You’ve just graduated with a BTS (Higher National Diploma) and are wondering what to do next? Pursuing a bachelor’s degree may seem like an excellent way to broaden your career options. However, the path isn’t as simple as it seems. Not all BTS (Higher National Diploma) programs automatically lead to a bachelor’s degree, and the choice of which one depends greatly on your desired major, the specifics of your degree, and, of course, the institution. Want to understand how to maximize your chances of admission, understand the distinctions between a general and professional bachelor’s degree, and discover which schools or universities are open to you? We’ll break it all down here, using prestigious institutions such as Sorbonne University, Paris-Dauphine University, ESSEC Business School, and the University of Lille as examples. As a bonus, we also explain why certain bachelor’s degrees are preferable and how to avoid mistakes that can hinder your progress!
1. Why consider a bachelor’s degree after a BTS? Understanding the challenges
So, why choose to continue with a bachelor’s degree after a BTS? Many people ask this question. The BTS is a short (2-year) diploma that primarily prepares students for rapid entry into the professional world. It is therefore largely focused on practice and less on in-depth theory. However, a bachelor’s degree offers another level of value. It aims to broaden your general knowledge, open the door to more qualified positions, and, above all, can be a springboard to a master’s degree.
But, precisely, are a BTS (Higher National Diploma) and a bachelor’s degree compatible? You’re probably wondering about the compatibility between these programs. It’s not always easy. For example, while your BTS (Higher National Diploma) is highly specialized, a general bachelor’s degree is more theoretical and often multidisciplinary. Therefore, BTS graduates often prefer to pursue a professional bachelor’s degree, which is much more closely aligned with their initial specialization. The latter is designed to strengthen a specific skill and facilitate immediate entry into the world of work.
So, will a bachelor’s degree really give you a leg up? Yes, definitely! It will open up broader horizons, allow you to develop complementary skills, and, in my opinion, it’s the key to going beyond simple technical know-how. And it can also be a great opportunity to change career paths if you want to add a little diversity to your career path. 🎯 The BTS prepares for technical and operational skills
- 🎯 The general bachelor’s degree deepens theoretical knowledge
- 🎯 The professional bachelor’s degree leads to professional specialization
- 🎯 The bachelor’s degree is often a stepping stone to a master’s degree
- Diploma 🎓
| Duration | Orientation | Main Objective | BTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Professional | Rapid entry into the job market | General Bachelor’s Degree |
| 3 years | Theoretical | Continuation to a master’s degree or research | Professional Bachelor’s Degree |
| 1 year (after two years of higher education) | Professional | Professional integration and specialization | Moreover, choosing the right bachelor’s degree after your BTS is essential, and schools like |
Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 or IAE Aix-Marseille are able to provide excellent guidance based on your specialty. Discover our range of bachelor’s degrees and options tailored to your needs. Personalize your experience and maximize your potential with our flexible solutions. Explore our offers now and choose the license that suits you best.
You may be wondering what really distinguishes these two types of bachelor’s degrees, especially after a BTS? It’s quite simple: the general bachelor’s degree (LG) is a more theoretical program that often prepares students for longer studies, particularly a master’s degree. The professional bachelor’s degree (LP), on the other hand, is more practically oriented, with a strong emphasis on immediate employment.
The LG is primarily chosen by those who want to specialize in research or a specialized field. It often requires a high level of autonomy because the courses are less structured and more focused on analysis. To have a chance of being admitted to the LG after a BTS, you often need to present a very strong application, provide a strong rationale for your choice, and sometimes undergo refresher training in certain areas. Admission is on a case-by-case basis, carefully reviewed by universities such as the Sorbonne University or Lyon 3 University.
On the other hand, the professional bachelor’s degree is designed to meet the needs of businesses. It relies on long internships and practical projects, and is already aimed at those with a two-year degree (Bac+2), such as BTS graduates. Selection is also based on applications, but a strong career plan and a specialization consistent with the BTS guarantee easier integration. The selection is wide, with over 170 majors, for example, at schools such as KEDGE Business School or the University of Lille. ⚖️ General Bachelor’s Degree : theoretical, academic track, research possible ⚖️Professional Bachelor’s Degree
: practical, adapted to the job market ⚖️ Admission based on application in both cases ⚖️ Easier access to a professional bachelor’s degree for a BTS holder⚖️ Requires a convincing cover letterAspect
- General Bachelor’s Degree Professional Bachelor’s Degree Duration
- 3 years (often entering the second year of a BTS program) 1 year (after a baccalaureate + 2 BTS programs) Orientation
- Theoretical and Academic
- Professional and Practical
- Content
| Lectures, tutorials, few internships | Projects, long internships | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the Master’s degree | Rapid professional integration | Admission |
| Based on application, with rigorous selection | Based on application with a clear professional project | University examples |
| Sorbonne University, Paris-Dauphine University | University of Lille, KEDGE, IAE Aix-Marseille | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDZn7C7jrmY |
| 3. How to build a strong application for a bachelor’s degree after a BTS (Higher National Diploma)? | Be careful not to underestimate this step! Selection is often tough, and your application must be solid. Your application is the key to your admission to a bachelor’s degree, whether it’s a professional or general program. | So, what do you need to prepare: |
| ✍️ | Solid academic reports | : Grades from both years of the BTS (Higher National Diploma) are very important. 📝 |
| The BTS diploma | : Essential for accessing a bachelor’s degree after a BTS. | 🔍 |
: It should demonstrate why you’re choosing this degree and your career goals.
