After the baccalaureate
Apply to the preparatory cycle through the national university orientation process.
The preparatory cycleAdmissions
Selective by design. Open to every talent.
Entry to Polytechnique is earned through results and a national competitive exam. Here is the route, and what each step asks of you.
Step by step
The route into the school
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Excel at the baccalaureate
The preparatory class is open to holders of the baccalaureate in the mathematics, experimental sciences or technical mathematics streams with a very high average. The thresholds are set each year.
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Enter the preparatory cycle
Two years in the CPST-ENP, the school’s preparatory class in science and technology: mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing and engineering drawing.
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Sit the national competition
At the end of the preparatory cycle, students sit the Concours national commun for admission to the engineering schools. Their rank decides their place.
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Choose your specialty
Admitted students join one of the school’s engineering specialties for three years of study, projects and internships.
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Graduate as Ingénieur d’État
The engineering degree is awarded with a Master 2. Graduates join industry, public institutions or go on to doctoral research.
Who is it for?
Four ways in
From another preparatory school
Students from other science and technology preparatory classes can be admitted through the national competition.
The national competitionDoctoral candidates
Holders of a master’s or engineering degree can apply to the national doctoral competition, held each year.
Doctoral studiesInternational students
Students from abroad can join through government scholarship and cooperation programmes.
Contact the school
Key dates
The year at a glance
Indicative dates for the 2026–2027 year. The official academic calendar is published by the school.
| Period | Step |
|---|---|
| July | Baccalaureate results and university orientation |
| September | Start of the academic year |
| October | Doctoral competition registration |
| November | Open afternoon for baccalaureate holders |
| May–June | National competition for the engineering schools |
Questions
Frequently asked
What average do I need at the baccalaureate?
A very high one. The minimum average for the preparatory cycle is set each year and varies by stream. Check the current year’s orientation guide.
Can I choose my specialty from the start?
No. All students follow the same two-year preparatory cycle. The specialty is chosen afterwards, according to your rank in the national competition and the places available.
How long does it take to become an engineer?
Five years after the baccalaureate: two in the preparatory cycle and three in the engineering cycle. A doctorate takes about three more.
Can I visit the school before applying?
Yes. The school holds open days and offers a virtual tour, and groups from schools can arrange a visit. See the visit section of the contact page.
Are there internships?
Yes. The engineering cycle includes internships in companies and institutions, and a final-year project.
Still have a question?
The school’s teaching office can help with admissions, the preparatory cycle and doctoral registration.