According to andyeducation, the educational system in France is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and higher education. Primary education begins at age six and lasts for five years. After completing primary school, students may attend either a collège (middle school) or lycée (high school). Middle school lasts four years and prepares students for the national baccalaureate exam. Passing this exam grants them access to higher education, which includes universities and specialized schools. Universities are divided into grandes écoles and universités. Grandes écoles are more selective than universités, but both offer a range of degree programs in fields such as sciences, humanities, arts, business, economics, engineering, law, medicine, and more. Additionally, France has a wide variety of specialized schools that offer specific training in such areas as architecture or engineering. The French government has enacted several measures to ensure quality in its educational system. In addition to providing financial support for students from low-income households through scholarships and grants, the government also provides funding for research initiatives at universities and encourages collaboration between public institutions and private companies. Furthermore, the government has implemented programs to promote diversity in higher education by encouraging underrepresented groups such as women or ethnic minorities to pursue higher degrees. Finally, the French government also offers incentives for students who wish to pursue international studies or internships abroad by providing them with financial aid packages tailored to their needs. See educationvv for France educational systems.
