1. Université (University): This is the most common and accurate translation for "college" when referring to a university-level institution offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
2. École Supérieure (Higher School): This term is used for institutions that offer specialized training or degrees beyond high school, often in specific fields like engineering, business, or art. It's similar to a college in the American sense but often has a narrower focus.
3. Collège (College): In French, "collège" refers to a secondary school level, comparable to middle school in the U.S. It covers grades 6 through 9.
4. École (School): While not a direct translation, "école" can be used in some situations to refer to a college or university. It's important to use it with context to make it clear what type of institution you're referring to.
Example:
* "J'étudie à l'université de Paris." (I study at the University of Paris.) - This accurately translates to "I'm in college in Paris."
* "Je vais à l'école supérieure de commerce." (I'm going to business school.) - This refers to a specialized institution of higher education.
It's always best to provide context when talking about "college" in French. This helps to avoid confusion and ensure your meaning is understood.