Even before creating an account on eCandidat, you need to know if this platform is the right entry point. The University of Le Havre Normandie uses eCandidat for applications for L2, L3, master’s degrees, and certain university diplomas, but not for the first year of the bachelor’s degree (reserved for Parcoursup) or for foreign students under the Études en France procedure via Campus France. Choosing the wrong platform means losing several weeks.
Parcoursup, Mon Master or eCandidat Le Havre: identifying the right platform
Each platform targets a specific profile. Competitors rarely detail this step, yet it conditions everything else. Are you aiming for L1 at the UFR of Sciences and Techniques or at the IUT of Le Havre? It’s Parcoursup, not eCandidat. Are you applying for the first year of a master’s degree? Depending on the program, the procedure goes through Mon Master or directly through eCandidat.
If you are a foreign national outside the European Union, the situation becomes more complicated. You must first go through Campus France and the Études en France procedure before you can use eCandidat for certain programs in L2, L3, or master’s degrees. This dual procedure has been common since the 2024-2026 campaigns.
To check your situation, the most reliable reflex is to consult the page of your component (IUT, UFR ST, UFR LH) on the university’s website. Each component specifies the procedure and application timeline specific to its programs. A candidate wishing to submit a file on eCandidat Le Havre saves time by verifying this point before creating any account.
Creating an eCandidat account: pitfalls to avoid from the start
The address of the eCandidat portal for the University of Le Havre Normandie is specific to this institution. Each university has its own eCandidat portal, with its opening dates, programs, and documentary requirements. Do not confuse it with the portal of another university.
The first common pitfall: reusing an old account. If you applied the previous year, your account is no longer valid. You need to create a new one, using an email address that you check regularly. This is where you will receive your credentials and the validation link.
During creation, the platform asks for your INE number (National Student Identifier). You will find it on your high school diploma transcript or on your student card. Without this number, the procedure will block at the second step. Prepare it before you start.
Once the account is activated via the link received by email, log in and complete each section in the order proposed by the platform. The entry is done in several successive tabs: personal information, address, baccalaureate, external curriculum. Do not skip any tab, even if you think it does not concern you.
External curriculum and choice of program in Le Havre
The “External Curriculum” tab is the one that generates the most errors. You must provide your previous academic background by selecting your institution from a dropdown menu. If your institution does not appear in the list, the procedure of the IUT of Le Havre requires sending an email to the administration ([email protected]) to resolve the situation.
Once the curriculum is filled out, click on “New Application” to access the catalog of programs. You will find professional bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and DU open for application for the current campaign. Some programs limit the number of applications per candidate. This trend is strengthening from year to year, which forces you to prioritize your choices.
How many programs to aim for on eCandidat
Unlike Parcoursup, which allows a fixed number of wishes, eCandidat Le Havre may restrict the number of applications depending on the component. Check the page of each program before validating. Applying to too many programs without checking this limit may block the addition of a priority wish.
Supporting documents for eCandidat: formats and common errors
Submitting supporting documents is the most time-consuming step. The list varies depending on the chosen program, but it almost always includes:
- Transcripts from the last two years of study, scanned in PDF (one file per document, no screenshots)
- A motivation letter specifically written for the targeted program, not a generic copy-paste
- An updated CV mentioning internships, jobs, or projects related to the field
- The high school diploma or a certificate of success
If a document does not apply to you (for example, proof of French proficiency for a French-speaking candidate), the platform offers a button to indicate that you are not concerned. Use this button instead of leaving the line blank, otherwise your file will remain in “incomplete” status and will not be forwarded to the committee.
The format of the files often poses problems. Prefer PDF. If your document has multiple pages, merge them into a single PDF file before uploading. A document that is too large or in an unrecognized format (HEIC, WEBP) will be rejected without an explicit error message.
Submission and tracking of the application file
After submitting all the documents, you must explicitly confirm your application. As long as you have not clicked the confirmation button, your file is not sent to the academic committee. This is a frequent source of “forgotten” applications.
Tracking is done directly from your eCandidat space. You will see the status of each document (received, validated, pending) and the overall status of the file. The academic committee of each program reviews the applications and gives an opinion.
The possible responses are three:
- Favorable opinion: you can proceed with administrative registration
- Favorable opinion subject to conditions: a document is missing or a condition remains to be fulfilled (obtaining the diploma in progress, for example)
- Unfavorable opinion: the committee’s decision is final, the UFR does not respond to any appeals according to the official procedure
Keep in mind that accepted application does not mean registration. Administrative registration is a separate process, with its own dates and documents. Check the calendar of your component as soon as you receive the favorable opinion to avoid missing the deadline.