France

Adult education in France is organised through a multi-layered and complex system, combining formal, non-formal and informal learning pathways. At a national level, within the meaning of Erasmus+, “Vocational and educational training sector” is formal and non-formal adult learning, and “Adult education” is non-formal and informal learning.
The formal sector is mainly supervised by the Ministries of Labour and Education, together with France compétences and France Travail, which coordinate vocational training, certification and employment-related learning.
However, a large part of adult learning in France takes place outside formal education structures. Non-formal and informal learning is largely driven by local authorities, community organisations and the popular education movement. Which brings together thousands of local associations promoting citizenship, social inclusion and lifelong learning.

Across the country, associations and community centres provide accessible learning opportunities for adults, especially migrants, vulnerable groups and people with low qualifications. Their activities include literacy and numeracy, French as a Foreign Language (FLE), digital inclusion, civic education and everyday administrative support. They also often volunteer-based programmes focused on social integration and autonomy.

Community-based learning also takes place in social centres, neighbourhood organisations, libraries and 'universités populaires' ('community colleges'), where adults can access non-degree learning opportunities in a flexible and inclusive environment. These organisations often act as the first point of contact for people excluded from mainstream education or employment systems.

Informal learning is also strongly embedded in everyday life and workplaces through peer learning, volunteering, community participation and on-the-job knowledge sharing. In many disadvantaged urban areas, local associations remain the main gateway to adult education and basic skills development.