French vs American degrees? Understanding the similarities and differences is crucial for any American student considering studying and living in France.
Keep reading to discover how French degrees compare to American degrees and learn about their equivalencies in the United States.
The American system
The American education system is characterized by decentralization, offering flexibility in curriculum design and degree programs.
Higher education typically follows a 4-year undergraduate structure, culminating in a bachelor’s degree, followed by various graduate programs such as master’s and doctoral degrees.
In the United States, students have the freedom to choose their major after enrolling and American universities typically place a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and student engagement.
The French system
The French education system is more centralized. The higher education structure includes 3 main cycles: the Licence (bachelor’s), Master (master’s), and Doctorat (PhD).
French students typically begin specializing in their field of study earlier and French universities tends to focus more on the quality of education and rigor than on extracurriculars activities or student engagement.
Differences between the French and American systems
The primary differences between the American and French educational systems lie in their duration, structure and approach to specialization. The American system offers a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, while the French Licence is typically completed in 3 years. The American system fosters a broader educational experience, while French system, has a more rigid approach with a focus on deep academic knowledge in specific fields and earlier specialization.
Additionally, one of the most striking differences between the French and American education systems is the cost. On average, students in France pay €2,850 per year for a Licence (bachelor’s) degree and €3,879 per year for a Master’s degree.
Similarities between the French and American systems
The American and French educational systems also share several key similarities. Both systems offer equivalent levels of education: undergraduate (Bachelor’s/License), graduate (Master’s/Master), and doctoral (PhD/Doctorat). Degrees from both systems are widely recognized internationally, facilitating student mobility and career opportunities across borders.
Transferring a French degree and university credits
The French Licence is typically equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, though it is often completed in 3 years, compared to the 4 years required in the United States. The French Master aligns with the Master’s degree, and the French Doctorat corresponds to a Ph.D. in the United States.
Each semester completed in France awards up to 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, which are valid internationally and can be transferred to other countries, including the United States.
- A Bachelor’s degree requires the successful completion of 6 semesters, resulting in 180 ECTS credits.
- An additional 4 semesters are required to obtain a Master’s, with an additional 120 ECTS credits.
- A Doctorate is awarded after the successful completion of 16 semesters, totaling 480 ECTS credits.
Learn more about the European Credit Transfer System here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/european-credit-system-ects/
Equivalences between the French and American degrees
Diploma equivalency between the United States and France is not always straightforward, but there are frameworks in place for comparing degrees.
The United States and France have agreements through the ENIC-NARIC agency (European Network of Information Centres in the European Region and the National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the EU). This agency provides information on the equivalency of academic qualifications between the two countries, helping facilitate the recognition of degrees.
How to find the right program in France
Dreaming of studying in France but unsure where to begin? Whether you’re looking for a university program or the best language immersion experience, we’re here to help!
Read more about finding the right university program here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/find-the-right-university-program-in-france/ and for personalized assistance with any aspect of studying in France, feel free to contact us anytime!
