Source：
Study Abroad No.17, 2023
Author：
BIAN Cui
Abstract:
The Dual-Track System of Coexisting Universities and Grandes Écoles: A Unique Feature of France’s Higher Education System. On one hand, universities, as the primary vehicle for mass education, offer a comprehensive range of disciplines and operate on a large scale. Except for Catholic universities, most higher education institutions in France are public universities. On the other hand, grandes écoles (elite higher education institutions) focus on specialized fields such as engineering and management, and are typically smaller in scale. Well-known examples include École Polytechnique and École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris. Of course, beyond these two types of institutions, France also has a number of specialized colleges. While admission mechanisms vary across different types of higher education institutions, overall, France has developed diversified admission methods that are based on the baccalauréat (commonly known as the Bac) and balance equity and excellence.
