January – February 2026 Spring Intake: how to switch majors without losing a year?
Do you feel like you chose the wrong path after just a few months? Do your current classes no longer excite you, and the thought of heading back to the lecture hall tomorrow makes you want to turn around?
The January – February 2026 spring intake (also known as “rentrée décalée”) is a genuine bridge that allows you to pivot to a new program without wasting time. Whether you are coming from a university degree, a specialized school, or looking for a mid-year Master’s entry, there are numerous opportunities across France. In this article, we will explain how to apply, which are the best programs available, and how to turn this transition into a real success for your professional career. Here is everything you need to know.
Understanding the spring intake: why is it an opportunity for your career?
Many students fear that a “mid-year entry” on their CV will be poorly perceived by employers. It’s actually the opposite!
💡 Good to know: According to a study by L’Étudiant, nearly 18% of young people change paths during their first year of higher education.
Making this choice demonstrates resilience and a refusal to stay in a situation that doesn’t suit you.
Don’t lose a year: validating credits in intensive mode
The main advantage of the spring intake is that it allows you to validate your year in just six months. Thanks to intensive programs, you catch up on the first semester’s work and join the regular cohort by the following September. It requires organization, but you finish your studies at the same time as your friends, but with a degree you actually enjoy. It’s an invaluable time-saver for your academic and professional path. Imagine: by June, you will have the same skills as those who started in September!
Enhanced support to acquire key skills
By joining a program mid-year, you often enter smaller classes. This is a huge advantage for asking questions, diving deeper into subjects, and benefiting from personalized coaching. Teachers are there to help you acquire the necessary skills in record time. It’s almost like having a private coach to ensure your transition into your new institute is a success.
The calendar and procedures: how to succeed in your admission?
If you’ve decided to change paths, reactivity is your best ally. Unlike the main application phase (like Parcoursup) after high school, admissions for the January and February period are often handled directly by the institutions. Don’t wait for the first semester to be completely over to start sending out applications. Now is the time to act.
Where and when to apply? Key platforms and dates
For a January – February 2026 start, the ideal application window is between October and December, or even early January. For private schools, ranging from design schools to major business institutes, admissions are often “rolling.” This means the earlier you submit your file, the better your chances of securing a spot before quotas are filled.
Please note that some programs close their applications as soon as the classes are full. Here is what you need to watch out for:
- Private Schools (Bachelor, BTS, Master): They generally do not use Parcoursup for the January session. You must go directly to their website (“Admissions” or “Apply” section). Many schools prioritize a review of your academic file and an individual interview.
- Universities: For mid-year university transfers, the process is done via the eCandidat portal of your university or through internal transfer forms. Deadlines are often tight, usually between mid-November and early January.
- Work-Study (Apprenticeships): If you are aiming for a work-study program, you must be twice as reactive. You need to be admitted by the school AND have signed a contract with a company before the start date (often late February). Start your search as early as November by using platforms such as the La Bonne Alternance website.
💡 Tip: Check your university or school directory and email the program coordinator directly to confirm if there are still seats available.
The application file and interview: how to convince the institute?
Your application must show that your decision is well-thought-out. Admission boards aren’t looking for perfection; they are looking for consistency. You will need to explain why you left your previous path and what you expect from the new program.
The motivation interview is your time to shine. Prepare these three strategic points:
- Constructive self-criticism: Don’t badmouth your old school. Explain why the teaching style or subjects didn’t match your learning style.
- Proof through action: Show that you have already started researching management or marketing skills on your own.
- The professional project: Look ahead. “I want to join this Bachelor’s because it offers an international specialization essential for my career goals.”
💡 Tip: If you live in a UXCO Student residence, you are not alone. You can reach out to your Residence Manager, who can guide you through the complex paperwork or even help you practice for your interview.
Key steps to enrolling mid-year (Step-by-step guide)
- Step 1: The Diagnosis. List what you like and dislike about your current studies.
- Step 2: Sourcing. List at least 5 institutions offering spring intakes (BTS, Bachelor, Master, or MBA). Don’t limit yourself geographically.
