In a context of profound change in higher education, the Union of Independent Schools intends to strengthen its role as a major spokesperson for the private sector in France.
While private higher education is experiencing some turbulence, the UGEI, now called the Union of Grandes Ecoles Privées, aims to become a major spokesperson for private higher education in Franceby strengthening its visibility with public authorities.
“We want to position ourselves in a stronger and more recognized manner on major public debates. We must assume our role as a trusted third party with regard to the major issues facing society and private higher education,” says Joël Cuny, president of the UGEI.
While the examination of the bill on the regulation of lucrative private higher education, initially scheduled for May in the Senate, could ultimately be postponed, l’UGEI with 37 member schools – mainly engineering and business schools – reaffirms its position and wishes to contribute to the debate.
“Private higher education is experiencing a major change, marked by a diversification of models and training offers. We are talking about our ability to anticipate the skills of tomorrow and to support societal transformations,” he adds.
UGEI calls for clarity on the private higher education regulation bill
The association co-signed a letter to Minister Philippe Baptiste so that the bill is one of the priorities of the next parliamentary sessions. “There is a real need to regulate private higher education. We need to take a certain number of measures and clean up the market,” continues Joël Cuny.
Néanmoins, the distinction between partner school and approved schoolwhich would recognize the quality of training in establishments, does not reach consensus. “I am not sure that these are the best terms to give meaning to the candidates,” he explains. “What we are demanding, it is the recognition of a higher establishment for all of its training and research missions.”
Jean-Michel Nicolle, former president of the UGEI, agrees. “For the first time, the private and the public are found in the same law. We must not try to mask the quality of schools with categories. We must build plural higher education. But we are in a time where political balances are delicate.”
A new brand identity
With 37 member schools, the association displays a new brand identity, by presenting itself as the main grouping of large private schoolsin number of establishments. The UGEI brings together 21 engineering schools, 13 management schools and 3 creative industry schools (fashion, design, AI) including 18 EESPIG (Private higher education establishment of general interest). Two schools are in the process of admission.
The establishments bring together 105,000 students each year, including 30,500 in the engineering cycle (i.e. 37% of the training workforce for the year 2024-2025). All deliver diplomas approved or graded by the State (license, master, doctorate). “We affirm our representation within the perimeter of large private schools. The attractiveness of talents is extremely important,” concludes Joël Cuny.
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