Top athletes and artists
École nationale des ponts et chaussées and ENSTA have opened a specific admission pathway for high-level athletes and artists wishing to enroll in their engineering programs. With an academic program tailored to their needs, students will benefit from personalized support and a customized curriculum that allows them to complete their studies over a period of more than three years without being considered repeat students. The customized curriculum will be the subject of a semester-long study contract between the student and the school.
Applications are open until April 10, 2026.
A recruitment pathway to engineering training for high-level athletes and artists
Admission is open to students in preparatory classes or university bachelor's programs who can demonstrate a proven level of achievement in their discipline.
Each athlete applying for admission to the School's engineering program must provide a document from a recognized sports organization (e.g., federation, training center) certifying their level of athletic achievement:
- registration on the ministerial list of “high-level athletes” or
- 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 will attest to the number of hours per week devoted to practicing the sport.
The same procedure applies to high-level artists (musicians, dancers) who must provide proof of:
- admission to or current enrollment in a prestigious arts institution, or
- participation in prestigious international competitions, or
- membership in a recognized orchestra or ensemble, or
- significant experience in professional concerts, or
- 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 student in their artistic practice will serve as proof of the number of hours per week devoted to artistic practice.
A joint selection process
Candidates who meet the criteria for high-level athletes or artists as described above and who are enrolled in a program that grants admission to the School (preparatory classes for grandes écoles, bachelor's degree) are eligible.
Eligibility will be determined based on review of the academic record and validation of athletic or artistic level.
Eligible candidates will be invited to a series of oral exams common to both institutions in mathematics, physics, English, analysis of scientific documents, as well as motivation and personality. These exams are organized jointly by the École nationale des ponts et chaussées and ENSTA and constitute a single selection process for both schools. They aim to ensure that candidates have the necessary prerequisites to follow an engineering course at these institutions.
The number of places available each year (between 1 and 5 places for each engineering course) is set by the boards of directors of both institutions.