IUTs

IUTs, or Institut Universitaire de Technologie, are a network of technology-focused higher education institutes within French universities. They were established to provide short-cycle, professionally oriented training that combines theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on experience and strong links to industry. The IUT system emerged in the context of modernizing technical education in France during the latter half of the 20th century.

The main purpose of IUTs is to prepare graduates for immediate employment in technical and managerial roles while also offering pathways for further study. Courses are organized into disciplinary departments that cover fields such as information technology, engineering technology, chemistry, biology, business administration, and related disciplines. Teaching emphasizes laboratories, projects, internships, and collaborations with local companies, aiming to facilitate the transition from classroom to workplace.

Degrees and qualifications have evolved in recent years. Historically, IUTs awarded the DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie) after two years of study. In line with national reforms, the DUT has been progressively replaced by the BUT (Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie), a three-year bachelor’s degree; many IUTs now issue BUT, while some still offer DUT during the transition. Students may also pursue Licences professionnelles (professional bachelor’s degrees) or continue to master’s programs afterward, depending on the field and institution.

Admission typically follows the baccalaureate, with competitive selection for certain specializations and the possibility of entry via multiple pathways after two years of higher education. Overall, IUTs aim to provide practical, industry-relevant education within the university system, producing graduates who are prepared for both employment and further academic study.