“Vocational education” usually refers to all
the courses leading to higher and graduate
qualifi cations based on a “career” approach
and designed in close cooperation with the
private sector so that the training proposed is
appropriate for the world of work.
Higher vocational education, i.e., post secondary
school, consequently comprises higher
in-service training and teaching given in university
technology institutes (IUTs), business and
engineering schools supported by chambers of
trade and industry (CCIs), regional vocational
chambers, etc. French universities are also
increasingly active in this sort of course.

For the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
(MAEE), development cooperation in higher vocational
education is a priority task. A strategic
framework has been devised in close cooperation
with other partner ministries, public operators and
the private sector. This work revealed the large number
of French players with recognized skills working in
higher vocational education throughout the world.
The currently operating programmes reflect a wide
variety of actions and bear witness to the very high
demand for development cooperation and expertise
expressed by emerging and developing countries.

This paper summarizes the actions undertaken and
makes a number of recommendations based on the
discussions that preceded its production.

France and higher vocational education abroad - (PDF, 1.4 Mo)