Every year, some of the brightest minds from around the world compete for a place at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), one of France’s most prestigious and selective higher education institutions. The ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026 offers talented international students a unique opportunity to pursue Diploma and Master’s degree programs in France while benefiting from academic excellence, world-class research opportunities, and generous financial support.
The ENS International Selection is designed to attract exceptional students from all disciplines who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, creativity, and research potential. Through this program, students join a vibrant international community of scholars who are trained to become future researchers, educators, and innovators in their respective fields.
ENS, a member of the Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University, has a long-standing reputation for producing Nobel laureates, Fields Medal winners, and global leaders in science, arts, and humanities.
The International Selection Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarship programs in Europe, selecting only 20 students each year — 10 from scientific disciplines and 10 from literary or social sciences.
In addition to a monthly stipend and free accommodation, recipients benefit from full tuition coverage and access to a world-renowned academic environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Interested candidates can apply for the ENS International Selection Scholarship is before the deadline December 3, 2025.
In this article, we have explored every key details of this scholarship.
About ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026
| Host Country | France |
|---|---|
| University | École Normale Supérieure (ENS) |
| Degree Level | Diploma, Master’s |
| Number of Scholarships | 20 |
| Scholarship Distribution | 10 for Scientific Disciplines, 10 for Literary Disciplines |
| Financial Coverage | Partially Funded |
| Application Deadline | December 3, 2025 |
Scholarship Benefits
The ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026 offers comprehensive financial and academic support to its recipients. Successful applicants will receive:
- A monthly grant of €1,000 for three years
- Free accommodation at an ENS campus
- Tuition fees fully covered by the French government
This funding package allows students to focus fully on their studies and research while living in one of the most academically stimulating environments in Europe.
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Eligible Fields of Study
ENS offers a broad range of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students can tailor their academic journey according to their interests and career goals.
Literary and Social Sciences:
- Political Studies
- Musicology
- Philosophy
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Classical Studies (Greek, Latin)
- Sociology
- Geography
- Cognitive Sciences
- History
- Literature
- History and Philosophy of Law
- Archaeology
- Economics
- Theatre Studies
- Linguistics (Language Sciences)
- Film Studies
- Anthropology
- History of Art
Sciences:
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Cognitive Sciences
- Geosciences
- Mathematics
- Biology
Applicants must select one major discipline (mandatory) and may choose a minor discipline (optional) to complement their academic interests.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to students of all nationalities, allowing applicants from any country to apply.
- Must be a first-time applicant, meaning candidates who have previously applied for the ENS International Selection Scholarship are not eligible.
- Must provide proof of strong academic records and achievements to demonstrate qualifications and suitability.
- Applicants must be under 26 years old by the application deadline.
- Should not have resided in France for more than 10 months in the past two years.
Required Documents
All documents must be submitted in PDF format and named as “FamilyName-GivenName.pdf.” Applicants must prepare the following:
- Motivation Letter (1–3 pages)
- 2 to 4 Recommendation Letters
- University transcript
- Research Project (up to 3 pages / 10,000 characters including spaces)
- High school diploma
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed Application Form
- First page of Passport
Selection Process
The selection process for the ENS International Selection is rigorous and involves two oral examinations designed to assess both knowledge and research potential:
- Scientific Oral Test – lasting at least one hour
- Scientific Culture Interview – lasting between 45 to 60 minutes
These tests evaluate the candidate’s understanding of their chosen field, critical thinking, and readiness for advanced study.
How to Apply
To apply for the ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the official ENS website.
- Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin your online application.
- Download the application form
- Fill out all required information accurately.
- Upload all supporting documents in the specified format.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the ENS International Selection Scholarship 2026 is December 3, 2025. Late applications will not be considered, so candidates are advised to prepare and submit their materials early.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ENS International Selection Scholarship?
It is a highly competitive scholarship program offered by the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in France for outstanding international students to pursue Diploma and Master’s degrees.
2. Is the ENS scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship is partially funded but covers essential expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of €1,000.
3. Who can apply for this scholarship?
International students under the age of 26 who have not resided in France for more than 10 months in the past two years are eligible to apply.
4. How many scholarships are available?
A total of 20 scholarships are awarded each year—10 for scientific disciplines and 10 for literary or social science disciplines.
5. When is the deadline for application?
The final date to apply is December 3, 2025.