What do AST 1 and AST 2 mean?
AST stands for the French admission sur titre (admission based on prior qualifications). In applicants’ searches, AST 1 generally refers to admission after a two-year degree, and AST 2 to admission after a three-year degree or higher. These labels are useful reference points; they are not shared regulations that apply to every school.
Onisep notes that each school decides which degrees it accepts. You should therefore record three details separately: your current level of study, the year you want to enter, and the degree required for entry. “Second year of study” does not automatically mean “an accepted two-year degree.”
For example, ECRICOME’s 2026 Tremplin Bac+2 page describes entry into the first year of the Grande École Program, called the pre-master. Use the full name of the admissions competition in your research notes rather than the shorthand AST 1 alone.
What information should you gather about your degree?
Record the official program name, the institution awarding the degree, the country where it is awarded, any stated recognition, and the expected award date. A marketing title similar to a bachelor’s degree does not establish that it meets a written requirement for one.
ECRICOME’s 2026 regulations explicitly distinguish degrees accepted for the two-year and three-year routes, as well as exclusions. They specify that ECTS credits alone are insufficient and prohibit entering both competitions in the same year. These rules show why the full list matters more than a level label.
If your situation is unusual, send admissions the exact degree title and the section of the regulations that concerns you. An answer about your case is more useful than a general question about “bachelor’s degrees.”
Which check should you start with?
This table helps organize your research. It does not replace the competition’s eligibility decision.
| Your situation | First check | Document to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Two-year degree completed or in progress | List of accepted degrees and completion requirements for the two-year route | Degree certificate or requested proof of enrollment |
| Three-year degree or higher | List and restrictions for the three-year route or admission based on prior qualifications | Official degree title and academic transcripts |
| Degree awarded abroad | Route available for this degree and required recognition | Degree, transcripts, and translation if requested |
| Integrated program without an intermediate degree | Whether you can actually apply before completing the program | Written confirmation from the institution and admissions competition |
Which tests should you prepare next?
Separate the aptitude test from the English-language requirement. Taking the GMAT or GRE in English does not automatically exempt you from the required language test. For each school, identify the test name and version, whether it is mandatory, and any expressly permitted alternatives.
In ECRICOME’s 2026 regulations, TAGE 2 and TAGE MAGE correspond to the two-year and three-year routes; GMAT or GRE substitutions are permitted in some cases. The logic test also depends on the schools selected. Read the competition route and each school’s selected tests together.
If several tests are accepted across your applications, then compare their question types, language, available test dates, and your starting level. This comparison comes after eligibility: effective preparation for the wrong test does not satisfy an administrative requirement.
The pitfall
Choosing a test based only on your level of study
“I am in my third year, so I have to take the TAGE MAGE” skips several steps. You might be applying to a route that accepts a different test, does not require one, or does not accept your degree.
The ECRICOME examples in this article concern the 2026 cycle. They illustrate how to read the rules and do not establish the rules for the next cycle. For your application, consult the regulations for your intake: opening pre-registration does not by itself confirm which degrees or tests are accepted for that cycle.
How can you turn your research into a concrete choice?
Create one row for each application with four fields: accepted degree, exact route, aptitude test, and English test. Add the official source and its year. Turn any uncertain field into a question to resolve before paying for a test session.
You can start with our TAGE MAGE directory to find programs, then check their admissions sources. The directory helps you discover options; your own table records the requirements that actually apply to your application.
Key takeaways
- AST 1 and AST 2 can guide your search; the regulations determine eligibility.
- Identify the degree, route, and admission cycle before choosing tests.
- Check aptitude, English, and permitted alternatives separately.