Parcoursup, what is it? Complete guide 2026

So, what exactly is Parcoursup? It’s the key that opens the doors to higher education. For you, whether you’re a high school student or someone looking to change your academic path, it’s THE procedure to secure your spot for next year. We’re here to show you that it’s much simpler than it seems. We’ll give you all the 2025/2026 dates and the best tips to succeed! A new world is opening up to you!

Understanding Parcoursup: definition, objectives and who is concerned?

Parcoursup, what is it and why was it created?

It is the national platform for admission to the first year of higher education programs in France. Parcoursup was launched in 2018 and replaced the former APB system. Its goal? To help every young person find their path after the baccalauréat.

In short, it’s the mandatory national procedure for enrolling in the first year of higher education in France. Whether you’re aiming for university, a specialized school, a BTS or a BUT, this is your gateway.

Who is concerned by Parcoursup?

If you fit into one of these situations, you are concerned:

• You’re in senior year? Yes, you must go through it. Absolutely all high school students! As future graduates, you are the first concerned. You will receive a unique access code to create your file.
• You’re a student looking to switch programs? You have already started a program but want to change direction? Yes, you must submit a new application on the platform.
• You have a foreign baccalauréat? You are also concerned by the process, with specific requirements depending on institutions and programs.

What programs can you find on Parcoursup?

Almost all post-baccalauréat programs are included! The idea is to give you as many options as possible for your academic orientation.

You will find:

• University (Licenses): This is the least selective path (for general degrees, at least). It’s considered a long program (3, 5 or 8 years).
• BTS and BUT: Short programs (2 to 3 years) with a strong professional focus.
• Preparatory classes (CPGE): The most demanding path (2 years), preparing students for competitive exams to enter top schools.
• Specialized schools: Many engineering and business schools. Their selection is often based on the application file followed by an interview.

💡 Tip: When you check a program, always look at the institution’s page. It tells you everything: requirements, number of available spots, and selection criteria. It’s a gold mine for planning your academic orientation! Students who research are the ones who succeed the most.

The 2025/2026 timeline: the 3 phases you must not miss!

To avoid panicking and stay on track, keep these dates close!

Phase 1: Registration and choices (end of 2025 – early 2026)

It’s time to get started and express your choices!

Once you click “Confirm,” your application is sent to the institutions. Now, you wait! The change compared to the former APB system is huge: everything is centralized on this online platform.

Phase 2: Review of applications (April – May 2026)

While you prepare for the bac, the institutions work hard.

• The role of the committee: Each program has a pedagogical committee that reviews every application. They examine your grades from junior and senior year, your profile, and the evaluation from your school.
• The ranking algorithm: Once the evaluation is completed, Parcoursup’s algorithm ranks candidates based on criteria set by the program (your position on the waiting list). These algorithms ensure fair and fast processing for all students. The underlying computer code ensures equity.

Phase 3: Admission and responses (May – July 2026)

This is the moment of truth. You receive your offers!

How to optimize your Parcoursup application?

Your application is your business card. Make it irresistible!

Don’t limit yourself to your grades

Yes, grades matter. But your application must show more!

• Your motivation is key: Your Motivated Application Project must be specific. Show that you know the institution and the program. Draw a connection between what you did in high school and what you want to do next.
• The Fiche Avenir is essential: It is completed by your teachers. Be serious and committed all year to get excellent feedback from your school on each of your choices.

Which choices should you make?

You can submit up to 10 choices. Use them wisely!

• Choice 1: The safe option. Choose programs where you are certain to be admitted (often non-selective university Licenses).
• Choice 2: Your dream picks. These are your selective dream programs (schools, CPGE, etc.). For these first-choice programs, evaluation is very thorough.
• Choice 3: The balanced options. Programs you really like and for which your profile fits well with the institution’s requirements.

By diversifying your choices, you maximize your chances of receiving an offer!