Grandes écoles
Encyclopedia
The grandes écoles of France
are higher education establishments outside the main framework of the French university
system. The grandes écoles select students for admission based chiefly on national ranking in competitive written and oral exams. In contrast, French public universities have a legal obligation to accept all candidates of the region who hold a baccalauréat
. Usually candidates for the national exams have completed two years of dedicated preparatory classes, although this is not always the case. The grandes écoles do not have large student bodies (3,000 at the largest establishment; most have a few hundred students each year). They have traditionally produced many if not most of France's high-ranking civil servants, politicians and executives, as well as many scientists, writers and philosophers. Other grandes écoles concentrate on a single subject area, such as engineering
, sciences or business
.
, when the National Convention
created the École Normale Supérieure
, the mathematician
Gaspard Monge
and Lazare Carnot created the École Polytechnique
and the abbot Henri Grégoire
created the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers
.
The model was probably the military academy at Mézières
, of which Monge was an alumnus. The system of competitive entry was a means to open up higher education to more candidates based on merit.
Some schools included in the category have roots in the 17th and 18th century and are older than the phrase 'grande école' dated 1794. Actually, their forerunners were civil servant schools aimed at graduating mine supervisors (École des mines de Paris
established in 1783) , bridge and road engineers (École royale des ponts et chaussées
established in 1747), shipbuilding engineers (École des ingénieurs-constructeurs des vaisseaux royaux
established in 1741) and five military engineering academies and graduate schools of artillery
established in the 17th century in France, such as the école de l'artillerie de Douai
(established in 1697) and the école du génie de Mézière (established in 1748), wherein mathematics, chemistry and sciences were already a major part of the curriculum taught by first rank scientists such as Pierre-Simon de Laplace, Charles Étienne Louis Camus
, Étienne Bézout
, Sylvestre-François Lacroix, Siméon Denis Poisson
, Gaspard Monge
.
During the 19th century, a number of higher education Grandes écoles were established so as to support industry and commerce, including École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne
in 1816, Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (today ESCP Europe, founded in 1819), École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures
(École centrale de Paris) in 1829, École des arts industriels et des mines (École centrale de Lille
) in 1854 and École centrale lyonnaise pour l'Industrie et le Commerce
(École centrale de Lyon
) in 1857.
During the latter part of the 19th century and in the 20th century, other Grandes écoles were established so as to further develop education in newer fields of sciences and technologies, including École nationale supérieure des télécommunications
(1878), Hautes Études Commerciales
(1881), École supérieure d'électricité (1894).
Since then, France
has had a unique dual higher education system, with small and middle-sized specialized graduate schools operating alongwide the traditional university system. Some fields of study are nearly exclusive to one part of this dual system, such as medicine in universités only or architecture in écoles" only.
". The term "grandes écoles" is not employed in the Code of Education, with the exception of a quotation in the social statistics. It generally employs the expression of "écoles supérieures" to indicate higher educational institutions that are not universities.
The Conférence des Grandes Écoles (Grandes Écoles Conference) is a non-profit organization (under the French law 1901). It uses a broad definition of the concept of "grandes écoles", which is not restricted to the school's selectivity or the prestige of the diploma. The members of CGE have not made an official or "accepted" list of "grandes écoles". For example, some engineering school members of the CGE cannot award state-recognized engineering degrees.
In practice, the "G16+" is a group of 23 grandes écoles which cooperate on work placement matters. Its membership includes government service, engineering, and business schools that are generally considered to be the most prestigious in their fields. Most of top French executives, in business, politics and the administration, graduated from ENA
, École Polytechnique
or HEC.
By contrast, to be admitted into one of the French "grandes écoles", most students study in a two-year preparatory program in one of the CPGE before taking a highly competitive national exam. The national exam includes written tests during several weeks that challenge the student on the intensive studies of the previous two years. Most of the students are nationally ranked according to their results.
Each year a certain percentage of students do not achieve a place in the ranking. The failing students are generally allowed to repeat the second year or will continue the studies in one of the local universities.
During the summer, the successful students from across the country sit a final selective exam (which may be in Paris or anywhere in France) for the school of choice. It usually consists of oral exams (1 hour/oral exam), during which individuals are given a problem to solve. After 20 minutes of preparation, the candidate presents the solution to a professor, who challenges the candidate on the answer and the assumptions being made. Afterward, candidates receive a final national ranking which allows each - if ranked - to finally apply to the grandes écoles of choice. The national ranking determines whether admission to the grandes écoles of choice.
Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles (CPGE) or prépas (literally preparatory classes for the grandes écoles) are sometimes nicknamed the "royal way", because it is the way most students get into the most prestigious schools.
Taking the preparatory classes, either in literature, sciences or management (generally two or three years) are the traditional way that most students gain sufficient ranking to enter the most prestigious grandes écoles. Most of them are held in state lycees (high schools); some preparatory classes are private and expensive. Admission to preparatory classes is based on the student's academic report from previous work. Many students register in more than one class to maximize their chance of admission. Some of the classes are very selective and claim success in their students' gaining admission into the top schools.
The goal of preparatory classes is to prepare the student to match the academic level expected to pass the competitive recruitment examination of the main grandes écoles. Students who are not admitted to a grande école are given the option of repeating the second year of preparatory classes and attempting the exam the following year.
There are five main categories of prépas:
Below is a quick description of two other ways to get into one of the "grandes écoles" :
, and the twelve engineering school of Polytech Group
. It is also possible to join these schools in third year after a preparatory class or university and then the recruitment is based on a contest or the student results.
The top 5 of these Grandes Ecoles according to the French magazines l'Express
and l'Etudiant are in 2010 : INSA - Lyon
, UTC - Compiègne, INSA Toulouse
CPE Lyon and INSA Rouen.
Most of them simply include the two-year preparatory class in their program while others like INSA Toulouse chose the LMD to start the specialization earlier. Most students choose to get their licence, master or doctorat close to home.
These years of preparation can be highly focused on the school program so students have a greater chance to succeed in the admission exam or contest in their school if there is one, but they are not prepared to take the examinations for other schools so their chance of success in these other examinations is low.
The advantage is that instead of studying simply to pass the admission exams, the student will study topics more targeted to his training and future specialization. The main advantage is that students choose their specialty more according to their interests and less according to their rank. (Indeed, the rank obtained after standard preparatory classes determines a list of schools with their specialties).
Some Grandes Ecoles, like some of the Lille Catholic University (ISEN
, HEI
, ICAM
) have partnerships with CPGE in order to have their students follow the same program (Mathématiques supérieures) as that of the CPGE. Teachers come from the CPGE for the school's students. This prevents the students from specializing prematurely, so their program of study can still be a generalist engineer training. It also allow the student to follow a less stressfull and more open-minded formation.
The selection process during the first preparatory year is considered as less stressful than in a standard first preparatory class. Nevertheless, the selection percentage can be the same as during standard preparatory classes. These schools also recruit people who did not manage to follow the programs of CPGE.
Some grandes écoles have dual diploma arrangement in which a student can switch establishments in the last year to receive diplomas from both establishments.
, professors
and may be a beginning for executive careers in public administration or business. Many French Nobel Prize
and Fields Medal
laureates were educated at the École Normale Supérieure
in Paris
, Lyon
or Cachan
. There are three ENS:
These schools' entrance exams are extremely selective. They recruit mainly from taupes, biology prépas and khâgnes.
Until recently, unlike most other grandes écoles, the écoles normales supérieures (ENS) did not award specific diplomas. Students who completed their curriculum were entitled to be known as "ENS alumni" or "normaliens". The schools encourage their students to obtain university diplomas in partner institutions while providing extra classes and support. Many ENS students obtain more than one university diploma. Normaliens from France and other European Union
countries are considered civil servants in training, and as such paid a monthly salary in exchange for an agreeing to serve France for ten years, including those spent as students.
for both the schools and their students. Many are also joint graduate schools from several regional universities, sometimes in association with other international higher education networks.
