Key Benefits:
President of the Republic,
On the report of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development,
Considering the Constitution, in particular articles 52 to 55;
Vu le Decree No. 53-192 of 14 March 1953 amended on the ratification and publication of international commitments undertaken by France;
Vu le Decree No. 88-817 of 13 July 1988 publishing the cultural agreement between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of the United States of Mexico, signed in Paris on 17 July 1970,
Decrete:
The agreement between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of the United States of Mexico on the mutual recognition of diplomas, titles and periods of higher education, signed in Mexico City on 10 April 2014, will be published in the Official Journal of the French Republic.
The Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development are responsible, each with respect to him, for the execution of this decree, which will be published in the Official Journal of the French Republic.
AGREEMENT
ENTER THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FRANÇAISE REPUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE MEXICO RELATING TO THE MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF DIPLOYES, TITRES AND PERIODS OF SUPERLY ENQUIRY (ENSEMBLE ANNEX), SIGNED TO MEXICO 10 APRIL 2014
The Government of the French Republic and the Government of the Mexican United States, below referred to as “the Parties”,
CONSIDERING the cultural agreement between the Government of the Mexican United States and the Government of the French Republic signed in Paris on 17 July 1970 and the provisions of the framework agreement for cooperation between the Government of the Mexican United States and the Government of the French Republic signed in Mexico on 18 February 1992;
CONSCIENTS that education is the best tool to promote understanding and solidarity among peoples;
WHEREAS encouraging the mobility of students between the two countries, by facilitating the continuation of their studies in the other country;
WHEREAS the two countries fully benefit from the richness of this diversity, by facilitating the access of students from the higher education institutions of each Party and their training offer, in particular by enabling them to continue their studies or to complete a period of study in higher education institutions in both countries;
CONSIDERING, for the French Party, the favourable opinions of the Conference of Presidents of Universities (CPU) and the Conference of Directors of the French Schools of Engineers (CDEFI) ;
CONSIDERING that the professional exercise is governed by the respective local laws,
The following agreed:
Article 1
Objective
The objective of this agreement is to establish the mutual recognition of diplomas, titles and periods of study having official validity in the educational system of each Party.
The Parties shall recognize and grant official validity to diplomas, titles and periods of study issued or validated by the participating educational institutions of each Party, through their respective official bodies, for the continuation of studies and provided that they meet the mandatory requirements.
For the implementation of this agreement, in the case of the United States of Mexico the competent authority is the Ministry of Public Education (named the Secretaria de Educación Pública - SEP) and the local educational authorities within the framework of their respective competences and in the case of the French Republic it is the authorities responsible for higher education and research.
Article 2
Scope
1. This Agreement applies:
- to students from both Parties with degrees, titles and periods of study recognized by the competent authorities of each of the two Parties;
- to students of the two Parties who have completed periods of study in the country of origin who do not constitute a complete cycle leading to the award of a degree, title or university degree but nevertheless sanctioned by a review or certificate issued by the competent authorities of that country certifying that these studies have been carried out in accordance with the academic program and specifying the number of credits required. These periods of study may be validated by the competent higher education authorities or by the host institution of the other country and lead to the dispensation of teachings of the same nature in the curricula of the host institution.
In both cases, the educational and academic authorities of the host institution determine the channels to which the student can access. The following exemptions from studies and degrees are granted within the same disciplinary field or vocational training.
In the case of establishments outside the scope of this Agreement, the procedures for recognition of studies and periods of study will be subject to the legislation applicable to the Mexican United States or the French Republic, as the case may be.
2. This Agreement concerns the following institutions and disciplines:
- in France: all institutions that fall under the responsibility of the Conference of Presidents of the University (CPU) and the Conference of Directors of the French Schools of Engineers (CDEFI) (see Annex);
- in Mexico: all public, autonomous and higher education institutions with the Recognition of Official Validity of Studies (RVOE) (see Annex).
This Agreement does not apply to occupational health training programs.
This Agreement does not apply to formations that have no official validity in the Mexican States and the French Republic.
