Education in France Vocab

Lycée d’enseignement général et technologique

A high school that provides a general and technological education, leading to the baccalauréat.

Diplôme du baccalauréat

The French high school diploma awarded upon successful completion of the baccalauréat exams.

Lycée professionnel

A vocational high school where students can obtain qualifications such as the CAP, BEP, or a vocational baccalauréat.

CAP (Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle)

A professional qualification awarded after completing vocational training in high school.

BEP (Brevet d’Études Professionnelles)

Another professional qualification for vocational training, often considered a step before the CAP.

Baccalauréat professionnel

A vocational baccalaureate degree that provides both theoretical and practical training in various professions.

Apprentissage

A system combining coursework at an apprentice training center with work experience in a company, where students earn a salary and receive qualifications such as the CAP and BEP.

Centre de Formation des Apprentis (CFA)

An apprentice training center where students receive theoretical education as part of their apprenticeship.

Baccalauréat

The French national high school diploma that concludes secondary education and allows access to higher education.

Classe de première

The penultimate year of high school in France, where students begin to specialize.

Classe de terminale

The final year of high school in France, culminating in the baccalauréat exams.

Réforme Blanquer

The significant reform of the French high school system introduced by Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, starting in 2019.

Filières

Educational streams or specializations within the high school curriculum.

Classes préparatoires

Intensive preparatory classes for entrance exams to grandes écoles, which are highly selective.

Admission Post Bac (APB)

The previous centralized national admissions system for higher education in France.

Parcoursup

The current online platform for higher education admissions in France, replacing APB.

BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur)

A two-year higher education qualification preparing students for technical and professional careers.

IUT (Institut Universitaire de Technologie)

Institutes offering two-year programs leading to the DUT, a technical diploma.

DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie)

A technical diploma awarded by IUTs, often leading to further studies or entry into the workforce.

Licence

A three-year undergraduate degree in the French higher education system.

Master

A two-year graduate degree following the Licence.

Doctorat

A doctoral degree, typically involving three years of research beyond the Master’s degree.

Les grandes écoles

Elite higher education institutions in France offering specialized programs and often requiring competitive entrance exams.

Écoles normales supérieures

Prestigious institutions for advanced academic training, including a salary for students who are civil servants.

École polytechnique

An elite engineering school in France known for its rigorous selection process and prestigious programs.

Filières “en tension”

Highly sought-after programs that face high demand and often have limited spaces.

Sélection

The process of selecting students based on specific criteria, often opposed in the context of French higher education’s tradition of open access.

Admission libre

The principle of open admission to universities, allowing any holder of the baccalauréat to enroll.