ABSTRACT
The "Grandes Ecoles" supply France with most of its engineers, industrial research specialists, managers and administrators. The engineer-manager will be responsible for big projects: roads, waterway networks, space agencies, nuclear power, and supersonic travel. Foreign countries from the east, the west, and the developing countries are sending increasing numbers of their students to the French "Grandes Ecoles." The leading position occupied by the "Grandes Ecoles" in France is basically due to two factors: the profile and the quality of the students accepted; and the nature and the high level of the education which they receive. The prestige of certain "Grandes Ecoles" and the quality of their education are linked to a correspondingly higher level of entry selection. In relation to what can be seen of other educational institutions, both in France and in foreign countries, the education of the French "Grandes Ecoles" offers special characteristics: in the objective education; in the pedagogical methods; and in links with the economic sector.