Other Grandes ecoles with multiple specializations:
Grandes écoles of acturial sciences, statistics and econometrics:
Grandes écoles of chemistry:
Grandes écoles of physics:
Grandes écoles of information technology and telecommunications:
Grandes écoles of applied physics and technology or civil and industrial engineering:
Grandes écoles of biology and natural sciences:
. The three most prestigious and selective management schools are the "Trois Parisiennes", located in the Paris Metropolitan area.
The "Trois Parisiennes":
Other grandes écoles de commerce are found outside Paris, some highly selective like:
Sciences Po has long trained French and international political and economic elites: specifically the two immediate past French presidents (Jacques Chirac
and François Mitterrand
), thirteen past or present French prime ministers
, twelve past or present foreign heads of state or government, and a former United Nations Secretary-General
. Nearly every French politician
or diplomat
has attended Sciences Po since its inception. The school deliver a generalist program centred around political sciences, history
, sociology
, economics
but also communications, finance, business, urban policy, management, and journalism.
. Often, students of these schools will progress to an administrative school.
These schools include:
. A small number of its students progress to military careers, while between a fifth and a quarter progress to working for the State's technical administrations.
The top rated schools are truly elitist: the students of the top grandes écoles equal to around 1% of French higher education nationwide and fewer than 5,000 students graduate from them every year. This dozen of schools, which the French praise for being "généralistes", i.e. interdisciplinary, have traditionally produced most of France's high ranking civil servants, politicians and executives and many scientists and philosophers.
This is a total of 5,250 students admitted to the most prestigious Grandes Ecoles in 2009, roughly the same as 2008. 5,250 represents roughly 1% (1.05%) of the number of people graduating from French high schools (500,000) each year.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
are higher education establishments outside the main framework of the French university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
system. The grandes écoles select students for admission based chiefly on national ranking in competitive written and oral exams. In contrast, French public universities have a legal obligation to accept all candidates of the region who hold a baccalauréat
Baccalauréat
The baccalauréat , often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée . It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies...
. Usually candidates for the national exams have completed two years of dedicated preparatory classes, although this is not always the case. The grandes écoles do not have large student bodies (3,000 at the largest establishment; most have a few hundred students each year). They have traditionally produced many if not most of France's high-ranking civil servants, politicians and executives, as well as many scientists, writers and philosophers. Other grandes écoles concentrate on a single subject area, such as engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, sciences or business
Business
A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
.
Origins
The phrase 'grandes écoles' originated in 1794 after the French revolutionFrench Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
, when the National Convention
National Convention
During the French Revolution, the National Convention or Convention, in France, comprised the constitutional and legislative assembly which sat from 20 September 1792 to 26 October 1795 . It held executive power in France during the first years of the French First Republic...
created the École Normale Supérieure
École Normale Supérieure
The École normale supérieure is one of the most prestigious French grandes écoles...
, the mathematician
Mathematician
A mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change....
Gaspard Monge
Gaspard Monge
Gaspard Monge, Comte de Péluse was a French mathematician, revolutionary, and was inventor of descriptive geometry. During the French Revolution, he was involved in the complete reorganization of the educational system, founding the École Polytechnique...
and Lazare Carnot created the École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique
The École Polytechnique is a state-run institution of higher education and research in Palaiseau, Essonne, France, near Paris. Polytechnique is renowned for its four year undergraduate/graduate Master's program...
and the abbot Henri Grégoire
Henri Grégoire
Henri Grégoire , often referred to as Abbé Grégoire, was a French Roman Catholic priest, constitutional bishop of Blois and a revolutionary leader...
created the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers
Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers
The Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers , or National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts, is a doctoral degree-granting higher education establishment operated by the French government, dedicated to providing education and conducting research for the promotion of science and industry...
.
The model was probably the military academy at Mézières
Charleville-Mézières
Charleville-Mézières is a commune in northern France, capital of the Ardennes department in the Champagne-Ardenne region. Charleville-Mézières is located on the banks of the Meuse River.-History:...
, of which Monge was an alumnus. The system of competitive entry was a means to open up higher education to more candidates based on merit.
Some schools included in the category have roots in the 17th and 18th century and are older than the phrase 'grande école' dated 1794. Actually, their forerunners were civil servant schools aimed at graduating mine supervisors (École des mines de Paris
École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris
The École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris was created in 1783 by King Louis XVI in order to train intelligent directors of mines. It is one of the most prominent French engineering schoolsThe École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris (also known as Mines ParisTech, École des Mines de...
established in 1783) , bridge and road engineers (École royale des ponts et chaussées
École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées
Founded in 1747, the École nationale des ponts et chaussées , often referred to as les Ponts, is the world's oldest civil engineering school...
established in 1747), shipbuilding engineers (École des ingénieurs-constructeurs des vaisseaux royaux
École nationale supérieure de Techniques Avancées
The École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées , also known as ENSTA, is one of the most prestigious and selective French grande école in engineering...
established in 1741) and five military engineering academies and graduate schools of artillery
School of Applied Artillery (France)
The École d'application de l'artillerie is an applied military academy of the French Army.-Pre-Revolutionary History:...
established in the 17th century in France, such as the école de l'artillerie de Douai
School of Applied Artillery (France)
The École d'application de l'artillerie is an applied military academy of the French Army.-Pre-Revolutionary History:...
(established in 1697) and the école du génie de Mézière (established in 1748), wherein mathematics, chemistry and sciences were already a major part of the curriculum taught by first rank scientists such as Pierre-Simon de Laplace, Charles Étienne Louis Camus
Charles Étienne Louis Camus
Charles Étienne Louis Camus , was a French mathematician and mechanician who was born at Crecy-en-Brie, near Meaux....
, Étienne Bézout
Étienne Bézout
-External links:...
, Sylvestre-François Lacroix, Siméon Denis Poisson
Siméon Denis Poisson
Siméon Denis Poisson , was a French mathematician, geometer, and physicist. He however, was the final leading opponent of the wave theory of light as a member of the elite l'Académie française, but was proven wrong by Augustin-Jean Fresnel.-Biography:...
, Gaspard Monge
Gaspard Monge
Gaspard Monge, Comte de Péluse was a French mathematician, revolutionary, and was inventor of descriptive geometry. During the French Revolution, he was involved in the complete reorganization of the educational system, founding the École Polytechnique...
.
During the 19th century, a number of higher education Grandes écoles were established so as to support industry and commerce, including École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne
École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne
The école nationale supérieure des mines de Saint-Étienne is one of the French generalist engineering schools Grandes Ecoles.The école nationale supérieure des mines of Saint Etienne is one of the French "Grandes Ecoles" dedicated to training highly qualified engineers and to carrying out research...
in 1816, Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (today ESCP Europe, founded in 1819), École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures
École Centrale Paris
École Centrale Paris is a French university-level institution in the field of engineering. It is also known by its original name École centrale des arts et manufactures, or ECP. Founded in 1829, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering schools in France and has the special status...
(École centrale de Paris) in 1829, École des arts industriels et des mines (École centrale de Lille
École Centrale de Lille
Located in the campus of the University of Lille in France, École Centrale de Lille is a renowned Graduate Engineering school, with roots back to 1854 as the École des arts industriels et des mines de Lille, re-organised in 1872 as Institut industriel du Nord.It is one of the Centrale Graduate...
) in 1854 and École centrale lyonnaise pour l'Industrie et le Commerce
École Centrale de Lyon
The École Centrale de Lyon, founded in 1857, is one of the oldest universities in France. It is considered as one of the most prestigious French Grandes écoles of engineering continuously ranking as one of the Top 6 French Engineering research institutions for the post Bachelor study...
(École centrale de Lyon
École Centrale de Lyon
The École Centrale de Lyon, founded in 1857, is one of the oldest universities in France. It is considered as one of the most prestigious French Grandes écoles of engineering continuously ranking as one of the Top 6 French Engineering research institutions for the post Bachelor study...
) in 1857.
During the latter part of the 19th century and in the 20th century, other Grandes écoles were established so as to further develop education in newer fields of sciences and technologies, including École nationale supérieure des télécommunications
École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications
Télécom ParisTech is one of the most prestigious and selective grandes écoles in France and one of the finest institutions in the field of Telecommunications...
(1878), Hautes Études Commerciales
HEC School of Management
HEC Paris or École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Paris is one of the foremost business schools in France and in Europe. It was created in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the model of French Grandes Ecoles and has progressively become one of the most selective graduate...
