Why choose ENSTA Paris?
The oldest engineering school in France, a founding member of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and in the TOP 10 national rankings for schools of excellence, ENSTA Paris offers an engineering degree with a broad and solid scientific background. Our graduates mainly carry out design and innovation functions related to the main challenges of the 21st century.
Most of our alumni work in design and innovation roles to meet the major challenges of the 21st century. Transport, energy, defence, robotics, artificial intelligence, health and the environment are the main sectors in which our graduates work after completing their studies or apprenticeships.
A strong desire to be responsible and to show solidarity so that we can all live better together
ENSTA Paris, by virtue of its position in higher education and research, has a duty to be a responsible and supportive school. For several years now, the School has been developing sustainable development and social outreach initiatives to meet the challenges of the future. It has a policy of promoting the diversity of its students and is rigorously opposed to all forms of discrimination and violence. To achieve this, it mobilises all the forces at work, both in terms of staff and students.
The Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) brings together five prestigious Grandes Écoles (École polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis) around a common ambition: to create a world-class institute at the service of cutting-edge research and excellent training programmes. Thanks to the experience, history and roots of these five founding schools, IP Paris is positioned as a leading teaching and research institution in France and internationally.
What is the training content of the engineering course?
The engineering course lasts three years. In the first year, the emphasis is on mathematics and physics at the service of engineering sciences. The specialization begins in 2A by choosing a major and a minor. The 3A is dedicated to the acquisition of "business" skills, in particular through company internships and the graduation project.
Why study Engineering in French at ENSTA Paris ?
Except for the "Offshore resources engineering" option of the "Maritime engineering" advanced Master, all courses at ENSTA Paris are given in French, in the "Diplôme d’Ingénieur" as well as in the other Master’s programmes. Although this may appear at first sight as a serious obstacle to overcome for international students, the experience proves that it represents for them a real added value at more than one level.
Nowadays, with the globalization of exchanges, the knowledge of English is widely spread in the science and business communities, and it has become obvious that an engineer should master that language. Young engineers can not anymore expect that speaking English will enable them to stand out from the crowd. At ENSTA Paris we believe that monolinguism is not a solution, and that is why we require all our students to study at least one language in addition to English, which is compulsory.
Studying science and engineering in French does not only enable international students at ENSTA Paris to be fluent in another language than their mother tongue or English, but as they develop a strong knowledge of the French culture and context and as they often work in teams with others French and international students, they also acquire highly valuable cross-cultural capabilities. Besides, it proves their flexibility of mind, their adaptability and their courage to challenge obstacles. All these qualities are very much appreciated by international companies and the career paths of our graduates widely illustrate it.
Although we are convinced that studying science and engineering in French represents a very high added value, we are aware that it can be very challenging for international students in the "Diplôme d’Ingénieur" curriculum. Thus ENSTA Paris offers these students to participate in a four-week intensive French language course during the summer prior to the start of the courses and to follow French language courses throughout their curriculum at ENSTA Paris. The experience proves that all our international students have managed very well, and we are glad to observe that we have no record of international students quitting ENSTA Paris for language reasons.
Customisation at the heart of our curriculum
ENSTA Paris students have many opportunities to personalise their training. In addition to the choices they all have to make during their studies, they can, if they so wish and in agreement with the management of the School, adapt their curriculum. They are given individual support in their choices by the teaching staff.
They can pursue:
- An international double degree course abroad, with a choice of 32 agreements with 82 universities;
- A joint Master's degree. Third-year students can prepare a Master's degree in fields related to ENSTA Paris's vocation by substituting a set of courses. Around a third of students choose this option each year;
- Advanced studies in management (double degree with HEC Paris);
- A third-year course as part of an exchange agreement with our partner schools: ISAE - SUPAERO course, École des Ponts ParisTech, École polytechnique, Télécom Paris, ENSAE Paris;
- A double degree with our partner schools: IFP School, INSTN (Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucléaires), École Navale, HEC Paris.
How do you get admitted to ENSTA Paris?
International students in the "Diplôme d'Ingénieur" programme
International students can be:
- Admission on qualifications in second year, for a graduate stay
- Admission as free auditor, for a non graduate stay
ENSTA Paris has been awarded the "Bienvenue en France" label, a guarantee of the quality of its facilities for international students.
What are the strengths of ENSTA Paris campus?
More than 60 student associations! Whether professional, artistic, sporting or festive, associations are at the heart of student life at ENSTA Paris. They are numerous and diverse, so you'll find plenty to keep you busy throughout your years at the school.
ENSTA Paris is located about 20 km south-west of Paris, in the École polytechnique district of the Paris-Saclay campus. The school is located on a green campus, with a student residence, numerous sports facilities and research laboratories on two nearby sites. Part of the main teaching building is reserved for students (foyer, community facilities, etc.). Find out more about the campus
The student residence on campus has 430 units spread over five buildings. All first-year students have access to accommodation in the residence if they so wish. Find out more about the residence
Sport is an integral part of the ENSTA Paris engineering curriculum. One slot per week - Monday afternoon - is included in the timetable for 1st and 2nd year sports classes. In 3rd year, sport is strongly recommended. A second optional slot, on Thursday afternoons, is reserved for participation in university sports competitions.
17 different sports are available at ENSTA Paris, in teams or individually! Find out more about the different disciplines on offer here.
2025, a new ENSTA
After four years of ambitious collective work, the merger of ENSTA Paris and ENSTA Bretagne was made official on Wednesday January 1, 2025, giving birth to a single ENSTA.
For students already enrolled in an engineering program, and for those joining in September 2025 (CCMP, GEI Univ, polytechnicien or normalien), you will be awarded the ENSTA Paris engineering diploma. Your training will take place on the Palaiseau campus.
Additional benefits for you:
- A network of over 20,000 alumni
- Bridges between the two campuses, which will intensify over the coming years (training, community life, etc.).
- A merger eagerly awaited by companies and institutions, a guarantee of your employability !
How much does ENSTA Paris cost?
Tuition and Fees for the engineering course (year 2024-2025)
Rates for European Union residents:
- Tuition fees: €2,727
Rates for non-European Union residents:
- Enrolment fees and tuition fees: €4,785
