The French system of higher education is distinguished by a diversity of institutions, courses, organisational arrangements and admission requirements.

Over 3500 different institutions offer higher education studies to over 2 million students.

In many respects higher education in France is also the ‘Cinderella’ of the education system.

The country spends less on higher education than many of the richer nations of Europe and the USA.

There is a shortage of student accommodation in most cities and rents have risen beyond a level that most students can afford. The situation is particularly severe in Paris.

The system of financial assistance for students is very confusing and inadequate – there are over 100 different grants available, from different agencies and levels of government. There are also significant delays in the payment of grant assistance.

The culture of many universities is also very impersonal, with large classes and students left to their own devices.

The OECD places France 19th out of 26 in countries for the quality of higher education. Likewise, in an annual review carried out by the University of Shanghai, France barely figures in the list of the best universities in the world.

Nevertheless, the review does not include the prestigeous grandes écoles , which are arguably on a par with many high ranking universities around the globe.

Despite the cloak of nationally recognised diplomas, and the ostensible equality of education, there are also many inequalities in the system.

Indeed, in many respects a two-speed system is in operation, with a few prestigious universities, (the grandes écoles and the technical institutes (IUT)) receiving better investment, and openly more selective admissions policies.

To its credit, in recent years the French Government has recognised there is a problem, and efforts are now being made to improve things, with an increase in funding, a building programme, and greater autonomy to the universities.

You can read more in our Guide to Higher Education in France.