| Feature | Program Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon), France |
| Target Audience | Outstanding international students |
| Study Levels | Master's Degree (M1 or M2) |
| Funding Value | €1,000 per month for living expenses |
| Duration | 1 or 2 academic years (12 months/year) |
| Eligible Fields | Exact Sciences, Arts, Human and Social Sciences |
The Ampère Excellence Scholarships provide brilliant international students with the opportunity to pursue their Master's degree programs at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon). It aims to attract top talent worldwide to contribute to France's vibrant academic and research environment.
Funding Value & Duration
The scholarship focuses heavily on providing financial support for living expenses in Lyon.
- Monthly Stipend: Laureates receive a grant of €1,000 per month.
- Duration: The funding is provided for the duration of the academic year (12 months). If admitted to the first year (M1), it is renewable for a second year (M2) strictly subject to academic success.
Important Note on Fees: The scholarship is a living stipend. It does not cover tuition fees. Laureates are still required to pay the French national Master's tuition fees (approx. €243/year) and the mandatory CVEC campus fee (approx. €100/year).
Eligibility Criteria
The ENS de Lyon admissions committee sets strict criteria for this excellence-based award:
- Nationality: You must be a foreign national. (French citizens, including dual nationals, are not eligible).
- Age Limit: You must be 26 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline.
- Academic History: You must not have been previously enrolled in a French university (specific conditions may apply for students involved in exchange or language programs, but generally, this targets new arrivals to the French system).
- Academic Excellence: You must possess an outstanding academic record. Candidates are expected to present top-tier transcripts from their undergraduate studies.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship is applicable to almost all Master's programs offered at ENS de Lyon in the following faculties:
- Exact Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics.
- Arts, Human and Social Sciences: History, Geography, Literature, Philosophy, Sociology, Languages.
Exclusion: The FEADép Master's programs (Preparation for the agrégation exams) are explicitly excluded from this scholarship scheme.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must prepare a complete digital dossier to apply via the ENS de Lyon portal. Standard required documents include:
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or national ID card.
- Curriculum Vitae: A detailed academic CV.
- Motivation Letter: A personalized cover letter detailing your academic project and reasons for choosing ENS de Lyon (1 to 3 pages).
- Academic Transcripts: Official university transcripts for all completed undergraduate years (translated into French or English).
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually two letters from academic referees supporting your application.
Application Timeline
The application cycle for the Ampère Excellence Scholarship runs annually. Always verify the exact dates on the official ENS de Lyon website for the current intake:
- Applications Open: Typically in late November or early December.
- Application Deadline: Strictly around mid-January each year.
- Results Published: Laureates are generally notified by early April.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Ampère Excellence Scholarship worth?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,000 for the duration of the academic year (12 months per year) for up to 2 years.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
No. The €1,000/month is a living stipend. Laureates are still required to pay the standard French university tuition fees (approx. €243) and the CVEC fee (approx. €100) themselves.
Can I apply directly for the 2nd year of my Master's (M2)?
Yes. Candidates can apply for admission to the first year (M1) or directly to the second year (M2) of an eligible Master's program.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Candidates must typically be 26 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline.
Official Resources
- ENS de Lyon Official Page: ens-lyon.fr/en