This Agreement may open up to new trainings by means of subsequent amendments, depending on the evolution of the higher education systems of both Parties.
The provisions of this Agreement shall be decided without prejudice to the law of the European Union applicable to the recognition of diplomas.
This Agreement shall be without prejudice to additional conditions of admission such as the capacity of the institution or the control of the language by the candidate.
Article 3
Access to graduate studies in France for Mexican graduates
Higher education institutions in France define, based on their applicable internal regulations, diplomas, titles, levels of vocational training, periods of study, examination results and skills required to allow a student to follow the proposed curriculum.
1. Access to higher education
1.1. First year of graduate studies
A student who holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree "Bashillerato" or equivalent may be admitted to France, after examination of his or her case, in the first year either of a university degree or in one of the following courses recruiting at the Baccalaureate level: Sections de Technicien supérieur (STS), Instituts universitaires de Technologie (IUT), Classes préparatoires aux Grandes Ecoles (CPcruGE) or
1.2. Access to training programs leading to the degree of licence
A student with a degree from "Técnico Superior Universitario" may be admitted to France, after examination of his or her file, "license" or "professional license". It is the welcoming institution that determines the academic level of the training to which the student can access.
2. Access to master and doctoral courses
The Mexican titles of higher education of "Licenciatura" (university studies programs of a duration between 6 and 10 semesters of full-time training) can be considered from a level comparable to that of the French degree of "license" corresponding to 180 European credits (ECTS: European Credit Transfer System).
Students holding the titles of the higher education of "Licenciatura" can be admitted in the year of the "master" cycle most adapted according to the content of their training.
The Mexican diplomas of " Especialidad" (specialization program of a minimum duration of a full-time training year after the validation of a minimum of 8 semesters and obtaining the title of "Licenciatura") can be considered of a level comparable to that of the French title of "master" (the "master" corresponding to 300 European ECTS credits after the Bachelor). A student who holds this degree may apply, after examination of his or her case file and according to his or her training achievements, to a second year of the Master's degree.
The Mexican grade of "Maestria" (minimum one year of full-time training) can be considered from a level comparable to that of the French grade of "master". A Mexican student who holds this degree may apply, after examination of his or her file, for a "PhD."
3. Access to the engineering cycle of institutions authorized to issue the title of a graduate engineer
Students holding the titles of the higher education of "Licenciatura" or "Títulos Profesionales" sanctioning a period of engineering studies of 6 to 10 semesters can be admitted, after examination of his file, in the year of the engineering cycle most adapted to his professional training.
The French Republic recalls that:
- The title "a graduate engineer" issued by an institution accredited by the French State, after a periodic evaluation by the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI), can only be obtained after a training in the "engineering cycle" of a minimum duration of four semesters. The completion project for a semester may be carried out within a company or university in Mexico;
- In accordance with French decree No. 99-747 of 30 August 1999, article 2, as amended by Decree No. 2002-480 of 8 April 2002 (articles D612-33, 34, 35 and 36 of the Code of Edification), the grade of "master" is conferred in full right to holders of an engineering degree from an accredited institution under theArticle L. 642-1 of the Education Code.
Article 4
Access to graduate studies in Mexico for French graduates
Higher education institutions in Mexico define, based on applicable internal regulations, diplomas, titles, levels of vocational training, and examination results required for a student to be allowed to attend a university course in Mexico.
1. Access to university studies to obtain the degree of "Licenciatura"
The holder of a French bachelor's degree has the opportunity to apply for an admission in the first year of a course of "Licenciatura" or other options prior to the completion of the "Licenciatura", provided that they meet the prerequisites required by the host institution.
The student who successfully completed two years of graduate studies in the preparatory classes for the Grandes Ecoles (CPGE) and obtained up to 120 European credits (ECTS) has the opportunity to apply for an admission leading to the degree of "Licenciatura" in his or her training field, provided that they meet the prerequisites required by the host institution.
It is the welcoming institution that determines the academic level of the training to which the student can access, according to the number of European credits (ECTS) obtained, corresponding to the training content and the skills acquired.
