Know Your Business Diploma: The French Higher Education System Explained

Choosing a degree in France means navigating one of the most structured and respected higher education systems in the world.

France’s higher education framework is known worldwide for its academic rigour, selective quality assurance, and internationally recognised degree system. To understand what makes a French business degree credible, it’s essential to know how the State, the CEFDG (Commission d’Évaluation des Formations et Diplômes de Gestion), and the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) work together to uphold excellence across institutions.

Why France Stands Out in Higher Education: Quality, Structure, and International Reach

Studying in France offers access to a globally recognised academic ecosystem where public oversight ensures both excellence and equity. The country’s higher education model combines selective admissions, strong integration with research, and an emphasis on international mobility.

Business schools such as EMLV benefit from this framework, offering programmes accredited by the State and international bodies like AACSB, AMBA, and EFMD.

Students not only gain an education grounded in academic rigour but also evolve within an environment that values interdisciplinarity, innovation, and social responsibility—hallmarks of the French approach to developing future leaders capable of navigating technological and societal transitions.

Here is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about your business diploma.

What do “diplômes visés”- State-Approved Degrees mean?

Programmes “visés” by the French State carry a quality label awarded by the French Ministry of Higher Education after a rigorous evaluation by the Commission d’Évaluation des Formations et Diplômes de Gestion (CEFDG). This independent commission ensures that each programme meets strict academic and professional standards.

Beyond the visa, some degrees also earn an official “Grade” — either Grade de Licence (for undergraduate-level studies, Bac+3) or Grade de Master (for postgraduate-level studies, Bac+5).

These grades are benchmarks of academic excellence and correspond to Levels 6 and 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), ensuring international comparability across Europe.

The Grande École Status by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles

The Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) is an association that brings together France’s most prestigious higher education institutions in management, engineering, and public administration. The organisation awards its own labels of excellence, such as the “MSc” accreditation, after a comprehensive audit of each programme’s academic depth, professional integration, and international dimension.

Holding CGE membership — known as Grande École status — places an institution among the top tier of French higher education, a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of students in France.

For students, holding a degree from a recognised Grande École means joining an elite academic tradition that combines excellence, innovation, and a strong connection to the business world.

What is the role of CEFDG in French Higher Education?

The CEFDG – Commission d’Évaluation des Formations et Diplômes de Gestion is a governmental body attached to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

It plays a central role in maintaining the integrity and quality of management education in France. By evaluating programmes and awarding the visa label, the CEFDG ensures that French business degrees continue to meet the highest national and international standards.

EMLV: State-Approved and CEFDG-Accredited Degrees

EMLV belongs to a select group of business schools whose programmes are officially recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

This guarantees academic excellence, national and international recognition of the degrees, and access to the highest “grades” in the French and European qualification systems. EMLV programmes are officially “visés” by the French State and evaluated by the CEFDG, ensuring compliance with the Ministry’s most rigorous criteria.

These recognitions guarantee that EMLV’s curriculum, faculty, and graduate outcomes meet the national benchmarks for excellence and professional relevance.

• Master in Management-Grande École Programme: Awarded the visa Bac+5 and the prestigious Grade de Master
• Bachelor Programmes: Awarded the visa Bac+3 and the official Grade de Licence

EMLV MSc programmes: a global opportunity

EMLV’s Master of Science (MSc) programmes hold the “MSc” label granted by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE). This accreditation recognises programmes that combine academic excellence, professional immersion, and a strong international focus — qualities central to EMLV’s approach to management education.

EMLV offers 8 MSc programmes taught entirely in English, all accredited by the prestigious CGE Master of Science label, which certifies their academic rigour and international reach.

Learn more about EMLV programmes