French

Education System
• The French education system is particularly
known for being complicated when it comes to
different categories and types of diplomas and
tests.

• The French schools are known for being strictly

educational. They don’t have much
extracurricular activities
• It is very common in France to repeat a
school year if the students do not achieve
the average grades they need to pass the
classes.
Primary education
• While day care and kindergarten are not
mandatory, from the age of 6 all children
must enrol in school. Primary school
consists of five years of study, from the age
6-11 (similar to a US elementary school).
Secondary education
The collège (middle school), is composed of
four years of study, for students ages eleven
through fifteen.
Secondary education
The lycée (high school) for the final three
years of secondary education.
Higher education
After high school, students choose either a
vocational diploma or an academic diploma.
Vocational diplomas:
The DUT (diplôme universitaire de technologie) and
BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur) are two-year
technology-oriented degrees. BTS courses are offered
by high schools, whereas DUT are awarded by
universities. A DUT or BTS may be followed by one
additional qualifying year of study, leading to a “licence
professionnelle”.
Academic diplomas:
There are three types of higher education
institutions in France: universities, Grandes
écoles, and specialized schools.
Academic diplomas:
There are three types of higher education
institutions in France: universities, Grandes
écoles, and specialized schools.
Grandes écoles
“Grandes écoles” are selective public and private
institutions. They are similar to universities, but
typically offer a more specialized three-year course
of study, in subjects such as engineering, business,
or public administration. Students are admitted to
the Grandes écoles based on their scores on a
competitive exam.
Grandes écoles
Before taking this exam, students must have
obtained a “baccalauréat”, and they often have
taken a two-year preparatory course (cours
préparatoires or prépas). Students graduate from a
Grande école with a master’s degree (master).
Specialized schools
Specialized schools are public or private
institutions that train students for professional
careers in specific fields, such as art,
architecture, social work, or tourism. They
offer license and master degrees.
The LDM framework stands for license,
master, doctorate:

