FRANCE · LYON
École normale supérieure de Lyon
public · Founded 2010 · Languages: en, fr
In short
École normale supérieure de Lyon is a top-tier French public institution focusing on research across sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It offers a strong international environment and a high-quality welcome for students in the vibrant city of Lyon.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2010
- Students
- 2,171
- International students
- 450
- Acceptance rate
- 10%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–4k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- Lyon, France
École normale supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a prestigious French public institution dedicated to higher education and research. It is part of the Université de Lyon and focuses on training future researchers and academics across a wide range of disciplines in exact sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university strongly emphasizes research, with numerous projects funded by organizations like the ERC and Horizon H2020, and a significant output of scientific publications. ENS de Lyon promotes an international and intercultural environment, offering students and staff various mobility opportunities through its global partnerships. The institution is committed to continuously improving its internationalization practices, particularly regarding the quality of welcome for international students and aligning its educational partnerships with research collaborations. Located in Lyon, France, the university provides a vibrant campus life with dedicated services to support student well-being, including health and social support, accommodation, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities. The campus features modern facilities designed to foster an engaging academic and social experience.
Why study here
- Engage in cutting-edge research across exact sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
- Benefit from a strong international focus and global academic partnerships.
- Experience a high-quality welcome and support for international students, as recognized by the 'Bienvenue en France' label.
- Access excellent campus facilities and a diverse student life in a dynamic French city.
Student life
ENS de Lyon offers a rich campus life designed to support student well-being and engagement. The university provides various social services, including health and disability support, and assistance with accommodation. Students can participate in a wide array of cultural and sporting activities, with facilities such as a gymnasium, climbing wall, weight training and dance rooms, and a tennis court. Over 30 student associations, like the sports association and ENplaStik! (plastic arts association), organize events, workshops, and outings, ensuring a vibrant and active student community. The campus itself, with its Monod and Descartes sites and integrated gardens, is a welcoming environment.
Fees
InternationalAs a French public institution, ENS de Lyon charges low national registration fees (roughly EUR 250-400 per year for master's level), though non-EU students may face differentiated national rates depending on programme; many ENS pathways are exempt or supported by scholarships.
HomeEU students pay the standard low French national tuition of a few hundred euros per year plus the CVEC contribution.
LivingLiving costs in Lyon are estimated at EUR 9,000-12,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses.
Students are required to pay the Contribution for Student and Campus Life (CVEC) prior to registration. Students receiving social criteria-based scholarships are exempt from this fee. No other specific tuition or living costs are provided, and fees can vary based on the specific program and individual circumstances.
Admissions
Master's Degree (Non-EU Citizens)Applicants from outside the EU who wish to pursue a research-oriented Master's degree can apply through a dedicated dossier application process. This route is typically for a complete curriculum at ENS de Lyon, including a Master's degree.
Doctoral ProgramsAdmission to doctoral programs requires preparation during the final year of a Master's degree.
International Exchange ProgramsENS de Lyon welcomes international students for study periods of 1 or 2 semesters as part of exchange agreements with their home universities.
IELTSRequired for English-taught master's where applicable (typically 6.5)
French (DELF/DALF)B2/C1 recommended for French-taught programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings#205
QS - one of France's four elite Écoles normales supérieuresTop tier (France)
University scholarships
ENS de Lyon Excellence Scholarships (Ampere Scholarships of Excellence)Up to EUR 1,000 per month plus support
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship ProgrammeMonthly stipend and benefits
Accreditation
ENS de Lyon is a public institution of higher education accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, awarding national diplomas.
