Licence-Master-Doctorat: Understanding France's LMD Degree Structure for Applicants

The LMD framework in brief

France structures its higher-education degrees around the Licence–Master–Doctorat (LMD) model, which aligns with the European Bologna framework so qualifications are readable across Europe. The Licence is the undergraduate (bachelor-level) degree, the Master is the graduate degree, and the Doctorat is the research doctorate.

This shared structure means each French degree maps to a recognised European level, which matters when you compare it to qualifications from your own country. For cross-border recognition questions, the ENIC-NARIC network is the official reference point.

Licence, Master, Doctorat — the three cycles

The Licence is typically a three-year undergraduate programme (organised into L1, L2 and L3). The Master is typically a two-year graduate programme (M1 and M2), and the Doctorat is typically a three-year research degree built around an original thesis.

Together these form the '3-5-8' pattern often used to describe years of study after the baccalauréat. Exact durations and structures can vary by field and institution, so confirm the specific programme on its official page.

• Licence (L1–L3) — undergraduate, around three years
• Master (M1–M2) — graduate, around two years
• Doctorat — research doctorate, around three years
• Durations vary by field — confirm on the programme page

ECTS credits and what they mean

Each cycle is measured in ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, the standard European unit for study workload. ECTS makes it easier to compare programmes and to transfer credits between European institutions.

A full academic year and each degree cycle correspond to defined ECTS totals under the European framework. Because credit requirements are set by the framework and each programme, check the official EHEA (Bologna) reference and the institution page for the exact credit structure that applies.

Where you can enter the system

Your entry point depends on your existing qualification. Applicants with a secondary-school leaving qualification typically enter at the first year of the Licence (L1). Applicants with an undergraduate degree may enter at master's level, and those with a master's may apply to a doctorate.

Entry to a later year of a cycle (for example L2/L3 or M2) is sometimes possible with relevant prior study, but is decided by the institution. Confirm with the programme which year you are eligible for, as this also affects which application procedure you use.

Why the level matters for your application

The level and year you apply to determine your application channel: first-year licence entry often goes through Parcoursup or the DAP, while later years and master's level often go through the Études en France procedure or directly to institutions, depending on your country.

Grandes écoles and many specialised programmes also align to LMD but run their own admission routes. Because levels, credits and procedures are set officially and by each institution and change over time, verify the current details on the official sources before applying.