When opportunity knocks once in a lifetime, you want to be ready to open the door. The ENS International Selection Scholarship is exactly that kind of opportunity. Offered by École Normale Supérieure (ENS), one of France’s most prestigious institutions, this highly competitive partially funded scholarship gives outstanding international students access to world-class training in Arts & Humanities or Sciences.

If you dream of immersing yourself in rigorous research, cutting-edge disciplines, and exciting global networks, while also receiving financial support, it’s time to learn everything you need to know to apply and succeed.

In this blog, you will learn about the scholarship benefits, eligibility rules, subjects offered, and the step-by-step application process.

If you dream of studying in Paris with global exposure, this guide is for you.

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Why the ENS International Selection Scholarship Stands Out

At the heart of the ENS International Selection is a mission: to discover and nurture exceptional talent from around the globe, to provide an environment of academic excellence, and to foster internationalization. The main aim of the ENS international selection scholarship is to:

  • Conduct a highly competitive examination to filter out the outstanding talent from the world.
  • Give full access to the training of excellence to the students through an exceptional research environment.
  • Contribute to the development and progress of the society through internationalization.

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Benefits of the ENS International Selection Scholarship

The scholarship undergoes a competitive selection process. But this selection can yield the best result to benefit from the scholarship awards.

  • Award: The students can get a scholarship award of €1,000 for the duration of 3 years.
  • Accommodation: The scholarship also provides living facilities. It includes one room in one of the ENS campuses for living.
  • Networking: It provides opportunities for global networking and international exposure.
  • Research facilities: it provides top notch research facilities to the international students.
  • Integrated master’s degree + ENS diploma: Upon completing the program, scholarship recipients graduate with both an ENS diploma and a master’s degree in their chosen field.

Fields of study

The duration of the scholarship is almost 3 years. It includes all the courses offered in the following fields.

  • Arts and humanities: Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies (Greek, Latin), Film Studies, Theatre Studies, History of Art, Musicology, Cognitive Sciences, Economics, Political Studies, Geography, History, History and Philosophy of Law, History and Philosophy of Science, Linguistics (language sciences), Literature, Philosophy, Sociology. Candidates choose one of these disciplines.
  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Cognitive Sciences. Candidates must choose a major discipline (mandatory) and a minor discipline (optional).

What is the eligibility criteria of the scholarship?

Age: You must not be older than 25 by December 1st of the application year (i.e. you must not have passed your 26th birthday).

First time applying: Previous application to the International Selection disqualifies you.

Residency in France: You should not have lived in France for more than 10 months during the academic year of the selection (September 1 – August 31) nor in the previous year. This is to ensure the program truly brings in international talent.

Academic requirements:

  • You must have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies at a foreign university during the calendar year preceding the application.
  • By September 1 following admission, you must have two full years of undergraduate study in a foreign university.

Language & research project: While not explicitly listed as “a testable requirement” for all disciplines, strong French proficiency is recommended, especially for Humanities fields.

You’ll need to prepare a serious research project, motivation letters, recommendation letters, etc.

Application procedure for the ENS International Selection scholarships

To apply for the scholarship, it is necessary to follow the following steps

  • On the official site, click on the Apply Now button.
  • Open the application portal.
  • Fill all the details accurately.
  • Submit the application before the deadline.
  • The application is sent to a jury which evaluates the application.
  • The candidate will be shortlisted on January 16.
  • After this, a written test will be conducted between 3 February to 7 February. 
  • Oral tests will be commenced between February 10 and February 14.
  • The overall admission result will be announced on 6th March

Required documents École Normale Supérieure Scholarships

  • Application form with all the details
  • Passport (usually the image of the first page of the passport)
  • Academic university transcript
  • Diploma/ degree for the high school education
  • Curriculum vitae CV/ resume
  • Motivation letter (it must be 1 to 3 pages; get the tips and tricks for writing a motivation letter)
  • Recommendation letter (almost 2 to 4 recommendation letters are required)
  • Research project summary. (it must be of 3 pages maximum; don’t exceed 1000 characters including spaces)

Note: submit all the documents in PDF form.

Read more: Many candidates make silly mistakes that cause them scholarship rejection. 

Deadline:

The deadline for application submission for ENS international scholarship is 12 December 2024.

FAQs

Q: Which country is hosting the scholarship?

A: France is hosting the scholarship.

Q: Is tuition covered under this scholarship?

A: While ENS is a public institution, many sources say tuition is minimal or covered as part of the grant/ENS system. The main financial backing comes via the grant and accommodation. (Cognition)

Q: Is it easy to apply for the scholarship?

A: No, it’s not easy as it follows a competitive examination. Oral and written tests are commenced.

Q: Does the scholarship require living in France before application?

A: No. In fact, candidates should not have resided in France for more than 10 months during the relevant years.
Q: What happens after acceptance?

A: You’ll get an offer, be helped with administrative registration, visa process, French lessons, housing, etc.

Q:How many spots are there?

A: 20 total: 10 in Sciences, 10 in Arts & Humanities.

Official website:

To get more information about the scholarship, you have to visit the official website of ENS International Selection scholarship.

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Updated by Z on Sep 15, 2025.