Schoolchildren in France. Education system in France

Although we all strongly associate the first of September with the Day of Knowledge, in Russia this was not always the case; for example, under Peter the Great, education in some gymnasiums could begin in August or October. When does the school year start in other countries? We'll tell you in today's article.

EUROPE

If you don’t take the closest neighbors, the school year traditionally begins on September 1st in Belgium, the Baltic countries, Hungary, Macedonia, Ireland, Poland and Slovenia. But schoolchildren in Finland, Denmark, Germany and Scotland are less lucky; their school year begins in August. Moreover, if in Finland and Denmark school classes begin en masse in the second half of the last month of summer, and in Scotland - in the last week of summer, which is slightly earlier than the UK average, then in Germany everything depends on the school: sometimes German children They go to school in the last week of August, and sometimes (depending on the school schedule) at the beginning of September.

In the photo: English schoolgirls in school uniforms

A floating start schedule is also practiced in Italy. It all depends on the region, and each year the start date of classes in schools is announced separately. For example, this year the vast majority of Italian schoolchildren will go to school on September 14, while in the Alto Adige region schools will open their doors on September 7, in Trentino on the 10th, in Lazio and Emilia Romagna on September 15, and in Veneto and Apulia - 16th. By the way, in Italy it is believed that summer does not end on September 1st, but lasts until September 22nd, so it is logical that children do not go to school at the height of summer.

In the photo: classes at an Italian school

In addition, classes begin on September 15 in schools in Bulgaria and Romania, in France the school year begins on September 3, and in Greece on September 11 or on the first Monday after September 11 if day X falls on a weekend. In England, schoolchildren go to school in the first or second week of autumn, and in Croatia, schools begin work on the first Monday of September. By the way, as in Russia, in Bulgaria it is customary to give flowers to teachers on the first of September.

USA AND CANADA

In most schools in America and Canada, the start of school also falls on the first Monday of September; in addition, on the first day of classes here, like here, the so-called short school day is practiced, that is, on the first day of classes, students do not study as much as they do. how much do they communicate with classmates?

In the photo: a still from the series “Bevery Hills 90210”

CENTRAL AND LATIN AMERICA

In Latin America, winter begins just when our summer begins, and autumn begins in March, which, of course, directly affects the school schedule. So, the start of classes in Argentina, Costa Rica and Brazil occurs in the first week of February, in Chile schools open their doors to students on the first of March, and in Uruguay on the first Monday of March.

In the West Indies, the school schedule generally coincides with the European one; for example, in Barbados, schoolchildren go to gnaw on the granite of science in the third week of September, but in the countries of Central America it is quite difficult to isolate a general pattern: in Guatemala, for example, school classes begin at the second Monday of January, and in Honduras - the first of August.

Mexico stands apart; historically, Knowledge Day here fell on September 2, but now the country’s schools have a flexible schedule, they start work in August, and the start date of classes is announced separately each time.

ASIA

In the vast majority of Asian countries, the start of classes is, like ours, on the first of September, for example, in China, Hong Kong, Laos, Taiwan and Mongolia, and in Myanmar, schools begin to work on the second Wednesday of September. However, in many Asian countries the beginning of the school year occurs in the spring.

For example, in South Korea, school starts on March 3, while in India, schools open their doors in mid-March-early April, and in some states of this country, school starts in mid-June.

In Japan, educational institutions begin work on the first of April, in Thailand - in May, after the celebration of the Thai New Year (its date is determined individually each time, but usually it falls in mid-April), and in the Philippines, schoolchildren set out for knowledge in early June.

Singapore stands apart; school starts here either in early January or at the end of November, depending on the school. By the way, the school year in Singapore lasts 40 weeks; at the end of the annual course, Singapore students always take a test, and the school holidays in Singapore last only 6 weeks. In a word, everything is harsh, you won’t spoil it!

