Admission standards

University admission in France

Official minimum entry requirements and the school system, from the country's UNESCO classification and national sources.

Admission tools and guides

Being confirmed

Ministry of Higher Education and Research

France's national platform for applying to first-year higher education. Details are being confirmed with the official site.

As classified by the country with UNESCO (ISCED 2011), reference year 2020. Universities may set higher requirements.

General secondary education (2nd cycle), preparing to Bac général, technologique and Brevet de technicien3 years, from age 15
Minimum entry: Completed lower secondary (ISCED 244)
Awards: General and technological baccalaureat

University education, 1st graduation3 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Awards: Bachelor degree
University education, 1st graduation1 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary or short-cycle tertiary or bachelor's or equivalent (ISCED 344, 354, 551, 641, 651)
Awards: Vocational Bachelor degree
Business schools in 3 years3 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Awards: Degrees and Certificates in Business
Professional tertiary education in 3 years in health (nurses from 2012), diploma in applied arts, accountability3 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Awards: Qualifications of nurses from 2012, Diploma in applied arts, accountability…

School certificates in arts, university degreesfrom age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Professional tertiary education in universities (IUT)2 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Awards: Diploma in Technological Studies (2 years)
Professional tertiary education preparing to Brevets de techniciens supérieurs (BTS)2 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Awards: Diploma of Advanced Technician, Advanced Diploma in Arts Trades
Professional tertiary education in universities and other institutions preparing to health and care qualifications and to few diploma in technics, law and arts2 years, from age 18
Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344, 354)
Awards: Qualification in health and social services (social assistant, etc,) and few qualifications in law, technology and arts