FAQ's

Understanding Paris Metropolitan University’s Unique Position in the French Education System

At Paris Metropolitan University, we operate within a unique framework distinct from traditional French public universities. This distinction is vital for our students to understand, especially when comparing our institution to public French universities. Here’s how we differ and why this model is designed to benefit an international student body:

1. France’s Distinctive Education System
France boasts one of the world’s oldest education systems, predating those in the UK and the US. In the traditional French system, private universities offering French national curricula must adhere to government regulations, including assessments in the French language and national accreditation requirements.

2. Our International Scope
Paris Metropolitan University is intentionally positioned outside the scope of French national accreditation because we focus on international programs and degrees. These programs:

  • Are 100% delivered and assessed in English, ensuring accessibility to a global audience and preparing students for international career opportunities.
  • Follow global education standards and nomenclature, without adopting French degree titles, clearly distinguishing us from national curriculum-based institutions.

3. Independence and Funding
As a private institution, we operate independently, relying on our funding and income, without state support for students or faculty. This independence allows us to design and deliver programs tailored to international students’ needs without the constraints of French government accreditation.

4. A Global Vision
Our primary focus is not limited to French-speaking or government-funded students. Instead, we aim to serve a worldwide audience, especially those who are marginalized or face barriers to high-quality education due to high costs or limited access.
At Paris Metropolitan University, we prioritize affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, ensuring our students receive exceptional education at a fraction of the cost charged by other international institutions.

5. Preparing Students for a Globalized World
Our mission is to provide students with an education that transcends borders, equipping them with the skills to excel internationally. By offering programs in English and focusing on international degree structures, Paris Metropolitan University ensures our graduates are not restricted to French-speaking regions but are globally employable and mobile.

This model reflects our commitment to being an inclusive, innovative, and internationally-focused institution, distinct from traditional French universities yet aligned with the needs of a global student community.

  • You can apply online through the Paris Metropolitan University official website.

The authorization to operate and grant degrees is from the Rector of the Paris Academy, Rector of the Ile-de-France academic region.

  • The rectorate office of the Paris Metropolitan University is the education authority in Paris under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Education.
  • Paris Metropolitan University is dedicated to cutting-edge education with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies such as Information Technologies, Robotics and Automation, Cybersecurity, as well as a wide range of business programs. We offer Executive studies, Master studies, and doctoral studies, all designed to prepare our students for success in these rapidly evolving fields. Our commitment to innovation and business education ensures that our graduates are well-equipped to excel in today’s dynamic tech and business landscapes.

Paris Metropolitan University is a privately funded (non-contracted) institution. Our authorization falls under the category of a private higher education institution. Therefore, our degrees are not equivalent to those issued by publicly funded institutions in France.

The degrees obtained from the Paris Metropolitan University are per the Code de’l Education Articles L 444-1 a 444-11 et R 444-1 a 444-28. 

 

Each program must be approved and authorized by the Rector of Paris Academy to offer and delivered to the students. Each program, such as Executive, Master, and Doctoral, must be approved in writing through a letter from the Rectorate of Paris Academy.

Please request to see specific program authorization and approval before enrolling in a program.

The Ministry of National Education recognizes Paris Metropolitan University through the Rector of the Paris Academy, the education authority of Paris. 

 

Recognition for all educational institutions is given by the Ministry of National Education of France. Recognition means the authority to operate as an educational institution. The categories of the institution in higher education in France are:

  1. grands établissements publics (major public institutions)
  2. grandes écoles (elite schools)
  3. administrative public institutions; private higher education institutions or schools.

Paris Metropolitan University falls under the 3rd category of institution.

 

Accreditation in France is not mandatory for private institutions but can be applied by certain institutions.

1. Accreditation for Business Schools

The Commission d’évaluation des formations et diplômes de gestion (CEFDG, in English National Commission for the Evaluation of Training and Qualifications in Management) was created by Decree number 2001-295 on April 4, 2001 Decree No. 2001-295 of 4 April 2001 establishing the Commission for the Evaluation of Management Training and Diplomas – Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr) to give Master’s degree accreditation to French business schools.

Note: Only the institutions authorized to confer national qualifications can apply for this Accreditation.

2. Accreditation for Engineering Schools

Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) is the central committee responsible for evaluating and accreditation higher education institutions to train professional engineers in France. It regulates the issuance of the Diplôme d’ingénieur and the use of the academic title of “Ingénieur Diplomé” (qualified graduate engineer).
Established by law on 10 July 1934, CTI is not an independent administrative authority but an autonomous structure within the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. In France, CTI is the relevant body in charge of carrying out evaluation procedures that lead to the Accreditation of the institutions to award the engineering degree “titre d’ingénieur diplômé.”

Note: Paris Metropolitan University is not an engineering school; therefore, this Accreditation is not applicable.

3. Association of Grandes Ecoles Schools (French Elite Institutions)

The Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), French for “Conference of Grandes Écoles”, is a French national institution, created in 1973.
It mainly acts as an association of Grandes Écoles, providing representation, research, and Accreditation. A Grande école is a French institution of higher education that is separate from, but parallel and often connected to, the main framework of the French public university system.
Grandes écoles are elite academic institutions that admit students through a highly competitive process, and a significant proportion of their graduates occupy the highest levels of French society.
Like Ivy League schools in the United States, Oxbridge in the U.K., and C9 League in China, graduation from a grande école is considered the prerequisite credential for any top government, administrative and corporate position in France.

Note: Paris Metropolitan University is not a “Grande Ecole” school. Therefore, we cannot apply to be a member of this association and its quality assurance.

  • You can contact the Paris Metropolitan University admissions office or international office through their official website, email, or phone for any additional information or inquiries.