The baccalauréat (French pronunciation: [bakaloʁeˈa]), often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée (secondary education). It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies. There is also the European Baccalaureate which students take at the end of the European School education. It confirms a rounded secondary education, gives access to a wide range of university education and cannot be compared with British Commonwealth A-levels as, unlike A-levels, it cannot be obtained in single subjects.

Much like British A-levels or European Matura, the baccalauréat allows French and international students to obtain a standardized qualification, typically at the age of 18. This then qualifies holders to work in certain areas, or go on to tertiary education or acquire some other professional qualification or training.

Just about all students in their final year of secondary school take the exam. However the French baccalauréat is legally an academic qualifying degree. In theory, the students in lycée could choose not to sit for the baccalauréat at the end of the lycée, as it is by law an exam to qualify students for entrance into university. Unlike some U.S. high school diplomas, it is not a lycée completion exam.