Meaning
To pursue academic learning.
Cultural Background
The 'Grandes Écoles' are elite institutions separate from the public university system. Saying 'Je fais une grande école' carries more prestige than 'Je fais des études à la fac'. In Quebec, students go to 'Cégep' between high school and university. The phrase 'faire ses études' often includes this unique pre-university stage. Higher education is highly valued as a path to civil service. 'Faire des études' often implies moving to Dakar to attend the Université Cheikh Anta Diop. The term 'blocus' refers to the intense study period before exams. While 'faire des études' is the general term, 'être en blocus' is the specific state of a student during finals.
The 'De' Rule
Always follow 'faire des études' with 'de' and the subject. Don't use 'le' or 'la' for the subject (e.g., 'de droit', not 'du droit').
Don't say 'faire l'étude'
Using the singular 'l'étude' usually refers to a specific scientific study or a notary's office. Stick to the plural 'des études' for education.
Meaning
To pursue academic learning.
The 'De' Rule
Always follow 'faire des études' with 'de' and the subject. Don't use 'le' or 'la' for the subject (e.g., 'de droit', not 'du droit').
Don't say 'faire l'étude'
Using the singular 'l'étude' usually refers to a specific scientific study or a notary's office. Stick to the plural 'des études' for education.
The 'Fac' Shortcut
In casual conversation, you'll hear 'Je suis à la fac' instead of 'Je fais des études'. Both are fine, but 'faire des études' is better for CVs.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'faire'.
Ma sœur ___ des études de médecine à Paris.
'Ma sœur' is third-person singular (elle), so the correct form is 'fait'.
Which sentence correctly describes someone's major?
Choose the correct option:
The standard pattern is 'faire des études de' + subject.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu fais dans la vie ? B: ________ d'histoire.
'Je fais des études' is the most natural way to answer this question about your status.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Match 'J'ai fait mes études à Lyon' with its best context:
The passé composé 'J'ai fait mes études' refers to your completed academic background.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa sœur ___ des études de médecine à Paris.
'Ma sœur' is third-person singular (elle), so the correct form is 'fait'.
Choose the correct option:
The standard pattern is 'faire des études de' + subject.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu fais dans la vie ? B: ________ d'histoire.
'Je fais des études' is the most natural way to answer this question about your status.
Match 'J'ai fait mes études à Lyon' with its best context:
The passé composé 'J'ai fait mes études' refers to your completed academic background.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'Mes études' is more personal and common when talking about your own history. 'Des études' is more general.
Mostly, yes. It implies higher education or professional training after high school.
Say 'Je fais des études de commerce'.
'Faire des études' is the general activity; 'suivre un cursus' refers to the specific administrative path or curriculum.
It is neutral. You can use it with your friends or in a job interview.
It's rare. For high school, we usually say 'Je suis au lycée'.
It can, but usually 'faire une étude' (singular) is used for a specific research project.
Use 'à'. Example: 'Je fais mes études à Paris'.
Say 'J'ai fini mes études' or 'J'ai terminé mes études'.
Yes, if you are studying French literature or linguistics at a university level.
Related Phrases
poursuivre des études
similarTo continue/pursue studies.
faire son droit
specialized formTo study law.
reprendre des études
builds onTo go back to school as an adult.
faire des recherches
similarTo do research.
