Institut Polytechnique de Paris
An elite federation of French engineering, founded in 2019. It brings together five top schools: École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis. QS World 2026 number 41 worldwide and number 2 in France, QS Europe 2026 number 20. It offers a Bachelor of Science taught in English, highly selective. Around 7,500 students and 30 research laboratories.
About Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) is a public higher education and research institution, officially created on 31 May 2019. It is not an old university but a young and ambitious federation that brings together five major French engineering schools under a single academic umbrella: École Polytechnique (the legendary "X", founded 1794), ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis. The federation's stated goal: to create a world-class engineering and science hub able to compete with MIT, ETH Zurich or Imperial College.
In the rankings, its rise has been rapid. IP Paris is QS World 2026 number 41 worldwide (up five places from 2025) and number 2 in France, after PSL. In QS Europe 2026 it holds position 20. The main campus is in Palaiseau, on the Saclay plateau south of Paris, considered France's technology and research cluster (the "French Silicon Valley"), with access to Paris via the RER. IP Paris has around 7,500 students, plus 900 PhD candidates, over 1,000 faculty and researchers and 30 research laboratories.
For students who want to apply directly from high school, the key offering is the IP Paris Bachelor of Science, a 3-year program taught entirely in English, highly selective (admission rate around 10 percent). Students choose between specializations such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Economics and dual combinations (for example Mathematics and Computer Science, Economics and Mathematics). The program is research-oriented and opens the way to the group's master's and engineering programs. Many IP Paris master's courses are also taught in English.
For Romanian students: as an EU citizen, you automatically have the right to reside and work in France, with no study visa, and you benefit from the EU/EEA fee (lower than for non-Europeans). Note, however: the IP Paris Bachelor of Science is not a classic "free" public program, but a selective international program with real tuition fees (around EUR 15,900 per year for EU/EEA citizens). Merit scholarships are available that significantly reduce the fee for candidates with a strong academic profile. You apply directly online, based on your academic record, proof of English and an interview.
How to apply to the IP Paris Bachelor of Science
Apply directly online
Unlike classic French public admission (Parcoursup for the French), the IP Paris Bachelor of Science uses direct online application on the program's admissions portal. There are several rounds starting in autumn (November). Recommendation: apply in an early round, since places are limited and highly competitive. Check the exact deadlines on the program's official website.
A strong academic record
The heart of the application is the academic record: your high-school transcript, grades (with emphasis on Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science), your average and your Baccalaureate results (or predicted results, if you are still in the 12th grade). IP Paris looks for students with an excellent scientific profile. National and international olympiads, projects and competitions count as differentiators.
Proof of English (IELTS / TOEFL)
Since the program is 100 percent in English, you need proof of proficiency: usually IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90 plus (check the exact threshold for the round). Other equivalent certificates may also be accepted (Cambridge). For Romanians, it is an easy test to prepare a few months in advance; schedule it early so your score is ready when you submit the application.
Essays and interview
The application usually includes a motivation letter and short essays about your scientific interest and your reason for choosing IP Paris. Selected candidates are invited to an interview (online), where motivation, scientific thinking and fit with the program are assessed. Be ready to discuss why engineering/science and why IP Paris specifically.
Admission decision
After the review of your application and the interview, you receive the admission decision (admitted, waiting list or rejected). The offer may be conditional on your final Baccalaureate result and your English score. This is also when you find out whether you have been awarded a merit scholarship that reduces the tuition fee. You confirm your place by paying a deposit.
Enrollment and settling in France
As an EU citizen you do not need a study visa. After confirming, you complete enrollment online, pay the fee (or the difference after the scholarship) and arrange accommodation on the Palaiseau campus or in the Saclay/Paris area. The academic year starts in September. Recommendation: sort out accommodation and European health insurance (the European Health Insurance Card) well in advance.
Costs and scholarships for Romanians
Bachelor of Science tuition (EU/EEA citizens)
Estimated cost of living (Paris-Saclay)
Merit scholarships
IP Paris offers merit scholarships for the Bachelor of Science, awarded on the basis of the academic record. They can cover the tuition fee partially or, in exceptional cases, in full. For a Romanian student with high grades, olympiads and a solid scientific profile, this is the main lever to reduce the cost. Important: these scholarships are limited and competitive, so apply early and with a complete application.
