Studies structure in the France

The French educational system is highly centralised. The Ministry of Education determines the teaching programmes in a very precise way, but the schools have the free hand at determining the tutorial programs. The educational system in France encompasses children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 18. Education is compulsory to the age of 16.

The studies are held at the universities. After the passed maturity exam, everyone can sign up to the university. The admission to the most prestigious higher schools is based on the competition exam. The students prepare to that exam in the course of two years in the CPGE class.

Education is divided into three cycles:

• first cycle (two years) DEUG 1 (Dyplome d'Etudes Universitaires Générales), i.e. general university studies diploma
• second cycle: licence (Bachelor's degree) and maitrise (Master's degree)
• third cycle is devoted to scientific research and concludes with a doctorate DEA (Dyplome d'Etudes Approfondies), i.e. further studies diploma

Other type of the higher education, irrespective of the universities, is the so-called Les Grandes Ecoles. These schools are mainly public, but the admission is limited and only possible after passing a difficult entrance exam. These are elite schools, educating professional personnel of the higher level. The graduates of such schools are the future presidents, politicians and directors of big concerns.