The French student union, L’Union Étudiante, has secured an extension to address issues stemming from the rollout of the “Mon Master” platform, the organization announced on March 16, 2026. The platform, intended to streamline master’s degree applications, has been plagued by technical difficulties since its launch.
L’Union Étudiante, formed in 2023 from a merger between “l’Alternative” – itself created in 2019 from independent student unions and UNEF scissions – and sections of the UNEF that subsequently left the organization, represents students across 51 campuses in France, according to a statement released in June 2023. The union positions itself on the left of the political spectrum.
The “Mon Master” platform issues have created significant anxiety among students applying to master’s programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. Currently, 270 master’s degree scholarship opportunities are available worldwide, with application deadlines rapidly approaching. Universities in France, England and elsewhere are offering scholarships, but the platform’s problems threaten to impede access to these opportunities.
The Université de Montréal is currently accepting applications for its 140 master’s programs. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs, offering scholarships for study across multiple European universities, likewise remain open for applications. However, students require a functioning application system to access these opportunities.
Léa Jules-Clément serves as the current Secretary General of L’Union Étudiante, and Eloïse Lefebvre-Milon is the Treasurer. The organization currently holds three of eleven seats on the CNESER (National Council for Higher Education and Research) and three of eight seats on the CNOUS (National Center for University and School Services), giving it a voice in national higher education policy.
As of today, the specific details of the extension granted to L’Union Étudiante regarding the “Mon Master” platform remain undisclosed. The Ministry of Higher Education has not yet issued a public statement regarding the situation.
