École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Lyon, France • Founded 1987 • World Rank #1247
Updated May 2026
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
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
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
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Arts and Humanities
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Italian
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Physics
- Religion
- Social Sciences
Doctoral 6 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- 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
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Earth Sciences (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education and Digital Humanities (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Foreign Languages, Literature and Civilizations (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- French
- Greek (Classical)
Mathematics (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geography
- History
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Transversal Studies (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Documentation Techniques
- English
- Sports
Education (IFE) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
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
Below is a five-step path through the application process at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Frequently asked questions about École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
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 2,000-2,999 students.
How is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon ranked?
It ranks #1247 globally and #44 in France.
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
Fellow Coimbra Group members alongside École Normale Supérieure de Lyon are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Faculties at nearby universities
Geographic neighbours to École Normale Supérieure de Lyon appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.
Where Else to Study Literature
Supervision quality at the Literature programme level is hard to assess externally but affects research output and graduate-school placement. Talk to current students or alumni where possible.
Universities Compared with École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around École Normale Supérieure de Lyon for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.
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