(1881), École supérieure d'électricité (1894).
Since then, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
has had a unique dual higher education system, with small and middle-sized specialized graduate schools operating alongwide the traditional university system. Some fields of study are nearly exclusive to one part of this dual system, such as medicine in universités only or architecture in écoles" only.
Today
There is no standard definition or official list of grandes écoles. Legislation related to grandes écoles generally uses the term "classe préparatoire aux grandes écolesClasse Préparatoire aux Grandes Écoles
The classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles , commonly called classes prépas or prépas, are part of the French post-secondary education system. They consist in two very selective years , acting as a prep course with the main goal of training undergraduate students for enrolment in one of the...
". The term "grandes écoles" is not employed in the Code of Education, with the exception of a quotation in the social statistics. It generally employs the expression of "écoles supérieures" to indicate higher educational institutions that are not universities.
The Conférence des Grandes Écoles (Grandes Écoles Conference) is a non-profit organization (under the French law 1901). It uses a broad definition of the concept of "grandes écoles", which is not restricted to the school's selectivity or the prestige of the diploma. The members of CGE have not made an official or "accepted" list of "grandes écoles". For example, some engineering school members of the CGE cannot award state-recognized engineering degrees.
In practice, the "G16+" is a group of 23 grandes écoles which cooperate on work placement matters. Its membership includes government service, engineering, and business schools that are generally considered to be the most prestigious in their fields. Most of top French executives, in business, politics and the administration, graduated from ENA
École nationale d'administration
The École Nationale d'Administration , one of the most prestigious of French graduate schools , was created in 1945 by Charles de Gaulle to democratise access to the senior civil service. It is now entrusted with the selection and initial training of senior French officials...
, École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique
The École Polytechnique is a state-run institution of higher education and research in Palaiseau, Essonne, France, near Paris. Polytechnique is renowned for its four year undergraduate/graduate Master's program...
or HEC.
Methods of admission to the grandes écoles
Admission to the “grandes écoles” and “French universities” is very different. Public universities are obliged by law to admit any student having completed the baccalauréat who lives within the university's geographic area, including if the baccalauréat is not related to the field of study chosen by the student.By contrast, to be admitted into one of the French "grandes écoles", most students study in a two-year preparatory program in one of the CPGE before taking a highly competitive national exam. The national exam includes written tests during several weeks that challenge the student on the intensive studies of the previous two years. Most of the students are nationally ranked according to their results.
Each year a certain percentage of students do not achieve a place in the ranking. The failing students are generally allowed to repeat the second year or will continue the studies in one of the local universities.
During the summer, the successful students from across the country sit a final selective exam (which may be in Paris or anywhere in France) for the school of choice. It usually consists of oral exams (1 hour/oral exam), during which individuals are given a problem to solve. After 20 minutes of preparation, the candidate presents the solution to a professor, who challenges the candidate on the answer and the assumptions being made. Afterward, candidates receive a final national ranking which allows each - if ranked - to finally apply to the grandes écoles of choice. The national ranking determines whether admission to the grandes écoles of choice.
Preparatory classes to the grandes écoles (CPGE)
Taking the preparatory classes, either in literature, sciences or management (generally two or three years) are the traditional way that most students gain sufficient ranking to enter the most prestigious grandes écoles. Most of them are held in state lycees (high schools); some preparatory classes are private and expensive. Admission to preparatory classes is based on the student's academic report from previous work. Many students register in more than one class to maximize their chance of admission. Some of the classes are very selective and claim success in their students' gaining admission into the top schools.
The goal of preparatory classes is to prepare the student to match the academic level expected to pass the competitive recruitment examination of the main grandes écoles. Students who are not admitted to a grande école are given the option of repeating the second year of preparatory classes and attempting the exam the following year.
There are five main categories of prépas:
- Mathematics and scientific preparatory class. These prepare for the engineering schools and teach mathematicsMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, physicsPhysicsPhysics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, chemistryChemistryChemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, and technologyTechnologyTechnology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
. They are broken down in sub-categories according to the emphasis of their dominant subject.
- Lettres humanitiesHumanitiesThe humanities are academic disciplines that study the human condition, using methods that are primarily analytical, critical, or speculative, as distinguished from the mainly empirical approaches of the natural sciences....
preparatory class, essentially for the Écoles normales supérieuresÉcole normale supérieureAn école normale supérieure or ENS is a type of publicly funded higher education in France. A portion of the student body who are French civil servants are called Normaliens....
(students can also compete to enter business schools, but represent a small minority of those admitted).
- Prépa économique et commerciale mathematicsMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
and economicsEconomicsEconomics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
. These prepare for the competitive entrance exams to the French business schools, and are subdivided between science (mathematics) and economics tracks.
- Prépa Chartes humanitiesHumanitiesThe humanities are academic disciplines that study the human condition, using methods that are primarily analytical, critical, or speculative, as distinguished from the mainly empirical approaches of the natural sciences....
, with a stress on history and languageLanguageLanguage may refer either to the specifically human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication, or to a specific instance of such a system of complex communication...
s, known as Prépa Chartes from the name of the school : École Nationale des ChartesÉcole Nationale des ChartesThe École Nationale des Chartes is a grand établissement, an elite French university-level educational institution based in Paris. It provides education and training for archivists and librarians and forms part of the University of Paris.-History:...
. The smallest prépa in number of students.
- Prépa agro, biologyBiologyBiology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, geologyGeologyGeology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
, physicsPhysicsPhysics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, chemistryChemistryChemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, and mathematics.
Below is a quick description of two other ways to get into one of the "grandes écoles" :
Recruitment at baccalauréat level
Some schools are accessible after a selection based on the education results of the two last years of lycée and/or the baccalaureate results. For example there are the five schools of the INSA network, the three Universités de TechnologieUniversité de Technologie
The Universities of Technology are public institutions awarding degrees and diplomas that are accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research...
, and the twelve engineering school of Polytech Group
Polytech Group (France)
The Polytech' Group is a French network of 12 graduate schools of engineering within France's leading science universities. All schools in the Group offer Master of Engineering degrees in various specialities...
. It is also possible to join these schools in third year after a preparatory class or university and then the recruitment is based on a contest or the student results.
The top 5 of these Grandes Ecoles according to the French magazines l'Express
L'Express (France)
L'Express is a French weekly news magazine. When founded in 1953 during the First Indochina War, it was modelled on the US magazine TIME.-History:...
and l'Etudiant are in 2010 : INSA - Lyon
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon
The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon or INSA de Lyon is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs. INSA was founded in 1957 to train highly qualified engineers, support continuing education, and conduct research and testing. The five-year curriculum aims at training engineers who possess humane...
, UTC - Compiègne, INSA Toulouse
INSA Toulouse
The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse or INSA Toulouse is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs, an engineering university, under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research and part of the INSA's network...
CPE Lyon and INSA Rouen.
Most of them simply include the two-year preparatory class in their program while others like INSA Toulouse chose the LMD to start the specialization earlier. Most students choose to get their licence, master or doctorat close to home.
These years of preparation can be highly focused on the school program so students have a greater chance to succeed in the admission exam or contest in their school if there is one, but they are not prepared to take the examinations for other schools so their chance of success in these other examinations is low.
The advantage is that instead of studying simply to pass the admission exams, the student will study topics more targeted to his training and future specialization. The main advantage is that students choose their specialty more according to their interests and less according to their rank. (Indeed, the rank obtained after standard preparatory classes determines a list of schools with their specialties).
Some Grandes Ecoles, like some of the Lille Catholic University (ISEN
Isen
The river Isen occurs in J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth.The Isen began in the southern Misty Mountains, first flowing south through the fortress of Isengard to the White Mountains, where it abruptly bent west and flowed to the sea of Belegaer...
, HEI
Hautes études d'ingénieur
HEI Lille or Ecole des Hautes Etudes d’Ingénieur is a private school of engineering located in Lille, France, member of Lille Catholic University and a French Grande Ecole. The school trains students during five years and delivers the diploma of Ingénieur...
