Paris, 18 Oct 2025

Education in France is getting longer and more young people are getting higher degrees. But this may not mean they have more skills or better jobs. A new report looks at how education and work are connected in France.

More Time in School, But Not More Learning

Young people in France now spend more years in school than before. In 1986, only 20 out of 100 young people were still studying at age 21. Now, almost half are still in school at that age. But this does not mean they are learning more. Some experts say students are just moving up grades faster without repeating years. Tests show that primary school students know less now than they did before. In universities, teachers are more lenient in giving passing grades.

Diplomas May Not Match Real Skills

More French youth have higher degrees now. But their actual skills may not be as high as their diplomas suggest. For example, Dutch people with only high school diplomas have similar reading and writing skills as French university graduates. This gap between degrees and real skills is a big problem. It makes people question if longer education is really helping. Students also find it hard to use what they learned in school at work. Many feel they need to unlearn school things to do well in jobs.

With a masters degree, you have nothing left

France may need to rethink how education and work connect for young people. Follow The Rising News for more verified updates.

Updated 18 Oct 2025, 11:30 IST; source: link