Parcoursup: a multi-stage process

Parcoursup is not simply an application platform. It is a step-by-step process spanning nearly ten months, enabling applicants to gather information, submit their preferences, put together their application, and then receive and consider offers of admission.

Key points: Parcoursup runs from December to September, in five main stages

Gathering information, submitting your choices, finalising your application, following the main admission phase, and then, if necessary, the supplementary phase.

Parcoursup 2026: key dates not to be missed

Eight dates mark the Parcoursup year. Keeping track of them means avoiding last-minute stress and giving yourself time to put together a strong application.

• 17 December 2025: the Parcoursup platform opens. Explore all the listed courses and start thinking about your study plans.
• 19 January 2026: registration and preference submission open. Create your Parcoursup account and enter your initial preferences.
• 12 March 2026: Deadline for submitting preferences. No new preferences may be added after this date.
• 1 April 2026: deadline for confirming choices and finalising applications. The statement of study plans, the Avenir form and supplementary sections must be completed.
• 2 June 2026: Start of the main admissions phase. The first responses from institutions are issued.
• 11 June 2026: start of the supplementary admissions phase. Candidates may submit new choices for courses that still have places available.
• 11 July 2026: end of the main admissions phase. Last day to accept an offer under this phase.
• 10 September 2026: end of the supplementary phase. Last chance to secure a place on a course for the start of the academic year.

Each admission offer must be responded to within a specific timeframe, usually between 2 and 5 days. It is therefore essential to stay on top of things.

From exploration to commitment

Between December and March, applicants gradually move from consideration to action. They analyse programmes, comparing the curriculum, learning outcomes, career prospects and teaching methods.

Against a backdrop of rapid change in the world of work, this is also the time to focus on courses that can prepare students for the technological, economic and societal challenges of the future, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data.

The aivancity Grande École Programme on Parcoursup

Available via Parcoursup, aivancity’s Grande École Programme is aimed at candidates who wish to give meaning to technology and become responsible practitioners in the fields of AI and data.

Designed as a true learning ecosystem, the programme combines academic teaching, real-world projects, an international outlook and a strong focus on professional development, across its campuses in Paris and Nice.

Its teaching methodology is based on a unique hybrid approach, combining:

• artificial intelligence and data,
• an understanding of business challenges,
• ethical and responsible thinking.

Building a strong Parcoursup application

Success on Parcoursup depends as much on the coherence of your study plan as on your academic results. The application includes, in particular:

• school reports and the Avenir form,
• extracurricular experiences and activities,
• a detailed statement of educational intentions, written for each course choice.

This statement is a key element: it allows you to explain your educational journey, your motivations and the reasoning behind your choices. A clear, personalised and sincere essay can make all the difference, particularly for highly competitive courses.

After receiving your results: take control of your choices

Between June and July, the main admissions phase requires responsiveness and sound judgement. Waiting lists change daily and decisions must be made quickly.

If no satisfactory offer is received, the supplementary phase, which runs until September, offers a second chance to gain a place on a course that aligns with your plans.

A crucial step in your educational journey

Parcoursup is a marathon, not a sprint. Managing your timetable effectively, planning your choices in advance and taking the time to develop a plan aligned with your aspirations will enable you to approach this stage with confidence.

For those wishing to study artificial intelligence that is useful, responsible and grounded in reality, Parcoursup 2026 marks the start of the journey.