The French national education system makes a distinction between a "diplôme national" ("national degree") and "diplôme universitaire" ("university degree"). The former, which are considered higher status, are controlled by the state and issued by universities on behalf of the responsible ministry; the latter are controlled and granted by the universities themselves. Additionally, private universities and schools may be recognised by the state with a "diplôme visé" ("recognised degree") and then, after five years of recognition, have their degrees validated by the state, the validation having to be renewed every six years.