NEAR EAST

In Israel, the start of classes in schools, as a rule, falls on September 1, however, sometimes the start date of the school year is postponed, for example, if the first day of autumn falls on a Saturday or on national holidays, so in 2012 and 2013 the start of the school year in schools in Israel was postponed to August 27.

In neighboring Arab countries, school classes also begin in September: in Iran - on September 22 or 23, which corresponds to the beginning of autumn according to the Persian calendar, in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates - on September 15, in Egypt - from September 15 to 24 , and in Oman and Saudi Arabia (yes, there are schools there too) the school year begins in the first week of September.

AFRICA

Oddly enough, in many African countries, children also start going to school on the first of September, for example, in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Somalia, and in Algeria, Knowledge Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of September.

In some areas of Kenya, school starts on the first of September, while in other regions of the country the school year begins in January, immediately after the New Year celebrations. In South Africa and Tanzania, the school year begins in mid-January, and in South Sudan, school starts on March 20.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

In Australia, the school year begins after the celebration of Australia Day, the country's main national holiday, which is celebrated annually on January 26. However, if January 27 falls in the second half of the week, then schools shift the start of classes to the nearest Monday.

Many young people dream of getting an education in France. If you are among them or are simply interested in this issue, then pay attention to this article. In it we will tell you how it works in France and what levels students need to master.

A little history

Currently, many schoolchildren and students prefer to receive education in France. Countries in Europe offer everyone high-quality and, very importantly, affordable education. To get high marks, the state has come a long way, which lasted more than a hundred years. The famous “Ferry laws”, issued at the end of the 19th century, ordered citizens to study compulsorily from six to twelve years of age. The next stage in the development of the system was the sixties of the 20th century. It was then that the government took decisive measures that helped the country achieve the desired results in the age of education. France had to introduce compulsory education for children up to 16 years of age and establish junior and secondary schools (college, lyceum or technical college). Next, we propose to take a closer look at all levels of education in France.

Preschool education

French kindergartens welcome children from two to five years old. Most modern parents prefer to send their children to preschool institutions from the age of three, although staying there is not mandatory. Here I would like to talk a little more about the development of education in France. The first kindergarten in this country appeared at the end of the 18th century, and already at the beginning of the 19th a whole system appeared and was actively functioning. In large industrial cities, kindergartens operated for the poor and for the children of workers. The famous teacher Pauline Kergomar made a great contribution to France. It was she who proposed teaching preschoolers using play methods and canceling. Thanks to her, “Mother’s School,” which was formed in the early 19th century, became very popular and still operates in all cities of the country. This analogue of Russian kindergartens has the following levels of education:

• Until the age of four, children only play.
• Up to the age of five they learn to draw, sculpt, improve oral speech and interpersonal communication.
• The last age group is up to six years old. Here kids prepare for school, master counting, reading and writing.

Sometimes you can hear criticism of mother schools, which claim that the rules here are too strict. However, most experts believe that French kindergartens provide children with decent preparation for school - one of the best in Europe.

in France

Children who reach the age of six go to college, where they study according to the same program for everyone. Without fail, children improve their counting, writing and reading skills. They also all learn a foreign language and improve their speaking in their native language. In third grade, students take exams and receive a diploma.

Secondary education

At the age of 11, children can choose their future path - enter a regular lyceum, a technical or vocational one. The latter option involves two years of training in the chosen profession (like a vocational school in our country), after which a certificate of completion is issued. However, in this case, the student does not have the right to receive higher education, unlike the first two cases. Graduating from a general lyceum allows you to enter any university, and after technical education you can continue your studies in your specialty.

There are not only public but also private schools in the country. There are also boarding schools. In government institutions, education is absolutely free (you will only need to buy textbooks yourself) and not only French citizens, but also foreigners can enroll there. True, you will have to pass a language proficiency exam, go through an oral interview and write B. Foreigners are accepted without problems if they speak French at a basic level.

