Validation of Professional and Personal Experience (VAPP)
The VAPP (Validation of Professional and Personal Experience) is a program created in 1985 that allows individuals to enroll in a degree program without holding the degree normally required, by having their professional, personal, or volunteer experience recognized.
A concrete example of VAPP: You have a bachelor’s degree and want to enroll in a Master’s 2 program. Through VAPP, you can have your professional experience recognized as equivalent to the Master’s 1 level. This allows you to enter the Master’s 2 program directly, thereby shortening your program by one year.
Does this apply to you?
You may apply for a VAPP if (*Education Code, Art. D613-40):
- Do you have professional or volunteer experience related to the program you are applying for?
- For applicants who do not hold a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification that qualifies for an exemption: you must have been out of school for at least two years and be at least 20 years old as of the date you plan to resume your studies
Please note
If you were enrolled in a program and did not achieve the required score on the proficiency exams needed to advance to the next academic year, you may not submit an application for credit recognition to be admitted to that academic year until three years have passed.
Available Certifications
The VAPP program allows students to apply for national degrees: BUT, Bachelor's degree, Professional Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and PhD
Important
- The VAPP is valid only for the program and the academic year specified.
- The VAPP does not exempt applicants from the selection process; it is an integral part of the application.
PRICING
The VAPP application fee is 50 euros, which is non-refundable.
The Steps in the Process
1. BEFORE YOU START: CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE STILL ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
Before taking any action, make sure that:
- Applications for the desired degree program are still open. If the application period has closed, your VAPP request will not be approved.
- You do not yet meet the prerequisites for admission to the program (see the pages for each degree).
If you have any questions, please contact the University of Montpellier’s Career Services Office: SCUIO-IP.
2. Fill out the VAPP form
If you would like to enroll in a training program for which you do not have the required degree, please fill out the online form using the link below:
Once the form has been completed and signed:
- You will automatically receive a PDF document via email
- Be sure to check your junk mail(spam) folder
This PDF is your VAPP application form, which you must include with your application.
3. Add the form to your application
The VAPP PDF form you received by email must be attached to your application, depending on the platform you are using.
- Application via eCandidat: Submit the form in "Degrees"
- Application via Mon Master: Submit the form in "Degrees"
- Applications submitted outside of online platforms: Add the form directly to the application package
4. Review of Your Application
The VAPP committee meets at the same time as the training selection committee.
You will first receive the selection committee’s decision directly on your application platform. The VAPP committee’s decision will be sent to you later via email.
5. Contact the Continuing Education Department
If you are admitted, you must contact us—the Continuing Education Department at the University of Montpellier—in order to:
- Find out about training costs
- Identify funding opportunities
- Get a quote, if necessary, for your funding source
(employer, France Travail, CPF, OPCO, etc.)
The contact information for our continuing education department is listed below:
Need help choosing a training program?
You can contact the SCUIO-IP (University Joint Service for Information, Career Guidance, and Professional Integration).
Advisors can help you:
- Find a training program that matches your experience
- Planning Your Return to School
Key Takeaways
- The VAPP program allows students to enroll in a program without the required degree
- It is based on an analysis of your experience
- It does not replace the application for the training program
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VAPP automatically give me access to the training?
No. The VAPP allows your application to be reviewed, but you must still go through the program's selection process.
Do I need to complete the VAPP before applying?
No. The VAPP application is part of the application for the training program.
Does the VAPP program lead to a degree?
No. The VAPP program only provides access to training.
To earn a degree based on experience, you must apply for the VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience).