Exchange Details:

• Academic Level: Undergraduate
• Academic Years: Junior and Senior (the second year of the Bachelor's Program is generally the most popular)
• 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: April - June

* For year 2 courses, the instruction period ends in December but final examinations take place in January after the winter break. Year 3 courses finish in December. 

Please note that EP has one application deadline for students who wish to study during the Fall, Spring or Academic Year. Therefore, students who want to participate in the EP exchange must submit their Tritons Abroad application by the single deadline for each academic year. 

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. 

• 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:
  • Bachelor of Science Program Structure
  • Overview of Course Offerings for Exchange Students
    
    
• 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 Data Science for Business Program (MSc&T) is 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. Exchange students cannot enroll in classes taught as part of the 2nd year of a MSc&T.
  • Language classes, Humanities and Social Sciences classes, management, innovation and entrepreneurship classes are limited and full-time EP students take priority in enrollment in these courses. 

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). Students apply through an application portal. 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.

• 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.

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. 

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:

• Going to France: Consulate General of France in Los Angeles
• Campus France: Student Portal

• 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.

• 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.

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.