École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris) Best Programs & Majors 2026

École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris) Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris)'s strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for — beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

The best and most popular majors at École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris) include Département de Mathématiques et Applications (DMA), Département d'Informatique (DI ENS), Département de Physique — below, what each is genuinely known for, its career outcomes, and which international students it suits best.

Best & most popular majors

Département de Mathématiques et Applications (DMA)

One of the world's strongest math departments — the engine behind ENS holding the most Fields Medalist alumni of any institution (11).

Département d'Informatique (DI ENS)

Joint CNRS/Inria research unit (UMR 8548) with leading work in cryptography, machine learning and algorithms.

Département de Physique

Eight normalien Nobel laureates in physics, including Serge Haroche (2012) and Albert Fert (2007).

Département d'Études Cognitives (DEC)

Cross-disciplinary cognitive science, neuroscience and linguistics hub, home to the Institut Jean Nicod.

Département de Philosophie

France's premier philosophy training ground, in the lineage of Sartre, Bergson, Foucault and Derrida.

Économie / Paris School of Economics

ENS is the lead partner in the PSE, France's top economics research cluster (alumni include Esther Duflo).

Compare in the same discipline

Economics & Finance in France →

Common questions

What are the best and most popular majors at École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris)?

Département de Mathématiques et Applications (DMA): One of the world's strongest math departments — the engine behind ENS holding the most Fields Medalist alumni of any institution (11). Département d'Informatique (DI ENS): Joint CNRS/Inria research unit (UMR 8548) with leading work in cryptography, machine learning and algorithms. Département de Physique: Eight normalien Nobel laureates in physics, including Serge Haroche (2012) and Albert Fert (2007). Département d'Études Cognitives (DEC): Cross-disciplinary cognitive science, neuroscience and linguistics hub, home to the Institut Jean Nicod. Département de Philosophie: France's premier philosophy training ground, in the lineage of Sartre, Bergson, Foucault and Derrida.

What kind of student fits École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris)?

Aspiring academics and research scientists, especially in mathematics, physics and computer science Top CPGE (classes préparatoires) students aiming at the concours and a doctorate Students who already read and work comfortably in French