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Diploma recognition between France and the United States

There is no official system of equivalent diplomas between France and the United States, but you can find here some information about recognized degrees in France and in the US.

Recognition of foreign qualifications in France

The ENIC-NARIC France is the French information center for the academic and professional recognition of qualifications:

  • It issues comparability statement for foreign qualifications
  • It provides information on the procedure for obtaining recognition of French qualifications abroad
  • It provides information on the procedures to follow in order to work in a regulated profession

Recognition of French diplomas in the United States

If you hold a degree from a foreign country and wish to further your studies in the USA, you may be required to submit a credential evaluation to the admissions office at U.S. colleges and universities so that they can accurately evaluate your educational background. There is no single authority in the USA in charge of the recognition of foreign degrees and qualifications. International agreements, educational institutions and the labor market recognize the following authorities for recognition matters: The school or higher education institution, for individuals who wish to pursue further studies in the USA and must present qualifications and degrees from abroad. The employer, for individuals who wish to work in the USA and must present qualifications and degrees from abroad. The licensing board, for individuals who wish to practice certain professions in the USA and must present qualifications and degrees from a broad.

Many of these authorities turn to experts in a credential evaluation service whose role is to analyze the foreign credentials and then issue recommendations on how these qualifications from abroad compare to those issued by U.S. education institutions, the labor market or from a professional organization.

There are two national associations: NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) and AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators) whose members must adhere to a specific code of conduct and whose services are often used by federal and state organizations and educational institutions for such credential evaluations. Credit evaluations are not free. The cost and turnaround time may vary accordingly to the number of documents and complexity of the analysis.
Additionally, the International Education Services division of AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions) provides foreign education evaluations

The French Embassy in the US offers several grant programs and exchange opportunities to American students and scholars:

France on Campus Award
The Award is intended to help student organizations eager to launch or continue an ambitious project related to France on their campus by providing a unique package of funding, mentoring and networking.

Chateaubriand HSS Fellowship Program
Chateaubriand Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) is a fellowship program offered by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the US. It targets outstanding Ph.D. students from American universities who seek to engage in research in France, in any discipline of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Benjamin Franklin Travel Grant
This grant aims at giving students enrolled in an American University an opportunity to discover France. It is open to sophomore, junior & senior students who are enrolled in a double major including one major in French and one major in another discipline. Consideration will also be given to students enrolled in a minor/certificate in French and majoring in another subject.

Centers of Excellence

Are you looking for other student grants in France or the USA?

The Franco-American Commission for Educational Exchange helps to develop amical and cooperative links between France and the United States with educational exchanges.
The Fulbright foundation offers grants to French and American students, young professionals and researchers.
For further information about its programs, please visit Fulbright France.

Grants offered by Paris Saclay University at the Masters level.

Last modified on 07/02/2023

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