Ecole Polytechnique is regarded as one of the top research institutes based on science and technology with over 2,700+ students. It received about 25,000 applications last year and admitted only a handful out of them, bringing the acceptance rate at 10-15%. To get into Ecole Polytechnique, a satisfying GPA of 3.0-3.5 on a 4.0 scale (~83-) is required for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Standardized test scores like ACT or SAT and English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are optional for undergraduate applicants. However, graduate students must bag a score of at least 90 on TOEFL iBT and 6.5 on IELTS to be considered for admission. French proficiency isn’t a requirement, but the authorities recommend learning some basic French. GMAT and GRE scores are optional for admission to the graduate programs. An entrance exam for international students is taken mandatorily for enrollment in the Polytechnique program.
30% of the total student body is international from over 60 nationalities. Application deadlines for these students start from November 3, 2021 and take place in 3 rounds. There are specific deadlines for each program and must be checked at the official university website. Ecole Polytechnique doesn’t have an open application policy and no application is accepted after the deadline.
Ecole Polytechnique Admission to Top Courses
Ecole Polytechnique offers 8 master’s degrees, 3 bachelor degrees with dual courses, several executive and exchange programs. Apart from that, a 3 year Ph.D. degree is available for students pursuing higher education after completing their masters. The most popular programs are listed below:
| Program | Deadline | Required Test Scores |
|---|---|---|
| MSc in IoT of things: Innovation and Management | From November 3 to December 2, 2021 | TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS- 6.5 FCE- B-176 |
| MSc in Cybersecurity: Threats and Defenses | From November 3 to December 2, 2021 | TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS- 6.5 FCE- B-176 |
| MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Visual Computing | From November 3 to December 2, 2021 | TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS- 6.5 FCE- B-176 |
| MSc in Economics, Data Analytics and Corporate Finance/ | From November 3 to December 2, 2021 | TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS- 6.5 FCE- B-176 |
| MSc in Data Sciences | Closed | TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS- 6.5 FCE- B-176 |
| BSc in Dual Major in Mathematics and Computer Science | From September 9 to October 12, 2021 | IELTS/TOEFL is optional. |
| BSc in Dual Major in Mathematics and Economics | From September 9 to October 12, 2021 | IELTS/TOEFL is optional. |
| BSc in Dual Major in Mathematics and Physics | From September 9 to October 12, 2021 | IELTS/TOEFL is optional. |
| Engineering Polytechnic | Written exams from April 12-April 16 for MP and PC courses. | Entrance exam, candidates selected based on ranking. |
Ecole Polytechnique Admission Highlights
A few admission based quick facts can be summed up as follows:
| Application fee (non refundable) | For UG courses- 95 Euros For PG courses- 80 Euros |
| Acceptance rate | 10-15% |
| Minimum TOEFL score | 90 |
| Minimum IELTS score | 6.5 |
| Mode of payment | Credit card, bank transfer |
| Number of countries | 60 |
| Employment rate | 82% |
| phD students | 9% |
| Academic calendar | Term based |
| Application period | November to April |
| Work experience | For PG programs |
Ecole Polytechnique Admission Deadlines
Applications for Ecole Polytechnique are sent by students and then scrutinized based on rounds. There are typically three rounds of admission starting in September. Except MSc in Data Science, all the other courses are accepting applications for the academic year 2021-22. Following are the admission deadlines for the bachelor’s programs at Ecole Polytechnique:
| Rounds | Application Deadlines | Interview dates (for shortlisted candidates only) | Final admission results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | From September 9 to October 12, 2021 | From November 19 to December 7, 2021 | January 14, 2022 |
| Round 2 | From December 16, 2021 to January 18, 2022 | From February 18 to March 7, 2022 | March 25, 2022 |
| Round 3 | From February 23 to March 29, 2022 | From May 6 to May 16, 2022 | June 3, 2022 |
The application deadlines for the graduate programs at Ecole Polytechnique are:
| Round | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | From November 3 to December 2, 2021 |
| Round 2 | From January 12 to March 10, 2022 |
| Round 3 | From March 23 to April 21, 2022 |
COVID 19 update- For Bachelor of Science, the application period has been closed for September 2021 intake. For the September 2022 intake, application period will commence from Fall 2021. Application periods for Master of Science and Technology will also begin at the same time. For the Engineering Polytechnic program, CPGE examinations will take place from 22-26 June. The final results for the examination will be released on August 7th.
Ecole Polytechnique International Students Admissions
International students must meet the course requirements, have an average GPA, english proficiency test scores, health insurance and financial support for one academic year. Application fee is 95 Euros for bachelor’s and 80 Euros for master’s programs at Ecole Polytechnique. The following documents are required from international students who wish to apply to Ecole Polytechnique:
- Academic transcripts from secondary/higher secondary institution/college translated in English or French.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (~83-86%).
- English proficiency test scores.
- CV/Resume
- Interview
- SOP
- LOR
- Medical records containing health background details stating any illness or physical disability (if applicable).
- Health insurance is mandatory.
- Work experience
- French proficiency is optional, however it is recommended that students learn some basic French before enrolling to communicate better.
Admission decisions: The university takes up a holistic approach while admitting students. Along with academic achievements, exemplary extracurricular achievements are also taken into account while shortlisting the applicants. Performances in art based fields, scientific competitions, internships, leadership opportunities, community work, volunteering, social service are various non academic factors cross checked by the selection committee.
