| Feature | Program Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | École normale supérieure (ENS-PSL), Paris |
| Target Audience | International students completing their Bachelor's degree |
| Total Scholarships | 20 spots (10 for Sciences, 10 for Arts & Humanities) |
| Funding Value | ~€1,000 per month stipend + Free room on campus |
| Tuition Fees | Waived / Paid by the State |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Age Limit | Must be under 26 years old at the time of application |
The International Selection at École normale supérieure (ENS-PSL) is an elite competitive examination designed to recruit brilliant young minds from around the world. Successful laureates are integrated into the community of normaliens, combining advanced coursework with rigorous research while completing the final year of their Bachelor's and a two-year Master's program.
Funding & Benefits
The ENS International Selection is a fully funded opportunity that removes the financial barrier to studying in central Paris. Laureates receive the following benefits for the entire 3-year duration of the program:
- Monthly Grant: A direct stipend of approximately €1,000 per month.
- Accommodation: A guaranteed free room on one of the ENS campuses in Paris.
- Tuition Exemption: As ENS is a public university, tuition fees are entirely covered by the French State.
Selection Tracks & Disciplines
ENS Paris strictly divides its intake into two distinct tracks. Exactly 10 students are admitted to each track annually.
1. Sciences Track (10 Spots)
This track is aimed at students pursuing STEM fields. You can generally apply and conduct your interviews entirely in English.
2. Arts & Humanities Track (10 Spots)
This track is for students studying literature, philosophy, history, social sciences, and related disciplines. Candidates in this track usually require excellent proficiency in French, as written and oral examinations are predominantly conducted in French.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for the International Selection are strict and non-negotiable. You must fulfill all the following conditions:
- Age Limit: You must not have reached your 26th birthday when you apply.
- Application Limit: You may only apply to the International Selection once.
- Residency Rule: You must not have lived in France for more than 10 months during the academic year of the selection (September 1 to August 31), nor during the previous year.
- Academic History: You must justify at least one year of undergraduate studies awarded by a foreign university (outside France) during the calendar year preceding the start of applications. Furthermore, by September 1st following admission, you must justify at least two years of undergraduate studies completed outside of France.
Note: You must possess an outstanding academic record. The selection committee explicitly looks for curiosity, open-mindedness, and a keen interest in research.
The Step-by-Step Selection Process
The examination is highly competitive and takes place in two distinct phases.
Phase 1: Application File Review
Applicants must submit a comprehensive dossier online. The academic jury reviews transcripts, motivation letters, and recommendation letters to shortlist the top candidates.
Phase 2: Written & Oral Examinations
Shortlisted candidates are invited to sit for exams:
- Sciences Track: Candidates undergo rigorous oral examinations. This typically involves a scientific oral test (at least one hour) and a scientific culture interview (45–60 minutes).
- Arts & Humanities Track: Candidates must pass both written and oral tests, historically held in Paris.
Required Application Documents
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format and accurately named (e.g., FamilyName-GivenName.pdf).
For Both Tracks:
- Completed and editable application form.
- Official university transcripts.
- High school diploma.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- 2 to 4 letters of recommendation from academics.
Track-Specific Documents:
- Arts & Humanities: A Motivation Letter (1 to 3 pages) and a detailed Research Project (maximum 3 pages / 10,000 characters including spaces).
- Sciences: An argued cover letter detailing your motivation and scientific interests (1 to 3 pages).
Application Timeline
The application window for the ENS International Selection typically opens in late autumn.
- Application Deadline: Usually falls between early December and January. Ensure you check the official portal for exact cutoff dates for your specific intake.
- Examinations: Shortlisted candidates are usually tested in the spring.
- Start of Studies: September of the admission year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ENS International Selection fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly grant of approximately €1,000, along with a free room on one of the ENS campuses for 3 years.
Is there an age limit to apply for ENS Paris?
Yes. You must not have reached your 26th birthday at the time of your application.
Do I need to be fluent in French to apply?
It depends on your track. Sciences applicants can generally apply and be tested entirely in English. Arts & Humanities applicants typically require a very strong command of French, as exams are usually administered in French.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
ENS Paris selects exactly 20 international students each year: 10 students for the Sciences track and 10 students for the Arts & Humanities track.
Official Resources
- ENS Official Admissions Page: ens.psl.eu