ENS de Lyon (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon) logo

ENS de Lyon (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon)

Lyon, FR · Ranking #205

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a selective French public higher education and research institution specialising in the humanities, sciences and arts. Founded initially in 1880 and reorganized in its current form in 1987, ENS de Lyon educates undergraduates, master’s and PhD candidates with a strong emphasis on research, critical thinking and academic excellence. As one of France’s grandes écoles, it offers rigorous interdisciplinary programmes across mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, literature, philosophy, social sciences, history and arts. Students benefit from intensive small‑group seminars, individual mentorship and early engagement in research projects alongside faculty. ENS de Lyon maintains partnerships with leading research laboratories, universities and cultural institutions, and its graduates frequently continue to elite research careers, academia and leadership roles in public and private sectors.

ENS de Lyon (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon) logo

ENS de Lyon (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon)

About the university

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a selective French public higher education and research institution specialising in the humanities, sciences and arts. Founded initially in 1880 and reorganized in its current form in 1987, ENS de Lyon educates undergraduates, master’s and PhD candidates with a strong emphasis on research, critical thinking and academic excellence. As one of France’s grandes écoles, it offers rigorous interdisciplinary programmes across mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, literature, philosophy, social sciences, history and arts. Students benefit from intensive small‑group seminars, individual mentorship and early engagement in research projects alongside faculty. ENS de Lyon maintains partnerships with leading research laboratories, universities and cultural institutions, and its graduates frequently continue to elite research careers, academia and leadership roles in public and private sectors.

Key information

  • Location: Lyon, FR
  • Ranking #205
  • QS #301
  • THE #401
  • National ranking #6
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Biology
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Social Sciences
  • History
  • Arts

Programs (9)

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Computer Science
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Linguistics
  • Education

Student body

  • Total students: 2,800
  • Undergraduate: 1,000
  • Graduate: 1,500
  • International students: 25%

Campus life

Campus life at ENS de Lyon is defined by a close‑knit academic community where students engage deeply in research, seminars, workshops and interdisciplinary projects. The university’s learning culture emphasizes collaborative study, academic discourse and intellectual curiosity, often extending beyond classrooms into research labs and cultural spaces. Student organisations span academic societies, arts and culture clubs, debate groups and sports teams, fostering a supportive environment for extracurricular engagement. ENS de Lyon also hosts conferences, guest lectures and collaborative events with research partners that enrich academic and professional development. The campus’s location in the vibrant city of Lyon offers access to cultural festivals, historic sites, cafés and an active student social scene that complements rigorous scholarly life.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €600 - €1,200 / per month

Housing options

  • Student residences
  • Shared apartments
  • Private apartments

Student clubs and organizations

  • Science Society
  • Literature & Arts Clubs
  • Debate & Philosophy Groups
  • Sports & Culture Societies

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Rugby
  • Athletics Clubs

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • CNRS
  • INRAE
  • INRIA
  • CEA
  • Airbus
  • Sanofi
  • L’Oréal
  • Capgemini

Internships: ENS de Lyon supports internships, research placements and professional experiences as part of students’ academic trajectories. Through connections with research laboratories, public institutions, private companies and cultural organisations, students access opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Career guidance services advise on preparing applications, CVs and interview techniques while coordinated agreements (including Erasmus+ mobility) help place students in internships at national and international levels. Many students combine academic research with practical industry exposure, strengthening employability and forming professional networks before graduation.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • High School Diploma/Transcript
  • Motivation Letter
  • CV
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of language proficiency (French/English)
  • Entrance exams/interviews

Tuition costs

  • €170 - €4,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 10.00%
  • Scholarships available: ENS de Lyon offers merit‑based and need‑based scholarships, including mobility grants, research support funds and external funding opportunities through French government programmes and partner institutions. International students may access Erasmus+ scholarships and other grants to support study abroad and research stays. Dedicated services help students identify applicable funding, prepare applications and integrate financial support with academic progress.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1880
  • Teaching languages: French, English, french

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