Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

About

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a highly selective French Grande École renowned for its excellence in research and higher education across sciences, humanities, and arts. It is particularly known for training future researchers, university professors, and high-level civil servants, emphasizing a strong research-oriented approach from the undergraduate level. For international students, ENS de Lyon offers various exchange programs, specific international Master's tracks, and a dedicated International Relations Office to assist with integration and academic support. While the primary language of instruction is French, some Master's and PhD programs, as well as specific courses, are taught in English. A distinctive characteristic is its 'Normalien' status, which often includes a salary for students who commit to public service, reflecting its unique mission in the French higher education landscape.

Background

The École normale supérieure de Lyon (French pronunciation: [ekɔl nɔʁmal sypeʁjœʁ də ljɔ̃]; also known as ENS de Lyon, ENSL or Normale Sup' Lyon) is a French grande école located in the city of Lyon. It is one of the four prestigious écoles normales supérieures in France. The school is composed of two academic units—Arts and Sciences—with campuses in Lyon, near the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. ENS de Lyon's students usually enjoy a special civil servant status in the wake of highly competitive exams, providing they pursue careers in public service. Although it maintains extensive connections with the University of Lyon and external research institutions, including the CNRS, the school remains independent.

Location

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