Academics in the French HE system

Researchers, Students
Pays concerné(s)
Philippines

Overview of the French higher education's calendar and grading system (may differ from one institution to another) 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

In France, the academic year begins in September or October, depending on the institution and program. There are a handful of school breaks, including a few weeks at year-end (December to January. The end of each semester is marked by an exam period. The summer holidays start in May or June, which mark the end of the academic year. In general, these holidays last at least two months.

Course organization

  • Degree: formed by a certain number of modules
  • Modules: sets of related subject (most are required, others are optional or electives)
2020 student life academics

Grading system (20-point scale)

  • 16–20: very good (très bien)
  • 14–15.9: good (bien)
  • 12–13.9: satisfactory (assez bien)
  • 10–11.9: correct (passable)
  • 0–9.9: fail (insuffisant)

Note:

Many French higher education institutions do not confer latin honors upon graduation 

Evaluating student performance

Continuous assessment

  • quizzes, class participation
  • papers, reports, presentations (solo or group work

Exams (written or oral)

  • midterms, finals (at the end of each semester)

Final project (optional)