2. History and legislation
2-1) Historical overview
The history of higher education in France originates in the 12th century, when the first universities were
established. They were independent institutions with autonomous status that were awarded significant
privileges.
In 1794 during the French Revolution (late 18th century), the Convention created the special grandes
écoles: the Central School of Public Works (a year later renamed the École polytechnique), the arts and
crafts conservatory, the school of oriental languages, the school of fine arts etc. In 1806, Napoleon I
created a law setting the Imperial University (the first decree to organize it was set in 1808) in order to
control education, and all institutions were combined under this banner. The Imperial University was
really centralized. In the 27 cities where academies were installed there were faculties which were
directly managed by the central government. There has been contestation against this centralization.
However, in the reign of Napoleon III, the title of Grand Master of the University (Grand maître de
l’université) to which had designated the Minister by Emperor was took place by the emperor himself.
When France was divided into 16 academic constituencies and the faculties took separate control,
eventually each taking the name of University in 1896. It was the reform in 1896 in which the university
was given the right to deliver their own diplomas, even if the grades were still the responsibility of the
state.