Understanding the French higher education system
France offers a well-structured and internationally recognized higher education system, deeply aligned with the European academic framework. Whether you're planning to study in France at one the Galileo Global Education's schools or simply want to understand how it works, here's a complete overview of degrees, study cycles, and specialized programs.
Higher education equivalents
France offers a well-structured and internationally recognized higher education system, deeply aligned with the European academic framework. Whether you're planning to study in France or simply want to understand how it works, here's a complete overview of degrees, study cycles, and specialized programs.
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. It ensures comparability between academic programs across the EU. One academic year equals 60 ECTS credits.
French delivered title
1. Bachelor
2. Master
3. Doctorat
European degree equivalent
1. Undergraduate
2. Graduate
3. Doctorate
Duration in higher education
1. Three years of university
2. Five years of university
3. Eight years of university
European credits transfer system
1. 180 ECTS
2. 300 ECTS
3. 420 ECTS
Other notable degrees in France
Not all degrees follow the LMD path. France also offers professional and technical diplomas that lead to successful careers or allow further academic progression.
BTS (Higher Technician's Certificate), 2 years duration. This is a post-secondary technical diploma preparing students for immediate employment or further study.
➤ Equivalent: Associate Degree
➤ ECTS: 120
- BUT (University Bachelor of Technology), 3 years duration.
➤ Introduced in 2021 to replace the former DUT, the BUT blends theoretical and practical learning.
➤ ECTS: 180
Main business degrees
France is home to prestigious business schools, such as Paris School of Business, ESG, MBA ESG, ESG Finance, ESGCI, PST&B, Digital Campus, Web School Factory, HETIC and Narratiiv offering internationally valued qualifications .
- BBA: Bachelor of Business Administration, 3 to 4 years duration.
➤ A globally recognized undergraduate degree in business and management.
- MBA: Master of Business Administration, 1 to 2 years duration.
➤ Designed for professionals seeking advanced business expertise and leadership roles.
- DBA: Doctorat of Business Administration, 3 years duration.
➤ A professional doctorate for experienced executives aiming to contribute to research-based business practices.
Main degrees in the arts
France has a rich cultural heritage and offers a range of degrees in visual arts, design, and applied arts through specialized institutions such as : LISAA, Pennighen, IESA Arts & Culture, Strate, Atelier de Sèvres, Atelier Chardon Savard, Cours Florent, CLCF and CIFACOM
- DNA: National Art Degree, 3 years duration
➤ Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts
- DMA: Diploma of Art professions, 2 years duration
➤ Specialized diploma focused on craftsmanship and applied arts
- DSAA: Advanced Diploma of Applied Arts, 5 years duration
➤ Advanced degree in applied arts, typically following a DMA
- DNSEP: Higher National Diploma in Visual Expression, 5 years duration
➤ Equivalent to a Master's degree in Fine Arts, allowing access to doctoral-level studies in art
What is the higher education degree system in France?
France follows the LMD system aligned with the European framework:
- Licence (Bachelor’s degree) – 3 years, 180 ECTS (Undergraduate)
- Master’s degree – 5 years, 300 ECTS (Graduate)
- Doctorate – 8 years, 420 ECTS (Doctorate)
What are ECTS credits?
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. Each academic year is worth 60 ECTS credits, making programs comparable and transferable across Europe.
What business degrees are available?
Popular business and management degrees, especially at schools affiliated with Galileo Global Education:
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) – 3–4 years.
- MBA (Master of Business Administration) – 1–2 years.
- DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) – 3 years.
What arts degrees are available?
Specialized art institutes offer:
- DNA (National Art Degree) – 3 years, equivalent to Bachelor of Fine Arts.
- DMA (Applied Arts Degree) – 2 years.
- DSAA (Advanced Diploma of Applied Arts) – 5 years.
- DNSEP (Higher National Diploma in Visual Expression) – 5 years, equivalent to Master’s, and opens access to doctoral studies.
Which schools offer these programs in France?
Examples of institutions:
- Business & Management: Paris School of Business, ESG, HETIC…
- Art & Design: LISAA, Strate, Atelier Chardon Savard, Cours Florent…