Education in France Vocab

  • Lycée d’enseignement général et technologique:

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

  • Diplôme du baccalauréat:

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

  • Lycée professionnel:

    • Definition: A vocational high school where students can obtain qualifications such as the CAP (certificat d’aptitude professionnelle), BEP (brevet d’études professionnelles), or a vocational baccalauréat.

  • CAP (Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle):

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

  • BEP (Brevet d’Études Professionnelles):

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

  • Baccalauréat professionnel:

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

  • Apprentissage:

    • Definition: A system combining coursework at an apprentice training center (CFA) 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):

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

  • Baccalauréat:

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

  • Classe de première:

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

  • Classe de terminale:

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

  • Réforme Blanquer:

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

  • Filieres:

    • Definition: Educational streams or specializations within the high school curriculum.

  • Classes préparatoires:

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

  • Admission Post Bac (APB):

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

  • Parcoursup:

    • Definition: The current online platform for higher education admissions in France, replacing APB. It allows students to submit their preferences and receive admission offers.

  • BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur):

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

  • IUT (Institut Universitaire de Technologie):

    • Definition: Institutes offering two-year programs leading to the DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie), a technical diploma.

  • DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie):

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

  • Licence:

    • Definition: A three-year undergraduate degree (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree) in the French higher education system.

  • Master:

    • Definition: A two-year graduate degree (equivalent to a Master’s degree) following the Licence.

  • Doctorat:

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

  • Les grandes écoles:

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

  • Écoles normales supérieures:

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

  • École polytechnique:

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

  • Filières “en tension”:

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

  • Sélection:

    • Definition: 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:

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

  • Admission Post Bac (APB):

    • Definition: The previous national admissions system for higher education before being replaced by Parcoursup.

  • Parcoursup:

    • Definition: The new admission platform for higher education, allowing students to apply and be admitted to various programs based on their preferences and academic records.