1.Admission process

The President or Director of the university to which the student is applying, will decide on the recognition of diplomas/degrees on the basis of the recommendation of an education committee.

Higher Education in France offers the following two options: At Competitive Institutes (Grandes Ecoles) entry is selective. Specialization in engineering, commerce, civil services and teaching are offered. The duration of studies vary from 3 to 5 years. In State Universities, any student who has completed the secondary school diploma may qualify. Two categories of courses are offered: General courses - These are divided into 3 cycles. Each cycle leads to a national diploma. The 1st cycle is of 2 years for undergraduate studies. 2nd cycle is of 2 to 3 years of graduate studies and the 3rd cycle is of l to 3 years of post graduate studies. Professional courses - These are offered at "Institutes Universities Professionalizes" (IUP). The curriculum consists of 3 years of technical courses with a 6 month vocation training and practice in an international firm. Medical studies which include medicine, dental studies and pharmacology are also offered at the universities at the Faculty of Medical Studies. The duration of these courses are 7 years. Art, Architecture, Agriculture, Law, Public Administration etc. are offered in specialized schools. The duration of these courses varies from 3 to 7 years.

Deadline

November 15 and January 15

It is the best time to seek provisional admission. The form is available from the Cultural, Scientific and Technical Section of the French Embassy or directly from the university, as the case may be.

February 1

The form should be duly completed and accompanied by required documents to the office from which it was obtained. You may apply simultaneously to several universities. The universities will give you an answer within two months. For Post Graduate Studies, the individual should contact directly the selected academic institutions to get provisional admission and other useful information about selection, fees, programs, etc.. The academic year usually runs from September to June.