Before entering higher education, a student has to get through three educational cycles :
  • kindergarten, for 3-to-5-year-old children (optional);
  • primary school, for 6-to-10-year-old children (mandatory);
  • secondary school, divided into junior high schools (11 to 15 years old) and senior high schools (16 to 18 years old) (mandatory).
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    The end of this education is satisfied by a series of exams leading to a diploma (Baccalauréat), ideally obtained at the age of 18 (if no classes were repeated).

    Secondary studies in France lead to the "Baccalauréat", a national examination required for admission into higher education. There are three kinds of Baccalauréat :

  • the general Baccalauréat, usually required for long advanced studies in various domains, such as sciences, fine arts, literature, human sciences ;
  • the technical Baccalauréat, usually leading to short-term higher studies ;
  • the professional Baccalauréat, allowing the continuation of studies, but mostly enabling its graduates to find employment.
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    Prerequisites for getting into scientific or technical higher education in France are :

  • a Baccalauréat, preferably scientific (general Baccalauréat "S") or technical ("STL" or "STI"),
  • or an equivalent level,
  • or passing a special examination to enter university studies.
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     Claude.Maury@wanadoo.fr Leave any suggestions, ideas or improvements that could be used.
    http://www.cefi.org/