Erasmus+
As a student at an EU institution, you have access to the Erasmus+ program for mobility semesters at partner universities across Europe, with a monthly grant (usually EUR 350-EUR 500/month). Erasmus+ does not cover IP Paris tuition fees, but it reduces costs during the mobility period and adds international experience to your CV. Check your program's bilateral agreements.
France / Romania scholarship
As a Romanian student admitted to a French institution, you may be eligible for scholarships offered by the French state (for example through Campus France / the French Institute) and for scholarship programs from the Romanian Ministry of Education or from city halls for students abroad. These often combine with the IP Paris merit scholarship. Apply in parallel, each with its own deadline and application.
Want to apply to IP Paris?
We help you build a strong academic record for the Bachelor of Science, prepare your essays and interview, take the IELTS/TOEFL and apply for the merit scholarships. Our mentors have been through the process. The first mentoring session is 100% free.
Talk to a mentorFrequently asked questions
What is Institut Polytechnique de Paris and which schools make it up?
IP Paris is a public higher education and research institution, created in 2019 as a federation that brings together five major French engineering schools: École Polytechnique (the famous "X", 1794), ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis. The aim: a world-class engineering and science hub, comparable to MIT or ETH Zurich. The central campus is in Palaiseau, on the Paris-Saclay plateau, France's technology cluster.
Where does IP Paris rank?
IP Paris is QS World 2026 number 41 worldwide, up five places from 2025, and number 2 in France (after PSL). In the regional QS Europe 2026 ranking it holds position 20. For an institution founded only in 2019, this is a remarkable rise, driven by the strength of the member schools, especially in engineering, mathematics, computer science and physics.
Which program can I follow right after high school at IP Paris?
The key program for students applying directly from high school is the IP Paris Bachelor of Science: 3 years, taught entirely in English. You choose between specializations such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Economics and dual combinations (for example Mathematics plus Computer Science or Economics plus Mathematics). It is research-oriented and opens the way to the group's master's and engineering programs. The program is highly selective, with an admission rate around 10 percent.
How much does the IP Paris Bachelor of Science cost for Romanians?
Here we need to be honest: it is not a free public program, but a selective international one with real fees. For EU/EEA citizens (including Romanians), tuition is around EUR 15,900 per year, versus around EUR 19,200 for non-Europeans. Over 3 years, with no scholarship, that means around EUR 47,700 in tuition alone. On top of that comes the cost of living in the Paris-Saclay area, estimated at EUR 11,000-EUR 15,000 per year. The good news: there are IP Paris merit scholarships that can significantly reduce the fee, plus the EU-citizen advantage (lower fee, no visa).
What scholarships can I receive at IP Paris as a Romanian student?
The main lever is the IP Paris merit scholarship, awarded on the basis of the academic record; it can cover the tuition fee partially or, in exceptional cases, in full. For a student with high grades, olympiads and a strong scientific profile, it is worth applying early. In addition, as a Romanian student in France you may be eligible for French state scholarships (through Campus France / the French Institute) and for programs of the Romanian Ministry of Education or city halls. Erasmus+ helps during mobility periods but does not cover the base fee. These sources can be combined.
How do you apply and what does the application contain?
You apply to the Bachelor of Science directly online, on the program's admissions portal, in several rounds starting in autumn (November). The application includes: your high-school transcript and grades (with emphasis on Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science), your Baccalaureate results or predicted results, proof of English (IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90 plus), a motivation letter and short essays. Selected candidates are invited to an interview (usually online). The decision may be conditional on your final Baccalaureate result and your English score.
Is the Romanian Baccalaureate enough for admission?
Yes, the Romanian Baccalaureate is accepted as a qualifying diploma, but admission is extremely competitive (rate around 10 percent). Your scientific profile matters a great deal: high grades in Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, a high overall average and differentiators such as national/international olympiads, competitions or projects. The Baccalaureate alone, without a strong academic record and without proof of English, is not enough. Recommendation for Romanians: a profile with an overall average of 9.50 plus and very high grades in the science subjects.
As a Romanian citizen do I need a visa, and can I stay to work in France?
You do not need a study visa: as a Romanian (EU) citizen you have the automatic right to reside in France for studies and the automatic right to work, with no special permit. After graduation you can stay to work in France or anywhere in the EU with your degree. Paris-Saclay and the Paris region have a strong ecosystem of tech, deep-tech, finance and research (Thales, Dassault, Capgemini, deep-tech startups, laboratories). With an IP Paris degree in engineering, computer science or data, employment prospects in France and across the EU are very good.
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