Understanding the Academic System
Understanding how the French university system works can make your academic journey much easier. On this page, we have gathered the essential information you are likely to need throughout the academic year, from grading and examinations to course registration, university platforms, and official documents. Whether you are just starting your studies or looking for answers during the year, this guide will help you navigate the academic system at Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne.
Academic Structure
Learn how the French higher education system is organized, how grades and credits work, and what you need to successfully validate your academic year.
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Academic Calendar
The academic calendar outlines the key dates of the academic year, including teaching periods, examination sessions, university holidays, publication of results, and resit examinations. It is published annually by the University and applies to most undergraduate and master’s programs.
Before making travel plans or scheduling important appointments, we recommend checking the latest version of the academic calendar, as dates may change and some programs may follow a different schedule.
View the official Academic Calendar (2026/2027)
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Grading System in France
French universities use a 20 point grading scale, with grades ranging from 0 to 20. A grade of 10/20 is the minimum passing mark. Grades above 16 are relatively uncommon and are usually awarded only for exceptional work.
The scale is generally interpreted as follows:
- 16 to 20: Très bien (Excellent performance)
- 14 to 15.99: Bien (Very good performance)
- 12 to 13.99: Assez bien (Good performance)
- 10 to 11.99: Passable (Satisfactory performance and a passing grade)
- Below 10: Ajourné (The course or assessment has not been passed)
A grade below 10 in one course does not always mean that the semester or academic year has been failed. Depending on the program’s academic regulations, lower grades may be compensated by higher grades in other courses. Final results are confirmed by the examination jury.
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Understanding ECTS Credits
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is used by universities across Europe to measure a student’s academic workload and progress. Instead of only considering grades, universities also use ECTS credits to determine whether a student has successfully completed a course, semester, or academic year.
At Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne:
- A standard academic year is worth 60 ECTS credits.
- Each semester is worth 30 ECTS credits.
ECTS credits are only awarded when a course has been successfully validated according to the university’s academic regulations. Once earned, ECTS credits remain valid and can also facilitate academic recognition within the European Higher Education Area, particularly for exchange or transfer programs.
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How to Validate a Semester or a Year?
At Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, the validation of a semester is based on the weighted average obtained across all courses included in that semester. Students are therefore not necessarily required to obtain a grade of at least 10/20 in every individual course.
Grades obtained in different courses may compensate for one another. A lower grade in one course may be offset by a higher grade in another, provided that the overall semester average reaches at least 10/20.
Compensation may also apply between the two semesters of the same academic year. A student who does not validate one semester may still validate the academic year if the combined annual average of both semesters is at least 10/20.
For example, a student with an average of 9/20 in Semester 1 and 11/20 in Semester 2 may validate the academic year through compensation between the two semesters.
Academic Progression
Learn what happens if you do not pass a semester and understand the different rules that determine academic progression.
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What Happens if You Fail a Semester?
Failing a semester does not necessarily mean that you will have to repeat the academic year. At Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, the final outcome depends on your overall academic results and the applicable validation rules.
If your semester average is below 10/20, you may still validate the academic year through compensation between the two semesters, provided that your combined annual average reaches 10/20.
If the academic year is not validated, several outcomes may be possible depending on your results and the university’s academic regulations.
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What is Rattrapage?
Rattrapage, also known as the second examination session, gives students a second opportunity to validate an academic year that was not successfully completed during the first examination session.
Rattrapage is not based on individual courses alone. Eligibility is determined after the validation of the semester and the academic year has been assessed. This means that receiving a grade below 10/20 in a course does not automatically require you to take a resit examination.
If, after all applicable compensation rules have been applied, the academic year is not validated, the University determines which semester(s) have not been validated. Within those semester(s), students retake examinations only for the courses belonging to non-validated Teaching Units (UEs), in accordance with the academic regulations of their program.
There are two examination sessions each academic year. The first session takes place at the end of each semester, while the second session is generally held in June and July. The higher grade obtained between the first and second examination sessions is retained as the final grade for each course.
The dates of the second examination session are published each year in the University’s academic calendar.
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What is AJAC?
AJAC stands for Ajourné Autorisé à Continuer, which means “Failed but Authorized to Continue.”
AJAC status allows a student to progress to the next academic year even though they have not fully validated the previous one. It is intended for students who have successfully validated at least one semester but have not validated the entire academic year.
Students granted AJAC status may enroll in the next year of study while carrying academic debts from the previous year. These outstanding courses must be successfully completed during the following academic year.
AJAC status is not granted automatically. Eligibility is determined by the examination jury in accordance with the University’s academic regulations.
Course & Registration
Learn what happens if you do not pass a semester and understand the different rules that determine academic progression.