Higher education in France

Anyone can receive a higher education, but a future student must have a bachelor's degree, which every lyceum graduate receives. Next, he has to choose what type of education he wants to receive. You can take a shortcut and become a certified specialist in the service sector or industry in two years. The advantage of this route is saving time and the possibility of quick employment. Anyone who prefers long-term study (which is from five to eight years) can apply for a well-paid job in a prestigious company upon graduation.

Universities

The education system in France is designed in such a way that anyone can acquire a profession for free. Even a foreigner can enter these educational institutions if he passes a language proficiency test and an interview. It should be noted that the most prestigious universities are those that teach the professions of a doctor, lawyer, teacher and journalist. In most universities, the state pays for 30% of the places, and the remaining students will have to pay an entrance fee (from 150 to 500 euros). However, many are happy about such conditions, since students are entitled to a scholarship, which amounts to approximately 100 euros per month. Private universities charge students between 10,000 and 20,000 euros per year (depending on the chosen specialty).

Higher schools

Higher education in France can be obtained at prestigious high schools, however, to get this opportunity, you will have to pass a serious exam. Some of them only accept students who have completed a basic course of study at the university. Studying at such a school is considered more prestigious, since graduates are guaranteed employment and high earnings. Some students receive scholarships from the state because they are future teachers, military personnel, librarians, and even politicians.

Language schools

If you decide to learn French, then so-called language schools will help you with this. You can arrive for training within seven days, but the average duration of the course is from two to four weeks. People with any level of language proficiency - beginner, basic or advanced - can study here. Immersion in the language environment guarantees high results for both. Courses are also provided for such narrow specialists as doctors, lawyers, and travel agency workers. Many students combine this unique study experience in France with cooking classes, riding school and many other activities. Students typically spend between 20 and 30 hours per week studying, and the average cost per week is €300.

Beautiful France is a country of great thinkers and artists, the birthplace of such concepts as “human rights” and “tolerance”, as well as a language of amazing beauty, spoken by a tenth of the world’s population. The school of this state cannot but have an impeccable reputation.

French schools are traditionally considered to be quite strict due to the demanding nature of the teachers and the intensity of the curriculum. But at the same time, they have a free, surprisingly relaxed atmosphere, so that even foreigners very quickly begin to feel at ease and comfortable.

This country has a single centralized school education system. It finally took shape by the 60s of the 20th century, although it began to take shape back in the Age of Enlightenment. Since 1967, secondary education has been compulsory by law in France. The state strictly monitors that all children study.

French specificity

The authorities also regulate educational policy and are in charge of teacher remuneration, training and hiring. In addition, every year the Ministry of Education approves a curriculum that is uniform for all primary and secondary schools. It is published in the official publication of the Ministry - the State Bulletin on Education.

As in many countries, educational institutions in France are divided into public and private. However, both of them are under the patronage of the ministry. The majority, naturally, are public free schools, but the number of private ones is constantly growing. Currently, about 15% of all primary school students and about 20% of children undergoing training in secondary schools are educated there.

Interestingly, private schools may or may not sign a “contract” with the government. If there is such an agreement, teachers of private institutions receive a salary from the treasury, accordingly, the cost of training there is an order of magnitude lower than in similar institutions that do not have a “contract”. Another feature: parents do not have the right to choose government institutions for their children - children have to attend schools at their place of residence. Many French people consider this system unfair, because schools in less prosperous areas, in particular immigrant neighborhoods, are overcrowded and are not able to provide a good education. However, adults can send a child to a private institution, where he will definitely receive a high-quality education, but for a lot of money.

The French and Russian schools have common features. For example, a careless student may also be retained there for a second year. The decision on whether or not to promote him to the next grade is made by a committee consisting of teachers, administrative staff and parents. However, the mother and father of the child have the right to challenge the verdict. It should be noted that every educational institution has a specialist who helps teachers, children and parents solve not only administrative, but also psychological problems.

The academic year in France begins in September and lasts until mid-June. Vacation times are again set by the Ministry of Education; these periods differ in each region.

