École Polytechnique logo

École Polytechnique

Palaiseau, FR · Ranking #3

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 is part of Institut Polytechnique de Paris and offers a rigorous multidisciplinary education across mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, data science and economics. The school provides integrated Bachelor’s, the traditional French engineering degree (“Diplôme d’Ingénieur”), Master’s, PhD and specialised postgraduate programmes. The curriculum balances academic fundamentals with hands‑on research, leadership training, innovation projects and exposure to industry partners. École Polytechnique is known for its strong research laboratories, strategic collaborations with global universities and industry, and its graduates’ success in sectors like aerospace, energy, finance and technology 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 is part of Institut Polytechnique de Paris and offers a rigorous multidisciplinary education across mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, data science and economics. The school provides integrated Bachelor’s, the traditional French engineering degree (“Diplôme d’Ingénieur”), Master’s, PhD and specialised postgraduate programmes. The curriculum balances academic fundamentals with hands‑on research, leadership training, innovation projects and exposure to industry partners. École Polytechnique is known for its strong research laboratories, strategic collaborations with global universities and industry, and its graduates’ success in sectors like aerospace, energy, finance and technology worldwide.

Key information

  • Location: Palaiseau, FR
  • Ranking #3
  • QS #57
  • THE #72
  • US News #158
  • National ranking #2
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

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

Programs (22)

  • Nursing
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Business Administration
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Economics
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Telecommunications
  • Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science

Student body

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

Campus life

Життя на кампусі École Polytechnique у Palaiseau поєднує високі академічні стандарти з активним соціальним та культурним середовищем на великому інженерному кампусі. Студенти беруть участь у понад 60 клубах та асоціаціях, що охоплюють інженерні товариствa, підприємницькі ініціативи, культурні та мовні групи, а також спортивні клуби з регбі, футболу, баскетболу та легкої атлетики. Кампус має сучасні наукові лабораторії, бібліотеки, творчі простори та спортивні комплекси, де проводяться події, змагання та соціальні заходи протягом усього року. Соціальне життя включає студентські традиції, конференції, майстер‑класи та спільні проєкти з промисловими партнерами. Близькість Парижа забезпечує доступ до широкого спектру культурних подій, стажувань і професійних можливостей у столиці, водночас підтримуючи колегіальну атмосферу життя одного з провідних закладів Франції.

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: 98%

Partner companies

  • CNRS
  • CEA
  • INRIA
  • major tech companies

Internships: Students at École Polytechnique have structured opportunities for internships integrated into degree programs and through international mobility schemes such as Erasmus+ or university partnerships. The Ingénieur Polytechnicien curriculum requires periods abroad, including company or research internships, while other programs encourage exchange study periods and research placements, enabling practical experience and global exposure relevant to future careers.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Transcript
  • Motivation Letter
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Language proficiency (French/English)
  • Competitive entrance exam scores
  • Possible interview/testing

Tuition costs

  • €243 - €5,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 10.00%
  • Scholarships available: École Polytechnique provides diverse scholarship and financial aid options targeting academic excellence, international mobility and financial need. These include merit‑based awards, tuition waivers, mobility grants such as Erasmus+, and dedicated support for international students and doctoral candidates. Funding opportunities also include external scholarships, industry‑linked fellowships and research project support. The international office assists students with application processes and strategies to access partner grants and external funding, aimed at reducing financial barriers and fostering global educational experiences.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1794
  • Teaching languages: French, English, french
  • Study formats: offline

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