By Hervé Gobou

It is now official. The Ministry of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education (MENA-ET) has set Monday, September 14, 2026, as the official start date of the 2026–2027 school year across Côte d’Ivoire.

With less than two months remaining before classes resume, the Directorate of Guidance and Scholarships (DOB) is finalizing the placement of more than 673,000 students who passed this year’s nationwide examinations. This includes 503,144 pupils who successfully passed the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (CEPE) and will enter the first year of secondary school (Sixième), as well as 170,225 students who passed the Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (BEPC) and are set to begin senior secondary education (Seconde).

This year’s placement process places a strong emphasis on equity. Nearly 20 schools across 13 Regional Directorates of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education (DRENAET) have been specially prepared to ensure the direct enrollment of students with sensory disabilities. In line with the country’s evolving educational priorities, the National Placement Commission is also increasing the number of students assigned to the T1 and T2 technological streams, with the aim of better aligning young people’s education and skills with the emerging needs of the labor market.

As families await the finalization of the online placement process, scheduled to close on Monday, July 27, 2026, the attention of the education community is turning to the traditional Back-to-School General Meeting, scheduled for the end of August. During this final preparatory event, the government will unveil the official academic calendar, including the breakdown of the school terms, as well as the central theme of the new school year.