If you dream of studying in France and joining one of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions, the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection 2026 is your gateway. Designed for outstanding international students, this competitive program offers access to world-class academic training, mentorship, and financial support in the heart of Paris.
The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) seeks to attract exceptional young scholars from across the globe to pursue higher studies in Arts & Humanities or Sciences. Through the International Selection, ENS integrates brilliant students into its academic community, allowing them to enroll directly in the third year of a Bachelor’s degree (Licence 3) or the first year of a Master’s program (Master 1).
Each year, ENS admits 10 students in Sciences and 10 in Arts & Humanities through this program. Selected students join an elite environment focused on academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Why Apply for the ENS International Selection?
Joining ENS means gaining access to one of Europe’s most prestigious research and academic institutions. Selected students benefit from:
- A €1,000 monthly grant for three years.
- Free on-campus accommodation in Paris.
- Access to cutting-edge research and close mentorship from leading professors.
- A dual academic path, in which students study both at ENS and at a partner university.
- Graduation with both a Master’s degree and the Diploma of École Normale Supérieure.
The program provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ENS International Selection 2026, applicants must:
- Be under 26 years old by December 1, 2025.
- Have never applied to the International Selection before.
- Have lived in France for less than 10 months during the current and previous academic years.
- Have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at a university outside France by the time of application.
- Have completed two years of undergraduate study by September 2026.
In exceptional cases, the Director of ENS may consider applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds.
Selection Process
The ENS International Selection takes place in two stages to ensure transparency and merit-based assessment.
- Application Submission:
Complete the initial application form via the official ENS portal. - Document Upload:
Within two days, applicants receive a link to Dematec, where they must upload all required documents in PDF format. - Jury Review:
The selection committee reviews applications. Shortlisted candidates are invited to the next stage. - Written and Oral Tests:
Shortlisted candidates take remote exams to assess their knowledge and motivation. - Final Selection:
The highest-scoring candidates are offered admission to ENS.
Academic Disciplines Available
ENS offers extensive programs under both categories:
- Arts & Humanities: Literature, History, Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Languages.
- Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Computer Science, and Earth Sciences.
Each track follows a rigorous academic structure that encourages interdisciplinary learning and research excellence. By joining the ENS International Selection, students become part of a unique intellectual community. They engage with leading researchers, explore cutting-edge laboratories, and experience Parisian academic life at its best.
ENS’s close connection with other Paris universities provides access to additional resources, cross-disciplinary seminars, and rich cultural experiences—all while preparing students for global research or professional careers.
How to Apply
Would you be ready to take the next step? Here’s how to apply for the ENS International Selection 2026:
- Visit the official ENS Application Form.
- Complete and validate the online application before the deadline.
- Activate your Dematec account to upload the required documents.
- Prepare for the written and oral exams if shortlisted.
- Check the ENS website for updates on shortlists and results.
The ENS International Selection 2026 is more than just an admission opportunity; it’s your chance to join a legacy of innovation, scholarship, and global leadership. Whether your passion lies in Arts and Humanities or Sciences, ENS provides the perfect platform to excel in a truly international academic environment.
Don’t wait, start your application today and take your first step toward academic excellence in France.