2. Access to studies leading to the "Maestria"
The student who holds a "licence" has the opportunity to be admitted in the first year of the "Maestria" course in his or her field of training, after examination of his or her previous studies and according to the specific conditions of admission to the host institution.
The student who has validated a first year of French "master" has the opportunity to apply for a second year of the "Maestria" curriculum in his or her field of training, after examining his or her previous studies and according to the specific conditions of admission to the reception facility.
3. Access to doctoral studies
A student who holds a national degree of "master" or a degree conferring the degree of "master" has the opportunity to apply to the studies of " Doctorado" in his field of training.
Article 5
Mutual recognition of studies related to technical and technological training of higher education
A student who has a "University Diploma of Technology" (DUT) and who has obtained up to 120 European credits (ECTS) has the opportunity to apply for a vocational training course leading to the "Licenciatura" degree in his professional training field, provided that he meets the prerequisites required by the host institution.
It is the latter that determines the academic level of the training to which the student can access, depending on the number of European credits (ECTS) obtained, professional training content and acquired skills.
A student who has a "Print of High Technician" (BTS) and has obtained up to 120 European credits (ECTS) has the opportunity to apply for a vocational training course leading to the "Licenciatura" degree in his field of professional training, provided that he meets the prerequisites required by the host institution.
It is the latter that determines the academic level of the training to which the student can access, depending on the number of European credits (ECTS) obtained, professional training content and acquired skills.
Article 6
Validation of study periods
1. The competent authority for recognition of study periods is the higher education institution in which the applicant wishes to continue his studies.
2. Upon request, the periods of study carried out in a higher education institution in one of the two countries, not sanctioned by a diploma, title or grade but by European credits (ECTS), in the French Republic, and by the number of credits corresponding to the period of vocational training in the Mexican United States, may be taken into account in the other country, on the basis of the contents of professional training and acquired skills.
The French Republic recalls that no diplomas are issued after the training in the preparatory classes for the Grandes Ecoles (CPGE). However, the student having successfully completed two years of graduate studies in CPGE can obtain 120 European credits (ECTS), validated by the host institution in which he will continue his studies.
Article 7
Diplomas in partnership
Joint diplomas and double diplomas may be issued in accordance with the regulations in force in both countries.
Article 8
Bilateral Technical Commission
To achieve the objectives of this Agreement, the Parties shall establish, within ninety (90) days from the date of its entry into force, a bilateral technical commission composed of an equal number of specialists in the field of each of them.
The general terms and conditions relating to the periodicity, place and modalities of the meetings of the Bilateral Technical Commission are determined jointly by the Ministry of Public Education of the Mexican United States and by the authorities in charge of higher education and research of the French Republic.
In all cases, the Bilateral Technical Commission shall hold a panel meeting at least every three (3) years. The mission of the Bilateral Technical Commission is to:
- establish mechanisms for the exchange of information, consultation and assistance necessary to define equivalences or correspondence between the two academic systems;
- update the terms in which the recognition of diplomas, titles and periods of study may be attributed;
- provide Parties with simplified procedures for recognition of diplomas, titles and periods of study;
- agree on mechanisms to verify the authenticity of academic documents and, where appropriate, the transferability of electronic documents;
- propose, according to the will of one of the Parties, the holding of extraordinary meetings;
- conduct the monitoring and evaluation of the achievement of the objective of this Agreement.
As soon as this Agreement comes into force, each Party shall designate a coordinator to develop the programs and oversee the action of the Bilateral Technical Commission.
The appointment or replacement of coordinators shall be made by means of a written notification sent to the other Party with a notice of thirty (30) days prior to its entry into office.
Article 9
Information
The Bilateral Technical Commission is regularly informed of the operation and evolution of the respective higher education systems. The update of this information may be obtained:
- from the French Republic to the ENIC-NARIC Centre ("European Network of Information Centers-National Academic Recognition Information Center");
- in the United Mexican States, with the SEP, through the General Directorate of Accreditation and Validation (Dirección General de Acreditación, Incorporación y Revalidación, DGAIR) or the competent authority under the applicable legislation or regulations.