For the first time in 12th grade

Primary education in France is compulsory and free. Already at two or three years old, children attend so-called mother schools (ecoles maternelles) - an analogue of our kindergartens. Here, for three to four years, experienced teachers and psychologists prepare children to enter primary school. But children become real students at the age of six. Moreover, the Russian expression “first time in first grade” does not work in relation to France, because classes here are numbered starting from 12th, that is, graduates graduate from first grade. Primary education takes five years and consists of three stages: preparatory grade, two "elementary" and two "secondary" grades.

At the age of 11, a French child enters a lower secondary school, or, as we used to call it, a 1st level school. In France, this level is called much more reputably - college. They study here for four years; the classes, as already noted, are counted in reverse order: the first year is called the sixth grade, the last - the third.

The four-year college period is divided into three cycles. The first is the adaptation year, during which the child gets used to new forms of education and new subjects - mathematics, French, history and others. The next cycle is fifth and fourth grades. Here physics, chemistry, Latin and a foreign language are added to these disciplines. In the third grade, schoolchildren begin the final, orientation phase: at this stage, the student chooses the specialization in which he will receive education at the lyceum.

Lyceum times

Higher secondary schools in France are called lycees (Lycee). Only their graduates have the right to enter universities, and therefore becoming a lyceum student is not so easy.

To enroll, the following conditions must be met:

unanimous decision of the student and parents on the choice of lyceum, further specialization and choice of qualifications; availability of a recommendation from a group meeting of teachers at the college where the child studied to enroll him in the lyceum. The document is reviewed by a commission under the region’s academic inspector (Inspecteur d’Academie), which also takes into account the availability of places in regional lyceums.

So, as a rule, at the age of 14–15, college students become lyceum students. In this educational institution, they usually undergo training for three years, completing the second grade (Seconde), the first (Premiere) and graduation (Terminale). Lyceums in France come in several categories. Those who want to start working faster go to a vocational lyceum (Lycee professionel, Lycee vocationnel) or to a journeyman training center (CFA) to gain knowledge, skills and abilities in a specific profession. Here you can even choose the duration of the course: two or four years. Since education is compulsory until the age of 16, you still need to study for at least two years. After this, the vocational lyceum issues a Certificate of Professional Qualification (Vocationnel aptitude certificate - CAP) or a Professional Diploma (Vocationnel - BEP). Both of these documents give the right to work in their specialty. After four years of study, a Professional Bachelor's Diploma (Vocationnel baccalaureate - BAC) is awarded. Having it, you can enter a university.

However, they usually don’t go to a professional lyceum for BAC, which is practically the equivalent of our vocational school or technical school. Guys who are planning to start working submit documents there. To obtain a BAC, they enter either a general education (General lycee) or a technological (Technologique lycee) lyceum, where they receive the titles General baccalaureate (Bachelor of General Sciences) or Technologique baccalaureate (Bachelor of Technical Sciences), respectively.

In general education lyceums, the greatest attention is paid to philology, economics and natural sciences. The certificates issued to graduates of such educational institutions vary depending on the specialization: BAC-ES (economics and social sciences), BAC-L (literature and languages) and BAC-S (natural sciences). At a technical lyceum, you can specialize in exact sciences and industrial technologies (STI diploma), service (STT), laboratory research (STL) or health and social services (SMS).

In the second grade (15–16 years old) in general education lyceums there is a division into two streams. Some students study natural sciences and mathematics, others study humanities. In the first grade (16–17 years old), the humanities class is divided into two more areas: the first is “literature and languages”, the second is “economics and sociology”.

The main subjects in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics course are physics and mathematics; in the “Literature and Languages” stream - French, written and oral speech, fundamentals of computer science and mathematics, philosophy, literature. Those who choose the Economics and Sociology program study economics, mathematics, French and English. In addition, as additional subjects you can study art history, biology, entrepreneurship, chemistry, computer science, French literature, French and foreign languages ​​- English, Italian, German and Spanish, as well as geography, history, law, mathematics, music, physics, psychology. Lessons last from 8:00 to 15:00, and extracurricular activities from 15:00 to 18:00. In many lyceums, every Friday they control knowledge by arranging an oral or written exam, and once every two weeks parents are sent a report on the progress of their child.

