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(Last updated: 11 Jan 2008)
Trends and opportunities
The market
Australia is enjoying post Rugby World Cup notoriety in France. Within Europe, Australia receives the second most number of student enrolments each year from France. The highest European enrolments come from Germany. More specifically, there has been a 21.5 per cent increase in French student enrolments in Australia from 2006 to 2007.
The working holiday visa that was implemented on 1st January 2004, has already seen 6125 visas issued, a huge success that will also increase Australia’s attractiveness as a country of first choice for study. This is a year-long visa that allows French tourists to study and/or work and/or travel within Australia with the maximum flexibility and limited restrictions.
The 25-40 year old group represents more than 20 per cent of the market. Younger, high school-aged students represent 50 per cent of the market for shorter stays. July and August are the most popular months for this group.
Secondary education
Secondary education is based on a Republican model of secular education. Successful completion of the Baccalauréat (Year 12 equivalent or Bac) will guarantee entry into France's public universities. Grandes Ecoles or private institutions will require special entry exams, preparation courses and/or interviews.
There are three types of Baccalauréat. The first is the general Baccalauréat which is the standard program for French students. Students can enter university course with this qualification. The technical Baccalauréat leads to more limited higher education studies in industrial sciences and technologies to hospitality and dance. The final type is the Vocational Baccalauréat and is offered by 'lycees professional'. This qualification leads only to further vocational studies and work life.
Tertiary education
University education in France operates on the notion of 'free and equal education for all'. Universities are public and in most circumstances, there are no selection criteria for entry.
In France, the academic year begins in September and finishes around June. Undergraduate study consists of a Licence or DEUG, or Bachelor's and a two-year 'general' university diploma. The French Government funds students and overseas students pay very little for some degrees. Postgraduate study within the public system includes Maîtrise (similar to Honours year); DEA (pre-doctoral research diploma); a DESS (postgraduate degree similar to Masters) and a Doctorat (PhD).
Grandes Ecoles offer a degree and two-three years study leading to a degree. There are 456 institutions of which the 308 government ones (engineering, teaching, civil service and administration) are considered as elite finishing schools in networking for the future. Many of the top business schools (Ecoles Supérieures de Commerce) are at the postgraduate level and require fees to provide their excellent facilities. In total however, the Grandes Ecoles only accommodate four per cent of French students.
In addition, there are technical universities (IUT) which dispense two to three year diplomas in technical sciences and have a vocational direction, offering 24 specialties. Unlike TAFEs, the IUTs only offer degrees at university level.
Vocational education and training incorporate a full range of vocational courses that are offered at post-secondary level. These courses mirror a lot of what is offered at TAFE and VET colleges, but without the scope.
Recently, the French university system has come under a great deal of criticism and has struggled to compete in the European market. In August 2007, reforms to the French university system were passed by the new Sarkozy Government. This was an attempt to help French universities regain their 'international competitiveness'.
In essence, the reforms create more autonomy for universities to allow them to spend their budgets with greater freedom. This may mean universities sponsor star academics to lecture at the university, increase salaries to help retain staff or improve student facilities. The reforms also require universities to provide better career counselling for students in an attempt to reduce the high failure rates in first and second year studies. Nevertheless, university tuition remains free for all and there are no entry selection criteria.
Opportunities
Educational opportunities in France include:
- ELICOS courses
- 'Study Abroad' programs
- Graduate programs
- Distance education
- Vocational education
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
A second language is compulsory for high school students, with 90 per cent choosing English. Around 140,000 French students travel abroad to learn English each year. While UK and Ireland are the most popular destinations because of their proximity, between 30,000-40,000 students travel further afield, mainly to the USA.
With language training at business school and university, the 17-25 age group is the biggest target. Compared to Germany and the Scandinavian countries, the level of English for French people is significantly low. With the increasing need for good English skills in the global environment, ELICOS programs are becoming more popular, particularly where Australia is the destination.
Study Abroad program
Only one per cent of French undergraduates currently study overseas, although 60 per cent of these study outside of Europe. The limiting factor is that graduate education in France is free for all students. Some French undergraduate programs require students to spend a semester abroad, and in these cases, Australian Study Abroad programs may be of interest.
Post-graduate courses – programs that are attracting French graduates are:
- Business specialisations
- Engineering
- Environmental studies
- Communications
- Information technology
- Journalism
- Veterinary science
- Agriculture
- International law
- Asian studies
- Marine biology
A problem for Australian institutions is that their graduate and postgraduate courses are perceived as expensive. However, the price of studies in Australia can be counterbalanced with the favourable Dollar-Euro exchange rate and the low cost of living compared to that in France.
Vocational education courses are a key growth area in France. Students approaching Austrade are interested in:
- Sports management
- Computer studies
- Multimedia
- Tourism and hotel management
In July 2007, the Program International France Australie (PIFA) program was created as an initiative of Francaustralia. This program allows French students, immediately after completing the Baccalauréat, to study in a vocational program in Australia for one year. At the conclusion of the year-long vocational studies, students then have the option to enter second year at an Australian PIFA University or a French PIFA Vocational School. There has been a 55 per cent increase in French vocational enrolments in Australia from 2006 to 2007.
Distance education
There is an increased demand for distance education, particularly degree and postgraduate courses. Mature students who find traditional programs too expensive in time and cost are a target audience for distance learning.
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