University track in Sciences

Presentation

Are you passionate about science and scientific research? The ENS offers you a 3-year graduate programme in one of its 7 scientific departments.

This graduate programme prepares ideally for the Ph.D. This exceptional training through research leads to careers in higher education, research and innovation, both in  public and private sectors and more generally to future leadership roles.

The selection of ‘normaliens’ scientific students is based on a common general organisation, which is then adapted according to the specificities of each department.

Admission at the L3 or M1 level depends on the department, and on the decision made by the board.

Organisation

The pre-selection process, based on candidates' academic records, focuses on the topics of direct interest to the department of application

Candidates must have excellent academic results demonstrated by several indicators (ranking in the top 10% of the class, distinctions in undergraduate exams, excellent grades in the major/subject area of their bachelor/undergraduate studies), certified by letters of recommendation and a cover letter.

The motivation interview tests motivation for research, scientific skills and personal interest for sciences in general (internships, research projects or research experience, readings, etc.).

The test in major evaluates specific skills in the main discipline.

Each of these tests can be written or oral (see department web page).

The final results will take into account the results of the two tests.

Applicants on the waiting list will be called based on withdrawal from admitted students in the same department.

Pre-selection phase :

The relevant department will look through each candidate's dossier (academic records). Candidates are required to provide:

            - CV

            - Marks from their education since and including the "baccalaureate" - high school diploma/A-Levels/Abitur/end of secondary school exams.

            - Cover letter

            - Names and e-mails of 2 referees to provide on the application portal

Selection phase :

• Each test lasts 30 minutes or more.
• In some departments (consult department site) these tests can take place by videoconference.
• The order between the general test (motivation interview) and the specific subject (major) test can change according to each department.
• There is a selection process after the first test with a 'sous-admissibilité', meaning that candidates who do well but are not admitted to the second exam are recognised.
• The first admission test is the most selective test of the admissions process.
• The two tests can be oral or written (consult department site). The procedure is the same for all applicants to the same department.
• A mark in test 1 less than or equal to 10 is eliminatory: the candiates are then informed of their mark, and will not be invited to test 2.
• The ENS can propose to add another department to the candidature of an applicant after the first test.

A list of candidates who have been admitted, as well as a waiting list, are after the Admission Jury meeting, chaired by the Vice-Director of the ENS for science studies.

The withdrawal of a candidate admitted into a department will lead to the first avaliable candidate on the waiting list of the same department being called.

Departments

• Department of Biology
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Cognitive studies
• Department of Earthsciences
• Department of Computing science
• Department of Mathématics
• Department of Physics