By the way, the mere fact of studying at a lyceum does not guarantee automatic receipt of a BAC diploma. It is issued only to those who score at least ten points based on several oral and written tests. If the score is lower, you will have to take a second series of exams or undergo a re-examination. Those who still failed to score a passing grade are simply given a certificate of completion of secondary school. Of course, this is very bad - you won’t be able to get into a university, and you won’t even get a good job.

Study at the state lyceum

It is free for the French; children of foreigners who do not live in France have the right to study in private boarding lyceums, as well as in five fairly prestigious state lyceums. They are located in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the town of Ferney-Voltaire (near the Swiss border), in Nice, Lyon and Strasbourg. The quality of teaching in each of these educational institutions meets the highest requirements. This is evidenced by the fact that 94% of graduates of Lycee-College international de Strasbourg successfully pass the BAC exams.

In the Strasbourg Lyceum, schoolchildren from 52 countries, including Russians, are trained along with the French. For those of them who do not speak French well enough, a special course of intensive language training is provided (seven to eight hours a week). By the way, only two to five people are recruited into groups.

The Lyceum practices an individual approach. Each discipline is divided into three levels, and a student is often, say, in French at the first level, and in mathematics at the third. He is also capable, for example, of entering the fourth grade, but at the end of the year he will be allowed to move directly to the second.

To enroll in the state lyceum, a foreigner must send a motivation letter. If the administration considers the candidate suitable, he will be called for an interview. Then you will have to pass difficult selection tests - you need to show good knowledge in the field of French and specialized subjects. Training at state lyceums is also free for foreigners, but you have to pay for accommodation, food, as well as books and teaching aids. Accommodation in a boarding school at the lyceum with three meals a day costs approximately 6,000 euros per year.

Studying at a private lyceum

Definitely more expensive. It will cost approximately 21,000–23,000 euros per year. But private schools are, as a rule, elite and very prestigious institutions.

For example, Ecole des Roches is simply unique. It appeared more than 100 years ago as a boarding school for children of the aristocracy and big bourgeoisie (the young princes Golitsyn studied there). Today Ecole des Roches is a large international educational center consisting of three structures:

1) an international boarding school in Normandy for children from 11 to 18 years old;
2) primary school Ecole des Petites Roches - la Tournelle in Versailles for children 7–11 years old;
3) Perl French language schools in Paris for adults.

Another famous private boarding school is Ecole Privee de Tersac, which is located in the vicinity of Meylan-on-Garonne, between Bordeaux and Toulouse. The school is located in a 19th-century manor on the banks of the Garonne Canal. French and foreigners aged 12–18 years study here. The institution has excellent academic performance, which is explained by the high quality of training, small classes (maximum 15 people) and modern technical equipment. From the age of 12, all children are required to learn three foreign languages. The main principle of the school is the harmonious education of the individual.

Another worth mentioning is the boarding school Institut Bois-Robert near Angers, which stands in the middle of a picturesque park. By the way, one of the buildings is located in a real castle. The maximum number of children in a class is also 15. In addition to the compulsory French language, children are taught English, Spanish, German and Latin, and also study French culture, painting, and mathematics.

September is not only the month of the grape harvest. In France it is invariably the month when the school year begins. On September 4, after two months of well-deserved holidays, schoolchildren and lyceum students again happily and in a good mood begin their studies. There are approximately 13 million students in France. The first day of the school year is always a special day: on the one hand, children want to extend the holidays a little longer, and on the other hand, they can’t wait to meet their friends and meet new teachers.

