Students enrolled in France's prestigious classes préparatoires (CPGE) are urging the government to establish a national waitlist to manage vacant seats more efficiently. The demand comes as many students face uncertainty during the annual admission process, with some institutions reporting unfilled places while others have long waiting lists.
According to reports from student unions and education media, the current system relies on regional platforms that do not communicate with each other, leading to missed opportunities. A national waitlist would allow students to be offered a place in any available preparatory class across the country, reducing the number of unfilled positions and improving access for qualified candidates.
The Ministry of Higher Education has acknowledged the issue but has not yet committed to a specific reform. In a statement, the ministry said it is "studying ways to improve the admission process" and will consult with stakeholders before the next academic year. No official proposal has been published as of August 2026.
Student representatives argue that a centralized system would also help reduce social inequalities, as students from less privileged backgrounds often lack the information to navigate the fragmented admission process. They plan to submit a formal petition to the ministry in the coming weeks.
