The ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for international students to pursue a diploma or master’s degree programs at one of France’s most esteemed institutions, the École Normale Supérieure (ENS). This highly competitive scholarship supports outstanding students in the Sciences and Arts & Humanities fields with generous financial benefits and access to top-level academic environments.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
The ENS International Selection Scholarship is designed to attract the most talented international students to study at ENS in Paris. For the 2026 academic year, the application deadlines are December 3, 2025, for Arts & Humanities and December 15, 2025, for Sciences applicants, with courses commencing in September 2026. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 1,000 euros for up to three years, accommodation on ENS campuses, and tuition fee waivers.
Number of Scholarships
- 10 Places for Scientific Disciplines.
- 10 for Literary Disciplines.
University/Institution Details
The host institution, École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, is a renowned public university known for its rigorous selection and exceptional research environment. ENS fosters interdisciplinary education and research, offering students close interaction with world-class faculty and researchers. The scholarship’s competitive selection process ensures that only the brightest candidates are admitted.
Study Areas and Available Programs
The scholarship covers a broad range of academic disciplines, divided into two streams:
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Cognitive Sciences. Candidates must choose a major discipline (mandatory) and a minor discipline (optional).
- Arts & Humanities: Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies (Greek, Latin), Film Studies, Theatre Studies, History of Art, Musicology, Cognitive Sciences, Economics, Political Studies, Geography, History, History and Philosophy of Law, History and Philosophy of Science, Linguistics (language sciences), Literature, Philosophy, Sociology. Candidates choose one of these disciplines.
Students can pursue a Diploma or Master’s Degree tailored to their chosen discipline with access to interdisciplinary resources.
ENS International Selection Scholarship Benefits
- €1,000/month scholarship for 3 years.
- Free accommodation on the ENS campus.
- Study at ENS and a partner university simultaneously.
- Earn both a Master’s degree and an ENS diploma.
- Access to a privileged academic and research environment.
- Integration into the ENS community (normaliens).
- Opportunity to graduate with both a Master’s degree and the prestigious ENS diploma.
Benefits Not Included
- The scholarship does not cover travel expenses to/from France.
- Health insurance and personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend are the responsibility of the student.
- Language courses or additional training fees may not be covered.
Eligibility Criteria for ENS International Selection Scholarship
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Must be under 26 years old on December 1, 2025.
- First-time applicants only – previous candidates cannot reapply.
- Must not have lived in France for more than 10 months during the current or previous academic year.
- Must have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate studies at a foreign university before applying.
- Must have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate studies at a foreign university by September 1, 2026.
- The Director of ENS may exceptionally allow candidates with non-standard academic backgrounds.
- Exceptionally, candidates with non-standard academic backgrounds may apply with approval from the ENS director.
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must submit the following documents, all in PDF format, named “FamilyName-GivenName.pdf”:
- Completed application form.
- Passport’s front page.
- University transcripts.
- High school diploma.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter (1 to 3 pages).
- Research project proposal (maximum 3 pages or 10,000 characters including spaces).
- Between 2 and 4 letters of recommendation.
ENS International Selection Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Fill out the initial application form
- Receive an email within 2 days to create an account on Dematec.
- Upload required PDF documents on Dematec.
- Complete applications are reviewed by the jury.
- Shortlisted candidates take written and oral tests remotely.
- Final admission results are based on test performance.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for two oral exams in Paris:
- For Sciences: A scientific oral exam of at least one hour and a scientific culture interview (45-60 minutes).
- For Arts & Humanities: Oral and written tests.
- Candidates selected after oral exams receive the scholarship offer.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early to gather and prepare all required documents.
- Choose your field carefully based on your academic record and research interests.
- Write a clear, compelling motivation letter explaining why you want to study at ENS.
- Develop a concise, precise research project that showcases your academic potential.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from professors who know your work well.
- Prepare thoroughly for the oral exams by reviewing subject knowledge and current research trends.
- Ensure all documents meet formatting requirements and are neatly organized.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in France
International students in Paris typically need around $1,000 to $1,200 USD monthly for living expenses, including:
- Accommodation (if not covered by scholarship): $400-$700
- Food: $250-$350
- Transportation: $50-$100
- Personal expenses and study materials: $100-$150
The scholarship’s monthly stipend of about $1,080 USD aims to cover accommodation and basic living costs, making it sufficient for a comfortable student life.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Generous Financial Support: Provides a monthly stipend for three years plus tuition fee waiver and housing.
- Prestigious University: ENS is one of France’s top institutions with an international reputation for excellence.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Access to a wide range of academic disciplines and research fields.
- Unique Community: Become part of the ‘normaliens’ and benefit from a rich cultural and academic experience.
- Career Advancement: Graduates gain internationally recognized degrees enhancing global career prospects.
- Research Excellence: Collaborate with leading scholars and researchers in a supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I have studied in France before?
No, candidates must not have lived in France for more than 10 months over the previous two years.
Q2: Is proficiency in French required?
French proficiency is recommended for daily life, but many programs are offered in English.
Q3: How competitive is the scholarship?
Highly competitive with only 20 scholarships available annually (10 in Sciences, 10 in Arts & Humanities).
Q4: Can I apply to multiple disciplines?
No, applicants must choose a single discipline aligned with their academic background.
Q5: What happens after completing the master’s degree?
Students have the option to apply for ENS doctoral scholarships for further studies.
Key Dates 2026
Arts & Humanities:
- Application: Oct 1 – Dec 3, 2025 (12:00 PM, Paris time)
- Shortlist: Jan 15, 2026
- Written tests: Feb 2–6, 2026
- Oral tests: Feb 9–13, 2026
- Results: From Mar 4, 2026
Sciences:
- Application: Oct 16 – Dec 15, 2025 (12:00 PM, Paris time)
- Shortlist: Jan 27, 2026
- Oral tests: Mar 3–20, 2026
- Results: From Mar 26, 2026
Official Link:
This comprehensive ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026 guide covers essential details for prospective international students aiming to study in France’s premier academic environment. Early preparation and understanding of the stringent application process will enhance the chances of securing this prestigious scholarship opportunity. Start your application today to unlock a world-class education and promising career prospects at ENS.
For full details and to apply, always refer to the official ENS International Selection Scholarship website.
