Everything you need to know about admission requirements, duration, organization and studies in French, pace of work, joining a Grande École…

1. Duration of the study

The preparatory classes last for two (2) years and allow only one year of repetition. Those who repeat a second year will be redirected to universities.

2. Pace of work

– A busy schedule and a considerable amount of personal work. Preparing for the competitive entrance exam requires a sustained rythm. A student in a preparatory class is expected to work work up to 60 hours a week, including both classes and personal work.

– The preparatory class allows students to acquire rigorous work methods that will be useful for the rest of their studies, but also in their later working lives.

– The regular evaluation and examination of students allows the control the learning objectives ensures a smooth progression of knowledge acquisitions.

– French is the medium of instruction, therefore, students must have a good command of this language.

3. Organization of the studies

– The preparatory classes are integrated into the framework of the national schools of higher education, with small class sizes and reinforced pedagogical supervision.

– Faculty of the preparatory classes are available, play the role of tutors, receive students individually who seek advice and accompany them in their studies.

– The timetable is divided between classes, tutorials and continuous assessment.

-The preparatory classes must allow the student to pass the entrance exam to the higher schools.

4. Professional discovery

There are no internships during the two years. These classes are a preparation for the entrance exam to the Grandes Ecoles and the teaching is theoretical (with a substantial part in practical laboratory work for a better learning).

5. Student progression

– The passage towards the second year is subject to semester exams and continuous assessment.

– Repeating a year is not allowed, except in special cases (illness, accident or major family problems). At the end of the preparatory classes, a certificate describing the student’s progress is issued. This system allows those who wish to join a university bachelor’s degree to validate their achievements and obtain credit for equivalent courses universities.

Admission

– Baccalaureate grade depending on the baccalaureat option, and the available sitting places in the school. To be eligible to apply, students must have an average of at least 13/20 for Mathematics and Techniques Mathematics baccalaureate and 14/20 for a baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences. These grades can change and are indicated in the orientation circular for new baccalaureate students issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research every year.

Degrees

The preparatory classes do not lead to a degree, but give right to credits that can be used in the LMD university system; the preparatory classes validate 120 credits at the end of the 2 years of study which allow them to obtain equivalences in case of reorientation.

What’s next?

The national schools of higher education recruits only students from preparatory classes and those from universities after they have passed the competitive entrance examination to the Grandes Ecoles based on tests or qualifications.

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