, ICAM
ICAM
ICAM is short for "I couldn't agree more" - also see list of internet slangIt may also refer to:* Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing* Intercellular adhesion molecule* Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter...
) have partnerships with CPGE in order to have their students follow the same program (Mathématiques supérieures) as that of the CPGE. Teachers come from the CPGE for the school's students. This prevents the students from specializing prematurely, so their program of study can still be a generalist engineer training. It also allow the student to follow a less stressfull and more open-minded formation.
The selection process during the first preparatory year is considered as less stressful than in a standard first preparatory class. Nevertheless, the selection percentage can be the same as during standard preparatory classes. These schools also recruit people who did not manage to follow the programs of CPGE.
Parallel admission
In many schools, there is also the possibility of “parallel admission” to grandes écoles. Parallel admissions are open to university students or students from other schools. The prépas years are not required to sit the entrance exams, provided that the candidates performed well in their previous studies. This method of recruitment is proving increasingly popular, with many students choosing to go first to university and then enroll in a Grande école.Some grandes écoles have dual diploma arrangement in which a student can switch establishments in the last year to receive diplomas from both establishments.
Categories
The grandes écoles can be classified into several broad categories:Écoles normales supérieures
These schools train researchersResearcher
A researcher is somebody who performs research, the search for knowledge or in general any systematic investigation to establish facts. Researchers can work in academic, industrial, government, or private institutions.-Examples of research institutions:...
, professors
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
and may be a beginning for executive careers in public administration or business. Many French Nobel Prize
Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
and Fields Medal
Fields Medal
The Fields Medal, officially known as International Medal for Outstanding Discoveries in Mathematics, is a prize awarded to two, three, or four mathematicians not over 40 years of age at each International Congress of the International Mathematical Union , a meeting that takes place every four...
laureates were educated at the École Normale Supérieure
École Normale Supérieure
The École normale supérieure is one of the most prestigious French grandes écoles...
in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, Lyon
Lyon
Lyon , is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Lyon is located at from Paris, from Marseille, from Geneva, from Turin, and from Barcelona. The residents of the city are called Lyonnais....
or Cachan
Cachan
Cachan is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris.The prestigious École Normale Supérieure de Cachan is located there.-Name:...
. There are three ENS:
- the École Normale SupérieureÉcole Normale SupérieureThe École normale supérieure is one of the most prestigious French grandes écoles...
in Paris, nicknamed "Ulm" from its address rue d'Ulm (Ulm Street) (sciences and humanities); - the École Normale Supérieure de LyonÉcole Normale Supérieure de LyonThe École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is a highly selective grande école located in Lyon, France. As one of France's three Écoles normales supérieures, ENS Lyon is associated with a strong French tradition of excellence and public service...
in LyonLyonLyon , is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Lyon is located at from Paris, from Marseille, from Geneva, from Turin, and from Barcelona. The residents of the city are called Lyonnais....
(sciences and humanities);- The École Normale Supérieure Lettres et Sciences HumainesÉcole normale supérieure lettres et sciences humainesThe École Normale Supérieure Lettres et Sciences Humaines, or ENS LSH, was an elite French grande école specialising in the arts, humanities and social sciences...
in LyonLyonLyon , is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Lyon is located at from Paris, from Marseille, from Geneva, from Turin, and from Barcelona. The residents of the city are called Lyonnais....
(humanities), was merged in 2010 with another in Lyon that taught sciences;
- The École Normale Supérieure Lettres et Sciences Humaines
- the École Normale Supérieure de CachanÉcole Normale Supérieure de CachanThe École Normale Supérieure de Cachan is one of the most prestigious French Grandes Écoles. Like all the other Grandes Écoles, this higher education institution is not included in the mainstream framework of the French public universities...
in CachanCachanCachan is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris.The prestigious École Normale Supérieure de Cachan is located there.-Name:...
, Paris (sciences, engineering, social sciences, economics and management, foreign languages).
These schools' entrance exams are extremely selective. They recruit mainly from taupes, biology prépas and khâgnes.
Until recently, unlike most other grandes écoles, the écoles normales supérieures (ENS) did not award specific diplomas. Students who completed their curriculum were entitled to be known as "ENS alumni" or "normaliens". The schools encourage their students to obtain university diplomas in partner institutions while providing extra classes and support. Many ENS students obtain more than one university diploma. Normaliens from France and other European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
countries are considered civil servants in training, and as such paid a monthly salary in exchange for an agreeing to serve France for ten years, including those spent as students.
Engineering institutions
Many engineering schools recruit students after scientific preparatory class. Many schools have a lengthy official name (often beginning with école nationale supérieure or école supérieure), a shortened name, an acronym and often a nicknameNickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
for both the schools and their students. Many are also joint graduate schools from several regional universities, sometimes in association with other international higher education networks.
- Schools which are part of Centrale Graduate SchoolCentrale Graduate SchoolThe Centrale Graduate School is an alliance consisting of the following graduate schools of engineering:* École centrale Paris established in 1829* École centrale de Lille established in 1854* École centrale de Lyon established in 1857...
; the students of which are referred to as pistons (as in a piston engine)- the École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures also called the École centrale ParisÉcole Centrale ParisÉcole Centrale Paris is a French university-level institution in the field of engineering. It is also known by its original name École centrale des arts et manufactures, or ECP. Founded in 1829, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering schools in France and has the special status...
(ECP, or simply Centrale Paris) was founded in 1829. - the École centrale de LilleÉcole Centrale de LilleLocated in the campus of the University of Lille in France, École Centrale de Lille is a renowned Graduate Engineering school, with roots back to 1854 as the École des arts industriels et des mines de Lille, re-organised in 1872 as Institut industriel du Nord.It is one of the Centrale Graduate...
(ECLi, EC-Lille or Centrale Lille) - the École centrale de LyonÉcole Centrale de LyonThe École Centrale de Lyon, founded in 1857, is one of the oldest universities in France. It is considered as one of the most prestigious French Grandes écoles of engineering continuously ranking as one of the Top 6 French Engineering research institutions for the post Bachelor study...
(ECL, EC-Lyon, or Centrale Lyon) - the École centrale de MarseilleÉcole centrale de MarseilleThe École centrale de Marseille is a Grande école of engineering in Marseille, France, that was created in 2006 by the merging of different previous institutions established in the late 19th century in Marseille, and that implements a Centralien educational Programme for engineers, similar to the...
(ECM, EC-Marseille, or Centrale Marseille) - the École centrale de NantesÉcole Centrale de NantesÉcole Centrale de Nantes is one of the French Grandes écoles of engineering.-Location:The Ecole Centrale de Nantes is located in Nantes, France . Nantes is only at two hours by train from Paris...
(ECN, EC-Nantes, or Centrale Nantes)
- the École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures also called the École centrale Paris
- the SupélecSupélecÉcole Supérieure d'Électricité, commonly known as Supélec, is a French Graduate School of Engineering delivering the equivalent of a Master's Degree as well as Ph.D opportunities. It is one of the most prestigious and selective Grandes Ecoles in France, and a reference in the field of electric...
(ESE, formerly Ecole supérieure d'électricité) in Gif-sur-YvetteGif-sur-YvetteGif-sur-Yvette is a commune in the south-western suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris.-Geography:The town is crossed by and named after the Yvette river.The total area is and is green spaces and woods.-Place names:...
, RennesRennesRennes is a city in the east of Brittany in northwestern France. Rennes is the capital of the region of Brittany, as well as the Ille-et-Vilaine department.-History:...
, and MetzMetzMetz is a city in the northeast of France located at the confluence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers.Metz is the capital of the Lorraine region and prefecture of the Moselle department. Located near the tripoint along the junction of France, Germany, and Luxembourg, Metz forms a central place...
;
- the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE) was formed from a merger of two institutes known as SupaéroÉcole Nationale Supérieure de l'Aéronautique et de l'EspaceThe École Nationale Supérieure de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace , founded in 1909, is one of the most prestigious and selective grandes écoles in France. It was the world's first dedicated aerospace engineering school and is considered to be one of the best in Europe in that field...
and ENSICA) in ToulouseToulouseToulouse is a city in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern FranceIt lies on the banks of the River Garonne, 590 km away from Paris and half-way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea...
