First cycle programmes include:

• Bachelor programmes
• Short-cycle programmes leading to an advanced vocational training certificate (BTS; brevet de technicien supérieur).

Bachelor programmes have a standard duration of three years and either lead to a Master studies or give access to the labour market. 

BTS programmes usually have a two-year duration and are clearly work-oriented. The BTS diploma can give access to Bachelor studies with full or partial recognition, provided that it is in the same or a similar field of study. (Note: Following the recommendation from the Paris conference in 2018 (Bologna Follow-Up Group), short cycle qualifications are considered as a separate level of qualification within the general qualifications framework.)