Études en France or Parcoursup: which platform for which program?

Two separate platforms, one golden rule

Études en France (run by Campus France) and Parcoursup (run by the Ministry of Higher Education) are two unconnected platforms. Campus France Morocco states that you cannot register on both for the same program. You can, however, apply on several platforms or sites in parallel, for different programs. Applications made outside Études en France do not count among the platform's seven choices.

So you must determine, program by program, where recruitment happens. The program's official page and Campus France Morocco's page are authoritative.

Which route for which program, according to Campus France Morocco

First year of a university bachelor's (L1) and PASS / L.AS: going through Campus France is mandatory.

BUT and L1 in some science or engineering tracks at connected institutions: apply on Études en France.

BTS and first-year CPGE: choices are submitted on Parcoursup.

Second and third year of licence, professional licence, master 1 and 2: these are often outside the platform. Check with the institution, because the application may be direct or on another platform.

Specialized master's, doctorates and programs recruiting by competitive exam, admission panel or file (engineering schools, business schools, political science institutes, art or specialized schools): check the recruitment method with the institution. Some institutions connected to Études en France do not always recruit through the platform.

The trap to avoid: the Études en France basket

Campus France Morocco warns not to add non-connected institutions to your Études en France basket: they will never receive your file. Check on each program's official page whether it is connected to the platform before placing it among your choices.

Who applies on Parcoursup according to Campus France

Campus France's page on the Études en France procedure distinguishes cases for the first year of a bachelor's. Students residing in an affected country, including Morocco, who hold that country's nationality and are preparing a French or European baccalaureate enter their choices on Parcoursup and also follow the Études en France steps. Those preparing another qualification giving access to higher education, such as the Moroccan baccalaureate, file a preliminary admission request (DAP) via Études en France. Residents with the nationality of a European Union or European Economic Area country, Switzerland, Andorra or Monaco go through Parcoursup only. For the second and third years of a bachelor's and for a master's, you follow the Études en France procedure until you obtain the student visa.

The 2026-2027 campaign calendar

Études en France: according to Campus France Morocco, the application period runs from October 1, 2026 to November 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm Morocco time. Institutions respond before April 30, 2027 and the student must respond before May 31, 2027, according to Campus France's page. Campus France's international page gives, for the DAP, a closing date different from Campus France Morocco's: for Morocco, follow Campus France Morocco's page.

Parcoursup (official 2026-2027 calendar): the 2027 course map opens on December 17, 2026. Registration and choices run from January 18 to March 11, 2027; the last day to complete the file and confirm choices is April 1, 2027. The main admission phase starts June 1 and ends July 10, 2027; the complementary phase runs from June 10 to September 9, 2027.

Note that the two calendars do not overlap. An Études en France application is prepared from autumn, while Parcoursup opens in January.

Choices: how many and how

On Études en France, the basket is limited to seven choices. On Parcoursup, you can submit up to 10 choices with no obligation to rank them in order of preference, sometimes with sub-choices, plus 10 extra choices for apprenticeship programs, which remain possible after April 1. During the complementary phase, up to 10 new choices can be submitted for programs that still have places.

In every case: the pre-consular procedure

Whichever platform you use to apply, once admitted or pre-enrolled you must complete the “Je suis accepté” pre-consular procedure on Études en France before applying for your visa. If you applied only outside Études en France, it is the only Campus France step left for you. The steps, fees and French certification are detailed in our guide on the Campus France Morocco procedure.

How to decide: a four-question method

First, what is the target program and its level: first year, intermediate year, master's, competitive-entry school? Second, is the program on Études en France, on Parcoursup, or does it recruit directly? The institution's page says so. Third, is there a risk of duplication: never apply to the same program on both platforms. Fourth, what calendar: note each route's deadlines and plan your French certification ahead. Our France orientation tool shows, program by program, the entry route for your profile.

Official sources consulted

Campus France Morocco: “Applying for BTS, CPGE (Parcoursup) and with non-connected institutions”, “The application procedure on Études en France” (maroc.campusfrance.org); Campus France: “Études en France procedure” (campusfrance.org); Parcoursup: “Parcoursup calendar 2026-2027” (parcoursup.gouv.fr, October 2026 document). Consulted on October 26, 2026. Rules and dates may change: check them on the official sites before acting.