Heavy crowds filled the Ankatso esplanade during the 2026 Student Fair. The site remained constantly packed throughout the two-day Student Fair 2026, reflecting the keen interest shown by new high school graduates in the various fields of study offered at Ankatso, where fewer than 10,000 new students can enroll each year. The curtain has now closed on the two-day Student Fair, held at Ambohitsaina on September 3-4, 2026. This annual event generated significant enthusiasm among new graduates, two weeks after baccalaureate results were published in Antananarivo. The University of Antananarivo has a maximum of 10,000 places for new students beginning their university studies. Given that 32,000 candidates were recently admitted to the baccalaureate in Antananarivo province in 2026, no fewer than 22,000 new graduates from Antananarivo will not secure a place at Ambohitsaina. When accounting for other new graduates from various regions of the country who also plan to enroll at the University of Antananarivo, there is little surprise to expect: mathematically, the number of future applicants rejected from various entrance competitions, exams, and file selections will be high. Selection During the two days of the Fair, Ambohitsaina experienced heavy attendance, both at the exhibition stands of various faculties and schools and in the halls hosting a series of conferences on various themes, mostly related to employability and career prospects for future graduates. In choosing their universities, specializations, and programs, students consider several factors. Cost weighs heavily on the balance, for obvious reasons related to the purchasing power of the vast majority of Malagasy households. The significantly lower tuition costs at public universities in general, compared to private universities and higher education institutes, lead students to opt for public institutions. Hence the large number of applications for entrance competitions and exams. As every year, selection promises to be tough, where leniency will have little place. Hanitra R.