What is the Baccalauréat?
The Baccalauréat is the French-system leaving exam taken at the end of lycée in Francophone West Africa (e.g. Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal). Series include S (science), L (literary), and ES (economics).
Series & streams
Your series determines eligible university programmes. BAC S leads to engineering and sciences; BAC L to humanities; BAC ES to economics and management.
After the BAC
Passing opens university, grandes écoles prep, and professional pathways. Francophone students may also pursue bilingual or regional programmes.
Step-by-step overview
- 1
Choose lycée series
Select S, L, or ES in seconde/ première based on strengths and career goals.
- 2
Prepare contrôle continu & examens
Continuous assessment and final exams both count toward the diploma.
- 3
Sit the BAC
Register through your établissement per national ministry rules.
- 4
Apply to higher education
Use national admission platforms and institutional requirements in your country.
Practical tips
- Maths and physics depth in BAC S is intense — start revision cycles early.
- French proficiency is essential for exam success and university coursework.