Parcoursup: 2026 Supplementary Phase Guide (dates, rules, accommodation)

Differences between the main phase and the supplementary phase

Many candidates confuse these two steps. Here are the key points to know:

The key difference: in the supplementary phase, you are not starting from scratch. The courses shown have genuinely available places, which mechanically increases your chances of receiving an admission offer quickly.

How does the supplementary phase work?

From 11 June, you can access the “Supplementary phase choices” tab on the Parcoursup platform. There you will find the interactive map of available courses. This search tool is updated daily and only shows courses with vacancies, depending on your profile (type of baccalauréat, academy, etc.).

You can submit up to 10 different choices, even if you are still waiting on other choices in the main phase. However, you cannot request the exact same course at the same institution that you already requested in the main phase. On the other hand, you can apply for an identical course at another institution.

There are exceptions to this rule:

• If you applied to a licence portal, you can request another licence within the same portal that you did not choose in the main phase, provided it has available places.
• You can request another school within a grouping (engineering schools, business schools) that you did not previously select.
• If you submitted a choice for a CPGE with boarding, you can submit a choice for the same CPGE without boarding if it is available.
• If a high school offers several ECG tracks, you can request another track than the one previously selected.

2026 calendar and response deadlines

Key dates

• 11 June 2026: opening of the supplementary phase and the interactive map
• 8 September 2026: last day to submit your choices
• 10 September 2026: last day for courses to send admission offers
• 10 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m.: end of the supplementary phase

Reply deadlines

• From 12 June to 17 August: you have 2 days to reply to each admission offer received
• From 17 August to 10 September: you have only 1 day to decide

Summer pause 2026: important

In 2026, selective courses pause sending admission offers from 13 July to 20 August 2026 inclusive. This differs from 2025, when the pause only covered baccalauréat exam periods.

In practice: if you are waiting for a response from a selective course, you will probably not receive one during this period. Be proactive before 13 July and again from 20 August.

How to maximize your chances of being admitted

• Check the course map regularly to see whether you have received an offer. New available places appear every day as candidates withdraw.
• Polish your motivation statement: some courses still require it in the supplementary phase. A well‑written statement makes the difference.
• Reply on time: an offer not answered within the deadline is considered declined.
• Submit multiple choices in parallel across a range of courses aligned with your study plan.
• Attend orientation fairs to meet institutions that are participating in the supplementary phase.
• Some schools require a portfolio or additional documents to be uploaded on Parcoursup.
• Accept only one offer: accepting a supplementary‑phase offer automatically makes you give up your main‑phase offer.

To help you decide, you can also read our article on the best student cities in France.

Finding accommodation during the supplementary phase

The supplementary phase coincides with a critical period for student housing. Here is how to plan ahead:

Crous accommodation: from 7 July 2026, accommodation that was not allocated in the main phase is put back online on trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr. This option is open to all students, whether they receive grants or not.

Private residences: availability drops quickly in July–August. Start your housing search in parallel with your course search, without waiting for a final decision.

Ecla: our residences in Paris, Lille, Bordeaux and Archamps (near Geneva) welcome students in the supplementary phase. Check availability for the 2026 intake.

Managing replies and next steps after the supplementary phase

You received an offer: what should you do?

1. Read carefully the course details before accepting (programme, cost, location).
2. Reply on time: an offer that is not answered within the deadline is automatically cancelled.
3. Accept or decline in your Parcoursup file, under “My admission offers”.
4. If you accept, plan immediately for administrative enrolment with the institution (deadlines are often tight in September).
5. Also start looking for accommodation if you have not done so yet.

You accepted a course: what happens next?

• The institution will send you an admission confirmation and the enrolment steps.
• Some courses require additional documents (transcripts, ID, proof of baccalauréat) to be sent directly outside Parcoursup.
• If you receive a means‑tested grant, check that changing course does not affect your eligibility.

What if you are rejected during the supplementary phase?

Not receiving an offer can be discouraging, but there are solutions.

Immediate options

• Submit new choices for other courses with available places: the interactive map is updated daily until 8 September.
• Contact institutions directly: some private courses accept applications outside Parcoursup.
• Consider a bridging year: DAEU, preparatory course, or a reorientation in higher education.

Alternatives to explore

• Apprenticeships and work‑study: apprenticeship contracts can be signed until November, and many work‑study courses are still recruiting in September.
• Courses outside Parcoursup: private schools, private BTS programmes and some professional licences have their own admissions processes.
• Gap year: take a year to strengthen your career plan and orientation project before applying again next year.
• Speak with a guidance counsellor: CIO (Centres d’Information et d’Orientation) offer free appointments.

Key dates recap

Here is a quick recap of the key dates:

• 11 June 2026: opening of the supplementary phase and interactive map
• 12 June – 17 August: 2‑day reply deadline for each admission offer received
• 13 July – 20 August: pause for selective courses (summer period)
• 17 August – 10 September: reply deadline reduced to 1 day
• 8 September 2026: last day to submit a choice
• 10 September 2026: end of the supplementary phase at 11:59 p.m.

Where to get support during your application

Advisers can support you:

• Directly via the Contact section in your Parcoursup file
• Via the Parcoursup toll‑free number: 0 800 400 070 (free call), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Via your local CIO (guidance centres)
• On parcoursup.gouv.fr: everything you need to know about the supplementary phase