European section
The baccalauréat (French pronunciation: [bakaloʁea]), often known in France colloquially as bac, is an academic qualification which French students take after high school. It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies. There is also the European Baccalaureate which students take at the end of the European School education. It confirms a rounded secondary education and gives access to a wide range of university education. It differs from British A levels and Scottish Highers, but is similar to a North American two-years College diploma, in that it is earned comprehensively and can be obtained in streams requiring a high level in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and technology, or geography, history, social sciences, management and administration, depending on the stream. The general streams are: Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, and Literature.
Much like British A levels or European Matura, the baccalauréat allows French and international students to obtain a standardised qualification, typically at the age of 18. It qualifies holders to work in certain areas, go on to tertiary education, or acquire some other professional qualification or training.
Although it is not legally required, the vast majority of students in their final year of secondary school take a final exam. Unlike some US high school diplomas, this exam is not for lycée completion but university entrance.
The word bac is also used to refer to one of the end-of-year exams that students must pass to get their baccalauréat diploma: le bac de philo, for example, is the philosophy exam, which all students must take, regardless of their field of study.
Within France, there are three main types of baccalauréat:
For entrance to regular universities within France, however, there are some restrictions as to the type of baccalauréat that can be presented. In some cases, it may be possible to enter a French university without the bac by taking a special exam, the diploma for entrance to higher education.
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