English Proficiency Test Requirements
To take admission to Ecole, international students need demonstration of proficiency in English. Following are the test scores required for admission to Ecole Polytechnique:
French Visa for International Students
International students applying to Ecole Polytechnique have the option of obtaining a short stay or a long stay visa depending upon their course of study. If a student plans on staying for more than 90 days in France to complete their education, they must complete the Campus France application process before applying for a French visa. To complete the application an applicant must do the following:
- Create an account at the Campus France Website.
- The Campus France form must be filled with proper academic details
- CV
- SOP
- The file must be submitted online
- The Campus France fees must be paid.
After completing the application with adequate details, Campus France will give the candidate an appointment date for an academic interview. The student must arrive with all the essential documents and their photocopies to the interview.
For the online visa interview, students must fill out the application at the official website. A France-Visas account should be created and an appointment will be set up with VFS France, to submit the documents and original passport. Finally, the visa applicants will have to go to the selected VFS centres to register their biometric data to complete the procedure. The following documents are required for the generation of Visa:
- A valid passport.
- Cover letter.
- Proof of funding in the form of bank statement or sponsorship letter.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Proof that the student will return to their home country upon completion of course usually in the form of a flight ticket.
The French Consular Authorities will let the applicant know once the visa has been successfully granted.
Ecole Polytechnique Undergraduate Admissions
Students applying to the undergraduate courses at Ecole Polytechnique must meet the course requirements, take advanced mathematics courses and at least one advanced science course. Students should also have abundant English knowledge which qualifies them for CEFR level 1. Admission decisions for Round 1 will arrive on January 14, 2022.
Application portal- Undergraduate admission portal
Application fee- 95 Euros (Via credit card or electronic bank transfer)
Required Documents: The supporting documents required for admission to Ecole Polytechnique are:
- Copy of passport.
- Official photograph in colour.
- Academic transcripts from secondary institutions translated in English or French.
- Reports from post-secondary institutions explaining the grading system.
- CV/Resume
- SOP
- 2 LOR
- Interview for shortlisted candidates
- SAT/ACT scores are optional.
- English proficiency test scores are optional.
- Medical records
- Health insurance
Financial aid for UG students: Financial aid is offered on the basis of merit and need. The amount of scholarships provided may range from 4,000-20,000 Euros (~3,00,000-17,00,000 INR) and are dependent on various factors like financial neediness, nationality of the student, gender, extraordinary academic achievements or noticeable extra curricular achievements.
Ecole Polytechnique Exchange Programs
Ecole Polytechnique accepts exchange students from other countries who want to obtain a global and advanced educational exposure while earning credits in their home university. Applicants who have signed an exchange agreement with Ecole Polytechnique and students on Erasmus+ exchange programs are eligible for joining this program.
At the undergraduate level, students must have completed at least one year of education in the bachelor program. Graduate students can get enrolled in the first year of the graduate program or 3rd year of Engineering Polytechnic program.
Admission requirements: The following documents are required for admission to exchange programs at Ecole Polytechnique:
- Academic transcripts from current institutions in French or English.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%).
- Excellent command in Mathematics is required along with required knowledge for the selected courses.
- A plan of study schedule
- Cv/Resume.
- SOP.
- Contact details of two academic referees
- A copy of passport.
- A certificate from a language teacher stating the student’s grip on English or French.
Ecole Polytechnique Graduate Admissions
The institute offers 40 graduate programs in 13 different concentrations, all in elaborate scientific fields like Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Cybersecurity and Environmental Engineering. Students should apply at least a couple months before the initiation date.
Application Portal: Ecole Polytechnique Graduate Admissions
Application fee- 80 Euros (~7000 INR).
Application documents: The supporting documents required by Ecole Polytechnique are:
- Scanned copies of all post secondary examination transcripts, translated in English or French.
- Scanned copy of bachelor’s degree.
- Official grading system explanation from institute.
- Personal statement in minimum 700 words approximately, in English or French.
- Contact details of two referees, preferably academic teachers.
- CV or Resume of maximum 2 pages.
- Copy of passport.
- GRE/GMAT scores are optional.
- English proficiency test scores.
The admission committee reviews each application carefully and the admission decisions are communicated 4 to 6 weeks after the application deadline. It should be noted that students who apply for the first and second rounds of admission are eligible for a scholarship.
Ecole Polytechnique has been ranked as one of the best institutes in France for its quality of education, enviable research outputs, excellent campus facilities and variety of programs offered. 1,350 research papers are produced every year out of which 60% are in collaboration with international laboratories. This makes the university an epitome of worldwide research and global exposure.
FAQ
Ques. How much does tuition cost for an international student at Ecole Polytechnique?
Ans. It is between 0 and 15,000 euros per year. If you want to be in the EV2 or PhD programs it is free. It is very little if you are in the MSc program (but with high chances of getting a full scholarship and bringing the tuition to null). The BSc program is the expensive one with 12,000 Euro scheduled to move to 15,000 Euro.
Ques. Who should write my recommendation letters while applying to Ecole Polytechnique?
Ans. Two recommendation letters are required. At least one of the referees must be a teacher/professor/lecturer/academic supervisor in science/mathematics at your current institution. Your referees cannot be members of your family or family friends, and you cannot write your recommendation letters yourself.
Ques. Do I need French language proficiency to apply for the programs?
Ans. There is no required minimum level in French to be able to apply, but depending on your level (less than B2 according to the CEFRL), you will have to take French classes during the year.
Ques. What are my chances of admission at Ecole Polytechnique?
Ans. The university is not able to consider any prospective student for admission until an application and all required documents have been submitted. Please visit the official university page for a list of required documents
