ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the complex structure of higher education (HE) in France along with recent governmental attempts to restructure and democratize it. In France, it is out of the question to discuss university populations or HE policy with reference to ethnic group, race, skin colour, or religion. University participation rates differ according to gender and socio-economic group. The recent massification of the public university system is often lauded for its democratization. All degree courses must be approved by the Ministry for Higher Education and Research every four years, which is a typical characteristic of the highly centralized and bureaucratic French university system. The sole university disciplines experiencing a rise in enrolment during twenty-first century were the more prestigious medicine and pharmacy studies. The Observatoire de la vie tudiante (OVE) research institute carries out work on the living conditions and behaviour of students, as well as an annual nationwide survey on all aspects of student life.
