France has a highly regarded education system comprising public, private and international institutions. Education is compulsory for children from 3 to 16 years of age, while most students continue into upper secondary education until 18 or pursue vocational training. Public education is largely state-funded, while private and international schools operate under different arrangements.
- Compulsory schooling begins at age 3 in France, earlier than in many countries. - Higher education follows the Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) structure aligned with the Bologna Process, aiding recognition across the EU. - International schools charge tuition and have limited places, so applying early matters for expatriate families.
The system is generally divided into École Maternelle (preschool, ages 3-6, focused on language development, social interaction, motor skills and school readiness), École Élémentaire (primary, ages 6-11, covering French, mathematics, science, history, geography, arts, physical education and civic education), Collège (lower secondary, ages 11-15, delivering a common national curriculum and ending with the Diplôme National du Brevet), and Lycée (upper secondary, ages 15-18, offering general, technological or vocational pathways, with general/technological students typically sitting the Baccalauréat).
Vocational education combines classroom learning with practical skills across sectors including engineering, construction, hospitality, IT, healthcare, business, manufacturing and agriculture, often including apprenticeships or workplace experience. Higher education institutions include public universities, Grandes Écoles, engineering schools, business schools, art schools, medical schools and technical institutes, with programmes following the Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) structure aligned with the Bologna Process: Licence (Bachelor's, 3 years), Master's (2 additional years), and Doctorate (usually 3+ years).
International students generally need a student visa, proof of admission, financial resources, health insurance and accommodation arrangements (see Student Visas). Most public schools teach primarily in French, though many universities offer programmes entirely in French, entirely in English, or bilingually. International schools, concentrated in major cities, offer International Baccalaureate, British, American or other recognised curricula and generally charge tuition. Private schools may operate under contract with the French state or independently, with varying curricula and admission policies.
France provides educational support for many students with disabilities or special educational needs, including individual learning assistance, adapted teaching and specialist services, depending on individual assessment. Eligible students may access scholarships, housing assistance, student health services, transport discounts and career guidance. Recognition of foreign educational qualifications depends on qualification type, country of issue, and intended purpose (employment or further study) — applicants should verify recognition requirements in advance.