DAEU-B Graduation Ceremony, Class of 2025–2026
On Friday, October 16, the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025–2026 of the DAEU-B(Diploma for Access to University Studies, Science Track) in the presence of Laurence Weil,director of the Continuing Education Department; Céline Ritterszki,administrative director; Didier Lopez,head of training; Andreea Robu, head of the Nîmes Group; and Isabelle Benesy, administrative manager. Faculty members from the various training sites—Montpellier, Béziers, and Nîmes—were also in attendance.
This ceremony, filled with emotion and pride, celebrated the remarkable achievements of these adults who returned to school and, after nine months of dedicated effort, earned their diplomas and are now opening the door to new opportunities for growth.
The Continuing Education Department at the University of Montpellier congratulates the graduates on their dedication and on earning this degree, a key milestone in their academic journey.
THE DAEU-B: STATE DIPLOMA FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Sponsored by the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Montpellier, the DAEU-B,or Diploma for Access to University Studies—science track, is an alternative to the traditional baccalaureate, specifically designed for those who wish to resume their university studies after a break in their academic career.
This program is designed for adults (employees, job seekers) who did not earn a high school diploma and who wish to change course and return to school to pursue a program that requires a foundation in science.
The DAEU-B thus enables students to acquire scientific skills at a level equivalent to that of the general baccalaureate by taking courses in mathematics, French, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as receiving guidance on their post-DAEU plans.
GRADUATION AS A STARTING POINT
From 2006 to 2026, the Continuing Education Department has awarded 1,280 DAEU-B diplomas at the University of Montpellier.
The demands of this program are a reality rooted in what poses a genuine challenge for the target audience. Returning to school after having been out of school for several years is not always easy. It requires creating and maintaining the conditions necessary to get back on track throughout the year, guided by a genuine personal investment and commitment.
The class of 2025–2026, with its 42 graduates, is a testament to this very commendable result: 87% of enrolled students took the end-of-year exams, 71% of them received full certification for the diploma, and 23.73% received partial certification (the DAEU can be earned through credit accumulation).
The tracking of the career paths of UM DAEUB graduates reflects the range of opportunities for continuing education in higher education.
At the start of the 2026 academic year, 57% of the 2026 DAEUB graduates were enrolled in programs and degree tracks offered by UM’s academic units. Additionally, 16% of the 2026 graduates enrolled in a higher education institution outside of UM.
Returning to school doesn’t end after the first year following the DAEU, as evidenced by the 31 students currently enrolled in BUT, DEUST, DU, bachelor’s, or master’s degree programs at the University of Montpellier.
Like Ludivine, who is now enrolled in a Master’s 2 program in Neuroscience, and Malik, who recently graduated as an ISAE SUPAERO engineer after completing a BUT in Mechanical Engineering at the IUT in Nîmes, both came to speak at this graduation ceremony about their journeys since the DAEUB and to encourage the new graduates. “The DAEU isn’t an end in itself, but a new beginning… your story doesn’t end with this diploma; it can also begin with it.”
The DAEU-B represents avaluable opportunity, offering a new chance to learn and grow in an ever-changing academic and professional world. This event highlights the importance of continuing education and access to education for all, regardless of age or background.
Congratulations to the new graduates!
