University ballot ends but students face refusals

STUDENTS will no longer face a lucky-dip draw to get into the university course of their choice as part of a raft of changes to the higher education system that may restrict access for some.

The moves simplify university admissions after a summer where several thousand candidates were left without a course.

Admission Post-Bac changes mean students will choose 10 course preferences instead of the previous 24 (ranked 1-24) and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said universities would give most students a ‘Yes’ while others got a ‘Yes, if...’ meaning they would have to meet certain levels needed to ensure success.

Two lycée teachers will guide students to courses and support their applications, while those with no course would be offered something close to their needs.

Pauline Raufaste, of the student union Unef, said that, as 60% of students drop out, change was vital but letting university heads pick and choose, “dashing young people’s hopes” was wrong as universities and their funding also need to change.