Ecole Polytechnique

Paris France

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Founded in 1794 during the French Revolution, Ecole Polytechnique has stood as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and service to society for more than two centuries. Created to educate the brightest minds in science and engineering, it has continually evolved to meet the challenges of each era while remaining faithful to its founding mission: advancing knowledge and using it for the common good. Today, Ecole Polytechnique is recognized as France’s premier institution in STEM, combining rigorous scientific education with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and social responsibility. Its alumni have shaped major scientific, technological, and industrial breakthroughs that continue to impact the world. Through its dedication to research, innovation, and multidisciplinary learning, Ecole Polytechnique not only trains exceptional engineers and scientists but also prepares visionary leaders committed to solving the complex challenges of tomorrow and improving society as a whole.

Why study at Ecole Polytechnique?

Academic and Research Excellence – A strong reputation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, along with access to cutting-edge research facilities, laboratories, and renowned faculty.

Global Opportunities and Partnerships – Exchange programs, double degrees, and collaborations with top international universities and research institutions that broaden academic and cultural perspectives.

Innovation and Career Prospects – Opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship, internships, and collaborations with industry leaders that open pathways to impactful careers or graduate research.

Holistic Education and Campus Life – A well-rounded approach that encourages personal growth through arts, sports, leadership development, and student communities beyond academics.

Supportive Learning Environment – Small class sizes, mentorship programs, and strong academic or mental health support systems that help students thrive intellectually and personally.

3,200

postgraduate students

13

courses

3

Scholarships listed on FindAMasters

#46

Institut Polytechnique de Paris - QS World University Rankings 2025

Paris France

main campus

About Ecole Polytechnique

Ecole Polytechnique is renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and global impact. Ranked the 2nd Best University in France by QS World University Ranking in 2025 and 46th in the world, it maintains prestigious alliances with leading institutions worldwide, including Columbia University, Brown University, ETH Zurich, the University of Tokyo, and Bocconi University, offering students exceptional international opportunities. Located in Palaiseau, just outside Paris, the campus hosts 23 cutting-edge research laboratories that foster scientific discovery and technological advancement.

Ecole Polytechnique’s faculty is composed of world-class professors and researchers, many of whom are members of prestigious institutions such as CNRS, INRIA, or international scientific academies. Their expertise and mentorship inspire students to push the boundaries of knowledge across disciplines. The university’s highly selective admission process attracts top students from France and around the world, creating a diverse and dynamic academic community driven by excellence, collaboration, and ambition.

Strongly connected to industry and innovation, Ecole Polytechnique maintains close partnerships with leading companies and research centers. About one-third of the CEOs of France’s CAC 40 companies are alumni, a testament to the university’s commitment to leadership and impact. Students benefit from numerous opportunities for internships, entrepreneurial projects, and collaboration with high-tech startups. This unique blend of rigorous academics, research excellence, innovation, and personal development makes Ecole Polytechnique a world-class institution that continues to shape the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

Student life at Ecole Polytechnique

Campus life at Ecole Polytechnique is as dynamic and inspiring as its academic environment. Nestled in a green, modern campus in Palaiseau – just 30 minutes from central Paris – the university offers a vibrant and close-knit community where students from around the world live, study, and grow together. The atmosphere is one of collaboration, curiosity, and shared purpose, reflecting the school’s mission to form well-rounded leaders who excel both inside and outside the classroom. Sports play a central role in student life, and every student participates in athletic activities. The campus boasts top-tier facilities and offers over 16 different sports, including football, rugby, tennis, badminton, fencing, swimming, climbing, rowing, judo, and even horseback riding. This culture of physical and mental balance strengthens camaraderie and teamwork among students.

Beyond sports, Ecole Polytechnique hosts a wide range of student clubs and associations – over 250 in total – covering interests such as arts, drama, music, mathematics, chemistry, entrepreneurship, and volunteering. From organizing TEDx conferences to engaging in community service and charity work, students are encouraged to explore their passions and make an impact beyond academics. Living on campus allows students to experience an exceptional sense of community while enjoying easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of Paris. This unique balance of academic excellence, sports, creativity, and social engagement makes life at Ecole Polytechnique both enriching and unforgettable.

Learn more about our Student Board

Disciplines available at Ecole Polytechnique

Business & Management

Communication & Media Studies

Computer Science

Creative Arts & Design

Economics

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Finance

Mathematics

Politics & Government

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Student profiles

Aneta Zdeb

Masters Programmes

I had a great experience at Ecole Polytechnique. I liked team projects and working with people from diverse backgrounds. I learned about database management systems, machine learning, big data tools, computer networks and more. One class was particularly very helpful in my current job: network protocal success. Besides technical skills, Ecole Polytechnique taught me about start-ups ecosystems and business evaluation - which is very useful in my domain.

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Anh-Quan Cao

Masters Programmes

Thanks to the AI-VIC master, I got an internship at Valeo.ai where I was lucky to have a chance to publish my first publication at ICCV 2021 which is one of the top conferences in computer vision and machine learning. One thing that I am very thankful for is the good mix of both practical and theoretical skills in the program e.g. reading research papers, programming, working with others… so that I am productive since the first day of my internship and PhD

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Dmitry Pastukhov

Masters Programmes

I really enjoyed the fact that teachers had both a theoretical background and the ability to translate the different theorems we learnt into real-life scenarios […] I did my internship in the mergers and acquisitions division of an investment bank. I wanted a challenging experience, tough in terms of expectations and where I could apply what I learnt to real-life scenarios. I enjoyed it a lot.

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Mathieu Joubrel

Masters Programmes

Studying at Ecole Polytechnique and HEC gives more confidence to the majority of my interlocutors and brings a certain legitimacy. Besides that, I was able to have access to a very important double professional network. In terms of skills, I learned a lot about theory in data science and statistics classes, but also about organizing, popularizing and making connections between business expertise and the data collected.

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Mauricio Viotti Cavalin

Masters Programmes

Something that is great about the program is that a big part of it is practical work. You don’t just sit and study the theory, you practice.

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Oussama Er Raji

Masters Programmes

Unlike other Masters programs, the STEEM one has the advantage of offering a variety of different courses and students can choose the ones matching their interests, therefore shaping their future careers. Another important asset of the program is the link with industrial partners.

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Frequently asked questions

What programs does Ecole Polytechnique offer?

Ecole Polytechnique offers several elite programs, including the Bachelor of Science, the Ingénieur Polytechnicien Program, Master of Science and Technology with 13 specializations – each blending scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership training.

What are the admission requirements and selection process?

Admission is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, motivation, and problem-solving ability. Applications are evaluated through transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, interview and, for the Ingénieur Polytechnicien program, an entrance exam. Find out more about Application Deadlines & Procedure here.

What makes Ecole Polytechnique unique compared to other universities?

The university’s model combines cutting-edge science and engineering education with a strong foundation in the humanities, leadership, and physical training – forming versatile graduates who can think critically, adapt, and lead across sectors.

What are the career prospects for graduates?

Graduates go on to study at top global institutions or work for leading companies and research centers. Many join high-impact roles in innovation, research, finance, or entrepreneurship. Find out more here.

What is the language of instruction?

The Bachelor and Master of Science and Technology programs are taught entirely in English, while the Ingénieur Polytechnicien Program is primarily in French with several courses available in English. French language training is provided for international students.

How international is the student body?

Ecole Polytechnique attracts top students from more than 60 countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural community. International students represent nearly half of the population in the Bachelor and Master of Science and Technology programs.

Main campus

Ecole Polytechnique

Paris

Île-de-France

France

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