Quick Summary
Based in Lyon, France, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is a public, grande École with roots dating back to 1880. Ranked #187 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 2400 students including 15% from outside France. Known for strengths in Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 10%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is one of the most prestigious 'Grandes Écoles' in France, providing a research-intensive environment with very small class sizes and personalized mentoring.
Subject Strengths
MathematicsPhysics & AstronomyChemistryBiological SciencesEarth & Marine SciencesPhilosophy
Founded1880
TypePublic, Grande École
Total Students2400
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio5
CampusUrban
Campus Size25 acres
Affiliated HospitalsHospices Civils de Lyon (HCL)
AccreditationFrench Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#187
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301-350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's (L3), Master's, PhD
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
IGFL (Institute of Functional Genomics of Lyon), RDP (Plant Reproduction and Development), LIP (Parallel Computing Laboratory), CRAL (Center for Astrophysics Research in Lyon)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate10%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL95
Min GPA3.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15 (Scholarships), May 31 (General)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on research experience and academic excellence. For the 'Concours', intense preparation in 'Classes Préparatoires' is essential. International students should apply via the Ampère Excellence Scholarship track.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€170/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€11,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€243/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,413/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAmpère Excellence Scholarship, Milyon Scholarship, Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$1,100
Financial AidAvailable for EU citizens and specific merit-based programs
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's (L3), Master's, PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Physics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Fundamental Mathematics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Molecular and Cellular Biology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Literature | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$45,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementMandatory research internships integrated into the curriculum
Industry Connections
Strong links with CNRSINSERMINRIAand major European research facilities
Notable Alumni
Cédric Villani (Fields Medal), Alessio Figalli (Fields Medal), Laure Saint-Raymond
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, tennis courts, dance studio, partnership with local sports clubs
Student Clubs
AS (Sports Association), BDE (Student Union), Choir, Theater, various cultural clubs
Library Resources
Diderot Library of Lyon (over 1.2 million volumes)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, partnerships with University of California, University of Tokyo, Oxford, Cambridge
Summer Programs
Available