École Polytechnique, known affectionately as l'X, is a leading French institute that combines top-level research, academics and innovation at the cutting edge of science and technology. Founded in 1794, it holds a leading role in the French academic tradition and produces socially responsible professionals who excel in leading complex and innovative projects addressing current and future challenges facing society.

Among its alumni and faculty are three French presidents, three Nobel Prize laureates including Jean Tirole in Economic Sciences in 2014, one Fields Medalist, and a long line of scientists who shaped their fields, including Poincaré, Ampère, Schwartz and Fresnel. Illustrious business leaders, including the founders of Citroën and Schlumberger, also walked its halls. Today, that legacy continues through Alumni, researchers and professors who continue to receive prestigious awards and distinctions year after year.

Academic standing

École Polytechnique is the leader among scientific and technological institutes in France, and was ranked 15th best European University in the QS university ranking 2019/20, a result of its emphasis on innovative teaching methods and its continued presence at the forefront of French research. The school's renowned alumni network, including numerous current CEOs of French and international companies, returns frequently to campus, giving students direct access to seminars and conferences led by leaders in their fields.

As part of its commitment to innovation, École Polytechnique was a pioneer of MOOCs and e-learning in France, with courses available on platforms including Coursera and more in continual development.

Academic programs

École Polytechnique offers a full range of programs spanning undergraduate to doctoral level:

• Bachelor of Science, including a BS/MS Track for an accelerated path into graduate study
• Ingénieur Polytechnicien Program, the school's flagship four-year engineering degree combining academic rigor with personal and leadership development
• Master of Science and Technology (MSc&T), offered across a wide range of specializations including artificial intelligence, data science, environmental engineering and finance, several delivered jointly with partner institutions such as HEC, ENSAE, Bocconi and ENS Louis Lumière
• Executive Master and Executive Education programs for working professionals
• Exchange Programs, including an International Academic Exchange Program and a Research Program for International Talents
• Master and PhD Program for advanced doctoral research

Campus and facilities

The campus spans 164 hectares and includes around 1,500 student apartments along with a hotel offering around fifty rooms, accommodating students across every program level. On-campus dining is available through the Le Magnan restaurant and an on-site cafeteria. A central library, located at the heart of campus, provides lecturers, students and researchers with the resources needed for academic work as well as space for individual or group cultural activity.

Campus life and community

With around 3,600 students, École Polytechnique is a relatively small, close-knit university community. International diversity is a defining feature of campus life, with around 70 nationalities represented, 36% of the student body and 39% of faculty coming from abroad. Student life is vibrant, supported by close to 250 student associations spanning cultural, artistic, social, scientific, religious and sporting activities, giving every student the chance to pursue an existing passion or discover a new one.

Sports

Sports are considered a vital part of campus life, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a semi-artificial lake, an equestrian center, a swimming pool and a shooting range. Students can participate in sport on a leisure basis through the Club Sportif de l'X (CSX), which offers around 40 different sports and leisure activities at accessible membership rates. For students seeking a more competitive path, dedicated Sports Sections offer advanced training and inter-university competition, including four to six hours of weekly practice and mandatory participation in matches and meets, with admission through a pre-selection and coach-led trial process.

Location

École Polytechnique sits 25 kilometres from central Paris, placing students within easy reach of one of the world's leading cultural and tourist destinations while offering a quieter, close-knit campus setting. France welcomes over 278,000 international students each year, and École Polytechnique was ranked the 28th Most International University Worldwide by the Times Higher Education Guide in 2014. International students at the school are eligible for the same government funding available to French students for housing, board and health insurance. Beyond Paris, students have access to the cultural diversity of France's 22 regions, and can travel visa-free across the 26 countries of the Schengen Area, eight of which border France directly.

Alumni Association (AX)

Founded in 1945 from the merger of two earlier associations dating back to 1864 and 1908, the AX is the official alumni association of École Polytechnique. It connects more than 20,000 alumni worldwide through professional and cultural clubs, mentoring programs and networking events, and works to maintain solidarity within the École Polytechnique community while supporting the institution's continued development. The AX is governed by a Board of Directors of twenty-five elected members, meeting at least five times a year through dedicated volunteer-led committees. Each year, the AX co-organizes the Bal de l'X, the school's historic annual ball, typically held at the Opéra Garnier in Paris, with proceeds supporting the association. Since 1948, the AX has published the École Polytechnique network's monthly magazine, La Jaune et la Rouge, named after the institution's historic colors.

Why École Polytechnique

1. Founded in 1794, with over two centuries of leadership in French science, technology and engineering education
2. An alumni and faculty legacy including three Nobel laureates, a Fields Medalist, three French presidents and major global business leaders
3. Ranked 15th best European University by QS, and the leading scientific and technological institute in France
4. A genuinely international community, with around 70 nationalities represented across students and faculty
5. A small, tightly knit campus of around 3,600 students offering close access to professors, researchers and visiting alumni
6. Nearly 250 student associations and extensive sporting facilities supporting a rich campus life
7. Proximity to Paris combined with the practical and financial advantages of studying in France as an international student