;
- Some of the engineering schools within ParisTechParisTechParisTech the Paris Institute of Technology is one of the collegiate universities in France. It gathers 11 of the best French engineering schools, covering nearly the whole spectrum of engineering science, and 1 business school, aiming to be of comparable status to the most famous universities of...
:- the École nationale des ponts et chausséesÉcole Nationale des Ponts et ChausséesFounded in 1747, the École nationale des ponts et chaussées , often referred to as les Ponts, is the world's oldest civil engineering school...
(ENPC, nicknamed the Ponts ParisTech); - the Institut d'Optique Graduate School (IOGS, nicknamed SupOptique);
- the École nationale supérieure de techniques avancéesÉcole nationale supérieure de Techniques AvancéesThe École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées , also known as ENSTA, is one of the most prestigious and selective French grande école in engineering...
(ENSTA ParisTech) - founded in 1741; - the École nationale supérieure d'arts et métiersÉcole Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et MétiersArts et Métiers ParisTech is the French leading engineering school in the fields of mechanics and industrialization.The school trained 85,000 engineers since its foundation in 1780 by the Duke of La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt....
(Arts et Metiers ParisTech previously called ENSAM or les Arts et Metiers) – founded in 1780 - the École supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles de la ville de ParisÉcole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de ParisThe école supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles de la ville de Paris or ESPCI ParisTech is a chemistry and physics engineering college run by the city of Paris, France and a member of ParisTech...
(ESPCI ParisTech) ; - the École nationale supérieure des télécommunicationsÉcole Nationale Supérieure des TélécommunicationsTélécom ParisTech is one of the most prestigious and selective grandes écoles in France and one of the finest institutions in the field of Telecommunications...
(TELECOM ParisTech, previously nicknamed Télécom Paris or SupTélécom) – part of Institut TELECOM; - the École polytechniqueÉcole PolytechniqueThe École Polytechnique is a state-run institution of higher education and research in Palaiseau, Essonne, France, near Paris. Polytechnique is renowned for its four year undergraduate/graduate Master's program...
(EP, nicknamed l'X) – dependent upon the French Ministry of Defense; - the Conservatoire National des Arts et MétiersConservatoire National des Arts et MétiersThe Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers , or National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts, is a doctoral degree-granting higher education establishment operated by the French government, dedicated to providing education and conducting research for the promotion of science and industry...
(CNAM) ; - the Institut des sciences et industries du vivant et de l'environnement (or AgroParisTech, nicknamed Agro includes an internal school called ENGREF) – part of the Pôle des sciences de la vie et environnementales et technologies de la région de Paris;
- the École nationale de la statistique et de l'administration économiqueÉcole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration ÉconomiqueThe École nationale de la statistique et de l'administration économique or ENSAE is one of the French Grandes Ecoles of engineering and a member of ParisTech ....
(ENSAE ParisTech) – formed by the Institut National de la Statistique et des Études ÉconomiquesINSEEINSEE is the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies. It collects and publishes information on the French economy and society, carrying out the periodic national census. Located in Paris, it is the French branch of Eurostat, European Statistical System...
(INSEE); - the École nationale supérieure de chimie de ParisÉcole nationale supérieure de chimie de ParisThe École nationale supérieure de chimie de Paris or ENSCP is an elite chemical engineering college founded in 1896 and located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the founding members of ParisTech...
(Chimie Paris ParisTech) - the École nationale supérieure des mines de ParisÉcole nationale supérieure des mines de ParisThe École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris was created in 1783 by King Louis XVI in order to train intelligent directors of mines. It is one of the most prominent French engineering schoolsThe École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris (also known as Mines ParisTech, École des Mines de...
(MINES ParisTech) – founded in 1783;
- the École nationale des ponts et chaussées
Other Grandes ecoles with multiple specializations:
- the other "Écoles des Mines": the ENS des Mines de Saint-EtienneÉcole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-ÉtienneThe école nationale supérieure des mines de Saint-Étienne is one of the French generalist engineering schools Grandes Ecoles.The école nationale supérieure des mines of Saint Etienne is one of the French "Grandes Ecoles" dedicated to training highly qualified engineers and to carrying out research...
, the ENS des Mines de NancyÉcole nationale supérieure des Mines de NancyThe école nationale supérieure des mines de Nancy is one of the prestigious French generalist engineering Grandes Ecoles...
, the Mines de DouaiÉcole des Mines de DouaiThe École des Mines de Douai also called "École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Douai" is a French National Graduate School of Engineering located in the city of Douai, close to Lille, North of France....
, the Mines de NantesÉcole des Mines de NantesThe École des Mines de Nantes, or EMN, ENSTIMN, EMNAntes, is a French engineering school based in Nantes, in the west of France...
, the Mines d'Alès, the Mines d'Albi - the "EPF - École d'ingénieurs" (EPF) known as "École Polytechnique Féminine", was only for women until 1994.
- the Institut national des sciences appliquées (INSA) network is the largest engineer training group in France and has the most famous grandes écoles of applied technology within regional universities: in Lyon, RennesINSA RennesThe Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rennes or INSA de Rennes is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs, a School of Engineering, under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research and part of the INSA's network....
, ToulouseINSA ToulouseThe Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse or INSA Toulouse is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs, an engineering university, under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research and part of the INSA's network...
, Rouen, and Strasbourg. - the Universités de technologieUniversité de TechnologieThe Universities of Technology are public institutions awarding degrees and diplomas that are accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research...
(UT) group: Compiègne (UTC), TroyesUniversity of Technology of TroyesThe University of Technology of Troyes is a French university, in the Academy of Reims.The UTT is part of the network of the three universities of technology, found by the University of Technology of Compiègne...
(UTT); Belfort-MontbéliardUniversité de technologie de Belfort-MontbéliardThe University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard is a university of engineering located in Belfort and Montbéliard, France. The University of technology of Belfort-Montbéliard is part of the network of the three universities of technology...
(UTBM); - the "Ecole des Hautes Etudes d'Ingénieur" (HEI)in Lille;
- the "Écoles Nationales Supérieures d'Ingénieurs" (ENSI), which encompasses approximately 40 engineering schools, including;
- the École nationale supérieure d'électronique, d'électrotechnique, d'informatique, d'hydraulique, et de télécommunications (ENSEEIHT, nicknamed N7), considered the largest ENSI, with more than 400 graduates every year. It is one of the schools of the INP Toulouse;
- the École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de CaenÉcole nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de CaenThe École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de Caen & Centre de Recherche , which translates as National Graduate School of Engineering & Research Center, is one of the French "grandes écoles ", whose main purpose is to form chemical, electronical, and computer science engineers...
(ENSICAEN); - the École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de Bourges (ENSIB);
- the École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de PoitiersÉcole nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de PoitiersThe école nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de Poitiers is one of the French generalist engineering schools Grandes Ecoles.-History:The school was founded in 1984 and its buildings have been moved in 1996....
(ENSIP); - the École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de Limoges (ENSIL);
- the École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Génie des Systèmes Industriels (ENSGSI);
- the École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Informatique Automatique Mécanique Énergétique Électronique (ENSIAME);
- the Institut polytechnique de Grenoble: includes the Grenoble Institute of Technology, and the Grenoble INP (formerly INPG) which has six departments (ENSIMAG, ENSE3, Phelma, ESISARESISARESISAR is an engineering school of the Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble.- Higher Institute of Engineering in Advanced Systems and Networks :...
, Génie Industriel, Pagora); - the Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine: includes the EEIGM, the European School of Materials Sciences and Engineering, the École Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie et des Industries Alimentaires (ENSAIA, the National School of Agronomy and Food Sciences), the École Nationale Supérieure d'Électricité et de Mécanique (ENSEM, the National School of Electricity and Mechanics), the École Nationale Supérieure de Géologie (ENSG, the National School of Geology), the École Nationale Supérieure en Génie des Systèmes Industriels (ENSGSI, the National School of Industrial Systems Engineering), the École Nationale Supérieure des Industries Chimiques (ENSIC, the National School of Chemical Industries), the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Nancy (ENSMN, the National School of Mines of Nancy) and the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Nancy (ENSA Nancy, the School of Architecture));
- the Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs (ENI) network is a engineer training group:
- the École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de BrestÉcole nationale d'ingénieurs de BrestThe École nationale d'ingénieurs de Brest is a French grande école leading to the French “Diplôme d’Ingénieur” under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research.- Introduction :...
