France's higher education application system

According to the 2025 edition of Regards sur l’éducation by the OECD, 95 % of applications through Parcoursup in France lead to a place in higher education, but only 34 % of those enrolled in bachelor's degrees obtain their diploma on time, compared to an average of 43 % across the OECD.

Differences in orientation systems

The orientation systems differ significantly by country: about half of the countries studied use direct applications to institutions, a third uses a centralized platform like Parcoursup. Some countries offer more flexible alternatives, such as Sweden's national Högskoleprovet test, which "allows people with different life paths to switch to their chosen university path," or Finland's open university, where "there is not just one trajectory to access a particular program."

Challenges in France's system

In 2025, 980,000 people submitted applications through Parcoursup, and nearly 39,000 recent high school graduates received no offers. In France, the selection process occurs during the university journey, whereas other countries select candidates at the time of enrollment.

Variations in application models

According to the OECD, in nearly half of the countries studied, applications are made directly to institutions. Only a third uses a centralized platform like Parcoursup. The United Kingdom follows a model similar to France, where via UCAS, applicants can submit up to five choices (four in medicine or dentistry), with each university setting its own criteria.

Transparency and selection criteria

In the Netherlands, criteria are considered more transparent compared to France. The Parcoursup algorithm does not select candidates but forwards applications to institutions, which decide based on grades, evaluations, and sometimes motivation. "The problem is not so much the algorithm, which is just a matching tool, but the non-explicit criteria set by institutions," says Florence Rizzo, founder of Écolhuma, an association fighting educational inequalities.

Diversity in number of choices

The number of choices varies widely: one in Brazil, three in Slovenia, four in the Netherlands, five in the UK, ten or more in France, Germany, Sweden, and Turkey. In most centralized systems, only one final offer is made. Only South Korea does not limit the number of offers.

Timing of applications

In France, applications are submitted before the baccalaureate results are known. In China or South Korea, applications are made after an exam. Spain combines the baccalaureate grade with an entrance exam to establish a national ranking.

Alternative models and flexibility

Finland is exploring a third path with its open university model, where "there is not just one trajectory to access a particular program," according to Florence Rizzo. Anyone interested, regardless of age or background, can take courses at reduced costs and, upon earning enough credits, can apply for a degree program.

Early orientation and vocational tracks

According to Florence Rizzo, France heavily directs students toward university, sometimes at the expense of professional tracks. In Germany, orientation occurs very early in the school system. According to Länder, "50 % of a cohort is directed as early as 10-11 years old toward vocational schools, compared to 20 % in France," explains Frédéric Turlan, a labor law specialist at Touteleurope.eu.

Flexibility in Sweden

In other countries, changing paths is easier. In Sweden, for example, a third of university spots are reserved for the national test (Högskoleprovet) open to all, regardless of age. Previous school records are not considered. "This system allows people with different life paths to switch to their chosen university path," explains Florence Rizzo.

Broader educational challenges

The example of neighboring countries shows that the issue in France goes beyond the mere removal of Parcoursup. "The challenge is to give 100 % of a cohort the means to have access to a sufficiently demanding knowledge base by the end of compulsory schooling at 16 years," adds the specialist. The challenge is also to offer earlier but less definitive orientation to allow for the possibility of error, while also valuing professional tracks.