Request for a gap year

A gap year is a period during which a student enrolled in an initial higher education program temporarily suspends their studies in order to gain personal or professional experience, either independently or under the supervision of a host organization in France or abroad.
The break may take one of the following forms:
  • Training in a field other than the one in which the student is enrolled
  • Work experience in France or abroad
  • A commitment to civic service
  • A project to start a business as a student entrepreneur

Request for a gap year for the academic year 2026–2027

Students requesting a gap year must complete the appropriate forms. The request must be submitted to the academic department of the integrated program at the end of the gap year:

Deadline for submitting gap year applications 2026–2027

Year-long or semester break 1:

Bachelor's degree: Wednesday, September 7, 2026
Master's degree: closing date for admission periods (see MonMaster)

Break in semester 2:

License: Wednesday, December 12, 2026


It is strongly discouraged in vocational bachelor's degrees, as the short duration of this program and its focus on professional integration do not appear to be compatible with the purpose of the gap year.

Documents to be attached to any request for a leave of absence

  • Cover letter detailing the nature, implementation methods, and objectives of the gap year project
  • Transcripts for the current academic year (for external students)
  • Any document that helps clarify the project, if applicable

Additional information Parcoursup

The Parcoursup procedure only allows students who wish to take a gap year upon entering higher education to submit a preliminary gap year application once they have accepted the institution's enrollment offer. This preliminary application must be followed by the UGA's specific gap year application procedure, which is the same for all students.

Students whose gap year applications have been accepted are required to register administratively in accordance with the calendar and practical registration procedures set byUniversité Grenoble Alpes.

When a student takes a gap year, they pay tuition fees at the reduced rate set out in the appendix to the decree establishing tuition fees.

In the case of a semester-long gap year, they pay the full rate. In addition to these fees, there is also the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).
Published on July 23, 2024
Updated on February 25, 2026