École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Lyon, France • Founded 1987 • QS 2027 #235 =
Updated May 2026 · Source: ens-lyon.fr · How we collect data
Overview
Founded in 1987, the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (Normal Superior School of Lyon) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Lyon (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.
Officially recognized by the Ministère de lEnseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France), École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) is a small-sized coeducational French higher education institution. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 37-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
ENS Lyon also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links.
Academic Details
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Academic Structures
The academic units of École Normale Supérieure de Lyon are listed below.
Unit 6 items
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Earth Sciences
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Physics
Degrees
Preparation for Agrégation examination Some Master's programmes taught in English
Master's 12 programs
- Arts and Humanities
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Italian
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Physics
- Religion
- Social Sciences
Doctoral 6 programs
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
Other 4 programs
- Arts and Humanities
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministère de lEnseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.
French as Foreign Language (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- French
Arts and Humanities (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Philosophy
Arts and Literature (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Cinema and Television
- Music
- Musicology
- Theatre
Biology (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
Chemistry (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Computer Science (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Earth Sciences (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
Education and Digital Humanities (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Education
Foreign Languages, Literature and Civilizations (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Letters (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- French
- Greek (Classical)
Mathematics (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Physics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Social Sciences (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geography
- History
- Social Sciences
Transversal Studies (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Documentation Techniques
- English
- Sports
Education (IFE) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Programs Offered
Search and filter École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's available programmes by degree level.
147 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France
Master's Degree 146 programmes
Showing 10 of 146.
How to apply to École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
The application path for École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, in five steps.
-
1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon runs 147 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
-
2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for France.
-
3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
-
4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ens-lyon.fr). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
-
5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +33 (0)4 37 37 60 00. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Common questions about École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, answered from data on record.
In what year was École Normale Supérieure de Lyon established?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon was founded in 1987 (approximately 39 years ago).
In which city is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is based in Lyon, France.
Is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon public or private?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon operates as a public institution.
How many students study at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon has approximately 2,300 students.
How is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon ranked?
It ranks QS 2027 #235 =.
What qualification levels does École Normale Supérieure de Lyon offer?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon offers master's and doctoral programmes.
What is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's academic structure?
The institution comprises 6 academic units.
Is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon officially recognised?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is accredited by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
How do I find École Normale Supérieure de Lyon online?
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's official website is www.ens-lyon.fr.
Top-Ranked Universities in France
Selectivity at the top France universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. The selectivity gap between École Normale Supérieure de Lyon and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of Coimbra Group
Other members of Coimbra Group are listed below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities in the same area as École Normale Supérieure de Lyon.
Where Else to Study Literature
These universities in France also offer Literature programmes, alongside École Normale Supérieure de Lyon.
Universities Compared with École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Below are universities sometimes compared with École Normale Supérieure de Lyon.
Studying in France: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