(ENIB); - the École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Metz (ENIM);
- the École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Saint-EtienneENISEENISE : National Engineering School of Saint-ÉtienneENISE is a French public engineering school which offers five-year courses in engineering after the baccalauréat, in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Sensory Engineering.The school delivers the Diplôme d'Ingénieur in...
(ENISE); - the École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de TarbesÉcole nationale d'ingénieurs de TarbesThe Ecole nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tarbes , is a French school of engineering leading to the French “Diplôme d’Ingénieur” under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research and part of the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse. Founded in 1963 about 200 students graduate...
(ENIT); - the École Nationale d'Ingénieurs du Val de Loire (ENIVL);
- the École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Brest
- the Ecole Speciale de Mecanique et d'ElectriciteESME SudriaESME-Sudria is a grande école in sciences & engineering in France, specialised in the field of energy, electronics and information sciences...
also called ESME SudriaESME SudriaESME-Sudria is a grande école in sciences & engineering in France, specialised in the field of energy, electronics and information sciences...
in ParisParisParis is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
since 1905 - the École supérieure d'ingénieurs de recherche en matériaux et en InfoTroniqueESIREMEcole supérieurs d'ingénieurs de recherche en matériaux et en InfoTronique is a French public research engineering school founded in 1991. It is one of the five grandes écoles of University of Burgundy and is located in Dijon, France...
(ESIREM).- the Centre des études supérieures industrielles (CESI);
- the École Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de LuminyEsilEsil is a town in northern-central Kazakhstan. It is the seat of Esil District in Akmola Province. Pop 10,174 . It is located on the right bank of the Ishim River....
(ESIL);
Grandes écoles of acturial sciences, statistics and econometrics:
- the Institut de Science Financiere et d'Assurances (ISFA);
- the Institut de Statistiques de l'Université de Paris (ISUP);
Grandes écoles of chemistry:
- the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de MontpellierÉcole nationale supérieure de chimie de MontpellierThe École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, or ENSCM, is one of the French Grandes Ecoles, situated in Montpellier. Although it may share academic staff and research activities with the University as well as research bodies such as CNRS, the ENSCM has a particular status as an...
(ENSCM); - the École européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux de StrasbourgÉcole européenne de chimie, polymères et matériauxThis school is specialised in Chemistry, Polymers and Materials engineering.*see the french article...
(ECPM);
Grandes écoles of physics:
- the Institut d'Optique Graduate School (IOGS, nicknamed SupOptique);
- the École supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles de la ville de ParisÉcole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de ParisThe école supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles de la ville de Paris or ESPCI ParisTech is a chemistry and physics engineering college run by the city of Paris, France and a member of ParisTech...
(ESPCI ParisTech); - the École nationale supérieure de physique et chimie de Bordeaux (ENSCPB);
- the École nationale supérieure des ingénieurs en arts chimiques et technologiquesÉcole nationale supérieure des ingénieurs en arts chimiques et technologiquesINP-ENSIACET is a high-level selective institute. It is part of the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse , which includes 3 other grandes écoles: INP-ENSAT, INP-ENSEEIHT and INP-ENIT....
(ENSIACET, nicknamed A7), also part of the INP Toulouse; - the École supérieure de chimie physique électronique de Lyon (ESCPE, or CPE-Lyon);
- the École nationale supérieure de l'électronique et de ses ApplicationsENSEAÉcole Nationale Supérieure de l'Electronique et de ses Applications is a graduate school of electrical engineering and computer science, located in Cergy close to Paris in France....
(ENSEA). - the Institut des sciences de l'ingénieur de Toulon et du VarInstitut des sciences de l'ingénieur de Toulon et du VarThe Institute of Engineering Sciences of Toulon and the Var is a French public engineering school. It offers a diploma recognized by the Commission of Registered Engineers. It is located in the south of France, between Toulon and Hyères, on the French Riviera...
(ISITV).
Grandes écoles of information technology and telecommunications:
- Telecom Bretagne (ex - ENST BRETAGNE), part of Institut TELECOMInstitut TELECOMThe Institut Telecom was created in December 1996 as an administrative public establishment assuring the management of several higher education establishments and of French research in the sector of the Information Technology and Telecommunications.Institut Telecom's mission lies in higher...
). - TELECOM Lille1TELECOM Lille 1TELECOM Lille 1 is a French public grande école . TELECOM Lille 1 is located on the campus of Lille University of Science and Technology in Villeneuve d'Ascq near Lille...
, part of Institut TELECOMInstitut TELECOMThe Institut Telecom was created in December 1996 as an administrative public establishment assuring the management of several higher education establishments and of French research in the sector of the Information Technology and Telecommunications.Institut Telecom's mission lies in higher...
. On the campus of University of Lille 1. - Telecom SudParis (ex - Telecom INT), part of Institut TELECOMInstitut TELECOMThe Institut Telecom was created in December 1996 as an administrative public establishment assuring the management of several higher education establishments and of French research in the sector of the Information Technology and Telecommunications.Institut Telecom's mission lies in higher...
). On the campus of Telecom & Management SudParis. - the École supérieure d'informatique, électronique et automatique (ESIEA).
- the École supérieure d'ingénieurs en électronique et électrotechnique (ESIEE).
- the École nationale supérieure d'électronique, informatique et radiocommunications de Bordeaux (ENSEIRB).
- the École Supérieure d'Informatique et Applications de LorraineÉcole Supérieure d'Informatique et Applications de LorraineLocated in the scientific campus of the Université Henri Poincaré, the École Supérieure d'Informatique et Applications de Lorraine is one of the French state-funded Grandes écoles of engineering , specialized in Computer science, accredited by the It was created in 1990 and is based in Nancy,...
(ESIAL); - the École supérieure d'ingénieurs en génie électrique (ESIGELEC).
- the École supérieure d'ingénieurs en informatique et génie des télécommunicationsÉcole supérieure d'ingénieurs en informatique et génie des télécommunicationsESIGETEL was founded in 1986 by the Melun Chamber of Commerce...
(ESIGETEL). - the École d'ingénieurs des technologies de l'information et du managementEFREIEFREI is a French private engineering school located in Villejuif, Île-de-France, at the south of Paris. Its courses, specializing in computer science and management, are taught with support from the state...
(EFREIEFREIEFREI is a French private engineering school located in Villejuif, Île-de-France, at the south of Paris. Its courses, specializing in computer science and management, are taught with support from the state...
). - the École Internationale des Sciences du Traitement de l'Information (EISTI).
- the École nationale supérieure d'informatique pour l'industrie et l'enterprise (ENSIIE, previously IIE);
- the Institut Superieur d'electronique de ParisISEPISEP might be referring to:*Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto or Porto Superior Institute of Engineering is a higher learning Porto Polytechnic Institute in Porto, Portugal.*International Students Exchange Program...
(ISEP). - the Institut Superieur de l'electronique et du numeriqueIsenThe river Isen occurs in J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth.The Isen began in the southern Misty Mountains, first flowing south through the fortress of Isengard to the White Mountains, where it abruptly bent west and flowed to the sea of Belegaer...
(ISEN). - the Institut Supérieur d'Informatique, de Modélisation et de leurs Applications (ISIMA).
- the Institut des Sciences et Techniques des YvelinesISTYThe Institut des Sciences et Techniques des Yvelines or ISTY is a French public engineering school specialized in the field of computer science and mechatronics....
(ISTY).
Grandes écoles of applied physics and technology or civil and industrial engineering:
- the École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État (ENTPE, nicknamed TPE, civil engineering);
- the École spéciale des travaux publics, du Bâtiment et de l'IndustrieÉcole spéciale des travaux publicsÉcole Spéciale des Travaux Publics, du bâtiment et de l'industrie , is a technical college in Paris, founded in 1891 by Léon Eyrolles and was officially recognized by the State in 1921. It is one of the French generalist engineering Grandes écoles...