In France the school year begins in September

Throughout France there is a single start date for the school year - September 4th. But this does not happen in all countries. For example, in Japan, children return to school in April, and in India in July! However, in France, the timing of other holidays does not coincide and depends on the area of ​​residence. Antibes, for example, is included in zone B, Lyon in zone A, and Paris in zone C.
When the French say “beginning of the year,” they don’t just mean schoolchildren. The term la “rentrée” (from French “beginning of the year”, “return”) affects various fields of activity: politics, journalism, higher education.

You need to carefully prepare for the start of the school year!

On this day, nothing happens on its own, they prepare for it! First of all, school supplies are purchased. Typically, teachers give parents lists of necessary textbooks and supplies that will be needed in class. But it’s better to buy a backpack, pencil case, notebooks and pens in advance, otherwise you risk spending a lot of time in long lines.

French school system

In France, as in many other countries, schooling is compulsory until the age of 16.
After the so-called mother school, which is similar to our kindergarten, children go to primary school, where education lasts five years. At the age of 6 years, in preparatory courses, they learn to read and write. At the age of 11 they go to college and study there for 4 years. At the end of the year, the first school exam is taken, called in French le Brevet (examination for the certificate of basic education). Then training begins at the lyceum, which lasts three classes (second, first and graduation). Upon completion of the lyceum, having passed the exam for a bachelor's degree and received a certificate of maturity, lyceum students can enter higher education institutions. By this point in their lives, the beginning of the school year celebration will take place more than once!!

THE FRENCH EDUCATION SYSTEM, IF COMPARED WITH THE RUSSIAN, IS COMPLEX AND HAS MANY LEVELS.

Education in France is subject to the following several principles:
1. Mandatory, i.e. All children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school.
2. Secular nature of education. This means that public education does not have any religious overtones.
3. Free primary and secondary education.
4. State monopoly on the issuance of diplomas and university degrees.

Stages of education in France.

Preschool education
- elementary education
- secondary education
- higher education

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.

In France, children go to school from the age of six. Primary education lasts 4 years (ecole elementaire). It consists of: 1 year – preparatory class and 3 years – primary education.
Secondary education for French schoolchildren begins at the age of 11, when children go to college (the French college should not be confused with the English word and concept of “college”). At this stage of education, the state established 8 compulsory subjects for study: French, mathematics, foreign languages, physics, chemistry, biology, geography and history (regarded as one subject) and physical education. The numbering of classes in France begins not from the first, as in Russia, but from the sixth. Thus, at the age of 11, schoolchildren go to the sixth grade, then the fifth, etc. until the third grade, i.e. up to 14 years old. In Russia, this corresponds to education from 5th to 9th grades.
After third grade, French schoolchildren can choose two paths for further education: go to a vocational school or stay in school and complete secondary education. In the second case, children continue their education at the Lycee, where they study for three years: second grade, first grade and graduation class. In the Russian education system, this corresponds to 10th and 11th grades + an additional year of specialization.
As a rule, at a lyceum, students choose a specialized class in one direction or another: humanities, economics and law, natural sciences. At the end of the lyceum, students take a comprehensive final exam “bachelor” (baccalaureat), which is also the first university degree. Obtaining a bachelor's degree ensures admission to any university without entrance exams.
Schematically, the system of primary and secondary education in France can be represented as follows:

6 – 10 years old Primary school – Ecole elementaire
11 – 14 years old College
15 – 17 years old Lyceum

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF FRENCH AND RUSSIAN SECONDARY EDUCATION:

1. Numbering of classes from 1st to 11th.
2. Continuous secondary education, without divisions.
3. Fewer subjects taught.
4. Several final exams are taken without the right to enter a university without examination.
5. Rating system from 1 to 5 points.

France:

1. Numbering of classes from sixth to first.
2. The division of secondary education into two cycles: college and lycee.
3. Greater variety of disciplines.
4. A comprehensive final exam (baccalaureat), which gives the right to enter a university without exams.
5. Rating system from 0 to 20 points

HIGHER EDUCATION.

