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Official emblem of École Normale Supérieure

École Normale Supérieure

Paris, France • Founded 1794 • QS 2005 #24 =

Updated May 2026 · Source: ens.psl.eu

Overview

English Name: PSL UniversityENS - PSL
Local Name: Normal Superior School
Acronyms: ENS
Founded: 1794
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2005 #24 = ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #301-400
Inside École Normale Supérieure
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Established in 1794, the École Normale Supérieure (Normal Superior School) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Paris (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Ile-de-France.

Officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France), École Normale Supérieure (ENS) is a small-sized coeducational French higher education institution. École Normale Supérieure (ENS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. ENS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

École Normale Supérieure's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: 45, rue d'Ulm
Postal Code: 75230
Other Sites: Also Campus Jourdan, Campus Montrouge
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 32 30 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 44 32 20 99
Social Media:

Academic Details

A snapshot of École Normale Supérieure's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Recognition: Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Admission Requirements: Competitive entrance examination or jury selection
Total Students: 2,400
Full-Time Academic Staff: 800
Campus Setting: Urban

Degrees

Preparation of Agrégation exam; DU. Doctorate in partnership with Université PSL

Master's 28 programs
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Physics
  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Cinema and Television
  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Comparative Law
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Genetics
  • Geography
  • Immunology
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Medieval Studies
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neurosciences
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Theatre
Doctoral 9 programs
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Chemistry
  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Sciences
Other 1 program
  • Accountancy

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.

Environment and Society (Centre) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Social Sciences
Ancient Civilizations (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Archaeology
  • Greek (Classical)
  • Hebrew
  • Latin
  • Oriental Languages
Art History and Theories (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aesthetics
  • Art History
  • Cinema and Television
  • Musicology
  • Theatre
Biology (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
Chemistry (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
Cognitive Studies (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Neurosciences
Computer Science (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
Economics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
Geography (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Geography
Geosciences (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Geology
  • Marine Science and Oceanography
  • Meteorology
Languages and Literature (Department/Division) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • English
  • German
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Russian
  • Spanish
Mathematics and Applications (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematics
Philosophy (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Philosophy
Physics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physics
Social Sciences (Department/Division) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Law
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes École Normale Supérieure offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

3 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France

Master's Degree 2 programmes

Master Ingénierie quantique
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master sciences cognitives
Natural Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Scholarships in France

Funding routes available to students in France are listed below.

Aide à la mobilité internationale
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Government funded · 400 EUR per monthly · Travel · Covers Travel
Grant of 400 EUR per month for a study or internship stay abroad of 1 to 10 consecutive months that forms part of the degree programme; no more than 10 months in total across all higher education.
Bourse sur critères sociaux
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Government funded · 6,335 EUR per year · Living Stipend · Covers Living
Monthly national grant paid over 10 months by the Crous, with eight échelons from 0 bis to 7 ranging from 1,454 EUR to 6,335 EUR per year (1,745 to 7,602 EUR if kept over the summer); overseas territories receive a supplement of 300 EUR.
Erasmus+ mobility grant
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Other funded · Travel · Covers Travel
Monthly grant generally between 300 and 700 EUR depending on destination and whether the stay is a study period or an internship; 786 EUR for students of overseas institutions; supplements of 250 EUR per month for students meeting inclusion criteria and a sustainable-travel supplement.
ESSEC Foundation Need-based Scholarship
ESSEC Foundation · Foundation funded · 20,000 EUR per total · Partial Tuition
Need-based tuition aid for ESSEC students facing financial difficulties: average 5,000 EUR, maximum 20,000 EUR, and 15,000 EUR over three years; 447 scholarship students were supported in 2025.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Campus France · Government funded · International students · 1,200 EUR per monthly · Living Stipend · Covers Living, Travel, Insurance
Monthly allowance of 1,200 EUR for master students (up to 12 months for M2, 24 for M1, 36 for engineering degrees) and 2,100 EUR for doctoral students (12 to 36 months), plus international transport, insurance, housing search and cultural activities; tuition fees are not covered.

How to apply to École Normale Supérieure

A five-step path through the application process at École Normale Supérieure.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. École Normale Supérieure offers 3 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at École Normale Supérieure has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via École Normale Supérieure's online portal at www.ens.psl.eu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +33 (0)1 44 32 30 00. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about École Normale Supérieure

Frequently asked questions about École Normale Supérieure.

When was École Normale Supérieure founded?

École Normale Supérieure was established in 1794 (approximately 232 years ago).

What city is École Normale Supérieure in?

École Normale Supérieure operates from Paris, France.

Is École Normale Supérieure a public or private institution?

École Normale Supérieure is a public institution.

How big is École Normale Supérieure's student body?

École Normale Supérieure serves approximately 2,400 students.

How is École Normale Supérieure ranked?

École Normale Supérieure is ranked QS 2005 #24 =.

What qualification levels does École Normale Supérieure offer?

École Normale Supérieure delivers master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Is École Normale Supérieure officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

Where can I learn more about École Normale Supérieure?

You can find École Normale Supérieure online at www.ens.psl.eu.

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