École Polytechnique - Scholarships and financial aid

There are two categories of financial aid: merit-based and need-based. These categories are not mutually exclusive.

It is important to note that the financial aid we can provide does not cover all fees (tuition and living costs). Students must take into account that they will have to pay at least part of the costs. It is therefore necessary to make a feasible financial plan to pay your studies at École Polytechnique before applying.

Please keep in mind that you will have to provide a financial plan to the French Authorities in order to receive your visa. Without a sound financial plan, you will not be able to get your visa to study at École Polytechnique.

Merit-based Financial Aid

EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

The École Polytechnique Foundation offers a limited number of Excellence Scholarships based on academic excellence to help us attract and reward the very best students worldwide. In the first year, Excellence Scholarships are reserved for students who are admitted with honors. They amount to €4,000 per year paid in 10 monthly installments. The Excellence Scholarship’s renewal is subject to academic success and attendance in the Program. At the end of the first year, additional Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved outstanding academic results while also contributing to student life and activities on campus.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Historically, women have been underrepresented in scientific fields of study. At École Polytechnique, we take this issue seriously and strive to promote gender equality. To this end, and in order to encourage and support our talented female students, the École Polytechnique Foundation has created this scholarship. This is a €4,000 scholarship paid in 10 monthly installments available during the first year only.

Need-based Financial aid

TUITION FEE WAIVERS

École Polytechnique offers tuition fee waivers based on students’ financial needs. Tuition fee waivers are reserved for students who are admitted with honors and range from €1,000 to €10,600/€13,600 (depending on your personal tuition fees). Please note that even the highest tuition fee waiver requires a €1,400 annual tuition fee. Tuition fee waivers only cover tuition costs, any other expenses are the student’s responsibility.

INTEREST-FREE LOAN SUPPORTED BY THE ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FOUNDATION

Students admitted to the Bachelor Program may also have access to a limited number of interest-free loans supported by the École Polytechnique Foundation, based on their financial situation and needs. Partner banks for these loans request some specific conditions for eligibility (according to the age or nationality of the students for example). These loans can amount to a maximum of €12,000 per year for the duration of the Bachelor Program.

LIVING COSTS SCHOLARSHIPS

For students finding themselves in a specific situation (for example, students who are not eligible for an interest-free loan), the École Polytechnique Foundation may also offer a limited number of scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at helping students in need by contributing to their costs of living and may only be attributed on a case-by-case basis depending on the financial situation of the student.

Financial aid from outside of École Polytechnique

Several other bursaries may be available to École Polytechnique Bachelor students according to different requirements such as nationality, academic achievements and study plan.

A complete list of scholarships and grants is available on CampusBourses listing, where they are sorted by supporting organizations, fields of studies and countries of origin.

French banks may potentially provide students, on a case-by-case basis, student loans at preferential rates. However, a fiscal warrantor on French soil is systematically needed in order to obtain a student loan. Students who are not able to provide a fiscal warrantor on French soil will have to look for loan options in their own country.

Students are encouraged to find other types of financial aid in their own country or in France by themselves.

ABOUT US 

École Polytechnique is a leading French institute that combines top-level research, academics, and innovation at the cutting-edge of science and technology. The school produces socially responsible professionals who excel in leading complex and innovative projects which address current and future challenges facing our society.

École Polytechnique, also known as l'X, is an historic institution. Founded in 1794, it holds a leading role in the French academic tradition – Poincaré, Ampère, Schwartz and Fresnel are just a few of the prestigious scientists to have studied here. Three French presidents, three Nobel Prizes (including Jean Tirole in 2014), one Fields Medalist and many illustrious CEOs like Citroën or Schlumberger, also walked the halls. However, no need to time travel to find proof of our academic excellence: our Alumni, researchers and professors receive prestigious awards and distinctions years after years.

Academic rankings demonstrate the competitiveness of École Polytechnique in France and abroad. Leader of scientific and technological institutes in France, l'X was also ranked 13th best European University in the QS university ranking 2015/16 thanks to our emphasis on innovative teaching methods and our continued presence at the forefront of French research. Our renowned Alumni, including numerous current CEOs of French and international companies, visit frequently and you will reap the benefits of having them share their knowledge in special seminars and conferences.

As part of our commitment to innovation, l'X has been the pioneer of MOOCs and e-learning in France, with several courses available on various platforms including Coursera and more under development.