Bachelor of Science in France
Licence 3 years Science
The Bachelor of Science, or Licence in a scientific discipline, is a three-year undergraduate degree forming the first stage of France’s LMD (Licence, Master, Doctorat) system. It gives students a solid grounding in one or more scientific fields — mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, or earth sciences among them — before progressing to a specialised master’s or doctoral study. France is a strong choice for science undergraduates thanks to its deep public research infrastructure, close links between universities and national research institutes, and comparatively affordable tuition at public universities.
What’s covered
- Foundational study across core sciences before specialising
- A chosen scientific major (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, or similar)
- Laboratory work and practical scientific methods
- Introductory research methodology and scientific communication
- Progressively focused coursework building toward a master’s-level specialisation
- Access to university research laboratories and, at some institutions, national research facilities
Entry requirements
- Secondary school qualification (or international equivalent) with relevant science and mathematics prerequisites
- French-taught Licence programmes generally require DELF/DALF or TCF; IELTS/TOEFL apply for the fewer English-taught undergraduate options
- Most public universities admit on academic record via Parcoursup or the Campus France application route
- Highly selective institutions, such as the École normale supérieure network, use competitive selection rather than open admission
Where you can study this in France
Université Paris-Saclay
Exceptional strength in mathematics, physics, and the natural sciences, integrated with major national research organisations.
Sorbonne University
Paris
Strong international reputation for research in the sciences, taught across historic and modern Paris campuses.
ENS de Lyon
Lyon
A highly selective science and humanities pathway with close mentoring from active researchers, suited to students aiming at research careers.
University of Montpellier
Montpellier
Long-standing scientific and medical teaching tradition in the south of France, with a broad general science offering.
Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier
Toulouse
Sciences and technology teaching supported by close links to regional research laboratories and technical institutes.
University of Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Broad science disciplines with research links relevant to the region, including health and life sciences.
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