Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

About the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, situated in the vibrant city of Lyon, is a beacon of academic excellence in France. Known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to research, ENS Lyon attracts some of the brightest minds in the country. It is a place where curiosity is nurtured, and students are encouraged to explore their intellectual passions. With a focus on interdisciplinarity and innovation, ENS Lyon prepares its graduates to excel in a rapidly changing world. The institution’s legacy of producing influential scholars and leaders speaks to its enduring commitment to intellectual pursuits.

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A brief history

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, founded in 1880, has a storied history as one of France’s premier institutions of higher learning. Rooted in the tradition of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon was established to provide rigorous education and advanced research opportunities to students in various academic disciplines.

General information

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon offers students a dynamic and enriching campus experience that nurtures academic excellence and personal development. The institution is dedicated to creating an environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and holistic growth.

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon’s residential college system serves as more than just housing; it functions as close-knit communities where students can readily establish both academic and social connections. These residential colleges play a central role in the university experience by organizing a variety of sports and cultural initiatives that enhance the academic journey. The synergy of academic pursuits and extracurricular activities is a defining aspect of university life, providing students with a holistic education.

Quick facts about Kyoto

  • Ranking: According to QS World University Rankings, it is ranked at #138
  • Campuses: CentraleSupélec has campuses located in Gif-sur-Yvette and Rennes, France.
  • Student Enrollment: Over 4,000 students are enrolled at CentraleSupélec.

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FAQs

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) is a highly prestigious French institution that focuses on providing advanced education and research opportunities in various disciplines, including sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and commitment to fostering intellectual excellence.

ENS Lyon offers a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs cover various fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, social sciences, humanities, and more. The institution is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and education, allowing students to explore diverse academic interests.

Admission to ENS Lyon is highly competitive due to its esteemed reputation and academic rigor. The selection process varies depending on the program, but generally involves evaluating academic records, recommendation letters, and sometimes interviews or entrance examinations. Demonstrating strong academic achievements and a genuine passion for the chosen field is essential for a successful application.

Yes, ENS Lyon welcomes applications from international students. The institution values diversity and offers programs taught in English to accommodate non-French speakers. International students may need to meet specific language proficiency requirements, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, for English-taught programs. The university also provides support services to help international students adapt to their studies and life in France.

ENS Lyon is known for its strong emphasis on research excellence. The institution hosts numerous research laboratories and centers that cover a wide array of disciplines. Research areas include fundamental sciences, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies. ENS Lyon encourages students and faculty to collaborate on innovative research projects, contributing to advancements in knowledge and addressing global challenges.

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Popular Courses

Physics and Astrophysics

ENS Lyon is known for its strong programs in physics and astrophysics. Students delve into the fundamental principles of the physical world, studying topics such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and cosmology.

Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences

Undergraduate courses in mathematics at ENS Lyon provide students with a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and theories. Students explore areas like algebra, analysis, geometry, and discrete mathematics.

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

ENS Lyon offers courses in computer science that cover programming, algorithms, data structures, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Students learn to develop software applications and systems.

Cognitive Science

ENS Lyon’s interdisciplinary program in cognitive science explores the study of human cognition, perception, and behavior. Students learn about psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and philosophy.

Chemistry and Materials Science

Undergraduate courses in chemistry and materials science focus on the properties and behavior of matter. Students study chemical reactions, materials synthesis, and applications in various industries.

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Eligibility Criteria

High School Diploma or Equivalent

You would generally need to have completed your high school education or an equivalent qualification from your home country. For international applicants, this often means providing proof of completion of 12 years of formal education.

Language Proficiency

Since many programs at ENS Lyon are taught in French, proficiency in the French language is crucial. You may be required to provide language proficiency test scores, such as the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) or DELF/DALF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française/Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) for international applicants. Some programs may also require English language proficiency.

Entrance Examinations or Competitions

ENS Lyon typically conducts highly competitive entrance examinations or competitions for undergraduate programs. These exams can vary widely by program and may include written tests, oral exams, and interviews. The content of these exams is often specific to the program you are applying for.

Transcripts and Academic Records

You'll likely need to submit your high school transcripts and academic records as part of your application. Strong performance in relevant subjects, especially those related to your intended major, is typically expected.

Recommendation Letters

Some programs may request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or professors who can attest to your academic abilities and character.

Interviews or Essays

Depending on the program, you may be required to attend an interview or write an essay. These components can help the university assess your motivation, goals, and suitability for the program.

Specific Program Requirements

Different programs at ENS Lyon may have specific prerequisites or additional requirements. For example, if you're applying for a mathematics program, you might need to have completed advanced mathematics coursework.

Proof of Financial Support

International students often need to provide evidence of financial means to cover tuition and living expenses during their studies.

Fee Structure

The fee structure is essentially 184 EUR per year for a bachelor’s degree

Admission Deadlines

Notable alumni

Emmanuelle Charpentier is a prominent French biologist and biochemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for her groundbreaking work on the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. She completed her PhD at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon and has since become a leading figure in the field of genome editing.
Emmanuelle Charpentier
Emmanuelle Charpentier
Cédric Villani is a renowned French mathematician who received the Fields Medal, one of the highest honors in mathematics, in 2010 for his work on partial differential equations and mathematical physics. He completed his studies at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon and has been actively involved in promoting mathematics education and research.
Cédric Villani
Cédric Villani

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