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Professional guides

Becoming a nurse: admission to IFSI, Parcoursup, training and State diploma

· Guide drawn up on the basis of the official sources cited.

In short

You must obtain the State nursing diploma after three years of training at a nursing school (IFSI) linked to a university. Secondary school leavers apply through Parcoursup. Those already in employment pursue continuous professional development, with an interview and written examination. The diploma confers the degree of bachelor's.

Nursing is learned over three years, alternating classroom teaching and placements at a nursing school (IFSI) associated with a university. Training has been substantially reformed by the decree of 20 February 2026: more hours, new compulsory placements, a diploma awarded by the university. This guide explains how to enter an IFSI, either through Parcoursup or continuous professional development, what you will learn, how the diploma is obtained and how to finance your studies.

What are the conditions for entry to IFSI?

To enter the programme, you must:

  • hold the baccalauréat, or have obtained an equivalent qualification or exemption;
  • be at least 17 years old on 31 December of the year you enter the programme.

Training is delivered through two pathways: initial training, which includes apprenticeship, and continuous professional development. At least 25% of places at each institute are reserved for continuous professional development.

How do I apply to IFSI through Parcoursup?

Candidates in initial training go through the national pre-registration procedure, Parcoursup. Secondary school leavers and holders of the DAEU can apply.

How do the application choices work?

IFSIs are organised into groupings, usually around a university. Each grouping counts as one choice, up to a maximum of 5 choices of this type among the 10 choices allowed. Within a grouping, each institute is a sub-choice, with no limit on the number: tick all those that interest you.

How are applications assessed?

An admissions committee examines the applications. It is based primarily on academic and interpersonal skills acquired at secondary school, supplemented by experience in healthcare settings. The motivation letter, limited to 4,500 characters, must demonstrate a clear project and your interest in patient care. A self-assessment test is compulsory: it helps you verify that you understand the content of the training.

What is the timetable?

  1. December: opening of the training map.
  2. Mid-January to mid-March: registration and submission of choices.
  3. Early April: deadline for completing the application and confirming choices.
  4. Early June: opening of the main admission phase.
  5. Mid-June to early September: supplementary phase.
Important note: a choice not confirmed by the April deadline will not be examined. Check the exact dates on the official Parcoursup calendar, published each year.

Can I enter IFSI without the baccalauréat?

Yes, by obtaining a baccalauréat exemption. You then submit an application for validation of studies, professional experience and personal achievements, in accordance with articles D613-38 et seq. of the education code. Parcoursup specifies that holders of a vocational qualification without the baccalauréat, for example healthcare assistants, cannot apply through the platform: they apply directly to the IFSI.

How do I enter IFSI through continuous professional development?

Employees pursue continuous professional development, outside Parcoursup. Selection is conducted as follows:

  1. Submission of an application to the IFSI: identity document, qualifications, CV, employment certificates and a letter setting out your professional project.
  2. Interview lasting 20 minutes, marked out of 20: oral presentation followed by discussion with the panel on your ability to express yourself, your aptitude for following the training, your project and your motivation.
  3. Written examination lasting one hour, marked out of 20, in two 30-minute sections: essay or answers to questions in the healthcare, social care and social domains, followed by simple calculations, unit conversions and solving a simple problem.
  4. Ranking by the admissions committee.

A score below 8 out of 20 in either examination is grounds for elimination. Admission requires a total of at least 20 out of 40. Depending on the regional health agencies, this pathway is open to candidates who can demonstrate at least three years of contributions to a social protection scheme at the date of registration for the examinations. The precise arrangements are set out in the selection file of each institute.

Healthcare assistant: can I enter directly in the second year?

Yes. A healthcare assistant who can demonstrate at least three years' experience on a full-time basis in this role and who completes a specific training pathway of three months can enter the second year. Other healthcare professionals holding a level 6 qualification may access the first or second year. Pathways are detailed in our guide VAE and pathways to the nursing diploma.

How is training at IFSI structured?

Students who started their training from September 2026 onwards follow the framework of the decree of 20 February 2026. Those who began before remain governed by the decree of 31 July 2009.