Article 10
Settlement of disputes
Any dispute relating to the application, interpretation or execution of this Agreement shall be settled by mutual agreement between the Parties.
Article 11
Entry into force and duration
This Agreement shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of the last written notification in which the Parties shall, through diplomatic channels, inform each other of the internal procedures necessary for that purpose.
A Party may at any time denounce this Agreement by written notification to the other Party through diplomatic channels, with sixty (60) days in advance.
This Agreement and its Annex may be amended by mutual consent at the request of one of the two Parties. The amendments come into force thirty (30) days after the Parties have notified the performance of the internal procedures necessary for this purpose.
The denunciation of this agreement does not affect the completion of the recognition procedures that have been initiated during its application.
Done in Mexico City on 10 April 2014, in two original copies, each in French and Spanish, both texts being equally authentic.
For the Government of the French Republic:
Benoît Hamon
Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research
For the Government of the United States of Mexico:
Emilio Chuayffet Chemor
Ministry of Public Education
Annex
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOYES, GRADES, TITRES AND ORGANIZATION OF SUPERIOR STUDIES IN SECOND COUNTRIES
A. - In France
1. Degrees, grades and titles
1.1. - The term "graduation"
Are covered by this agreement the diplomas issued under the authority of the State,
namely:
- the following national diplomas: " Baccalaureate" ; " Licence" ; " Master" ; " Doctorate" ;
- national diplomas are issued by institutions accredited by the Minister for Higher Education and Research, after the advice of the National Council for Higher Education and Research (CNESER);
- the title of "graduate engineer" issued by institutions authorized by the State after notice of the "Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur" (CTI).
Following the Charter of Examinations approved in " Conseil des Etudes et de la Vie universitaire " (CEVU) of 20 January 2009, a certificate or a certificate of diploma has a degree value, once the exams are presented and the minutes are prepared.
1.2. - The terms of " grades" and " titles"
Implementation Decree No. 2002-482 of 8 April 2002, the " grades" and " university titles sanction the various levels of higher education common to all areas of training, regardless of disciplines or specialties.
The "grades" set the main reference levels of the European higher education space.
There are three of them:
- the license, corresponding to 180 European credits ("European Credit Transfer System");
- the "master", corresponding to 120 European credits (ECTS), for a total of 300 European credits (ECTS) over the five (5) years of training; and
- The doctoral.
Titles set intermediate levels (cf. Decree No. 2002-481 of 8 April 2002).
A European ECTS credit corresponds to an hourly volume of 25 to 30 hours of academic and personal work by the student.
Thus, pursuant to amended Decree No. 99-747 of 30 August 1999, the degree of "master" is conferred on the holders of the following degree(s):
- national diploma of "master";
- title of "graduate engineer" issued by an institution authorized by the State, after notice of the "Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur" (CTI).
2. Organization of higher education
2.1. - Short graduate studies and license
- the "Senior Technician Sections" (STS): implanted in high schools, prepare, after a course of 2 years of higher education, the "Print of High Technician" (BTS) corresponding to 120 European credits (ECTS), cf. Decree No. 2007-540 of 11 April 2007 relating to the general regulation of the "Last Technician Patent";
- the "University Institutes of Technology" (IUT) : internal to universities, prepare in 2 years of higher education for the "University Diploma of Technology" (DUT) ;
- access to the degree of license.
Access to the first year of university studies is open to holders of the "bachelor's degree" or a recognized degree of equivalent level: "Certificate of Capacity in Law" (CCD) or "Diplôme d'Accès aux Etudes universitaires " (DAEU).
In the French educational system as part of the construction of the European space of higher education, the university studies allow, after 6 semesters, the graduation of the degree of "licence", 180 European credits (ECTS).
They also lead, after a three-year or one-year training after the issuance of a BTS, a DUT or a "Diplôme d'Etudes universitaires générale" (DEUG), to the graduation of the "vocational license" degree, or 180 European credits (ECTS). Two ways are offered to the student who has obtained a "professional license": entry into active life or continuation of studies.
