Parcoursup is an online platform designed for high school seniors in France to assist them in navigating their higher education options. It provides access to detailed information about over 24,000 educational programs, including skills required, curriculum details, and potential career pathways. A notable update for 2025 will feature data on employment rates and further educational opportunities, enhancing students’ understanding of their future prospects. The platform is accessible to various candidates, including those from abroad and non-European international students. Key dates for registration and application submission are outlined, with students allowed a maximum of ten wishes for programs, along with the option to include sub-wishes for related programs. Completing their profiles involves submitting academic information, personal activities, and motivation letters where necessary.
Understanding Parcoursup
Your Gateway to Higher Education Choices
Parcoursup serves as a dedicated online platform for high school seniors in France, aiming to guide them in their journey towards higher education. With access to detailed information about over 24,000 educational programs, students can explore necessary skills, curriculum content, and potential career paths. Equipped with this knowledge, they can express their preferences for further studies and efficiently monitor the progress of their applications.
In a significant update for 2025, the platform will now include data on employment rates and further educational opportunities. Approximately 75% of the programs listed on Parcoursup will provide insights into professional integration, ensuring students are well-informed about their future prospects.
Who Can Benefit from Parcoursup?
The platform is specifically designed for candidates aiming to enter their first year of higher education while preparing for the baccalaureate in either public or private high schools throughout France. Additionally, it caters to:
- Students preparing for their baccalaureate in Europe or attending French schools abroad,
- Individuals who have already obtained their baccalaureate,
- Non-European international students who must submit a prior admission request.
Parcoursup is complementary to the Mon Master platform, which focuses on the enrollment of students in Master’s degree programs.
Important Note: Special arrangements on Parcoursup are set for high-level athletes and students with disabilities.
Key Dates for Parcoursup 2025
The Parcoursup platform will open its doors in November 2024. From November through January, students can explore the available programs, allowing them to prepare their requests thoughtfully. The platform features an extensive selection of programs categorized by type, field of study, institution, and location. Each program’s information sheet includes essential details on courses, application processes, and career opportunities.
Steps to Register on Parcoursup
Creating Your Account on parcoursup.fr
Students can begin their registration process by creating an account on parcoursup.fr starting from January 15, 2025. They have until March 13 to complete their registration. Final-year high school students preparing for the baccalaureate will receive an email a few days prior to the start of the registration phase to guide them in activating their Parcoursup account.
Essential Documents for Registration
To establish their candidate profile, students will need to provide the following information:
- An email address,
- The national student identifier (INE),
- Contact details,
- OCEAN or CYCLADES number (for independent baccalaureate candidates).
Students who were registered on the platform in 2024 must re-register in 2025, using the same INE and email address.
How Many Wishes Can You Make on Parcoursup?
Maximum of 10 Wishes
Once students have activated their Parcoursup account, they can start submitting their wishes, limited to a maximum of ten. There’s no rush, as early registration does not confer any advantage. It’s advisable to diversify wishes by selecting various types of programs, particularly at the university level, and across different geographical areas to increase chances of admission. Students have until March 13, 2025, to finalize their wishes within their Parcoursup profile.
Understanding Sub-Wishes
Students can consolidate related programs of the same type or specialty into multiple wishes. A multiple wish can include several sub-wishes for a program offered at different institutions, allowing students to effectively exceed the ten-wish limit. The following programs permit sub-wishes:
- Programs with a maximum of 10 sub-wishes per wish, capping at a total of 20 sub-wishes include:
- BTS and BUT
- DN MADE
- DCG (Diploma in Accounting and Management)
- Preparatory Classes (CPGE)
- EFTS (Training Institutions in Social Work)
- DNA (National Art Diploma)
Additionally, apprenticeship programs allow for ten extra wishes.
Completing Your Parcoursup Profile
Filling Out Your Application
Aside from submitting wishes, students must complete various sections of their Parcoursup file by Wednesday, April 2, 2025:
- Information regarding academic profile and schooling,
- Details on ‘My Activities and Interests’,
- Certifications acquired,
- Motivation letter (if required),
- Preferences and other projects,
- Certificate of completion for the ‘Law’ self-assessment questionnaire (for law degrees).
Academic Profile Information
This section is automatically populated by the institution during registration, but students can enhance it by adding significant details, such as internships, study abroad experiences, or health considerations.
Highlighting Activities and Interests
This optional section allows students to showcase their professional experiences, personal endeavors, and extracurricular activities, categorized into four areas:
- Supervisory or animation roles,
- Community engagement,
- Professional experiences,