1) University
Universities in France basically have the same structure as Malaysian or American universities. They are formed by numerous departments such as Engineering department, Language department etc. Most foreign students currently in France are enrolled in universities. Admission is based on Baccalauréat. Basically, all the students who pass their Baccalauréat will gain an admission into a university. However, the accreditation system is different. While most Malaysian universities use CGPA, French universities use credits and average. These credits are then exchangeable between institutions or departments. For example would be a student who has passed his first year may change his course and enrol directly in the 2nd year. However, these are subject to decisions made by a jury panel. Often, it is a case-by-case study and students’ achievement in extra-curricular activities might play a decisive role. French universities deliver various degrees. After 2 years of foundation studies, the students get a DEUG [3]. Students can then continue their 3rd year but in a more specific field. At the end of the third year, they are entitled for a License [4]. After that, they may pursue to Maîtrise [5]. For those who would like to pursue a higher degree, then they can apply for a DEA or a DESS [6] and of course there is the final level of Doctorate. Admission is not necessarily during the first year. One can enrol directly in any year but as stated earlier, this is subject to decision by a panel jury. Criteria are so vast but previous educational level is a sure one.

2) Grandes Ecoles
Grandes Ecoles are uniquely French institutions which offer specialised course at a very high standard. Admission to these institutions is very strict. Some of these institutions enjoy a very prestigious status such as the Ecole Centrale, Polytechnique (also known as The X) and HEC (Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales [7]) .There is a huge variety of courses offered by Grandes Ecoles but the most common courses are engineering and commerce. However, there are also Grandes Ecoles which specialise in art, law, aviation, military, etc.. There are more than 200 Grandes Ecoles for engineering studies itself. However, a Grande Ecole in engineering does not offer all type of engineering courses though. Generally, a Grande Ecole is specialised in one or two field of engineering. To cite an example, my Grande Ecole is specialised in electronics engineering. In contrary to universities, most Grandes Ecoles offer a more practical approach to education. Nearly 30-40% of the course will be in industrial environment and laboratories. While it is not necessarily true in general, Grandes Ecoles often have substantial budget compared to universities (in terms of per student budget). They enjoy bigger and better facilities too through partnership with industries [8]. There are 2 major course structures of Grandes Ecoles. The first one is a 2+3 program. The first two years, students must follow a 2 year preparation class (class prépa as they called in French). These preparation classes are usually conducted in high schools after Baccalauréat. At the end of the 2nd year, students will apply for their selected Grandes Ecoles and they will have to sit for an examination (this exam is conducted by the Grande Ecole. Each has their own admission examinations) as well as interviews. Places are very limited in Grandes Ecoles, therefore tough selection is to be expected. Another type of Grandes Ecoles course structure is the 5 year program. Students are admitted directly after Baccalauréat and the first 2 years will be foundation classes. However, due to specialisation, at the end of the 2nd year, it is very hard to change to another Grandes Ecoles because the foundation classes are usually designed to meet the Grandes Ecoles specialisation. For example, in my Grande Ecole, the first two years, the foundation classes were already oriented towards electronics and engineering. Therefore, if I were to change to mechanical engineering after two years, I would not be able to do so or I will have to start from the beginning which means I will lose the two years (of course, I gained in term of knowledge). Engineering sectors in France have a tendency to prefer graduates from Grandes Ecoles in comparison with a university engineering graduate. One of the reasons behind this is that Grandes Ecole students will most probably have at least a semester long internship experience. The majority of Grandes Ecoles impose a compulsory internship during the course. To give you an example during my 5 year course, about a year is spent on internships and industrial project partnership. While every engineering schools must obtain recognition from the CTI (Commision des titres d’ingenieurs) [9] in order to bear the Grandes Ecoles d’Ingénieurs title, recognition from other country is variable. Acoording to the degree standardisation among the members of the European Union, a graduate from my Grande Ecole will receive an equivalent of a Master of Science in engineering. That means the Diplôme d’Ingénieur is recognised as a master’s degree in most of the European countries as well as in the other part of the world. Equivalent recognitions often are made through MoU and exchange programme. As for Malaysia, the recognition of this degree as a master’s degree is under progress and expected to be achieved by the end of this year.

3) Institutions of Technological Education (IUT)
IUT are developed in the seventies in order to provide a shorter and practical approach tertiary education system. IUT’s programs are shorter (2 years) and are industry-bias oriented. After two years of successful studies, students in the IUT receive DUT [11]. One might find IUT quite similar to the former ITM before they have been upgraded to university status. Those who graduated from the IUT may find work easier than those who have DEUG from university. Moreover, DUT holders can apply to 3rd year in Grandes Ecoles or if they want, to Licence in universities.

Note:
[1] Diplôme d’Ingénieur is the French engineering degree obtained after a minimum of 5 years studies after the Baccalauréat [2].