(ESTP, civil engineering); - the Ecole des ingenieurs de la Ville de ParisEcole des ingenieurs de la Ville de ParisThe École des ingénieurs de la ville de Paris is the only French « Grande Ecole d'Ingenieurs»,with an emphasis on urban engineering. Supportedby the City of Paris, this higher education school is amember of the PRES Paris-Est, along with the Ecole des Ponts....
(EIVP) ; - the École Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et des MicrotechniquesÉcole Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et des MicrotechniquesThe École Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et des Microtechniques is a French school of engineering. It is part of Polyméca, a network of schools focusing on mechanical engineering.- History :...
(ENSMM); - the École nationale supérieure des ingénieurs des études et techniques d'armementÉcole nationale supérieure des ingénieurs des études et techniques d'armementThe Superior National School of Advanced Techniques of Brittany often referred as ENSTA Bretagne formerly ENSIETA is a French grande école of engineering. The ENSTA Bretagne is a higher education establishment run under the supervision of the French ministry of defence...
(ENSIETA), training French military engineers (25%) and civilian engineers (75%); - the École nationale de l'aviation civileÉcole Nationale de l'Aviation CivileThe ' is a French and a national French civil aeronautics academy .It was founded in 1949 in Paris Orly and moved to Toulouse in 1968....
(ENAC), civilian air academy, also recruits Taupins. - The Institut Polytechnique des Sciences AvancéesInstitut Polytechnique des Sciences AvancéesIPSA, Institut Polytechnique des Sciences Avancées, is a French private grande école in aeronautical and space engineering located at Ivry-sur-Seine and Toulouse, certified by the State since 2010 and by Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur since 2011....
(IPSA), aeronautical and space engineering
Grandes écoles of biology and natural sciences:
- the other Écoles nationales supérieures d'agronomie (ENSA : Paris (APT), Montpellier (SupAgro), Rennes (AgrocampusOuest), Toulouse (ENSAT), Nancy (ENSAIA));
- the École nationale supérieure de géologie (ENSG), whose graduates are Géoliens;
- the Ecole et Observatoire des Sciences de la TerreEcole et Observatoire des Sciences de la TerreThe Ecole et Observatoire des Sciences de la Terre is a French Grande Ecole specialized in Earth sciences and accredited to deliver European University degrees, such as the Licence/Master/Doctorat, but also the French Diplôme d'Ingénieur...
(EOST), whose graduates are Eostiens; - the École de Biologie IndustrielleÉcole de biologie industrielleEBI is a Grande Ecole d'Ingénieurs funded in 1992, providing courses in Industrial Engineering with a strong focus on Biological Engineering....
(EBI), whose graduates are Ebistes; - the École d'Ingénieur de Purpan (EIPurpan), formerly École Supérieure d'Agriculture de Purpan (ESAP);
- the École nationale supérieure d'horticultureL'École Nationale Supérieure d'HorticultureL'École Nationale Supérieure d'Horticulture was a French grande écoleThe Grandes Écoles of France are higher education establishments outside the main framework of the French university system...
(ENSH)
Business schools (grandes écoles de commerce)
Most French business schools are partly privately run, often by the regional chambers of commerceChamber of commerce
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
. The three most prestigious and selective management schools are the "Trois Parisiennes", located in the Paris Metropolitan area.
The "Trois Parisiennes":
- École des hautes études commerciales (HEC)
- ESSECESSECESSEC is one of the foremost business schools and Grandes Écoles in France and one of Europe’s top business schools. It was created by Jesuits in 1907 and was originally located in the heart of Paris, next to the University of Paris II: Panthéon-Assas, rue d'Assas...
Business School - ESCP Europe School of Management
Other grandes écoles de commerce are found outside Paris, some highly selective like:
- EMLYON Business SchoolÉcole de Management de LyonEMLYON Business School is a French business school. It was founded in Lyon in 1872 by the local business community, and is affiliated to the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It has triple accreditation: EQUIS by the EFMD, AMBA, and the AACSB.-Campuses:EMLYON has three campuses...
- École de Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord (EDHEC)
- Audencia School of ManagementAudenciaAudencia Nantes School of Management is one of the foremost business schools in France, accredited by EQUIS , AACSB and AMBA...
- Grenoble Ecole de ManagementGrenoble école de managementGrenoble Ecole de Management also known as Grenoble EM or Grenoble School of Management, was founded in 1984 by the local chamber of commerce...
- Reims Management SchoolReims Management SchoolReims Management School is a business school or grande école in Reims, France, consisting of four smaller schools offering several specialized programs. Founded in 1928, it is one of the few business schools worldwide to gain triple accreditation by the European EFMD , the British AMBA, and the...
- Rouen Business SchoolÉcole Supérieure de Commerce de RouenThe Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Rouen is a leading French business school.ESC Rouen's quality is recognized at European level through its EQUIS accreditation and its Financial Times' ranking 13th position best European Master in Management...
Political and social sciences grandes écoles
- Sciences Po Paris, formerly also known as Institut d'Études Politiques de ParisInstitut d'Études Politiques de ParisThe Institut d'études politiques de Paris , simply referred to as Sciences Po , is a public research and higher education institution in Paris, France, specialised in the social sciences. It has the status of grand établissement, which allows its admissions process to be highly selective...
, is one of the best known French Grande Ecoles, located in Paris 7th arrondissement, popularly called Sciences Po.
Sciences Po has long trained French and international political and economic elites: specifically the two immediate past French presidents (Jacques Chirac
Jacques Chirac
Jacques René Chirac is a French politician who served as President of France from 1995 to 2007. He previously served as Prime Minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988 , and as Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.After completing his studies of the DEA's degree at the...
and François Mitterrand
François Mitterrand
François Maurice Adrien Marie Mitterrand was the 21st President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra, serving from 1981 until 1995. He is the longest-serving President of France and, as leader of the Socialist Party, the only figure from the left so far elected President...
), thirteen past or present French prime ministers
Prime Minister of France
The Prime Minister of France in the Fifth Republic is the head of government and of the Council of Ministers of France. The head of state is the President of the French Republic...
, twelve past or present foreign heads of state or government, and a former United Nations Secretary-General
United Nations Secretary-General
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is the head of the Secretariat of the United Nations, one of the principal organs of the United Nations. The Secretary-General also acts as the de facto spokesperson and leader of the United Nations....
. Nearly every French politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
or diplomat
Diplomat
A diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and...
has attended Sciences Po since its inception. The school deliver a generalist program centred around political sciences, history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
, sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
, economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
but also communications, finance, business, urban policy, management, and journalism.
- After WWII, other IEPs based on the modell of Sciences Po were created in other parts of France and are located at Aix-en-ProvenceInstitut d'études politiques d'Aix-en-ProvenceThe Institut d'études politiques d'Aix-en-Provence , also known as the Institut d'études politiques or "Sciences Po Aix", is a grande école in political sciences, established in 1956 in the premises of the former Faculty of Law of the Université de Provence, France...
, BordeauxInstitut d'études politiques de BordeauxSciences Po Bordeaux, or Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux, is a French political science grande école situated on the university campus of Pessac, 8 km from the centre of Bordeaux and is attached to the Montesquieu University - Bordeaux IV. It was established in 1948...
, GrenobleInstitut d'études politiques de GrenobleThe Grenoble Institute of Political Studies , also known as Sciences Po Grenoble, is a political science grande école located in the campus of the University of Grenoble in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France...
, LilleInstitut d'études politiques de LilleSciences Po - Institut d'Études Politiques de Lille , officially referred to as Sciences Po Lille , is part of the highly selective grandes écoles and is located in Lille, France...
, LyonInstitut d'études politiques de LyonThe Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Lyon also known as Sciences Po Lyon, was established following an executive decree by General de Gaulle in 1946. This prestigious and highly selective institute is modeled on the former Paris "École Libre des Sciences Politiques"...
, RennesInstitut d'études politiques de RennesThe Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Rennes also known as Sciences Po Rennes, was established in 1991 in Brittany's regional capital, Rennes. This prestigious and highly selective institute is modeled on the former Paris "École Libre des Sciences Politiques"...
