The quality of the workforce represents one of the most important factors in terms of competitiveness in a global economy. In France, this quality is largely due to the high level of qualification. To reach a high level of skills, educationnal expenditures amounted to 108 billions euros, equivalent to 7% of the GDP in 2002, 17 billions being for high level education. In 2003 there were 2 209 000 students, 49 000 more than in 2002. In total, 30% of the workforce has received post-secondary education (OECD, 2000).

The GDP per employee in French private business is 51 500 US$ ahead of the United Kingdom (50 900), Germany (42 700) and Spain (35 500) according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2002.