The School and ENSTA to open up a recruitment pathway dedicated to top athletes and artists

École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC) and ENSTA are jointly setting up a specific admission pathway for the 2026 academic year for high-level athletes and artists wishing to join their engineering programs. This initiative aims to provide an academic framework tailored to candidates engaged in high-level pursuits whose demands make it difficult to access traditional recruitment channels, thereby promoting equal opportunities. The goal is to do everything possible to ensure that these young talents do not have to choose between their studies and their athletic or artistic careers, and do not have to give up one or the other at a crucial moment in their careers. Admitted students will thus benefit from tailored support and adjustments to their curriculum. Applications are open until April 10, 2026.

A selection process common to both Schools

Admission is open to candidates enrolled in preparatory classes or university bachelor's programs who can demonstrate a proven level of proficiency in their discipline. 
Athletes must provide a document from a recognized sports organization (e.g., federation, training center) certifying their athletic level: registration on the ministerial list of “high-level athletes”; membership of an elite organization (training center, Pôle France) or participation in national/international competitions with notable performances or selection for the junior/senior national team. A letter of recommendation from a director or technical advisor, coach, or other representative of the physical activity must be provided to certify the number of hours per week devoted to the sport.

An identical approach is proposed for high-level artists (musicians and dancers) who must provide proof of admission or current enrollment in a prestigious arts institution; participation in leading international competitions;
membership in a recognized orchestra or ensemble; significant experience in professional concerts; membership in a recognized dance company; or significant experience (professional or semi-professional) on stage. A letter of recommendation from a conservatory teacher, ballet master, or any official accompanying the candidate in their artistic practice will be required to certify the number of hours per week devoted to artistic practice.

Admission is based on an examination of the applicant's academic record and validation of their athletic or artistic level. Eligible candidates will be invited to sit a series of oral exams common to both institutions, covering mathematics, physics, English, analysis of scientific documents, as well as motivation and personality. These tests are organized jointly by ENPC and ENSTA and constitute a single selection process for both schools. They aim to ensure that candidates have the necessary prerequisites to pursue an engineering degree at these institutions. 

An educational program designed to meet dual requirements

Students will have the option of extending the duration of their studies beyond the standard three years without being considered repeat students, in order to better balance their engineering studies with their athletic or artistic careers. A semester-based study contract, signed between the student and the School, will specify the terms and conditions for organizing the program and the adjustments necessary to pursue high-level sports or artistic activities.
The number of places available each year is set by the boards of directors of both institutions. Between one and five places will be available each year for each of the engineering programs concerned.

A program to support all talents

The creation of this new admission route responds to a shared observation: preparing for engineering school entrance exams remains difficult to reconcile with the training, competition, and performance schedules of high-level athletes and artists. By offering a dedicated admission system, ENPC and ENSTA aim to diversify and adapt access to their programs for talented individuals whose backgrounds demonstrate exceptional commitment.

For ENPC, this pathway concerns access to the engineering program, and for ENSTA, it applies to the general engineering degree as well as the “defense and security” specialty degree.

This new initiative is coordinated at ENSTA by Thomas Loiseleux, Director of Training and Research, and at ENPC by Rémi Carmigniani, a researcher at the Saint-Venant Hydraulics Laboratory. He is particularly knowledgeable about the world of high-level sport, notably through his participation in the SCIENCES2024 project, of which ENPC and ENSTA were founding members. The aim of this research program was to provide scientific support to French athletes ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

_{Credit: Club Ponthé}