What is a bachelor's degree equivalent to in france and abroad ?

A degree generally equivalent to a licence 

A bachelor’s degree is a post-secondary program lasting 3 or 4 years. It’s awarded by business or management schools, often referred to as business schools. The degree offers students career-focused training with an international dimension, helping them integrate more easily into the job market. 

In France, the bachelor’s degree is usually registered at Level 6 of the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP), which equates to a degree at the bac+3 or bac+4 level (three or four years post-high school). 

The Licence and BUT (Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie) are also classified at Level 6 in the RNCP. While equivalent in academic level, the bachelor differs from these programs in its curriculum, job prospects, and teaching methods. 

The French Licence is more deeply rooted in the national university system and emphasizes theoretical and general education. It’s a nationally recognized degree with licence-grade status. 

After earning a Licence, students typically pursue a master’s degree, prepare for competitive exams, or engage in academic research. In contrast, the bachelor’s degree is designed to lead to immediate employment, though graduates can also continue into a master’s program for further specialization. 

The BUT is also a national degree with licence-grade status, completed in 3 years. Its career opportunities are similar to the bachelor: either entering the workforce or pursuing further studies. 

What are the equivalents in other education systems? 

Bachelor’s degrees are now well established in France, but they don’t always have an equivalent in other countries with different educational systems. 

In the European Union, the Bologna Process (Licence – Master – Doctorat) helps facilitate diploma recognition between countries. In these systems, a bachelor’s degree is often seen as a first-cycle university degree, equivalent to the French Licence. 

In Asia, the bachelor’s degree exists but differs by country. In Japan and China, for instance, bachelor’s degrees typically last 4 years. This equates to a French Licence +1, or a bac+4 level.  

In India, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs last 3 or 4 years depending on the major. Regardless of the country, students who earn a bachelor’s degree in Asia usually need to go through a diploma recognition process to access second-cycle studies in France. 

In French-speaking Africa, many countries (Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal) have also adopted the LMD system. This helps facilitate academic recognition between African and French institutions. 

There, the bachelor’s degree is typically recognized as either a professional or classical Licence. Additionally, some private or international institutions offer bachelor’s degrees identical to those awarded in France. 

Which bachelor’s degrees are officially recognized in france? 

It’s important to note that not all bachelor’s degrees in France have the same level of official recognition. Several recognition labels have been introduced to assess the academic and professional value of these programs. 

A degree recognized by the French State means the school has received official authorization from the Ministry of Higher Education. This guarantees the quality of teaching, curriculum, and faculty. 

However, a State-recognized bachelor’s degree isn’t always listed in the RNCP or granted licence-grade status. The RNCP confirms the degree’s professional relevance, while the licence grade is granted by the Ministry of Higher Education. 

Bachelor visé, RNCP certified, or accredited: what’s the difference? 

A bachelor’s degree visé by the State is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education after evaluation by the CEFDG (Commission d’évaluation des formations et diplômes de gestion) for business schools. 

A visé bachelor can also be RNCP Level 6 certified, which confirms its professional relevance. The skills taught align with labor market needs. RNCP certification is granted by France Compétences and is a solid guarantee of employability. 

Some bachelor’s programs are also accredited by international bodies such as EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA (for business schools), and CTI (for engineering schools). These accreditations are prestigious and highlight international standards but aren’t official French recognitions like the RNCP or State visa. 

Licence grade: the only official academic equivalence? 

Not all recognized bachelor’s degrees in France have the same academic prestige. A program may be State-recognized and RNCP-certified without being awarded the licence grade. 

The university-grade licence remains the only official academic equivalence within the French higher education system. It ensures that the bachelor’s degree is academically equivalent to a Licence and qualifies students for direct admission into master’s programs in France or Europe. 

Therefore, students aiming to pursue a master’s degree often choose bachelor’s programs that have this licence-grade equivalence. 

The bachelors offered by emlyon business school, the Global BBA and the Bachelor of Science in Data Science for Responsible Business, are approved by the French State.