The degree of "licence" and the degree of "professional license" confer the degree of "licence".
2.2. - "Classes préparatoire aux Grandes Ecoles" (CPGE) as a way of access specific to long studies
The "Classes préparatoire aux Grandes Ecoles" (CPGE) are organized in two years and are divided into 3 categories:
- economic and commercial preparatory classes;
- literary preparatory classes;
- scientific preparatory classes.
They prepare for national competitions to access major engineering, business and higher standard schools (ENS).
They are available on file to holders of a "bachelor's degree" or an equivalent level title.
The student who successfully completed two years of graduate studies in CPGE obtains 120 European credits (ECTS) validated by the host institution in which he continues his studies (cf. Decree No. 2007-692 of 3 May 2007 relating to the organization and operation of GICs).
Similarly, the student who successfully completed a year of graduate studies in CPGE obtains 60 European credits (ECTS) validated by the host institution in which he continues his studies (cf. Decree No. 2007-692 of 3 May 2007 relating to the organization and operation of GICs).
2.3. - Long higher studies
Access to the degree of "master"
Access to the first year of the master's curriculum is open to holders of the degree of "license". In the French educational system derived from the process of La Sorbonne-Bologne, the national diploma of "master" punishes 4 semesters of studies after the "licence", corresponding to 120 European credits (ECTS), i.e. 5 years of graduate studies after the "bath" and a total of 300 European credits (ECTS). The national degree of "master" gives the degree of "master".
In the French educational system that preceded the process of La Sorbonne-Bologne, the national diploma of "master's degree" sanctioned a year of study after the "licence" or 4 years of graduate studies after the "bath".
Universities are allowed to issue the Master's degrees at the request of the student.
The title of "graduate engineer" punishes 5 years of higher education; it gives its holder the degree of "master" and 300 European credits (ECTS). The title of "graduate engineer" can only be issued by institutions authorized by the State after a periodic evaluation carried out by the "Commission des titres d'ingénieur" (CTI), commission both academic and professional.
Graduate engineers are fully qualified to practise the profession of engineer who in France is not a regulated profession.
The training paths leading to the title of "graduate engineer" are selective and accessible at various levels:
- on entrance competition, after 2 years of CPGE for access to the engineering cycle;
- on file, interview and trial, after the "bachelor's degree", for access to Engineering Schools in 5 years with an integrated preparatory cycle.
Access to the Doctoral.
In accordance with the decision of 7 August 2006 on doctoral training, the student, "to be enrolled in "doctorate", must be a national diploma of "master" or another degree conferring the degree of "master", following a training course establishing his or her ability to research. If this condition is not met, the head of institution may, by derogation and on the proposal of the doctoral school board, enrol in “doctorate” students who have conducted studies of an equivalent level abroad or benefiting from the validation of the acquired”.
Registration must be renewed at the beginning of each academic year. As a general rule, the preparation of the "PhD" is carried out in 3 years, and gives rise to the support of a thesis.
The graduation of the national degree of "PhD" gives the degree of " Doctor".
3. List of French institutions
Universities, consult the website:
http://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/cid20269/liste-des-universites.html.
Graduate colleges authorized to issue the title of "graduate engineer", consult the website: http://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fricid20256/liste-des-ecoles-dingenieurs.html.
B. - Mexico
1. Name of studies
According to the provisions of section 37 of the General Education Act, higher education is provided from the "Bashillerato" or its equivalents. It includes:
- the "Licenciatura";
- the " Especialidad";
- the "Maestria";
- the Doctorado;
- the " Opciones terminales previas a la conclusión de la licenciatura" (terminal options before the "Licenciatura"), as well as normal teaching at all levels and in all its specialties.
Section 60 of the General Education Act states that the studies carried out within the national education system are valid throughout the Mexican Republic, and that the institutions that are a Party of this system issue certificates, diplomas, titles or academic degrees to those who have completed their studies in accordance with the requirements set out in the relevant curricula and curricula.
In Mexico, the diplomas issued after the studies of the "Licenciatura" are usually "Titulos", while those issued after the studies of the "Maestria" and " Doctorado" are " Grados".