Programs
a selectionÉcole normale supérieure de Lyon · France
GEOG3203: Géopolitique
This course, GEOG3203: Géopolitique, is offered in the second semester and is part of the Geography discipline within the Social Sciences department. It is an L3 (third year of Bachelor's degree) level course. The course is open to external auditors.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
École normale supérieure de Lyon · France
GEOG4205: Law and the Making of Space: Geography and Law
This course explores the intricate relationship between geography and law, examining how legal systems shape the production and experience of space. Emerging in the early 1990s, this field of study, known as 'geo-legal studies,' moved beyond merely describing the legal frameworks influencing socio-spatial phenomena. Instead, it analyzes the active role of law in constructing and defining our spatial realities. The course provides an introduction to this dynamic research area. Through a combination of general presentations, discussions of key academic articles and books, and case studies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how legal norms influence societal geography.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
École normale supérieure de Lyon · France
INFO3104: Theory of Programming
This course introduces mathematical methods for defining what a program is and how it executes. This approach allows for the formulation and proof of properties concerning program behavior, such as the absence of bugs or adherence to expected specifications. The course covers various concepts essential for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of programming languages and formal verification.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
École normale supérieure de Lyon · France
PHYS3102: Mécanique quantique
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of quantum physics, a revolutionary theory of the 20th century that significantly changed our understanding of the world. Quantum physics is essential for many fields, including physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and biology, and has led to numerous everyday inventions. The course will begin with the simplest system, the quantum bit, to help students grasp the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. We will then explore wave functions, quantum entanglement, the dynamics of simple quantum systems, and the quantum description of atoms and harmonic oscillators. Practical tutorials will use current experiments in quantum optics, quantum bit manipulation, and quantum metrology to illustrate these concepts.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
École normale supérieure de Lyon · France
PHYS3202: Experimental Physics 2
This course, PHYS3202, focuses on experimental physics during the second semester. It is designed to provide students with practical skills in data acquisition, analysis, and experimental design. The course aims to foster initiative, autonomy, and careful execution in laboratory work.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
École normale supérieure de Lyon · France
PHYS4103: Condensed Matter
Condensed matter physics is a dynamic field that explores systems where numerous interactions and correlations lead to emergent collective behaviors, with a primary focus on the solid state. This area of physics is highly active and attracts a large number of researchers. It bridges practical applications that impact daily life, such as semiconductors for technology and communication, with abstract mathematical concepts relevant to other disciplines like topology, high-energy physics, and astrophysics. The course delves into fundamental questions about matter's structure, cooling limits near absolute zero, material conductivity, transparency, quantum excitations, and quantum effects in conductors. It also introduces current research topics like coherent transport in mesoscopic systems, quantum Hall effects, topological phases, Bose-Einstein condensation, superfluidity, and superconductivity, highlighting connections to ultracold atomic gases, photonic crystals, and quantum information science. This module serves as a crucial foundation for more specialized courses in superconductivity, quantum physics, nanophysics, and topological phases.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for France
full fundingFrench Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS)
French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship
Open to international scholars and scientists, primarily in the social sciences and humanities, who hold a doctoral degree plus at least 2 years of full-time post-doctoral research experience (or a master's plus 6 years). Applicants must comply with the transnational MSCA mobility rule, having spent no more than 12 months in France during the 3 years before the deadline.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Campus France)
MOPGA France Visiting Fellowship Program
Open to early-career foreign (non-French) researchers who hold a PhD obtained within roughly the last five years and who have lived outside France for most of the qualifying period before the call. Applicants must propose a 12-month research project that fits one of the programme's environmental and sustainability themes and must secure a letter of support from a French host laboratory. The programme is open to all nationalities except French citizens.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 5, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, managed by Campus France
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme
For international students (non-French nationals) nominated by a French higher education institution for a master's or doctoral programme. Master's applicants are generally under ~25 and PhD applicants under ~30 (guideline). Selection favours academic excellence and priority fields; students cannot apply directly.
partial
Funding
€21k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingEmbassy of France in Ghana (Service for Cooperation and Cultural Action)
French Embassy in Ghana Master's Scholarship
Open to Ghanaian nationals residing in Ghana who are under 30 years old at the time of application, hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have completed National Service. A First Class or Second-Class Upper degree is given priority. Applicants must commit to studying in France for the full Master's programme. French language proficiency is not required except for applicants to French as a Foreign Language (FLE) programmes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingSciences Po
Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship
Non-EU international students newly admitted to a Sciences Po bachelor’s or master’s programme who are not eligible for state financial aid and demonstrate strong academic merit.
partial
Funding
€19k
Max
Jan 5, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFondation Mathematique Jacques Hadamard (FMJH)
Sophie Germain Masters and PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a Master's (M1 or M2) or PhD in Mathematics and its Applications at Universite Paris-Saclay or the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. The first call is aimed at students from outside the Paris-Saclay area, including non-European applicants. Selection is based on academic excellence, with a stated focus on encouraging female applicants. Applicants typically need a CAMPUS France file number for visa purposes.
full
Funding
€13k
Max
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at ENS de Lyon?
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As a French public institution, ENS de Lyon charges low national registration fees, generally around EUR 250-400 per year for Master's level. Non-EU students might face differentiated national rates, though many programs are exempt or supported by scholarships. Students must also pay the CVEC contribution.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in Lyon?
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Living costs in Lyon are estimated to be between EUR 9,000 and EUR 12,000 per year. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Does ENS de Lyon offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, ENS de Lyon offers scholarships for international students, including the ENS de Lyon Excellence Scholarships (Ampere Scholarships of Excellence) for international master's applicants, providing up to EUR 1,000 per month. The French government also offers the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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Admission is highly selective and targets students with strong academic records interested in research. International students can apply for master's and doctoral programs through specific pathways. English-taught master's programs may require an IELTS score of 6.5, while French-taught programs recommend DELF/DALF B2/C1.
What kind of support does ENS de Lyon provide for international students?
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ENS de Lyon is committed to providing a high-quality welcome for international students, recognized by the 'Bienvenue en France' label. The university offers services for student well-being, including health and social support, accommodation assistance, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities.
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