Anaya Nolan
France is a popular destination for international students, offering a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience. The country's academic environment, low tuition fees, and high-quality education make it a desirable choice for those seeking a law degree. French law schools are within public universities, and the academic year typically runs from September to May or June, divided into fall and spring semesters. To practice law in France, a Bachelor of Law (Licence de Droit) and a Master of Law (LLM) are required, followed by entry into bar school. The French legal system primarily practices civil law, with additional aspects of criminal, administrative, and constitutional law. Graduates of French law programs are well-equipped to pursue careers in law or apply their knowledge to various other fields.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree required to practice law | Bachelor in Law (LLB) and a Master's degree in the field (LLM) |
| PhD duration | 3 or more years |
| Language of instruction | French and English |
| Academic focus | Civil law, criminal law, public law, constitutional law, international law |
| Skills gained | Critical thinking, problem-solving, research |
| Examination requirements | Two written tests, two oral tests |
| Internship requirements | Individual Pedagogical Project (PPI), internship in a law office |
| Examination for professional qualification | Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA) |
| Oath | Taken before the Court of Appeal |
| Registration | In the bar association of one's choice |
| Title | Avocat (fully qualified lawyer) |
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What You'll Learn
Law degree requirements in France
France is a popular destination for law students due to its high academic standards, affordable tuition fees, and strong civil law training. Here is a guide to the law degree requirements in France:
Undergraduate Law Degree
To study law at the undergraduate level in France, you must first gain admission to a French university. Law schools in France are typically part of larger universities, and admission requirements can vary depending on the specific university. However, some general requirements include:
- A high school diploma or certificate equivalent to a French one.
- Copies of your transcripts and their official translation.
- Letters of motivation and recommendation for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- For postgraduate studies, a Bachelor's degree in law or a similar field of study is usually required.
Bachelor of Law ("Licence de Droit")
Once you are enrolled in a French university, the first step towards obtaining a law degree is to complete a three-year Bachelor of Law program, known as the "Licence de Droit". This program provides a solid foundation in French law and legal principles.
Master of Law (LLM)
After obtaining your Bachelor of Law, you can pursue a Master of Law (LLM) degree, which typically takes two years to complete. The first year of the Master of Law program is sufficient for acceptance into bar school. However, most candidates hold a second-year law degree.
PhD in Law
Following the completion of your Master of Law, you can choose to continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Law, which can take three or more years to finish.
Bar School and Professional Practice
To become a fully qualified lawyer in France, you must gain entry into bar school and pass the Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA) examination. The Conseil national des barreaux (National Council of Bar Associations) governs the requirements for bar admission, which may include written and oral examinations. After completing the necessary examinations and internships, you can take an oath before the Court of Appeal and register with the bar association of your choice, earning the title of "avocat" (fully qualified lawyer).
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Career options with a law degree
France is a popular destination for international students, offering affordable tuition fees and the chance to study at top-ranked European universities. The country's legal system is primarily based on civil law, with criminal law also forming part of its judicial framework. Public law, including administrative and constitutional law, is also significant.
A law degree from a French university can open up a variety of career paths, both within the legal profession and beyond. Here are some options to consider:
Lawyer or Attorney
To practice law in France, one typically needs at least a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) and a Master's degree in the field (LLM). The French academic route to becoming a lawyer involves a three-year Bachelor of Law ("Licence de Droit"), followed by a two-year Master of Law (LLM). Acceptance into the bar school is required to enter the bar, and this necessitates at least the first year of a Master of Law. After completing their studies, aspiring lawyers must pass the Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA) examination, take an oath before the Court of Appeal, and register with their chosen bar association.
International Law and Arbitration
France offers a range of Master's programs in International Law, providing graduates with solid knowledge in international arbitration and investment arbitration. These programs are taught by renowned international academics and practitioners, giving students a comprehensive understanding of European Law.
Law in the EU Context
France's influence in the European Union means that studying law in the country can provide a strong foundation in European law and the Law of Freedoms. The European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) program, for instance, offers an interdisciplinary study of law and economics across multiple universities.
Academic Research
A doctoral-level program (PhD in Law) can lead to a career in academic research. A PhD in Law typically requires three or more years of full-time study.
Other Legal Roles
A law degree can also lead to various other legal roles, including legal counsel for companies or labor unions, law office employees, and other judicial professions. In some cases, individuals with significant professional experience may be exempt from certain educational requirements.
The skills gained from a law degree, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and research, can also be applied to a diverse range of careers beyond the legal profession.
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Law school admissions
France is a popular destination for international students seeking a law degree. The country boasts a high level of academics, affordable tuition fees, and the opportunity to learn in English or French. The French legal system is primarily based on civil law, with criminal law also forming part of its judicial system.
