Since Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Parcoursup applicants can explore the available programs for the 2026 academic year. The Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of National Education have uploaded the 25,000 courses listed on the platform, featuring several key updates designed to better support high school students in their career choices. Here's a rundown of what's new and the important dates to keep in mind for this upcoming session.
The range of training programs remains largely unchanged since 2025, with a strong emphasis on apprenticeship pathways. Prospective students can now access key information about each program: institution status, tuition fees, and admission criteria. It's a valuable resource to help students plan their post-secondary orientation effectively. Additionally, applicants can assess their chances of acceptance into their preferred courses, allowing them to make informed decisions rather than guesswork.
The biggest highlight this year is the introduction of the Elementary School Teaching License (LPE). This program addresses the declining appeal of the teaching profession and allows students to take the elementary school teaching recruitment exam right after completing their undergraduate degree. It presents a great opportunity for those who dream of teaching at the primary level and want to start their careers sooner. Announced this spring, this overhaul of the teaching competition aims to make the profession more attractive and draw more passionate candidates.
To help families navigate their options more easily, a booklet titled "Choosing Your Post-Secondary Education: Key Tips" is now available for download at parcoursup.gouv.fr. It's a valuable resource to make confident decisions about future studies and steer clear of common pitfalls.
Government ministries have chosen to embrace transparency by releasing new information on their platform. From now on, applicants will be able to see how the wish review committees consider the specialty courses selected by high school students. Additionally, selective programs will be required to explain the reasons behind ranking some candidates lower or excluding them altogether. This marks a significant step forward in helping applicants better understand the decision-making process and avoid remaining in the dark.
Here are the key dates to remember for the 2026 session:
In short, if you're a high school senior or considering a reorientation, now's the time to explore the available programs and start planning your choices. Head over to Parcoursup to discover all the options open to you for the 2026 academic year. The resources provided by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research can also help guide you through your decision-making process.