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Administrative vs. Pedagogical Registration
To complete your enrollment, you must complete two separate registration steps: administrative registration and pedagogical registration. Both are required before the start of the academic year.
Administrative Registration (Inscription Administrative)
Administrative registration is the official enrollment process that confirms your status as a student at the University. It includes paying the tuition fees (if applicable), completing the required administrative formalities, and receiving your student card and enrollment certificates. This step is completed online before the start of the academic year.
Pedagogical Registration (Inscription Pédagogique)
Pedagogical registration takes place after your administrative registration has been completed. During this step, you register for your courses by selecting your tutorial (TD) groups, your minor, your foreign language, and, if you wish, any optional bonus courses. These choices determine your class timetable for the semester.
It is your responsibility to verify that your pedagogical registration has been completed correctly. Once finalized, your course contract should appear in your ENT and include your assigned tutorial group, language, minor, and any bonus courses you have selected.
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What are CM, TD, DE?
Courses at Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne may be taught through CM (Cours Magistraux), TD (Travaux Dirigés), or DE (Direction d’Étude). These formats are not necessarily separate courses. A single course may include both a CM and a TD, while other courses may be taught only through one format.
The program is designed to be followed fully in person, and regular attendance and active participation are strongly encouraged, as they contribute significantly to students’ academic success.
CM (Cours Magistraux)
A CM is a lecture delivered to a large group of students, usually in an amphitheater. It presents the main theories, concepts, and course content.
Some courses consist only of a CM. Others combine a CM with a TD or DE, which allows students to apply and develop the material introduced during the lecture.
TD (Travaux Dirigés)
A TD is a small-group tutorial, generally composed of approximately 30 students. In courses that include both formats, the TD complements the CM through exercises, problem-solving activities, discussions, presentations, or other forms of practical work.
TDs may also include continuous assessments, such as tests, assignments, presentations, or participation. These results may contribute to the final grade for the course.
Attendance at TDs is mandatory. Students are generally permitted up to three justified absences. Failure to comply with the attendance requirements may result in the student being declared défaillant, which can prevent the course from being validated.
DE (Direction d’Étude)
A DE is an alternative teaching format used for certain courses. DE groups are generally larger than TD groups and involve less direct supervision and a greater degree of independent work.
Depending on the course, a DE may accompany a CM in a similar way to a TD, or the course may be organized differently. Students may be assigned to either a TD or a DE for the same subject, depending on the organization of the program.
Attendance at DE sessions may be mandatory. However, students remain responsible for the course content, required work, and assessments.
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How to Register for TD Groups
Registration for TD (Travaux Dirigés) groups is completed during pedagogical registration (inscription pédagogique)at the beginning of each semester.
You must register online through IP-WEB, where you will select your tutorial groups, minor, foreign language, and any optional bonus courses. Your selections determine your timetable for the semester.
When choosing your TD groups, ensure that your timetable is compatible with your language classes and other selected courses. If a scheduling conflict occurs, your economics courses always take priority.
After completing your registration, you should verify your course contract in ENT. It should include your assigned TD groups, language, minor, and any bonus courses. If you notice any errors, contact your academic administration as soon as possible.
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Do I Have to Choose a Minor?
Yes. All students are required to choose a minor subject as part of their curriculum.
The minor is selected during course enrollment (inscription pédagogique) from the options available for your program. It forms part of your degree requirements and appears on your timetable alongside your economics courses.
Students may change their minor until the published deadline at the beginning of the academic year. However, some options may have specific restrictions. For example, according to the 2026–2027 guide, the Computer Science minor cannot be changed once selected.
Note: A minor is a secondary field of study that complements your main degree. While your major is Economics, your minor allows you to develop knowledge and skills in another academic discipline. The available minor options vary depending on your program and may include subjects such as Computer Science, Law, Management, or other disciplines offered by the University. -
Choosing Bonus Courses
Students have the option to enroll in bonus courses alongside their main curriculum. Bonus courses are available in the areas of sports, culture, and languages, with the selection varying depending on the semester and the registration conditions set by the relevant department.
A maximum of two bonus courses per semester can be taken into account. Successfully completing these courses can add up to 0.5 points to the semester average.
Exams & Assessment
Understand how assessments and examinations are organized throughout the academic year.
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Continuous Assessment vs. Final Exams
Courses may be assessed in different ways depending on their teaching format and the academic regulations of the program. The two most common assessment methods are Continuous Assessment (CC) and Final Examinations.
Continuous Assessment (CC)
In courses with TDs (tutorials), assessment is often carried out throughout the semester. Continuous assessment may include quizzes, written assignments, presentations, participation, or midterm tests completed during the semester.
For many courses, the final course grade is calculated using both the continuous assessment grade and the final examination grade.
