École Polytechnique logo

École Polytechnique

Palaiseau, FR · Ranking #41

École Polytechnique, often referred to simply as “l’X”, is one of France’s most prestigious and selective engineering grandes écoles, founded in 1794 and located in Palaiseau near Paris. It forms part of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and combines rigorous multidisciplinary science and engineering education with a strong research emphasis. The institution offers an integrated Bachelor’s programme, the traditional Engineering Degree (“Diplôme d’Ingénieur”), Master’s, PhD, and specialised postgraduate programmes. The curriculum balances core scientific and engineering fundamentals with leadership, innovation and social sciences. École Polytechnique is recognised for its high academic standards, world‑class research laboratories, and strategic partnerships with industry, government and international universities. Graduates are highly sought after in technological sectors, research, consulting and public service professions worldwide.

École Polytechnique logo

École Polytechnique

About the university

École Polytechnique, often referred to simply as “l’X”, is one of France’s most prestigious and selective engineering grandes écoles, founded in 1794 and located in Palaiseau near Paris. It forms part of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and combines rigorous multidisciplinary science and engineering education with a strong research emphasis. The institution offers an integrated Bachelor’s programme, the traditional Engineering Degree (“Diplôme d’Ingénieur”), Master’s, PhD, and specialised postgraduate programmes. The curriculum balances core scientific and engineering fundamentals with leadership, innovation and social sciences. École Polytechnique is recognised for its high academic standards, world‑class research laboratories, and strategic partnerships with industry, government and international universities. Graduates are highly sought after in technological sectors, research, consulting and public service professions worldwide.

Key information

  • Location: Palaiseau, FR
  • Ranking #41
  • QS #57
  • THE #72
  • US News #158
  • National ranking #1
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Economics & Social Sciences
  • Energy Systems
  • Cybersecurity

Programs (8)

  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Economics
  • Data Science

Student body

  • Total students: 4,500
  • Undergraduate: 1,000
  • Graduate: 2,000
  • International students: 40%

Campus life

Campus life at École Polytechnique blends rigorous academics with a close‑knit and vibrant community on a large campus in Palaiseau. Students engage in over 60 clubs and societies spanning engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, culture and sports. Facilities include state‑of‑the‑art research labs, libraries, theatre spaces and sports complexes that host competitions and events year‑round. Social life is enriched by campus traditions, student‑run activities, conferences and networking with industry partners. Proximity to Paris offers easy cultural exploration, internships and professional opportunities while maintaining the collegiate spirit of life at one of France’s leading institutions.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €700 - €1,400 / per month

Housing options

  • Student residences
  • Shared flats
  • Private apartments

Student clubs and organizations

  • Engineering Society
  • Entrepreneurship Clubs
  • Cultural & Language Groups
  • Sports Clubs

Sports

  • Rugby
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Athletics Teams

Career & internships

Employment rate: 95%

Partner companies

  • Airbus
  • Google
  • IBM
  • Schneider Electric
  • BNP Paribas
  • TotalEnergies
  • Thales
  • McKinsey & Company

Internships: Internships and professional placements are central to École Polytechnique’s programmes, with students gaining experience in research centres, multinational firms, startups and government organisations. The Career Services team supports internship searches, CV development, interview preparation and employer networking. Strong partnerships with industry leaders and international academic institutions enhance opportunities across aerospace, energy, digital technologies and finance. Erasmus+ and exchange pathways further extend practical training options abroad, strengthening professional readiness.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Transcript
  • Motivation Letter
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of language proficiency (French/English)
  • Competitive entrance exam scores
  • Interview/Additional tests

Tuition costs

  • €628 - €5,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 8.00%
  • Scholarships available: École Polytechnique provides various scholarship and financial aid schemes targeting academic excellence, diversity and mobility. These include merit‑based grants, need‑based support, tuition waivers, mobility grants (such as Erasmus+), and dedicated support for international students. Doctoral and research‑track students may access project‑linked funding and partnerships with industry sponsors. The international office offers guidance on external scholarships, partner awards and application support to help reduce financial barriers and foster global experiences.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1794
  • Teaching languages: French, English, french

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