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École Polytechnique

Palaiseau, France

From San Diego to the Seine, undergraduate STEM students have the opportunity to study at one of Europe's premier universities for science and technology, École Polytechnique (EP)! EP's campus is located south of Paris on beautiful pastoral property complete with an equestrian center and a lake. Exchange students are enrolled in EP's Bachelor of Science Program, which is a Mathematics-based degree program with specialized tracks in Physics, Economics or Computer Science. The program is entirely taught in English, so no French language skills are necessary to participate. This exchange program is rigorous, but incredibly rewarding for those who participate!
Links and Resources:
*Please note that UC San Diego students do not have to pay the tuition fees per semester listed as we have a mutual exchange agreement in place. 

Important Information for 2025-26

  • Global Exchange Program applications open October 1 in TritonsAbroad
  • Check the nomination and application deadlines for 2025-26 to ensure your application is submitted on time. 
  • Please note that Global Exchange Programs have two applications: one for UC San Diego (TritonsAbroad) and the other for the partner university. After applying in Tritons Abroad, UC San Diego will review and approve your nomination and you will be provided instructions for submitting a second application to the partner university.
Visit the How to Apply section for more information on the application process and the Pre-Departure Requirements section for important steps and considerations leading up to your time abroad. 

 

Eligibility and Program Dates

Exchange Details:
  • Academic Level: Undergraduate
  • Academic Years: Junior and Senior
  • Eligible Major(s): STEM majors. Computer Science and Engineering, Economics, Mathematics and Physics majors are strongly encouraged to apply. 
  • Additional Eligibility Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 to apply. 
Academic Calendar:
  • Fall Semester: September to December/January*
  • Spring Semester: February/ April - June*
* For year 2 courses, the instruction period ends in January but final examinations take place in February. Year 3 courses finish in December. For the third year, the first semester ends in December with examinations being in mid-December and the second semester starts in April and concludes in June. 
The International Mobility Office organizes orientation days 3-5 days prior to the beginning of each semester to find their way around campus and provide them with the necessary tools for a successful exchange period. EP recommends that all exchange students participate in this activity. 

Course Information

  • Full Time Enrollment: Minimum twenty (20) and maximum thirty (30) ECTS per semester. Please note courses at EP are typically worth 2-3 UC quarter units. If you would like to take coursework to fulfill specific degree requirements, you may need to petition two exchange courses in a given subject to count for one UC course.

  • Course Catalogs:
  • Language of Instruction: English. The exchange with EP is with the Bachelor of Science program which is entirely taught in English (even for French students). For courses in which the language of instruction is French, exchange students can take one to two electives per semester offered by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, depending on availability (exchange students also have access to English-taught courses as electives in this Department as well). Student who wish to take courses taught in French will have to provide some sort of documentation demonstrating their proficiency in French (at least at B2 Level). EP will also accept a letter of endorsement from a French-speaking faculty member at UC San Diego.
  • French Language Courses: Exchange students can study French depending on level and availability; levels offered range from beginner to advanced (A1- C2).

  • Restricted Courses: 
    • The Master of Science and Technology Program and Data Science for Business Program are not open to exchange students. For scientific projects and research internships, due to limited seats, final enrollment will depend on the approval of the course instructor. 
    • Please note that course enrollment is not guaranteed at admission and the final confirmation takes place before the start of each semester. 

Housing and Dining

École Polytechnique arranges on-campus housing for exchange students, if and where possible. Exchange students take priority in allocating housing, but it is entirely based on availability for the semester(s). More general information can be found on the campus services page. 
  • On-Campus/ Off-Campus Housing: EP has 1,500 housing units on campus for students. Some rooms are available on the campus or nearby for students participating in the internship program or for students on academic exchange during the Fall semester or the Full academic year. Please note that students on academic exchange during the Spring semester are not guaranteed on-campus housing and may need to make other arrangements. EP will provide students with relevant information and advice on self-arranged accommodation.
  • Dining Options: Kitchens in Residence, Cafeterias and Cafés.

Cost of Living

  • Average cost of living (including accommodation, insurance, study materials, transportation, meals and incidentals): €800/ month. This amount does not include personal expenses, which depend on the requirements of each individual student.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Fellowships are given in priority to student doing an internship; EP does not have any fellowships or grant for students participating in an academic exchange. 

For information on financial aid, scholarships and additional funding, email FAO-EAP@ucsd.edu.

Immigration and Visas

U.S. citizens must obtain a student visa to study in France. For other citizenships, visit the website of the French Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship for visa requirements and processes.
  • Letter of Admission After admission, students will receive an admission letter by email. Only students who need to apply for a visa can receive an original copy of their admission letter by express mail.
Links:

Health and Wellness

  • Medical Facilities On Campus: EP has an on-campus medical facility that is divided into four areas: medical services, preventative care, psychological services and social services. Exchange students have access to all of them.
  • Support for Students with Disabilities: Yes.
  • French Health Insurance: All students staying in France for at least 6 months must be affiliated with the French Healthcare System. All students must have liability insurance. All students attend a mandatory medical visit once on campus; some documents have to be completed during the enrollment process.

Student Experience and Opportunities

  • Excursions/ Sightseeing: Some events are organized; events and activities depend on a year-by-year basis. 
  • Recreation/ Sporting Activities and Clubs: Exchange students have access to all the recreational facilities on campus. EP also has multiple student associations.

EP International Internship Program

The Internship Program for International Students gives UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to complete a 3- to 6-month internship at one of École Polytechnique's research facilities. Visit the Global Exchange page for more.