🎯
A clear CV
- : Highlight your internships, experience, and representative skills. 🗣️ A possible interview
- : For some professional bachelor’s degrees, you’ll be interviewed to confirm your motivation. Also, pay attention to the consistency of your background. For example, if you’re coming from a BTS in Management Action Support (SAM), choose a coherent bachelor’s degree like those offered at Paris-Dauphine University or IESEG. These are factors that make a difference with the committees. If necessary, you can also consider an additional year of refresher courses, for example through an ATS preparatory course, which also opens doors to schools like HEC Paris or ESSEC. Key Element
- Practical Advice School Reports Pay Attention to BTS Results
- Cover Letter Clearly Explain Your Career Plan CV
- Highlight Internships and Skills Interview Practice answering questions
Coherent choice BTS/Bachelor’s degree correspondence Discover our bachelor’s degree options, a flexible program tailored to your academic and professional ambitions. Expand your knowledge and skills in various fields to better prepare you for the future. 4. Professional bachelor’s degrees to prioritize after a BTS: sectors and examplesSo, which professional bachelor’s degrees are the most interesting after a BTS? Clearly, it depends primarily on your initial specialization, but some fields offer more opportunities and better recognition. For example:
🏢 BTS in Negotiation and Digitalization of Customer Relations (NDRC): ideally, aim for a professional bachelor’s degree specializing in business, marketing, or customer relations. 📊 BTS in Support for Managerial Action (SAM): professional bachelor’s degrees in management, administration, or human resources are suitable options. 🔧 BTS Industrial Product Design (CPI): Professional bachelor’s degrees in industrial production, quality, or technical project management are preferred. 💻 BTS Digital Systems: Professional bachelor’s degrees in IT, networks, or systems security. 💅 BTS Cosmetics and Aesthetics: Professional bachelor’s degrees specializing in aesthetics or cosmetics management.Many schools and universities throughout France offer these programs:
| Lyon 3 University, | Lille University, and |
|---|---|
| IAE Aix-Marseille, to name a few. You’ll find an overview of the specific options for the BTS NDRC or SAM in these practical and comprehensive articles: | Options after the BTS NDRC |
| Options after the BTS SAM | BTS SAM work-study program |
| BTS Specialization | Recommended Professional Degree |
| Partner Universities/Schools | BTS NDRC |
| Professional Degree in Commerce, Marketing, and Digital Technology | University of Lyon 3, KEDGE Business School |
Professional Degree in Management and HR
University of Paris-Dauphine, IAE Aix-Marseille
- BTS CPI
- Professional Degree in Technology, Quality, and Production
- University of Lille, Jean Moulin University Lyon 3
- BTS in Digital Systems
- Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Networks
KEDGE, Sorbonne University BTS in Aesthetics and CosmeticsProfessional Bachelor’s Degree in Aesthetics and Management University of Lyon 35. What role do renowned universities and schools play? Are you wondering if prestigious institutions are accessible after a BTS? The answer is yes, but you need to prepare your application carefully. Universities like Sorbonne University, Paris-Dauphine University, or Jean Moulin University Lyon 3, and schools like HEC Paris or ESSEC, don’t close their doors to BTS graduates, but the selection process is rigorous. The committees consider the consistency of your academic background, your motivation, and often your specialization. For example, Paris-Dauphine University is recognized for its bachelor’s degrees in management and economics, perfectly suited to BTS SAM or NDRC graduates. In the case of business schools like HEC Paris or ESSEC, you’ll often need to complete a preparatory course or additional training to get into their programs. But nothing’s impossible if you apply early and prepare your application clearly. 💼 Sorbonne University: General Bachelor’s degrees in economics, management, and law
- 📈 Paris-Dauphine University: Specializations in economics, management, and administration
- 🏫 Lyon 3 University: Professional Bachelor’s degrees in business and management
- 🎓 ESSEC and HEC Paris: Business schools with rigorous selection processes, often via ATS preparatory classes
| 📚 IAE Aix-Marseille: Professional Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in management, excellent gateways | Institution | Type of program |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization suited to BTS programs | Sorbonne University | General Bachelor’s degree |
| Economics, Law | Paris-Dauphine University | General/Professional Bachelor’s degree |
| Management | Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University | Professional Bachelor’s degree |
| Business, Management | ESSEC | Additional training |
| Business, Management | HEC Paris | ATS preparatory class then school |
Business, Management
