What is distance education at the secondary or secondary school or post-baccalaureate level?
Verified 06 November 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
Distance learning, also called e-learning, allows you to train without having to go to a school or higher education institution. It is carried out without the physical presence of a teacher. Several structures offer remote training. Here is the information you need to know.
If you want to train but you cannot travel to attend classes, you can use distance learning.
This is the case, in particular, if you are a middle school student, a high school student or a student and you are not attending an educational institution (disabled pupil, confined pupil, foreigner student, etc.).
In particular, you can follow a distance learning course school (middle and high school) or superior (post-bac).
Distance learning allows you to obtain diplomas and professional qualifications recognized by the State.
The teachings concerned range from the sixth to Bac+5.
Distance learning can take many forms.
Digital
Open and distance learning (OADT) is training using new multimedia and internet technologies (videoconferences, collaborative space, e-mail, forum).
FYI
Many massive open online courses (Clom, also called Mooc) are available free of charge on the internet. They provide new knowledge in different fields.
Paper
Distance learning can also be done with paper. The courses are then usually sent to your home.
You follow the courses remotely from the place of your choice (your home, dedicated workspace).
If you are a student, connected campuses allow you to follow the distance learning in which you are enrolled.
Registration for distance learning is done directly with the chosen organization. For example, the French national centre for distance education (Cned) or the Inter-University Federation of Distance Learning (Fied).
The approaches may differ from one organization to another.
Who shall I contact
Information on training courses and registration documents for distance learning offers
On the internet
By post
Fied
103 Saint-Michel Boulevard
75005 Paris
The cost of training may vary depending on the type of training and the training organization. Inquire directly with the organization concerned.
Who shall I contact
Information on training courses and registration documents for distance learning offers
On the internet
By post
Fied
103 Saint-Michel Boulevard
75005 Paris
If you are enrolled in a distance learning course of college level or high school or post-bac, you can, under conditions, benefit from a scholarship.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
For information on distance learning and its costs
French national centre for distance education, CnedFor information on distance learning and its costs
Information on training courses and registration documents for distance learning offers
On the internet
By post
Fied
103 Saint-Michel Boulevard
75005 Paris
Compulsory education
French national centre for distance education
Training courses and institutions entitled to receive national scholarships from the 2nd degree of high school
FAQ
Service Public
Ministry of Higher Education and Research
France Labor
French national centre for distance education, Cned
Campus France Agency
Ministry of Higher Education and Research