Côte d’Ivoire assigns 88,848 students to higher education for 2026

Côte d’Ivoire has completed the orientation process for the 2026 baccalaureate session, assigning 88,848 new students to higher education institutions out of 90,548 total applications. This represents an orientation rate of 98.1%.

According to Arsène Kobéa, Director of Cabinet for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, 26,771 students (approximately 30.1%) were placed in public universities, an increase from 27% in 2025. Conversely, 62,077 students (69.86%) were assigned to private universities and grande écoles, a decrease from 72.3% the previous year. Officials attributed the shift toward the public sector to government investments in expanding public capacity, including the construction of new campuses and the opening of new research and training units.

Students wishing to contest their assignments may initiate a free, online change-of-orientation procedure from Friday, August 28, to Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Eligible cases include transfers between public universities within the same field, specific changes within private institutions, or reorientation toward the Virtual University of Côte d'Ivoire (UVCI).