For high-school students, June 2026 is decisive: the baccalauréat exams come one after another, and right behind them looms the question of the new term. If you are aiming for a work-study programme, this is the moment to advance on both fronts at once.
In short: the written bac 2026 exams run from 15 to 18 June, the Grand oral until 1 July, and the results drop on Tuesday 7 July 2026 (retakes from 6 to 10 July). For a work-study place in September, don't wait for those results to apply: find your company now, because apprentice recruitment is concentrated between spring and September.
What is the bac 2026 schedule?
The final exams of the general and technological baccalauréat are grouped into one week in June, followed by the Grand oral. Here are the official dates to remember:
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| Monday 15 June 2026 (morning) | Philosophy paper |
| Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 June 2026 | Written specialism papers |
| Monday 22 June – Wednesday 1 July 2026 | Grand oral |
| Tuesday 7 July 2026 | Results published |
| Monday 6 – Friday 10 July 2026 | Oral retakes |
Vocational and technological bac candidates are in the same boat for the results: they too find out from 7 July. An average between 8 and 9.9/20 opens the door to the oral retakes, where you pick two subjects to try to climb back above 10.
"Results for the general and technological baccalauréat will be released from Tuesday 7 July 2026." — French Ministry of Education, official 2026 calendar
Why think about work-study before the results even come out?
Waiting until 7 July to deal with the new term is a common mistake. In a work-study programme, admission does not depend solely on the training centre: it is conditional on signing an apprenticeship contract with an employer. And companies recruit their apprentices between spring and September, with the best contracts going early.
In practice, two applications move forward in parallel: one to the CFA or school (often via Parcoursup for higher-education courses) and one to companies. To save time, explore the work-study offers available right now and follow our step-by-step method to find a company for your work-study programme.
What to do between the exams and the new term?
Summer is short but strategic. Here is a simple action plan:
- June: finalise your applications and wishes while schools are recruiting. If you are going through Parcoursup, follow the 2026 admission phase and remember that apprenticeship wishes stay open.
- July: after the results, confirm your enrolment and multiply your applications to companies (updated CV, targeted letters, follow-ups).
- August–September: sign your contract. Recruitment continues right up to the start of term, and even beyond.
Good to know: the law gives you a three-month window after the course begins to sign your apprenticeship contract. During that time you can attend classes on a provisional basis — but enrolment is only final once the company is found. So it is better to sign before the term starts.
How much do you earn and what aid is there in work-study?
A work-study programme means free training and a salary every month. Pay is a percentage of the SMIC (raised to €1,867.02 gross per month on 1 June 2026) or of the applicable collective-agreement minimum, depending on your age and your year of contract. To estimate your future salary, use the pay calculator.
On top of that come many forms of support — driving-licence aid, housing benefits, the activity bonus in some cases. Review the schemes on our financial aid page before the term starts so you don't miss anything.
The bac is a milestone; work-study is a springboard into employment. By running both in parallel from June, you reach 7 July with a clear mind — and the new term with a contract in hand.