19 continuing education programmes at higher education institutions

In 2013, continuing education programmes at higher education institutions achieved a turnover of 427 million euros, a rise of 5% compared to 2012, in current euros. It represents less than 2% of vocational education turnover in France. 477,300 trainees attended and 82,800 qualifications were awarded, including 56,200 national diplomas.

In 2013, 477,300 trainees were on continuing education programmes in higher education, 1% less than in 2012. However, between 2012 and 2013, turnover increased by 5% in current euros. The volume of trainee hours increased, with 57 million teaching hours and 70 million hours when practical placements were included (table 19.01). Continuing education under the authority of the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research occupied a modest place within vocational education in France in 2012: out of 19,500 bodies offering continuing education as a main activity, it represented 4.7% of the turnover, 3.6% of the number of trainees and 8.7% of trainee hours. Private funds, companies or individuals represented 68% of resources in terms of vocational training, an increase of two points compared to 2012 while, according to the Directorate for Research, Studies, and Statistics (DARES), public funds fell by 24% overall. In universities, the share of private funds reached 73%, while public funds fell to 20% (table 19.02).

The turnover for training offered by universities increased by 7% compared to 2012. The number of enrolments increased by 15% and the number of trainee hours by 5%. At the National Centre of Industrial Art and Design (CNAM), the number of 'auditeurs' and 'auditeur' hours (individuals enrolled to attend lectures) fell by 6% but the turnover remained stable. The average length of courses increased to reach 116 teaching hours (+ 2 hours) and 147 hours for training with a practical placement (+ 5 hours).

University technology institutes (IUTs) received 8% of university continuing education trainees at level III, II and I (17,650 trainees). They represented 13% of students preparing for a national diploma and 40% of vocational training contracts signed between universities and companies.

In 2013, 364,500 trainees were enrolled in continuing education at university, of which 52,700 attended public lectures. Out of the 311,800 students not enrolled on public lecture courses, the share of trainee employees enrolled through various systems (training plan, vocational training contract or individual training leave) fell by three points to 41% (chart 19.03) while the share of fee-paying trainees enrolled on their own initiative (individuals excluding public lecture courses) grew by four points (36%) and the number of jobseekers increased by one point, to 14% of trainees. Jobseeking trainees without financial aid now represent 36.5% of jobseekers taking continuing education courses.

In 2013, as in 2012, over half of trainees were preparing for a national diploma or qualification (33%) or a university degree (19%). Short qualifying courses, lasting on average 34 hours, attracted 25% of students, while attendance at cultural lectures increased by two points, with 19% of students (chart 19.05).

The number of qualifications awarded through university continuing education (including those awarded by Validation of learning from experience (VAE)) increased by nearly 1% in 2013. Of the 81,900 qualifications awarded, 68% were national diplomas (55,502). Out of these, 46% were level II (general Bachelor's degrees, vocational Bachelor's degrees and Master's degrees) 36% were level I (Engineering diplomas and Master's degrees), 12% were level IV and 6% level III, mainly University technology diplomas (DUT) (table 19.04). In 2013, the share of continuing education qualifications in all qualifications awarded by universities was 10%, compared to 9% in 2012.

Joëlle Grille