Continuous Assessment Only (CCI)
Some courses are assessed entirely through Continuous Assessment (CCI – Contrôle Continu Intégral). In these courses, there is no final examination, and the final grade is based solely on the assessments completed throughout the semester.
Final Examinations
Final examinations are typically held at the end of each semester and assess the knowledge acquired throughout the course. They generally take place during the University’s official examination periods in January and May.
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Absence from an Exam
Attendance at examinations is mandatory. If you are unable to attend an examination, you should inform your academic administration as soon as possible and provide any required supporting documentation. Under the University’s examination regulations, an unjustified absence results in being declared défaillant (DEF) for examinations with a formal convocation, or receiving a grade of 0 for assessments without a formal convocation.
University Platforms & Tools
Learn where to access the official documents you may need during your studies.
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What are ENT, EPI & EDT?
During your studies, you will regularly use three main digital platforms: ENT, EPI, and EDT. Each platform has a different purpose and together they provide access to your academic information, learning materials, and timetable.
ENT
ENT (Espace Numérique de Travail) is the University’s main online portal. It acts as the starting point for most digital services and gives you access to your student account using a single login.
From ENT, you can access your university email, view your grades and examination information, download official documents such as your enrollment certificate, and access other university platforms, including EPI. Because many important administrative announcements are communicated through ENT and your university email, you should check them regularly throughout the academic year.
EPI
EPI (Espace Pédagogique Interactif) is the University’s online learning platform. Each course generally has its own EPI page managed by the instructor.
Teachers use EPI to share lecture slides, tutorial materials, assignments, readings, and course announcements. Depending on the course, you may also find practical information about assessments, deadlines, or additional learning resources. Since every instructor manages their own course page, the content available on EPI may vary from one course to another.
EDT
EDT (Emploi du Temps) is your timetable. It shows the schedule for your lectures (CM), tutorials (TD), examinations, and other academic activities.
Your timetable may change during the semester, so you should check it regularly to stay informed about room changes, schedule updates, or other modifications. After completing your pedagogical registration, make sure your registered courses appear correctly in your timetable.
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How to Integrate Your Timetable into Your Calendar
You can subscribe to your university timetable so that it automatically appears in your preferred calendar application and stays up to date whenever the University publishes changes.
- Log in to ENT and open EDT (Emploi du Temps).
- Click the calendar (iCal) icon in the top right corner of the timetable.
- In the pop-up window, click Copy Address to copy your personal iCal subscription link.
- Open your preferred calendar application, such as Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Microsoft Outlook, and add a new calendar using the From URL or Subscribe to Calendar option.
- Paste the copied iCal link to subscribe to your timetable.
Once subscribed, your timetable will automatically update whenever changes are published by the University.
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How to Forward Your University Emails
To avoid missing important announcements, you can automatically forward your university emails to your personal email address while keeping a copy in your Paris 1 mailbox.
- Log in to ENT and open Mon compte Paris 1.
- Select Modification des données personnelles.
- Open the Coordonnées universitaires tab.
- Under Je souhaite, select Rediriger vers mon email personnel et conserver une copie dans ma boîte Paris 1.
- Enter your personal email address in the Personal email field.
- Save your changes.
Once configured, emails sent to your university account will also be forwarded to your personal inbox, allowing you to stay informed without having to check multiple email accounts.
Tip: We recommend choosing the option that keeps a copy in your Paris 1 mailbox. This ensures that you can still access all university emails directly through your student account if needed.
Official Documents
Learn where to access the official documents you may need during your studies.
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How to Download Your Student Certificate
Your Student Certificate (Certificat de scolarité) confirms your enrollment at the University and is often required for administrative procedures such as opening a bank account, applying for housing assistance, or proving your student status.
To download your Student Certificate:
- Log in to ENT.
- Open Dossier étudiant.
- Select Inscriptions.
- Download your Certificat de scolarité.
The document is provided as an official PDF and can be downloaded whenever it is available for your academic year.
Note: You can also reach Dossier étudiant by selecting Exams from the ENT home page. Alternatively, use the search bar in ENT to search for "Dossier étudiant".
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How to Download Your Transcript
Your Transcript (Relevé de notes) contains your grades and academic results for a specific academic year.
To download your Transcript:
- Log in to ENT.
- Open Dossier étudiant.
- Select Notes et résultats.
- In the top right corner, choose the academic year you wish to view.
- Click the document icon to download the official PDF transcript.
The downloaded transcript includes the University’s official stamp and can be used for applications requiring proof of your academic results.
Note: You can also reach Dossier étudiant by selecting Exams from the ENT home page. Alternatively, use the search bar in ENT to search for “Notes et résultats” or “Relevé de notes”.