About
École Polytechnique is France’s most prestigious *grandes école*, globally renowned for producing elite leaders in engineering, applied sciences, and economics. Its strongest academic programs include mathematics, physics, computer science, and corporate management, all characterized by a rigorous, highly selective curriculum that combines fundamental science with practical application. The student experience is deeply rooted in a historic, tightly knit campus just outside Paris, where rigorous academics are balanced by vibrant student life through hundreds of student-run clubs and societies. To accommodate its growing global community, the institution features a dedicated International Students Office, offers an increasing portfolio of Bachelor and Master of Science degrees taught entirely in English, and provides comprehensive language support and integration programs. A distinctive characteristic setting it apart is its unique historical and institutional connection to the French military, as all French undergraduate engineering students hold cadet status and receive basic military training as part of their leadership development.
Background
École polytechnique (French pronunciation: [ekɔl pɔlitɛknik], lit. 'Polytechnic School'; also known as Polytechnique or l'X [liks]) is a grande école located in Palaiseau, France. It specializes in science and engineering and is a founding member of the Polytechnic Institute of Paris. The school was founded in 1794 by mathematician Gaspard Monge during the French Revolution and was militarized under Napoleon I in 1804. It is still supervised by the French Ministry of Armed Forces. Originally located in the Latin Quarter in central Paris, the institution moved to Palaiseau in 1976, in the Paris-Saclay technology cluster. French engineering students undergo initial military training and have the status of paid officer cadets. The school has also been awarding doctorates since 1985, masters since 2005 and bachelors since 2017. Notable...
Read more on WikipediaLocation
Quick facts
Nearby universities
Also in Palaiseau
Elsewhere in France
- AgroParisTech · Paris
- AgroSup Dijon · Dijon
- American Graduate School in Paris · Paris
- American University of Paris · Paris
- Audencia · Nantes
- École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay · Gif-sur-Yvette
Wondering if École Polytechnique is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.
Wondering if École Polytechnique is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.