ENS Paris-Saclay logo

ENS Paris-Saclay

Gif-sur-Yvette, FR · Ranking #312

École normale supérieure Paris‑Saclay (ENS Paris‑Saclay) is a prestigious French public grande école and part of Université Paris‑Saclay, specialising in research‑oriented education across sciences, humanities and engineering disciplines. Founded in 1912 and highly selective, ENS Paris‑Saclay prepares students for advanced research careers and higher education professions through multidisciplinary and research‑intensive training. Its four‑year ENS Paris‑Saclay Diploma integrates teaching with early immersion in research laboratories and can lead to a master’s degree or directly to doctoral studies, with tracks in research, higher education and interdisciplinary expertise. The institution collaborates with major national laboratories and international research partners and fosters industry connections in sectors such as aeronautics, energy, IT and automotive. ENS Paris‑Saclay contributes to scientific excellence by combining strong academic foundations with innovation and international outreach.

ENS Paris-Saclay logo

ENS Paris-Saclay

About the university

École normale supérieure Paris‑Saclay (ENS Paris‑Saclay) is a prestigious French public grande école and part of Université Paris‑Saclay, specialising in research‑oriented education across sciences, humanities and engineering disciplines. Founded in 1912 and highly selective, ENS Paris‑Saclay prepares students for advanced research careers and higher education professions through multidisciplinary and research‑intensive training. Its four‑year ENS Paris‑Saclay Diploma integrates teaching with early immersion in research laboratories and can lead to a master’s degree or directly to doctoral studies, with tracks in research, higher education and interdisciplinary expertise. The institution collaborates with major national laboratories and international research partners and fosters industry connections in sectors such as aeronautics, energy, IT and automotive. ENS Paris‑Saclay contributes to scientific excellence by combining strong academic foundations with innovation and international outreach.

Key information

  • Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, FR
  • Ranking #312
  • QS #201
  • THE #401
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Biology
  • Humanities
  • Social Sciences
  • Engineering Sciences

Programs (8)

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Economics
  • Sociology

Student body

  • Total students: 1,600
  • Undergraduate: 400
  • Graduate: 1,000
  • International students: 30%

Campus life

Campus life at ENS Paris‑Saclay is built around a strong research‑driven academic community within the Université Paris‑Saclay cluster, combining rigorous study with collaboration in laboratories and interdisciplinary seminar work. Small class sizes and a focus on research projects create an intellectually intense environment, where students regularly attend guest seminars, workshops and research colloquia. Outside academic commitments, students engage in informal social gatherings, student societies and cultural events within Gif‑sur‑Yvette and neighbouring research campuses. The proximity to other prestigious institutions and research centres promotes a collaborative ecosystem that stimulates academic exchange and professional networking.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €700 - €1,300 / per month

Housing options

  • Shared apartments
  • Private apartments
  • Student residences off‑campus

Student clubs and organizations

  • Research clubs
  • Academic societies
  • Cultural groups

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Running & Recreational teams

Career & internships

Employment rate: 85%

Partner companies

  • Airbus
  • EDF
  • Atos
  • Hewlett‑Packard
  • CNRS
  • INRIA
  • CEA

Internships: ENS Paris‑Saclay integrates internships and research placements into its training pathways, helping students gain professional experience through collaborations with national laboratories, research institutes and industry partners in sectors such as aerospace, energy, IT and materials science. Career services support application preparation, CV development and interview coaching, while international exchange schemes like Erasmus+ further expand practical placement opportunities. The strong research ecosystem and external partnerships enable students to bridge academic training with real‑world challenges and enhance employability ahead of doctoral or professional careers.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • High School Diploma/Transcript
  • Motivation Letter
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of language proficiency (French/English)
  • Competitive exams or departmental admission criteria

Tuition costs

  • €170 - €4,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 4.00%
  • Scholarships available: ENS Paris‑Saclay offers merit‑based and need‑based scholarship opportunities, including support for international students through cooperation agreements and mobility funding (such as Erasmus+). Dedicated services help students identify and apply for available financial assistance, and research‑oriented grants may be accessible for those engaged in doctoral studies or research projects. Partnerships with other institutions within Université Paris‑Saclay further expand funding possibilities and international exchange support.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1912
  • Teaching languages: French, English, french
  • Study formats: offline

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