Discover our Bachelor’s degree options, which allow you to customize your academic path while acquiring a variety of skills tailored to your professional ambitions. Explore a multitude of options and prepare yourself for success in today’s dynamic world. 6. Bachelor’s degree after a BTS: an overview of alternatives like the BUTThere is another path to consider: the BUT (Bachelor of Technology). Since 2021, it has replaced the DUT and lasts three years. So why is it an attractive option after a BTS? Because for those with a BTS, it’s possible to enter the second or third year, depending on your specialization and the quality of your application. The BUT has the advantage of being quite professional while offering a university education with a true bac+3 label, recognized internationally—a major plus for future careers. It also leads to master’s degrees, such as a bachelor’s degree. Please note, however, that access varies by institution; some IUTs offer refresher courses before classes resume, while others do not. BUTs are available in a variety of fields, including IT, management, communications, industry, and health. 📚 Duration: 3 years (entry into L2 or L3 possible with a BTS)🎓 Bachelor’s degree (Bac+3) 🔄 Theoretical and professional discipline 🌍 International recognition 🚀 Gateway to master’s degree and employment Aspect PURPOSEBachelor’s degree (general/professional)
Duration 3 years 1 to 3 years
Admissions after BTS Possible in L2/L3 Depends on the degree OrientationUniversity professionalization
- Theory or practice depending on the degree
- Recognition
- Bachelor’s degree (Bac+3)
- Same
- Specializations
| Computer science, industry, management, etc. | Very broad | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVwokzhjbwA |
|---|---|---|
| 7. Engineering and business schools after a BTS: what are the options? | Want to go even further? Why not consider an engineering school or a business school after a BTS (Higher Technician Diploma)? It’s a path that requires motivation and often specific preparation, but it’s largely feasible. | To get into an engineering school, like those recognized in France, you’ll often need to complete a preparatory year (ATS, Adaptation Technicien Supérieur), which is designed for BTS and DUT (University Technology Diploma) graduates. This prepares you for the competitive exams and allows you to enter the second year at schools like INSA (National Institute of Business Administration) or private schools. |
| In business, schools like KEDGE Business School also offer parallel admissions after a BTS (Higher Technician Diploma) through specific competitive exams, which require serious preparation. These schools often look for your interpersonal skills, maturity, and ability to thrive in dynamic environments. 🔧 ATS prep for engineers | 🎯 Parallel competitive exams at business schools | 💪 Motivation and personalized application essential |
| 👩💼 Work-study options available to balance study and work | 🌟 Examples: KEDGE, HEC, ESSEC for business; INSA for engineering | Type of school |
| Admission method | Examples | Engineering schools |
| ATS prep + competitive exam | INSA, private schools | Business schools |
KEDGE, HEC, ESSEC
To learn more about this topic, you can consult these very useful articles: Joining an engineering school after a BTSWhat options are available after a BTS?
8. Practical advice for successfully completing your degree after a BTS
That’s all well and good, but what are some tips for successfully completing your degree after a BTS? Because after two highly structured years of a BTS program, you can quickly feel a little lost when faced with the autonomy and pace of university.
- Here are some practical tips:
- 📅 Get organized! Manage your time and prepare your classes in advance.
- 🤝 Don’t hesitate to ask for help; teachers and tutors are there for that.
- 📚 Work regularly; accumulating work is key, not leaving it to the last minute.
- 💬 Participate in classes and discussions; it’s essential for understanding the subjects.
| 🔄 Do internships or projects on the side to maintain contact with the field. | You should also know that some degree programs offer specific tutoring hours for BTS graduates to facilitate their integration. Check with your university, such as Sorbonne University or Lyon 3 University. | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Organization | Better deadline management |
| Ask for help | Avoid dropping out | Regular work |
| Progressive assimilation | Active participation | Deep understanding |
| Internships/projects | Practical application and networking | So, are you ready to take on the challenge and continue developing your skills? Don’t forget that the key to success, in my opinion, is choosing the right degree program based on your goals, and above all, don’t hesitate to surround yourself with the right people to complete your studies. |
| FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about a Bachelor’s Degree after a BTS | Can you pursue a general degree directly after a BTS? | Yes, but you often have to undergo a highly selective admission process and sometimes a refresher course. |
You should choose a degree program related to your specialty to strengthen your skills and facilitate your entry into the world of work.
Is the BUT a good alternative to a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes, the BUT offers a three-year professional training program, available through parallel admission after a BTS. Can you enter a top school like HEC after a BTS?It’s possible through an ATS preparatory course or parallel admission, but the selection process is very rigorous.
How to successfully gain admission to a Bachelor’s degree after a BTS? A solid application with a personalized cover letter, a good CV, and sometimes an interview, are essential.