The French education system consists of 3 main stages : primary education, secondary education and higher education
At the end of their secondary education (high school cycle), students must validate a national exam called “Baccaulauréat” at the age of 18 years old. Then they can choose to pursue their education on a vocational program or an academic diploma in different types of institutions.
There are 3 levels in the Higher education system in France:
- 1st level – ‘grade Licence’ – Bachelor’s level: 3 years of study
- 2nd level – ‘grade Master’ – Master’s level: 2 years of study
- 3rd level – ‘grade Doctorat’ – Phd level: 3 years of study
Specific academic calendar:
| Autumn semester | Spring semester | Summer break |
| From September to December or January | From January or February to June | From June to August |
| Holidays at ESA | |
| All Saints | Late October: 1 week |
| Christmas | End of December/early January: 1 week |
| Winter break | February: 1 or 2 weeks depending on the program |
| Easter | April: 1 week |