Selection par l'International Physics Olympiad

What does the Olympic scholarship program entail?

The program offers the successful candidate the opportunity to enroll at the ENS-PSL and obtain a Master's degree in Physics from ENS. 

The first year of the ENS is roughly equivalent to the third year of undergraduate studies. If the successful candidate has the required level, he or she will be admitted directly to ENS-PSL. If the candidate's knowledge  does not immediately allow this, the candidates will first continue their studies at the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand  for one or two years, to prepare for the studies at ENS. During that time, the student will

• receive a scholarship of 500€ per month
• enroll in a French language course (unless they are already fluent in French)
• be assigned a mentor from the ENS with whom they will maintain regular contact. 

At the end of this period at Lycée Louis-le-Grand (and subject to a favorable opinion from the teaching team) the successful candidate will enroll at ENS-PSL. 

After admission to ENS-PSL, the student will

• have the status of normalien (a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure) and be attached to the physics department
• pursue the ENS-PSL diploma, which includes a master's degree in physics
• receive a scholarship of €1,000 per month, for three years
• maintain regular contact with the tutor.

Students are also eligible for subsidized housing and receive one round-trip ticket per year to their home country.

Eligibility conditions and how to apply?

Eligibility conditions to apply for the Olympic Scholarship program:

- have won a gold or silver medal at the International Physics Olympiad (not necessarily this year)

- be in their final year of high school or within the first three years of higher education

- not have been enrolled in a high school or higher education institution in France for more than six months during the last two academic years.

The online application form is available here. The following supporting documents will be asked when applying:

- transcripts for the current and previous years

- a certificate of a silver or gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad

- a letter from the candidate describing their physics background and their study plans for the next three years, in French or English

- a curriculum vitae.

We welcome your applications!

If you have questions regarding the olympic scholarship program in physics, please contact.

Important dates

• Applications: October 16 to December 15, 2025 (12.00 AM, Paris time)
• Shortlist: January 27, 2026
• Interviews: Between March 10 and March 20, 2026
• Admission results: From March 26, 2026