To study law in France, you must first gain admission to a law school, which is a school within a larger university. Law school admissions in France are less selective than in private schools, but the programs are rigorous, and many students do not succeed. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the law school admissions process in France:
Step 1: Choose Your Law Degree Program
French law schools typically offer a three-year Bachelor of Law program ("Licence de Droit"), followed by a two-year Master of Law program (LLM). Some universities also offer a three-year or more Ph.D. in Law.
Step 2: Check Language Requirements
While most courses at universities are offered in French, there are also a significant number of English-taught degrees available. Ensure you meet the language requirements for your chosen program.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
If you are not an EU/EEA national, you must file a preliminary request for admission between November and January of the year before you wish to commence your studies. Submit your request to the French embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 4: Meet Academic Requirements
For undergraduate law programs, you will typically need to have completed secondary education and meet any specific academic requirements, such as minimum grades or test scores. Graduate law programs may require a related undergraduate degree and may have additional requirements, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Gather and submit all required application documents, including your academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and application fee.
Step 6: Await Admission Decision
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the university to process your application and make an admission decision. This can take several weeks or months.
Step 7: Accept Your Offer
If you receive an offer of admission, congratulations! Carefully review the offer and any conditions or requirements and accept your offer by the specified deadline.
Step 8: Prepare for Your Studies in France
Once you have secured your place at a French law school, you can start preparing for your move to France. This may include arranging accommodation, applying for a student visa (if required), and organizing your travel.
Remember that gaining admission to a French law school is just the beginning. The programs are rigorous, and you will need to work hard to succeed and eventually practice law in France or internationally.
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Law specialisations
France practices civil law, with criminal law also forming part of its judicial system. The French legal system is modelled after the civil law system. The country has had political and legal influences on the functioning of the European Union, the UN, and the EU parliament. This makes France an attractive place to study law, as graduates will be well-equipped to apply to the bar or gain professional entrance into other countries where civil law is practised.
French law schools are within public universities, and the language of instruction is French. However, there are also many English-taught degrees. Undergraduate law degrees typically take three or four years to complete, and postgraduate degrees take two to three years. To practice law in France, it is necessary to have at least a Bachelor's in Law and a Master's in Law. A Ph.D. in law can take three or more years of full-time study to complete.
There are many specialisations within the field of law that students can choose to focus on during their studies. These include:
- International law: This specialisation focuses on legal relations and interactions between nations. There are 23 universities in France that offer Master's degrees in International Law.
- European law: This specialisation focuses on the laws of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
- Law of Freedoms: This specialisation involves deepening fundamental knowledge of international and European law and preparing for further study in Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
- Arbitration: The LL.M. AWArDS program at Paris-PanthéonAssas University is aimed at professionals, lawyers, and advanced students seeking knowledge of international arbitration, investment arbitration, and dispute resolution.
- Administrative law
- Business law
- Labor law
- Constitutional law
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Law school costs
The cost of studying law in France is relatively affordable compared to other countries. While the overall living costs in France depend on your lifestyle and chosen location, the tuition fees for law degrees are generally low, especially at public universities.
At public universities in France, the average tuition fees for a Bachelor's programme are around 170 EUR per year. For a Master's degree in Law, which is required to practice law in France, the average fees are around 243-260 EUR per year. These fees are significantly lower than those of private universities, which can range from 1,500 EUR to over 20,000 EUR per year.
It is worth noting that international students may face higher tuition fees at public universities, and private universities often set their own fees, which can be substantially higher. Additionally, specialised degrees within the field of law may also have higher tuition fees.
The cost of living for law students in France can vary depending on their location. Paris, for example, is generally more expensive, with accommodation costs ranging from 400 EUR for student halls to 800 EUR for renting or sharing an apartment. In smaller French cities, accommodation costs can be as low as 300 EUR per month for a small apartment.
To offset the cost of living, international students have access to VISALE, a programme that acts as a guarantor for rent payments. Additionally, student restaurants and subsidized residence halls can further reduce the overall cost of attending law school in France.
While the exact costs may vary depending on the university and an individual's circumstances, France offers a relatively affordable option for pursuing a law degree, especially when compared to countries like the United States, where law school can cost upwards of $40,000 per year.
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Frequently asked questions
To practice law in France, you need a Bachelor in Law (LLB) and a Master's in Law (LLM) as a minimum. You will also need to pass the Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA) examination, take an oath before the Court of Appeal and register with your chosen bar association.
For undergraduate law degrees, you will need to have completed secondary education to a good standard. If you are not from a country within the EU/EEA, you will need to file a preliminary request for admission to the French embassy in your home country. For postgraduate law degrees, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree first.
France has a strong academic reputation and is one of the best-performing countries in terms of results-oriented higher education. It is also very affordable for students, with low tuition fees and subsidised accommodation and restaurants. French universities offer a diverse and vibrant learning experience, with students travelling from all over the world to study there.
Many students go on to become lawyers, but the skills and knowledge you will gain can be applied to a variety of careers. You will learn critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills, which are useful in many professions.
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