How does the French grading system work?

French universities grade out of 20, not 100. A 10 is a pass. A 14 or 15 is genuinely good. A 17 or above is exceptional and rare. Indian students often panic seeing a 12 and think they are failing. They are not. Do not compare raw scores to your Indian percentage grades.

What is a rattrapage session and how does it work?

A rattrapage (catch-up exam) is a second chance exam for students who failed in the first session. Not all courses offer it. Check your university's règlement des examens at the start of the year. If you fail the rattrapage, you typically must repeat the year or the module depending on your programme.

Can I take courses in English at a French university?

It depends on the institution. Grandes Écoles and some Masters programmes offer full English tracks. Public universities (universités) teach mostly in French, though many offer a handful of electives in English. If French fluency is limited, target programmes explicitly labelled English track or taught in English.

What is an UE and how does it affect my degree?

A UE (Unité d'Enseignement) is a group of courses that form one block of your degree, similar to a module. Each UE carries ECTS credits. In most French programmes, passing a UE requires a weighted average across all courses in it. A high score in one course can compensate a low score in another within the same UE.

Do I need to speak French to survive at a French university?

Yes, even in English track programmes. Admin offices, housing services, préfecture appointments, and most social interactions are in French. A B1 level makes daily life manageable. Use your first semester to improve. Most universities offer free French classes for international students through their language centre.

French University System: CM, TD, and Grading Explained for Indian Students

French academia is highly theoretical, incredibly rigorous, and operates on a completely different logic than the Indian or Anglo Saxon systems. Do not panic if your first grades are lower than you expect!

Adapting to student life in France means learning a new academic language. Universities here prioritize independence, critical thinking, and structured methodology over rote memorization.

Here is what you need to know to thrive in your first semester.

The Two Types of Classes

Your schedule (Emploi du Temps) will be split into two main formats:

CM (Cours Magistraux): These are large lectures, often held in massive auditoriums (amphithéâtres). Attendance is sometimes optional, but missing them is risky as exams are based heavily on the professor's spoken lectures.
TD (Travaux Dirigés) & TP (Travaux Pratiques): These are smaller, mandatory seminar groups or lab sessions. This is where you apply the theories learned in the CM. Participation is heavily graded, and more than three unjustified absences can prevent you from taking the final exam.

The 20 Point Grading System

Forget percentages or A to F grades. France uses a strict scale out of 20.

10/20: This is the passing grade (La Moyenne). Getting a 10 is cause for celebration.
12/20 to 13/20: A solid, good grade (Mention Assez Bien).
14/20 to 15/20: A very good grade (Mention Bien).
16/20+: Exceptional and incredibly rare (Mention Très Bien).

Rule of Thumb: A 12/20 in France is roughly equivalent to a B+ or an A- in many other countries. Do not let a 10 or 11 discourage you!

The CVEC (Campus Life Contribution)

Before you can officially enroll in classes, you must pay the CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus).

It costs approximately €100 per year.
You pay this online, and it funds campus healthcare, sports facilities, and cultural events.
You will receive a certificate with a code. Your university must have this code to finalize your registration.

This guide was drafted from verified service-public.fr sources. Always confirm details on the official website before taking action.

Questions People Actually Ask

Direct answers to the most common doubts about this process.

A CM (Cours Magistral) is a large lecture delivered by a professor to the whole cohort. You listen, take notes, and rarely ask questions. A TD (Travaux Dirigés) is a smaller group session where you apply the lecture material through exercises, presentations, and discussion. Both are graded separately and compulsory attendance in TDs is common.

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The Two Types of Classes

The 20 Point Grading System

The CVEC (Campus Life Contribution)

Questions People Actually Ask

What is the difference between a CM and a TD at a French university?+

How does the French grading system work?+

What is a rattrapage session and how does it work?+

Can I take courses in English at a French university?+

What is an UE and how does it affect my degree?+

Do I need to speak French to survive at a French university?+

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