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The below information is required while
completing the university application :
core documents you’ll need when applying to the Bachelor of Science program at École Polytechnique:
Identity document and photo
A copy of your passport (or EU national ID) and a professional headshot (color, 35×45?mm, in JPG/JPEG format)—distinct from your ID photo—taken within the past year. This will be used for admission and your student ID if accepted
Secondary school transcripts and diploma
Upload transcripts for the last three years of high school (grades N?2, N?1, N). If already graduated, include your school-leaving certificate or equivalent. Translations into English or French are required if original documents aren’t in those languages
A concise academic and extracurricular resume. Highlight achievements, science projects, competitions, internships, leadership, and creative pursuits to show your potential and alignment with the program
Personal statement (motivation letter)
Structured responses (typically three questions, ~300 words each) that explain your background, academic interests, and reasons for choosing this program. Don’t just repeat your CV—use it to reveal who you are and why you’ll thrive at Polytechnique
Contact details for two academic referees
Provide names, titles, emails (and optionally websites) of two referees—at least one must be a science or math teacher or academic supervisor. They will receive a direct link to upload recommendation letters; you must not submit them yourself
Proof of English proficiency
A valid test result (under two years old) such as TOEFL iBT ≥?90, IELTS ≥?6.5 (with minimum 6.0 per skill), or Cambridge CAE/CPE ≥?176 (minimum 169 per skill). Native English speakers or those whose education was fully in English for two years may apply for an exemption with official proof
Know more
On February 12, 2025, École Polytechnique inaugurated "avenue Anne Duthilleul‑Chopinet" in honor of its first female valedictorian from the 1972 intake. This dedication was more than symbolic: it marked renewed commitment to gender equity and acknowledgement of women's contributions to science and engineering. The avenue, located near namesakes like Sophie Germain and Rose Dieng, stands as reminder of the school's evolving values and enduring tribute to trailblazing women who reshaped its identity.
In 2022 Alain Aspect, a professor linked to École Polytechnique, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his foundational experiments demonstrating quantum entanglement. His work validated quantum non-locality by testing Bell’s inequalities, establishing experimental basis for quantum computing, cryptography, and ultra-precise measurement technologies. This milestone reflected the school's strength across both theoretical and experimental science and highlighted its role in shaping emerging technologies grounded in quantum mechanics
In October 2022 two Polytechnique students—Vincent Bouchet (PhD) and Mathieu Joubrel (Master of Science & Technology)—were honored by the FIR‑PRI Awards for research in responsible finance and climate risk modeling. Their work examined investment decision-making with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This international recognition reflects the school’s growing strength in combining economics, data science, and sustainability—showing that Polytechnique encourages deep inquiry into societal challenges
Though primarily at ESPCI rather than École Polytechnique, the self-healing rubber invented in 2008 by Ludwik Leibler’s team is tied to the broader Polytechnique research network. The polymer bonds when pressed together, allowing cuts to heal. Made from renewable resources, it quickly moved from lab to industry—within 18 months it became a commercially used material by Arkema. This innovation offers transformative possibilities in material durability, tires, coatings, and robotics. While outside the core school, it reflects École Polytechnique’s culture of radical, application‑driven discovery
François Hussenot, a Polytechnique alumnus, is credited with developing early versions of the aviation “black box”—flight data and cockpit voice recorders—in the mid-20th century. His device allowed post-accident analysis of flight parameters and pilot communication, dramatically improving aviation safety standards. The black box quickly became a mandatory instrument in aircraft globally. Hussenot’s invention provided investigators with critical data following crashes, helping uncover causes and improve both aircraft design and operational protocols. Today, both cockpit voice and flight data recorders remain key to airline safety and accident investigation.
Reymond Clavel invented the Delta parallel robot in the early 1980s and patented the design in 1985. His lightweight, high‑speed robot featured three articulated arms connected to a mobile platform, capable of extreme acceleration and precision. It revolutionized pick‑and‑place operations in industrial packaging, electronics assembly, and medical automation. By the 21st century, tens of thousands of Delta robots were deployed globally. Clavel’s invention built on the analytical training from École Polytechnique and inspired numerous variations and precision applications in robotics
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