, StrasbourgInstitut d'études politiques de StrasbourgThe Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Strasbourg, also known as IEP Strasbourg or Sciences Po Strasbourg was the second IEP, founded on October 9, 1945, after the IEP Paris . Since January 1, 2009, it is part of University of Strasbourg, the largest university in France...
and Toulouse.
Grandes écoles without preparatory classes
Some schools are accessible after a competitive entrance exam directly after the baccalauréatBaccalauréat
The baccalauréat , often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée . It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies...
. Often, students of these schools will progress to an administrative school.
These schools include:
- École du LouvreÉcole du LouvreThe École du Louvre is an institution of higher education and French Grande École located in the Aile de Flore of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France, and is dedicated to the study of archaeology, art history, anthropology and epigraphy....
, for archaeologyArchaeologyArchaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
, history of artHistory of artThe History of art refers to visual art which may be defined as any activity or product made by humans in a visual form for aesthetical or communicative purposes, expressing ideas, emotions or, in general, a worldview...
and anthropologyAnthropologyAnthropology is the study of humanity. It has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos , "man", understood to mean mankind or humanity, and -logia , "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German...
; - École Nationale Supérieure des Arts DécoratifsÉcole nationale supérieure des arts décoratifsThe École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs is a public university of art and design and is one of the most prestigious French grande école...
, - École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-ArtsÉcole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-ArtsThe École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts is the distinguished National School of Fine Arts in Paris, France.The École des Beaux-arts is made up of a vast complex of buildings located at 14 rue Bonaparte, between the quai Malaquais and the rue Bonaparte, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Près,...
, best-known as "les Beaux-Arts" (for fine arts); - École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de VersaillesÉcole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de VersaillesThe École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Versailles or ENSAV is a French architectural school located at the ancient stables of the Versailles Palace. The school was founded in 1969 after the suppression of the École des beaux-arts architecture section...
(ENSAV), for architectureArchitectureArchitecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
; - Instituts Nationaux des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) in Lyon, RennesINSA RennesThe Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rennes or INSA de Rennes is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs, a School of Engineering, under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research and part of the INSA's network....
, Rouen, Strasbourg, ToulouseINSA ToulouseThe Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse or INSA Toulouse is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs, an engineering university, under the authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research and part of the INSA's network...
, delivering diplôme d'ingénieurDiplôme d'IngénieurThe diplôme d'ingénieur is a French diploma of higher education awarded by French Écoles d'Ingénieurs which can be independent schools of engineering or universities with internal school of engineering . This diploma confers the academic title of Ingénieur diplômé de [name of the awarding...
degrees in five years including two preparatory years. The three remaining years are also accessible after selection for the best students graduating a first cycle university diploma, or from institutes of technology;
- Universités de TechnologiesUniversité de TechnologieThe Universities of Technology are public institutions awarding degrees and diplomas that are accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research...
(UTC, UTT, UTBM) in Compiègne, TroyesUniversity of Technology of TroyesThe University of Technology of Troyes is a French university, in the Academy of Reims.The UTT is part of the network of the three universities of technology, found by the University of Technology of Compiègne...
, BelfortUniversité de technologie de Belfort-MontbéliardThe University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard is a university of engineering located in Belfort and Montbéliard, France. The University of technology of Belfort-Montbéliard is part of the network of the three universities of technology...
, are also independent national schools delivering diplôme d'ingénieurDiplôme d'IngénieurThe diplôme d'ingénieur is a French diploma of higher education awarded by French Écoles d'Ingénieurs which can be independent schools of engineering or universities with internal school of engineering . This diploma confers the academic title of Ingénieur diplômé de [name of the awarding...
and selecting students that graduated baccalaureat with top honours.
Administrative schools
These schools train students for civil service and other public-sector positions. Some students in these schools do end up working in the private sector. All are very selective, the most selective being the École Nationale du Patrimoine, which enrolls about 1.5% of its candidates with a minimum of a master's degree. A large cohort of its alumni joinins the government and many have served in the cabinet. Most students follow a one year dedicated training course to progress to IEJs - Instituts d'études judiciaires (French law schools), IEPs - Instituts d'Études Politiques like Sciences Po - or other dedicated programs. Most of these schools are reserved for French citizens:- École Nationale d'AdministrationÉcole nationale d'administrationThe École Nationale d'Administration , one of the most prestigious of French graduate schools , was created in 1945 by Charles de Gaulle to democratise access to the senior civil service. It is now entrusted with the selection and initial training of senior French officials...
(Strasbourg) (ENA), whose alumni are known as énarques and generally take up high-level management positions in government, ministries, political parties and institutions; - École Nationale de la Magistrature (Bordeaux) (ENM), which trains magistrates;
- École Nationale des Impôts (Clermont-Ferrand) (ENI), which translates as "National Tax School";
- École Nationale du Patrimoine (Paris) (ENP), which trains curators;
- École Nationale Supérieure des Sciences de l'Information et des Bibliothèques (Lyon) (ENSSIB), which trains library and information managers
- École Nationale Supérieure de Police (Saint-Cyr au Mont D'Or near Lyon) (ENSP), i.e. national police force school;
- École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (Rennes) (http://www.ehesp.fr), trains managers of hospitals and other leaders and technical experts in health care.
Military officer academies
While École Polytechnique, also known as X, is run by the Ministry of Defence and its French students are reserve officers in training, it is no longer formally denominated as a military academyMilitary academy
A military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps of the army, the navy, air force or coast guard, which normally provides education in a service environment, the exact definition depending on the country concerned.Three...
. A small number of its students progress to military careers, while between a fifth and a quarter progress to working for the State's technical administrations.
- The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-CyrÉcole Spéciale Militaire de Saint-CyrThe École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr is the foremost French military academy. Its official name is . It is often referred to as Saint-Cyr . Its motto is "Ils s'instruisent pour vaincre": literally "They study to vanquish" or "Training for victory"...
, formerly located in Saint-Cyr-l'ÉcoleSaint-Cyr-l'ÉcoleSaint-Cyr-l'École is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris.It used to host the training school for officers of the French army, the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr , which was relocated to Coëtquidan in 1945.The old buildings of the ESM are...
but now in CoëtquidanCoëtquidanCamp Coëtquidan is a French military educational facility located in Guer, Morbihan département, in Brittany, France...
in Brittany, is the Army Academy. Nicknamed Saint-Cyr, its graduates and students are cyrards but are generally referred as saint-cyriens; - The École de l'Air (EA) is the Air Force Academy, located in Salon-de-Provence. It is nicknamed Salon and its graduates and students are called zizis;
- The École NavaleÉcole NavaleThe École Navale is the French Naval Academy in charge of the education of the officers of the French Navy.The academy was founded in 1830 by the order of King Louis-Philippe...
(EN) is nicknamed Navale and its graduates and students are Bordaches.
Influence in French culture
The top rated schools are truly elitist: the students of the top grandes écoles equal to around 1% of French higher education nationwide and fewer than 5,000 students graduate from them every year. This dozen of schools, which the French praise for being "généralistes", i.e. interdisciplinary, have traditionally produced most of France's high ranking civil servants, politicians and executives and many scientists and philosophers.
- The top twelve engineering schools listed in the l'Etudiant magazine rankings only admitted a total of 2,100 students in their 2009 class.
- The top four business schools (HEC - ESSEC - ESCP Europe - EMLYON Business School) 2009 incoming class has a total of 1,500 students.
- Sciences Po Paris admitted around 1,200 students in its 2009 incoming class.
- Ecole Normales Paris (Ulm), Cachan and Lyon offer admission to only 340 students.
- ENA's incoming class has 110 students, among which 30 foreigners.
This is a total of 5,250 students admitted to the most prestigious Grandes Ecoles in 2009, roughly the same as 2008. 5,250 represents roughly 1% (1.05%) of the number of people graduating from French high schools (500,000) each year.
See also
- Education in FranceEducation in FranceThe French educational system is highly centralized, organized, and ramified. It is divided into three different stages:* the primary education ;* secondary education ;...
- List of universities in France
- List of public universities in France
- Grands établissementsGrands établissementsThe grands établissements are French public institutions under ministerial charter under the administrative category referred to as Établissements publics à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel...