There are 57 art schools in France. Unlike the UK system these are not incorporated into the university system but instead function under the auspices of the Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication - the French equivalent of the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

They deliver national qualifications in art, design and communication, and some specific specialised schools have their own nationally recognised diploma. These degrees open up various professional opportunities and international exchanges and also enable graduates to continue their studies at university and / or train to be a teacher.

It is a versatile training, often fairly unstructured where a lot of importance is given to the student's individual practice.

It is relatively easy and inexpensive to enrol in a French art school. A portfolio and copies of degrees are to be sent to the art school with a request for an "equivalence". The central office in Paris gives the OK on the "equivalence" - a British Fine art degree is equivalent to a DNAP degree which means one can prepare the DNSEP diploma (see after).

Many art schools have international exchanges and develop their own relationships with other art schools across Europe and the world.

Most art schools have exhibitions spaces, some of which are well-renowned and these venues are important on the national art scene.

Visiting artists

Many schools have developed a policy of inviting artists into the school for two or three days to run work-shop sessions. The artists are generally invited by a member of staff. Therefore, applications by post are not particularly encouraged - as usual, it is a case of getting to know someone within the art school system. Once on the network, it is quite possible to be invited to several different schools throughout the year.

Permanent posts are difficult to come by since the introduction of a national "concours" - an exam which artists have to pass before being able to apply for any job. The exam consists in presenting a portfolio and doing a practical test of teaching in front of a panel of Ministry of culture experts. An artist can only apply for a permanent post once this qualification has been obtained.

However, some schools employ staff on a non-permanent contract and this is an ideal opportunity to get a "foot in the door'. These jobs are not generally advertised however.

For listings of art schools in France you might approach for visiting artist / lecturer positions, see the Visiting artists and Teaching section.

National degrees

The fine art schools in France prepare three different degrees recognised on a national level:

DNAT (Diplôme national d'arts et techniques) is a professional qualification. The course lasts three years and there are 3 options: product design, interior design and graphic design.

DNAP (Diplôme national d'arts plastiques) is a general art degree. The course lasts three years and there are 3 options: art, communication and design.

DNSEP (Diplôme national supérieur d'expression plastique) is a general arts degree. The course lasts five years and there are 3 options: art, communication or design.

Like in Britain, art schools enjoy periods of popularity and prestige and this often lasts several years. This phenomenon is often connected to the professors and visiting artists working at the school. Although there are 10 National fine art schools which benefit from centralised funding and are often better larger and better equipped, there is not necessarily any advantage in attending a national art school.