On July 30, 2025, the French government presented a bill to the Council of Ministers “on the regulation of private higher education”.
This text could mark a major turning point, if it is published: it introduces two recognition mechanisms – accreditation and partnership– which will redraw the map of French private higher education, both for national players and for international schools wishing to establish themselves in France.
The ambition is clear: to regulate through quality, protect students and make the offer more transparent.
Two levels of recognition: partnership and accreditation
The project creates two distinct statutes, overseen by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), and evaluated by HCERES (Haut Conseil de l’évaluation de la recherche et de l’enseignement supérieur).
| Device | Target audience | Main criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership | Private, not-for-profit research establishments, often with the EESPIG label | HCERES evaluation: academic strategy, quality of training and student life, research base, non-profit status |
| Approval | All other private establishments (for-profit, non-research schools, emerging projects) | HCERES evaluation: strategy, governance, transparency, training quality, social policy |
Practical consequences for schools
- Parcoursup and scholarships: from 2030 onwards, only accredited or partner institutions will be listed on Parcoursup, and will be able to accept scholarship students. A transitional phase should begin in 2027.
- State-recognized diplomas: accreditation or partnership will become compulsory for all establishments awarding university degrees.
- Greater protection for students: right of withdrawal up to 30 days before the start of the course, ban on booking fees for apprentices, enhanced information and transparency requirements.
Provisional timetable
- July 30, 2025: Bill tabled in the French National Assembly.
- 2026: first application articles expected.
- 2027: launch of the transitional period.
- 2030: full implementation of Parcoursup and scholarships.
What should private schools do now?
Waiting would be a strategic mistake. Here are the four priorities identified:
- Consolidating quality
- Obtain or reinforce Qualiopi certification,
- Formalize pedagogical processes and proof of integration.
- Strengthening governance
- Clarify corporate strategy,
- Structuring governance and responsibilities,
- Develop a credible social and student policy.
- Anticipating RNCP/RS filings
- Prepare professional certification files (RNCP) for France Compétences,
- Enhancing the employability of graduates.
- Preparing for the HCERES evaluation
- Collect evidence and indicators (results, insertion rates, research),
- Set up a solid documentation organization.
A game-changing reform
This law is more than just a regulatory adjustment: it redefines the very perimeter of institutional legitimacy.
For French schools: it’s a quality filter that will distinguish solid projects.
For foreign investors: accreditation or partnership becomes an essential prerequisite for setting up your school in France.
For families: more guarantees, transparency and confidence in the educational offering.
The added value of Diligence Consulting
In this new era,high standards are not an obstacle: they’re a strategic lever.
At Diligence Consulting, we already support French and international institutions in :
- secure their RNCP registrations,
- prepare Qualiopi as an internal culture, not just an audit,
- anticipate the HCERES evaluation,
- structure governance and academic positioning.
Our role is clear: to transform complexity into opportunity, and enable ambitious schools to take this institutional step without wasting time.
Official sources
- Council of Ministers, July 30, 2025 – Presentation of the bill to regulate private higher education.
- Haut Conseil de l’évaluation de la recherche et de l’enseignement supérieur (HCERES) – evaluation guidelines and procedures.
- France Compétences – Resources on RNCP and RS repositories.
- Order of May 31, 2021 on the national quality reference system (Qualiopi).
FAQ – Private higher education: accreditation reform 2025
What’s the difference between accreditation and partnership?
The partnership applies to private, not-for-profit research establishments, often with the EESPIG label. Accreditation applies to all other private establishments (for-profit, emerging schools). In both cases, the HCERES evaluates strategy, training quality, governance and transparency.
What is the timetable for the reform?
The text, presented on July 30, 2025, has yet to go through the parliamentary process. According to the draft, the first measures would come into force in 2026, a transitional phase would be launched in 2027, and by 2030, only partner or accredited institutions would have access to Parcoursup and student grants.
What criteria will the HCERES examine?
In particular, the HCERES will evaluate :
- academic strategy and governance,
- the quality of training and student life,
- research support,
- financial transparency and social policy.
Which establishments will need to be accredited or partnered?
All private establishments, whether for-profit or not, will have to join one of the two schemes if they wish to award state-recognized, degree-granting diplomas, or appear on Parcoursup.
What does this mean for international schools looking to set up in France?
Foreign investors and establishments will need to anticipate this recognition as soon as they arrive in France. Without approval or partnership, they will not be able to access Parcoursup, scholarships or state-recognized diplomas.
How should establishments prepare now?
The priorities are :
- Consolidate Qualiopi and quality processes.
- Register certifications with RNCP or RS at France Compétences.
- Strengthen governance and transparency.
- Prepare institutional dossier for HCERES evaluation.
Prochaines étapes stratégiques
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