After weeks of France student protests, the government of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday, October 26, 2026, that it will replace Parcoursup, the national university admissions website, in 2028. Ministers also promised smaller classes, more university places and money for school buildings. Several student groups said the offer falls short and plan to keep marching.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Parcoursup will be overhauled for 2027 and replaced for students graduating in 2028, ministers said, according to AP.
- The package includes 15,000 extra higher education places across 2027 and 2028 and 500 new teaching posts, AP and RFI reported.
- Parcoursup handled a record 1.05 million applicants this year, RFI reported.
What did the government announce?
Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste said the admissions platform would see major changes for the 2027 round before a full replacement the following year. For 2027, schools and universities must publish more detailed selection rules. Each rejection will come with an explanation, and applicants can ask for the reasons behind a decision, AP reported.
Alongside the admissions changes, the government listed a wider set of measures:
| Measure | Timing |
|---|---|
| First-year high school classes capped at 28 pupils | From 2027 in more disadvantaged schools, everywhere in 2028 |
| 15,000 extra higher education places, mostly vocational and technical | 2027 and 2028 |
| Planned teaching job cuts cancelled; 500 posts added | 2027 budget |
| Student grants rise with inflation | From the 2027 academic year |
| Low-interest loans of up to €4 billion to renovate schools | Through 2030 |
| €1 billion plan for university buildings | Through 2029 |
Source: NewsLive summary of AP and RFI reporting, October 2026.
Why do the France student protests matter?
AP described the October unrest as France’s worst in years, and it comes during President Emmanuel Macron’s final months in office. The movement began with school blockades over funding and grew to include workers angry about the cost of living, according to AP.
It also matters well beyond education. France faces record public debt, so every new pledge competes for scarce money. In addition, the next presidential election is only months away, and Macron cannot run again.
What led to the France student protests?
High school students began blocking schools in mid-September, AP reported. They want more teachers to cover absences, renovated buildings, smaller classes and changes to teaching hours. Many also say Parcoursup’s selection rules are unclear and unfair.
On October 17, demonstrations turned violent in several cities, with fires and looting, and protesters briefly entered Marseille’s city hall. AP reported roughly 2,400 arrests linked to the unrest. By contrast, the national march on Saturday, October 24, was calmer. Authorities put turnout at 410,000, while organizers said nearly 800,000 took part.
Police tactics are also under scrutiny. AP and RFI both noted criticism of riot-control weapons blamed for serious injuries to some teenagers. For background on the wider wave of demonstrations, see our explainer on cost-of-living protests across Europe.
How have students and politicians reacted?
Reactions were mixed. Two high school groups met Lecornu on Monday and welcomed some concessions, but they urged supporters to stay on the streets, AP said. One student leader, Clément Vieillot of Mouvement Cachan 94, called the package “crumbs,” RFI reported.
Universities were cautious from a different angle. France Universités and business school deans argued for improving the current platform rather than scrapping it, Sortiraparis reported, citing AFP. Their view was that “scrapping Parcoursup is not a magic solution.”
Visiting Marseille, Macron said he had asked the government to respond to the demands behind the movement and promised “concrete measures,” AP reported. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally is presenting itself as the party of law and order as it looks toward the presidential race.
What happens next for the France student protests?
The calendar is already full. The National Assembly is due to hold a debate without a vote on October 28, according to Sortiraparis. More demonstrations are planned for October 31, and unions have called nationwide strikes and protests for November 5, AP reported.
Students and teachers sitting on a review committee should deliver their recommendations by late November. The first round of the presidential election is on April 18, 2027, with a runoff on May 2. As a result, the 2028 replacement for Parcoursup will be delivered by Macron’s successor, not by Macron.
How to follow live coverage
For reporting from France in English, France 24 English offers a free official live stream. Euronews and DW News cover protests and policy across Europe, and BBC News carries regular updates for UK viewers. More stories are in our Hot Topics section.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Parcoursup?
Parcoursup is France’s national online platform for applying to universities and other higher education courses. Students have criticized its selection criteria as opaque.
Are the France student protests over?
No. Student groups said the concessions are not enough, and more marches are planned for October 31, with union strikes on November 5, according to AP.
When will Parcoursup be replaced?
The platform will be revised for the 2027 admissions round. A new system is planned for students graduating in 2028, though its design has not been decided yet.