Three years, six semesters, 4,620 hours

The programme comprises six semesters and 180 ECTS credits. It represents 4,620 hours :

  • 2,310 hours of clinical teaching, in practice placements;
  • 1,890 hours of teaching and educational supervision;
  • 420 hours of independent study.

What will you learn?

Teaching is organised across five domains:

  • nursing sciences and clinical reasoning;
  • nursing clinical practice, quality and risk management;
  • prevention and health promotion;
  • communication, teamwork and leadership;
  • scientific approach and research.

Three-quarters of the credits fall within a national framework; the remaining quarter allows each institute to personalise the programme.

How many weeks of practice placement?

Practice placements account for 66 weeks : 12 in the first year, 26 in the second year and 28 in the third year. They cover four types of settings: acute care, stabilised care, primary care and support for vulnerable people. Two placements are mandatory: at least five weeks in psychiatry and at least five weeks in child health. In the first year, the practice placement day is limited to seven hours, with no night shifts or weekends.

How are you assessed?

Assessment combines continuous assessment and final examinations, in written, oral, simulated scenario or clinical analysis form. Certain procedures are subject to mandatory assessment, including the nursing consultation with prescription, the administration of a blood transfusion and prescription with dose calculation.

Are nursing students paid during practice placements?

Students receive a practice placement allowance set by the decree of 20 February 2026: €36 per week in the first year, €46 in the second year and €60 in the third year. Transport costs between home or the institute and the practice placement location are reimbursed on presentation of receipts or according to a mileage allowance scale.

How do you obtain the State Diploma in Nursing?

The diploma is obtained by validating all the knowledge and skills in the framework and holding a certificate of training in emergency procedures and care, level 2 that is current. Since decree no. 2026-130 of 20 February 2026, it is awarded by accredited universities and signed by the university president. It confers the degree of bachelor's degree.

Once qualified, you must register with the Nursing Order before practising: follow our guide registering with the Nursing Order.

How much does nursing training cost?

Funding depends on your route of entry and your region. At the IFSI of Lille University Hospital, for example, the cost of initial training is covered by the regional council for students and job seekers. You pay registration fees, the amount of which is set by decree of the ministers responsible for the budget and higher education, and in principle the student life and campus contribution (CVEC), from which grant holders are exempt.

In continuing professional education, the cost of training is charged: it is funded by the employer, a skills operator or another funding scheme. Ask the institute for the fee.

Good to know: CVEC exemptions also apply to recipients of a grant awarded by the region, which is the case for many nursing students.

What financial support is available during nursing studies?

  • Regional grant for health and social care training: regions award grants subject to means testing. In Île-de-France, for example, the amount is aligned with that of Crous grants and applications are made via a dedicated platform.
  • Crous services: in Île-de-France, the region reminds that emergency aid, accommodation and catering from Crous remain accessible to students in health and social care training.
  • Apprenticeship: initial training can be undertaken under an apprenticeship contract.
  • Promotional studies: civil servants in hospital public service can prepare for the diploma whilst retaining their salary, with a commitment to serve.
  • Professional transition project: private sector employees in career transition can have their training funded by Transitions Pro.

Details of the schemes are set out in our guide funding your nursing training.

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How many years of study to become a nurse?
Three years, comprising six semesters and 180 ECTS credits. The State Diploma awarded confers the degree of Bachelor.
How many IFSI choices on Parcoursup?
Up to 5 choices for IFSI groupings, among the 10 choices allowed. Each grouping contains an unlimited number of sub-choices, one per institute.
Is there still an entrance examination for IFSI?
No for secondary school leavers, who are selected on the basis of their application via Parcoursup. Candidates in continuing professional training sit a written examination and an interview.
Can you become a nurse without the baccalauréat?
Yes, by obtaining an exemption from the baccalauréat through validation of studies and experience, then applying directly to the IFSI.
Is nursing education free?
The pedagogical cost of initial training may be covered by the regional council, as at the IFSI of Lille University Hospital: check with your institute. Registration fees remain, and unless exempted, the CVEC.
How much does a nursing student earn during placement?
The placement allowance is €36 per week in the first year, €46 in the second year and €60 in the third year.
Are psychiatric placements compulsory?
Yes. The framework set out in the Order of 20 February 2026 requires at least five weeks in psychiatry and five weeks in child health.

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