The "Certificados de estudios" are issued concurrently in order to distinguish between subjects and periods of study carried out within a cycle or curriculum, or to validate Partial studies.
Mexico does not have a unified system of academic credits, but it is possible to establish equivalences between the different credit models used in Mexico and the CES.
Although it may vary according to the structure and organization of each study program, in Mexico, the duration of the studies of "Licenciatura" is usually from 3 to 5 years, that of the studies of " Especialidad" from 1 to 2 years, that of the studies of "Maestria" from 1 to 2 years and that of the studies of " Doctorado" from 2 to 3 years or more.
Diplomas, titles and grades issued by public or private institutions "integrated" to the national education system all have the same status, regardless of the institution that granted them.
However, among the lessons that benefit from particularly strict measures to guarantee their quality, we can mention the programmes accredited by the organizations recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Higher Education (Consejo para la Acreditación de la Educación Superior, A.C., COPAES), those assessed at level 1 by the Interinstitutional Councils for the Evaluation of Higher Education (Cons
2. Organization of Studies
2.1. - Short studies
Section 37 of the General Education Act provides the possibility of establishing different "Options terminales previas a la licenciatura" (Previous Licence Options). The best known are:
" Profesional Asociado y Técnico Superior Universitario (Asociado y Técnico Superior Universitario), which constitutes an educational option after the "Basillerato" and before the "Licenciatura", mainly directed towards practice, leading to the obtaining of the corresponding professional title. This curriculum focuses on developing skills and skills related to the exercise of a specific professional activity.
This level can be accredited as part of a course of "Licenciatura" and it usually corresponds to a period of study from 2 to 3 years.
2.2. - Long studies
2.2.1. Licenciatura
The programs of "Licenciatura" have as a fundamental objective the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, aptitudes, skills and working methods for the exercise of a profession.
This level usually corresponds to a period of study from 3 to 5 years.
2.2.2. "Posgrado"
The level of "Posgrado" includes the programs of " Especialidad", "Maestria" and " Doctorado".
2.2.2.1. " Especialidad"
It aims to train individuals capable of studying and dealing with issues specific to a specific field of a particular profession: it can be knowledge and skills related to a basic discipline or specific activities to a particular profession. You must have previously obtained a degree from "Licenciatura", or have acquired all the credits of the "Licenciatura" when it is an option to obtain this degree.
This level usually corresponds to a period of study from 1 to 2 years, the duration of one year being the most common.
2.2.2.2. "Maestria"
It aims to train people who can contribute to the analysis, adaptation and implementation of progress in a particular area of a profession or discipline. You must have obtained at least one degree from "Licenciatura" or have acquired all the credits of the "Licenciatura" when it is an option to obtain this degree.
This level usually corresponds to a period of study from 1 to 2 years, the duration of two years being the most common.
2.2.2.3. " Doctorado"
It aims to train individuals capable of teaching and research, mastering a set of knowledge related to discipline.
Holders of a Doctorado must be able to generate new knowledge independently, or to apply the knowledge acquired in an original or innovative way. At a minimum, you must have obtained a degree of "Licenciatura" beforehand, or have acquired all the credits of the "Licenciatura" when it is an option to obtain this degree. To be admitted in doctorate, however, the requirement of the grade of "Maestria" is the most common.
This level corresponds to a minimum study period of 2 to 3 years.
3. List of Mexican institutions within the scope of this Agreement
All institutions directly dependent on the Secretaria de Educación Pública (SEP). See the sites:
http://www.sep.gob.mx
or
http://www.sincree.sep.gob.mx
Institutions affiliated with the "Asociación Nacional de Universidades e instituciones de Educación Superior" (ANUIES). Consult the website: http://www.anuies.mx.
Institutions affiliated with the "Federación de Instituciones Mexicanas Particulares de Educación Superior, A.C. " (FIMPES). Consult the website: http://www.fimpes.org.mx.
Done on July 29, 2015.
François Hollande
By the President of the Republic:
The Prime Minister,
Manuel Valls
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development,
Laurent Fabius
