The public body responsible for the French school network abroad
The Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) is a public body under the supervision of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It coordinates the network of French schools abroad.
At the start of the 2026–2027 school year, the network comprises 640 schools in 140 countries, educating more than 400,000 pupils. One-third are French nationals, while the other two-thirds are of other nationalities. All these schools are approved by the French Ministry of National Education and Youth.
The AEFE fulfils three main missions in support of families and schools: providing education for French children living outside France, promoting the French language and culture worldwide, and strengthening cooperation between French and foreign education systems.
Beyond its coordinating role, the AEFE brings its network to life through major joint projects, including the Orchestra and Choir of French Schools Worldwide, inter-school sports competitions and pupil exchange programmes that give pupils first-hand experience of an international environment. The Agency also supports educational innovation, particularly in digital technology and artificial intelligence, to ensure that teaching keeps pace with contemporary challenges.
The network in figures (2026)
An AEFE-approved school
The AEFE network comprises three types of schools: those managed directly by the Agency, those operating under an agreement with the Agency, and partner schools.
Schools managed directly by the Agency.
The status of the Lycée Français Anna de Noailles.
Schools linked to the Agency through a partnership agreement.
This status means that the school is managed by a local foundation, the Anna de Noailles Foundation, and has a formal partnership with the AEFE. It receives educational support from the Agency and can host teachers seconded by the French Ministry of National Education. The school must meet the same approval requirements as other schools in the network, ensuring compliance with the official curricula of the French Ministry of National Education.
The benefits of attending the Lycée Français Anna de Noailles
From nursery school to Terminale (ages 17-18), pupils follow the official French curriculum and can obtain the same national qualifications as pupils in France, including the French National Brevet Diploma (DNB), the international version of the DNB, the French Baccalauréat and the French Baccalauréat International (BFI).
Teachers are recruited according to strict criteria. They hold the qualifications required by the French education system and receive ongoing professional development.
The AEFE provides guidance and expertise to support the school’s educational development and ensure high-quality teaching that takes account of each pupil’s pace and needs.
The qualifications awarded provide access to higher education institutions in France, across Europe and around the world.
Pupils benefit from projects, exchanges and shared resources across the network.
If a family moves abroad, their child can continue their education within the network of 640 schools across 140 countries.
Financial assistance for French families
As part of its public service mission, the Lycée Français Anna de Noailles welcomes applications from all French nationals, subject to available places, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) can provide eligible French children living abroad with financial assistance towards their schooling through its scholarship programme.
Scholarships may cover all or part of the school fees. The consular services of the French Embassy in Romania assess scholarship applications.
Scholarships may be awarded to pupils enrolled in nursery, primary or secondary education.
