Living in Burgundy
Schools and universities in Dijon, for families from abroad.
For many families, the school decides the area. Here is how French schools work, and what Dijon offers.
Contents
French state schools charge no fees and are organised by age. In Dijon, a university city, children and students find a full range of schools close to home. Here are the basics for families arriving from abroad.
How French schools work
- École maternelle, from 3 to 6 years old, then école élémentaire, from 6 to 11: enrolment at the town hall, according to your address.
- Collège, from 11 to 15, then lycée, from 15 to 18, ending with the baccalauréat.
- State schools charge no fees; private schools under contract with the State follow the same curriculum.
Arriving without speaking French
State schools have special classes to help newly arrived pupils learn French while following lessons, called UPE2A. The education authority of the académie de Dijon assesses each child on arrival and directs them to the right school.
The international section
In Dijon, the Lycée européen Charles de Gaulle offers an international section at lycée level. Ask the school directly about the languages, the places and the admission tests, as they change from year to year.
Universities and higher education
Dijon is home to Université Bourgogne Europe, the Burgundy School of Business, a campus of Sciences Po, and the Institut Agro Dijon, among others. The university also teaches French as a foreign language to adults, useful for parents.
Choosing the area with the school
For a primary school, the address decides the school, so it is worth checking before you buy. I tell my buyers which school a property depends on, and the time to the collège and the lycée. Where to live in Dijon. I work in English and French every day. I also speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi fluently, Persian (Farsi) very well, and good Greek and Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
Do state schools charge fees in France?
No tuition fees. You pay for meals, after-school care and some activities.
How do I enrol my child in primary school in Dijon?
At the town hall, with proof of address and your child's documents. The address decides the school.
Is there an international school in Dijon?
The Lycée européen Charles de Gaulle has an international section at lycée level. Ask the school for the languages and admission conditions.
What if my child does not speak French?
State schools have classes to help newly arrived pupils learn French while following lessons.