If you wish to study computer sciences in France, you will be asked to choose between two major types of establishments: universities and engineering schools.
University Studies in France
Most international students (82%) attend universities (fiche 6) and equivalent establishments, while 9% head for engineering schools. A far smaller number can be found in the higher technical degree programmes (STS) and preparatory classes leading to France's elite Grandes Ecoles schools (CPGE, 4%).
Note also that the higher education system has just been restructured in France, pursuant to the European movement to harmonise teaching at this level. Now, it is aligned along the LMD (License, Master's, Doctorate) system, which operates on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This makes it possible to assess all of the work performed by a student over the course of a semester (coursework, guided undertakings, hands-on work, internships, papers, projects, etc.). The advantage of this system is that the credits can be transferred and added up, regardless of what European country they were earned in. Though awarded by different European universities, the credits can be added up to make a diploma. Note, however, that the credits can only be transferred from university to university if the faculty responsible for the new degree programme gives its approval. Moreover, not many European countries have fully reformed their system in line with the European system. As of 2004, only Italy had completed an in-depth reform of its system!
Leaving On a Programme or An Agreement
Leaving alone, without any structure, is of course possible. But you'll waste a lot of time, when there are simple answers awaiting you. The EU (European Union), for instance, has set up a number of programmes offering as many opportunities for European students to make their move under positive conditions. One example, integrated into the Socrates Programme, is Erasmus, the largest student exchange programme set up by the Commission of the European Communities. To learn more about it, visit: www.europa.eu.int. In addition, the new programme, 'Erasmus Mundus' is aimed at allowing students from the world over to take part in postgraduate studies in European universities. In France, around ten establishments offer Master's programmes bearing the Eurasmus Mundus label (europa.eu.int).
You can also take advantage of the agreements signed between foreign and French engineering schools and earn a double degree. Coming on such a programme would make many procedures much easier, as you would be selected in your country.
Tip: Securing an Equivalency
There exist no automatic equivalencies between the degrees and diplomas earned abroad and French diplomas.
If you wish to enter a French university and hold a higher education diploma, you will need to send a diploma recognition application or request for exemption from a degree requirement, to the academics department of the training or research unit (UFR) in charge of diploma you wish to earn. Each university determines its own admission criteria. If you wish to enter an elite Grandes Ecoles school or specialised school, each establishment will inform you of the appropriate procedures and its deadlines. All of the contact information for French establishments can be found on this Web site, in the "Educational programme Directory" section.
Helpful Tip: On its bilingual French-English Web site, Egide publishes a comprehensive Guide de l'étudiant étranger, with a comparison of French and Anglo-Saxon diplomas (www.egide.asso.fr).