The higher education system in France is distinguished by a wide variety of universities and disciplines offered. Most higher education institutions are public and report to the French Ministry of Education.
Historically, two types of higher education institutions have developed in France: universities and Higher Schools (Grandes Ecoles). Universities train teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists. Higher Schools train highly professional specialists in the fields of economics, management, military affairs, education and culture. You can enter the Higher School only after two or three years of study in preparatory classes in the chosen field.

1. Short higher education. The training lasts two to three years, after which graduates receive DUT (Diplome universitaire de technologie) or BTS (Brevet de technicien superieur). This type of higher education mainly trains specialists in industry or the service sector.
2. Long-term higher education. This type of higher education is given at universities and higher schools. To ensure consistency in the issuance of diplomas and passing examinations, it was decided that students at each university should undergo three cycles of study and receive uniform state diplomas at each stage of their studies.

Studying at the university is divided into three cycles:

1. The first cycle is 2 years. Upon completion, students receive DEUG (Diplome d'etudes universitaires generales) - Diploma of General Higher Education.
2. Second cycle – 2 years. After the first year of study, the degree of Licence is awarded. After the second year of study, the degree of Maitrise is awarded.
3. Third cycle – 1 year. There are two training options here:
A. DESS (Diplome d'etudes superieures spesialisees) - Diploma of higher specialized education. This diploma prepares students for professional activities in their specialty.
B. DEA (Diplome d’etudes approfondies) - Diploma of higher advanced studies. This diploma entitles you to continue your studies in graduate school.

HIGH SCHOOLS (Grandes Ecoles).

Studying at a Higher School is considered much more prestigious than studying at a university, but getting there is also much more difficult. School students receive scholarships as future civil servants. Upon completion of training, graduates are required to work in the public service for 6-10 years, thus reimbursing the state expenses spent on their education.

The higher education system can be schematically represented as follows:

18 years old First cycle. DEUG.
21 years old Second cycle. License (In Russian higher education this corresponds to the fourth year)
22 years old Second cycle. Maitrise.
23 years old Third cycle. DEA or DESS.
24 years 3 years –Doctorat (Corresponds to postgraduate studies in Russia).

The Master is also one of the university degrees. Duration of training – 3 years. This degree is not originally French, but in modern French education it has taken a strong place and now exists in every university.
Magistere extends to the second and third cycles of study. They enter it after the first cycle (after DEUG). Upon completion of training, a thesis is defended and a Magistere diploma of complete higher education is issued. In modern France, Magistere programs in the fields of tourism, hotel business, design and economics are especially common.

ADMISSION OF RUSSIAN STUDENTS TO FRENCH UNIVERSITIES.

With a certificate of complete secondary education, a graduate of a Russian school has the right to enter a French university for the first cycle of study (with the exception of Grandes Ecoles, admission to which requires special preparation, as well as medical faculties, where additional pre-university training is also required). The following documents are required for admission to DEUG:
1. Copy of the certificate with translation into French
2. Grades 10 and 11 with translation into French
3. Birth certificate with translation into French

5. Notarization of all documents is required.

Russian students can apply for Licence and Magistere after at least three years of studying at a Russian university. On Maitrise - after the fourth year. Required documents for the second cycle of training:
1. Certificate from the institute indicating the specialty, subjects completed, hours of study and grades with translation into French.
2. Copy of passport with translation.
3. Statement (fiche d’inscription)
4. Motivation letter in French
5. Autobiography
6. Confirmation of passing the French language exam
7. Two photos
8. Notarization of all documents is required.

For DEA, DESS (third cycle) a complete higher education and the following set of documents are required:
1. Copy of diploma with translation.
2. Diploma supplement with translation
3. Copy of passport with translation
4. Statement (fiche d'inscription)
5. Motivation letter in French
6. Autobiography
7. Confirmation of passing the French language exam
8. Two photos
9. Two letters of recommendation
10. Translation of all documents must be certified by a notary.