Carnot Foundation - École Polytechnique Scholarship

École Polytechnique Scholarship (Bourse Carnot)

You will receive a one-off grant of 6,000 EUR to spend your fourth year of study abroad – usually a full academic year at a partner university in the USA or Europe. You will also benefit from long-term career support: you will become part of a mentoring network (comprising experienced figures from academia, industry and higher education who will advise you). They meet with the scholarship holders every year and support you on your career path. The scholarship is awarded by the Fondation Carnot, which funds between 1 and 3 of these scholarships each year for students at École Polytechnique.

Who can apply

• University: You are a student at the École Polytechnique.
• Study phase: You are in the fourth year (“4A”) of your engineering degree and are aiming to progress to a research-based Master’s programme or a PhD.
• Where you go: You will spend this fourth year of study abroad at one of École Polytechnique’s recognised partner universities; it comprises a full academic year, including any work placements.
• Nationality: You are a French national.
• Field: Your project is of an academic nature, for example in the field of mathematics or the natural sciences.
• Not eligible: You are not eligible for this grant if you are taking part in a dual training programme (Alternance) or a civil service programme (Corps de l'État).

How to apply

There is no separate application form. You must apply online by 21 December for the “Aide 4A” grant from the Fondation de l'École polytechnique; this application also serves as the pre-selection process for Carnot candidates. If you are shortlisted, a panel comprising representatives from academia, industry and higher education institutions will invite you to an interview. Winners will be selected on the basis of your project, your potential and your personality.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined: only French students in their fourth year at the École Polytechnique who are going abroad to undertake a research-based Master’s degree or a PhD are eligible to apply. Each year, only 1 to 3 scholarships are awarded. The pool of eligible candidates is small, but the number of places is also limited, so a compelling research project and clear personal motivation during the interview play a major role.