More and more adults in France are returning to school, motivated by the desire for better job prospects and personal satisfaction, even though they face financial and practical difficulties. Antoine, a 29-year-old beginning his first year at the Institut de formation en soins infirmiers (IFSI), or nursing school, calls his return to education a form of "revenge" against people who once told him he wasn't suited for studies. After spending four years in the military and working in manual jobs, he sees nursing as a way to balance intellectual and physical work. According to the French Ministry of Higher Education, the number of adults applying through Parcoursup, a platform for higher education admissions, rose by 11.7% in 2026—22,000 more people than in 2025. A study by Céreq, a research organization focused on education and training, shows that this trend has been growing over the past 20 years across all levels of education, with more people taking non-linear career paths. Denis, 45, who is starting his first year in psychology, previously worked in construction and restaurants. He earned a DAEU, a qualification for adults that is equivalent to the baccalaureate, and sees his return to school as a "victory." Alexie Robert, a researcher at Céreq, describes returning to education as an "ultimate step in orientation," with many people coming back to subjects they once loved after exploring the job market. Financial challenges remain a significant barrier for many adults returning to school. Antoine, who lives in a youth workers’ residence and relies on cheap food, says that for adults, going back to school is more expensive than it is for younger students. Denis plans to keep running his bar in the evenings while studying, a demanding schedule. Camilia, a 29-year-old in her fifth year of medical school, balances her studies with raising three children and has relied on specific financial support programs for students in difficulty and the CESP program for medical students. Despite the challenges, many returnees turn to social media for support and information. Antoine found a helpful community on Reddit, while Emilie, a 34-year-old starting health studies, uses Instagram to document her journey and inspire others. Camilia also shares her experiences on Instagram and has received messages from other mothers who have returned to school. However, both Emilie and Camilia note that there is a lack of support and understanding of the available financial aid. Emilie points out that the Parcoursup platform is complex and that better guidance is needed to help adults navigate the process.