- Step 3: The “Candidate Pack.” Gather your high school transcripts, diploma, and an updated CV.
- Step 4: First Contact. Email or call the admissions office to ask if seats remain.
- Step 5: The Cover Letter. Personalize it for every single institute.
- Step 6: Administrative Enrollment. Once admitted, manage the transfer of your student file.
💡 Tip: Use the free “Mon Orientation en Ligne” service by ONISEP. You can chat with specialized guidance counselors who are familiar with the programs and courses still recruiting for January 2026.
Which programs are accessible in January 2026?
The choice is much wider than you might think. Almost every field now offers winter sessions to meet the growing demand for student reorientation.
Business, Marketing, and Management: specialized schools (BTS, Bachelor, MBA)
Business schools are leaders in this field. Whether you want to study digital marketing, international management, or finance, the BTS, Bachelor, or MBA format is ideal. These programs are highly practice-oriented and often allow for internships right from the first year.
Reorientation at University: mid-year entry and Masters
If you are already in a Bachelor’s (Licence), university spring intake allows you to switch majors for Semester 2 via eCandidat. For those targeting a Master’s spring intake, some universities and specialized schools offer catch-up sessions or specialization tracks. Some MBA programs also offer mid-year starts for those looking toward international markets.
Work-Study: starting your professional path in mid-winter
Work-study is also a viable option in January. Many companies recruit apprentices at the start of the calendar year.
- Benefits: Tuition paid by the company and a monthly salary.
- Challenge: Finding an employer quickly to validate your enrollment.
Succeeding in your first months of intensive study
Once admitted, the hardest part begins: adapting to the pace. A spring intake requires mental endurance and top-tier organization.
Course pace: catching up without burning out
You will have to assimilate in four or five months what others learned in six. To stay afloat:
- Anticipate readings: Ask for the syllabus before day one.
- Optimize note-taking: Use effective synthesis methods.
- Create summary sheets: Summarize each course as you go to avoid the “mountain effect.”
Social integration: joining an existing cohort
Arriving at a school where everyone already knows each other can be intimidating. However, in a spring session, many students are in the same boat! January cohorts are often more tight-knit because they share the same feeling of a “fresh start.”
Logistics and student life: setting yourself up for success
Succeeding in your spring intake also means choosing a living environment that boosts your productivity. By switching majors mid-year, you’ll need to absorb a significant amount of coursework in record time. To avoid unnecessary stress, prioritize a dynamic student city where services are tailored to your needs and the campus is easily accessible.
Choosing a student residence with coworking spaces and high-speed internet is a strategic advantage for studying for your BTS or Master’s exams with peace of mind.
Furthermore, living in an environment where you can connect with other students going through the same transition will help break the isolation and allow you to share study tips. Good sleep, a dedicated workspace, and proximity to transportation are the essential logistical pillars for staying efficient in class, validating your skills, and successfully integrating socially on your new campus.
Conclusion
The January or February spring intake is far more than just a backup plan: it is a genuine opportunity to give new meaning to your studies. By choosing to switch paths now, you gain maturity and ensure that you don’t waste a precious year in a program that isn’t right for you.
Whether you choose marketing, management, or a technical field, the most important thing is to apply with conviction. Success is within reach, you just need to dare to take the leap and believe in your new skills! Your career is just beginning, and this small detour might just be the best decision of your life.
FAQ
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Identify schools offering January sessions and contact them directly. Prepare a solid application (transcripts, CV, letter) and be ready for a quick interview, as seats are filled fast.
The key period to apply is between October and late December for classes starting in January or February.
Don’t wait until the last minute: the earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have among business, engineering, or BTS programs. Some programs close their enrollment as soon as their quotas are reached.
Check for available seats via parallel admissions on the website of your target school or university. Contact the Master’s (or MBA) program coordinator to submit your application; it is crucial to demonstrate how this change of direction fits into a solid and coherent professional project.
Yes, thanks to your institution’s internal semester transfer process. You can change your Bachelor’s major (mention de licence) at the start of the second semester (January-February). This is subject to approval from the academic committee, which will verify if the skills acquired during your first term are transferable to the new program.