The license (bachelor). This is a three-year

course of study, is an undergraduate degree
equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the
English-speaking world.
The master. This is a two-year course of
study equivalent to a master’s degree. The
master can be a professional degree (master
professionnel), e.g. law, business, or
engineering, or it can be a research degree
(master recherche), leading towards doctoral
work.
The doctorate. Students holding a master’s
degree can complete an additional three
years’ coursework to qualify for a doctorate
(doctoral-degree equivalent). The doctorate is
obligatory for medical doctors, who receive a
state diploma in medicine.
Reference
https://www.studying-in-france.org/
french-education-system/
What makes the
German education
system world-
renowned?
Dual study programmes
The dual education system is a unique aspect of German
higher education where equal focus is given to theoretical
and practical learning. Students enrolled in a dual study
programme will complete their academic lessons from the
university while getting vocational training from a company
with which the university has a partnership.
Dual study programmes
Through dual study programmes, you will get opportunities to
apply and develop your skills in a practical setting while also
earning a stipend. This exposure gives a competitive
advantage in the labour market and presents numerous
career opportunities.
Dual study programmes
Dual studies, particularly prevalent in Germany, is a unique
approach to higher education that combines traditional
academic learning with practical work experience. This
model is designed to integrate the theoretical knowledge
gained in a classroom setting with hands-on experience in a
professional environment. Here's a detailed breakdown of
the concept:
Dual study programmes
Academic Learning: Students attend classes at a university
or vocational school in Germany where they study theoretical
aspects of their chosen field. This is similar to traditional
university education, covering the fundamental topics
relevant to the student's field.
Dual study programmes
Work Experience: Alongside academic learning, students
engage in practical work, typically with a company or
organization. This part of the programme allows students to
apply their academic knowledge in real-world situations,
gaining valuable practical skills and understanding the day-
to-day operations within their industry.
Key Features of Dual Studies
Integration of Theory and Practice: The cornerstone of the
dual study concept is the seamless integration of theoretical
knowledge and practical application.
Key Features of Dual Studies
Partnerships Between Educational Institutions and
Companies: Dual study programmes are often the result of
collaborations between educational institutions and
businesses. These partnerships ensure that the curriculum is
aligned with industry needs and provides relevant practical
experience.
Key Features of Dual Studies
Earn While You Learn: Students in dual study programmes
typically receive a stipend or salary from the company where
they work. This aspect helps students finance their
education.
Key Features of Dual Studies
Career Readiness: Upon completion of a dual study
programme, students are usually well-prepared to enter the
workforce. They have the advantage of substantial work
experience, which can lead to direct employment
opportunities.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
Apprenticeship-Based Dual Studies
These programmes blend vocational training with academic
study. Students spend part of their time learning a trade or
skill at a company and the other part studying related
theoretical aspects at a vocational school or university.
Common in trades, crafts, and some technical fields like
manufacturing or automotive technology.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
Practice-Integrated Dual Studies
In these programmes, students alternate between periods of
university study and practical work phases in a company.
The theoretical and practical phases are closely interlinked
and relevant to each other. Often found in engineering,
business, IT, and healthcare sectors.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
Cooperative Education (Co-op) programmes
Popular in countries like the United States and Canada,
these programmes allow students to alternate between full-
time study and full-time employment in their field of study.
The work terms are typically paid and contribute to the
student’s professional experience.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
Training-Integrated Dual Studies
Students receive vocational training and a bachelor's degree
simultaneously. This type of programme is more intensive, as
it combines a full vocational training programme with a
bachelor's degree. Suitable for fields where vocational
training is traditionally strong, like industrial or business
roles.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
Work-Study programmes
Similar to cooperative education programmes, work-study
involves working part-time while studying. However, the work
component may not always be directly related to the field of
study.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
Research-Integrated Dual Studies
These programmes are designed to integrate academic
research projects with practical work in research institutions.
Common in scientific and technological fields, as well as in
advanced engineering and IT sectors.
Types of Dual Study Programmes in Germany
International Dual Studies
These programmes involve studying and working in two or
more different countries, often with a part of the education at
a partner institution abroad. Suitable for various fields,
particularly beneficial for students looking for international
exposure and multilingual skills.
Why Should I Choose Germany for Dual Studies?
World-Class Education System: German universities and
vocational schools are renowned for their rigorous academic
standards and innovative teaching methods, making it an
ideal setting for dual studies.

Global Recognition: Degrees from German institutions are

highly respected worldwide. This global recognition opens up
vast international career opportunities for graduates.
Why Should I Choose Germany for Dual Studies?
Technological Advancement: Germany is at the forefront of
technological innovation, particularly in fields like
engineering, automotive, and renewable energy, providing
students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Language Skills: While many programmes are offered in

English, living and studying in Germany offers a unique
opportunity to learn or improve German language skills, an
asset in the global job market.
Why Should I Choose Germany for Dual Studies?
Work Experience in German Industries: Dual study
programmes often include internships or apprenticeships in
German companies, offering students invaluable work
experience in some of the world's most renowned firms.
Research and innovation
The curriculum in the German education system is focused
on innovation and research and provides opportunities for
skill development. The country offers some outstanding
research opportunities for students and has even partnered
with several organisations to foster application-oriented
research.
Affordable tuition
An appealing factor of the German education system is the
low tuition fees. Education in Germany is free in all public
schools and universities whereas private universities only
charge a minimal amount as tuition fee compared to several
other countries. This makes education more affordable and
accessible to different people.
Affordable tuition
The German education system serves as a model for
countries that seek to create a well-rounded, inclusive, and
future-oriented educational environment that prepares
students for academic success and skill development.
Reference
https://www.ue-germany.com/blog/
what-makes-the-german-education-
system-so
https://translayte.com/blog/dual-study-
program-in-germany