The École normale supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is one of France’s most prestigious grandes écoles, focused on research and on training future researchers and teachers in the sciences and humanities. It was ranked fifth in France, and 235th in the world, in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It’s much smaller than a typical university, with a close academic community, and many of its graduates go on to PhDs.
Most French students join ENS de Lyon through very competitive national entrance exams after two years of preparatory classes. As an international student, your main route in is usually a master’s degree. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on ENS de Lyon’s own guidance.
1. Choose a master’s programme that fits your research interests
ENS de Lyon offers master’s programmes in the exact sciences, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and earth sciences, and in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Each department runs its own programme, sometimes with its own procedure. Read the programme pages carefully and look at the research teams you could work with.
2. Check that you meet the academic level
To enter the first year of a master’s (M1), you need a bachelor’s degree with 180 ECTS credits (a French L3) or an equivalent level if you studied abroad. For the second year (M2), you need a first year of a master’s (240 ECTS) or an equivalent level. Admission is decided by ENS de Lyon’s admissions committee.
3. Apply directly to ENS de Lyon, not through Études en France
ENS de Lyon says non-EU applicants can’t apply through the Études en France (Campus France) platform and must apply directly to the school. EU and EEA applicants have their own procedure. Choose the right route on the admissions page before you start.
4. Watch for the 2027–28 calendar
For 2026–27 entry, master’s applications ran from 12 November 2025 to 23 January 2026, with results expected in mid-March 2026. ENS de Lyon said it would publish the 2027–28 calendar in November 2026, so if the pattern is similar, expect applications to open in late 2026 and close in January 2027. Prepare your documents now so you’re ready when the window opens.
5. Prepare your documents carefully
Typical documents include an official identity document, a motivation letter, a CV and certificates for the degrees you’ve already completed. Documents that aren’t in French or English need an officially certified translation into French or English. Your department may ask for more, such as transcripts or references, so check its page.
6. Write a research-focused motivation letter
ENS de Lyon trains researchers, so your motivation letter should show a clear interest in research. Describe any research projects, internships or dissertations you’ve done, the questions that interest you and how the programme fits your plans for a PhD or academic career. Mention specific courses or labs if you can. See our 50 sample SOPs for ideas on structure.
7. Meet the language requirements
Some ENS de Lyon programmes are taught in French, some partly or fully in English. Check the language of teaching and the required level for your programme. For French-taught programmes, a recognised French test such as the DELF/DALF or TCF will help, and for English-taught ones, a test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Practise with our free IELTS and TOEFL practice tests.
8. Apply for the Ampère scholarship and other awards
ENS de Lyon offers scholarships for international master’s students:
- Ampère excellence scholarships pay €1,000 a month for 12 months to students admitted to eligible master’s programmes in the exact sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences (some programmes are excluded).
- Graduate+ scholarships are awarded to some of the best international students selected for a master’s in participating programmes.
- Country programmes include the Lafayette Fellowship for US students, with a monthly stipend of €1,500 for 12 months plus tuition and a return flight, and embassy scholarships for some Canadian and Indian students.
You can also apply for a France Excellence Eiffel scholarship, which has its own application and age limit, and a deadline in late autumn. Check the scholarship pages when the 2027–28 calendar is published.
9. Understand fees and costs
For 2026–27, France’s national master’s fees are €255 a year for EU students and €3,950 for most students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, plus the €105 Student Life and Campus Contribution (CVEC). Since a government decree of 19 May 2026, universities and schools can exempt only a limited share of non-EU students from the higher fees. Check ENS de Lyon’s fees and exemptions for your programme. Lyon is usually cheaper to live in than Paris, but you’ll still need to budget for rent and living costs.
10. Plan your visa and your move to Lyon
If you’re from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, you’ll usually need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). Once you’ve been admitted, follow the visa procedure for your country, which may include Campus France steps. You’ll need to show that you have enough money for your living costs, and you must validate your visa online after you arrive. After a master’s degree, you can usually apply for a one-year residence permit to look for work or start a business in France. Rules change, so check the French embassy in your country and Campus France for the latest advice.
Applying for a PhD at ENS de Lyon?
ENS de Lyon has many research laboratories, and PhD students join them through doctoral schools in Lyon. You’ll need a master’s degree, a supervisor and usually funding. Contact potential supervisors early with a clear research proposal and look for advertised PhD positions.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
ENS de Lyon’s programmes are small and selective, so apply to other options too. Read our guides to Université PSL, which includes the École normale supérieure in Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université and Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Our guide to studying in France explains how the French system works, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from ENS de Lyon’s official admissions and scholarship pages, official French government sources and the QS World University Rankings 2027, and checked in October 2026. Admissions rules, deadlines, fees and visa rules can change, so always confirm the details on ENS de Lyon’s admissions website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with ENS de Lyon.