Parcoursup 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Applications

This Monday, January 19, marks the official opening of applications on Parcoursup, the national platform that allows high school students, students changing fields, or those returning to their studies to apply to higher education institutions. It’s a decisive moment for hundreds of thousands of young people… and often a source of stress.

To help you navigate this key stage, we’ve put together a complete overview of the timeline, important steps, and an alternative path if you’re considering a communication school like EFAP, which operates outside of the Parcoursup system.

Get informed before making your choices

Before even creating an account on Parcoursup, an essential phase begins in October: reflection.

Between career fairs, open days, and discovering career paths, this period is key to exploring different programs and gradually building your academic plan. As of December 17, 2025, the Parcoursup website lists all available higher education programs. It’s time to review program pages, compare content, and begin drafting your choices!

The platform provides several useful tools: keyword search, filters (boarding, apprenticeship, public/private...), program comparison (tuition fees, available spots, career paths...), admission simulator, and detailed fact sheets. You can also follow news for your favorite programs and get alerts about open days or reach out to student ambassadors.

Join the EFAP Open Days

Choosing your orientation is also about people. During its Open Days, EFAP opens its campuses to let you experience life at the school of communication.

On the agenda: program presentations, student testimonials, campus tours, graduate experiences, and meetings with teaching staff. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, understand career prospects, and picture your student life.

📍 Paris, Lille, Lyon, Bordeaux... Our teams welcome you across France.

🗓️ Upcoming dates: click here

Important Dates:

January: Application period opens

Starting January 19, 2026, things get real: you can register on the Parcoursup platform, create your profile, and submit up to 10 choices without ranking them. You have until March 12 to do so.

But take note: your choices won’t be considered unless you complete your application and confirm each one by April 1. This may include a motivation letter, professional goals, or a CV.

💡 Tip: personalize your application—avoid copy/paste. Schools value thoughtful and motivated submissions.

June: Time for responses

From June 2, 2026, schools begin responding: "Yes", "Yes if", "Waitlisted" or "No". You’ll need to make decisions quickly, respecting response deadlines. Between June 5 and June 8, you may be asked to rank your waitlisted choices.

A supplementary phase begins on June 11, 2026, allowing you to apply to programs that still have spots available.

July: Exam results and enrollment

After baccalaureate results are released on July 7, it’s time to finalize your enrollment. The main application phase ends on July 11, 2026, with the supplementary phase continuing through September 10, 2026.

How are applications selected?

Each program sets its own selection criteria: report cards, teacher evaluations, personal statements, and future plans... but not the baccalaureate results, which arrive too late in the timeline. Parcoursup also applies specific quotas: for scholarship holders, technical/professional high school graduates, and out-of-region applicants, depending on the program.

Applicants can submit up to 10 choices, without ranking them initially. For certain programs like BTS, preparatory classes, or nursing schools (IFSI), multiple-choice options allow candidates to apply to several institutions under one grouped choice, each counting as a "sub-choice." Most candidates diversify their options to secure their path.

The best strategy is to plan ahead and cast a wide net: include highly accessible programs, especially in your academic region, and submit well-prepared applications. Beyond selection, this process also helps clarify your goals and ensure consistency in your educational journey.

What about applying to a school outside Parcoursup?

Not all post-secondary programs are listed on Parcoursup. Some schools, like EFAP, a renowned communication school, have their own independent entrance exams and operate outside the national platform.

EFAP: OUR COMMUNICATION SCHOOL OUTSIDE PARCOURSUP

For over 60 years, EFAP has trained professionals in communication, marketing, media, digital, and events. With a network of over 20,000 alumni across more than 50 countries, the school offers hands-on learning, internships from year one, and numerous international opportunities (Miami, New York, Shanghai...).

Its 5-year post-bac program (RNCP Level 7 certification) evolves with industry trends and new communication careers. EFAP also offers Specialized MBAs available after completing 3 or 4 years of higher education.

Apply to the entrance exam +

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