CPGE Prep Classes and the Concours: How Entry to French Grandes Écoles Really Works

The classic route: CPGE then concours

The traditional path into many French grandes écoles runs through the classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles (CPGE) — intensive, demanding two-year preparatory classes taught after the French baccalauréat. CPGE programmes exist in scientific, economic and commercial, and literary streams, and prepare students specifically for competitive entrance examinations.

After the preparatory classes, students sit the concours — national competitive examinations organised in groups for sets of schools. Places are ranked and limited, so the concours is a selective competition rather than a simple qualifying test.

What the concours involves

A concours typically combines written examinations with oral examinations and interviews, and admission is by rank order against other candidates. Different concours 'banks' serve engineering schools, business schools and other fields, and each grande école decides which concours results it accepts.

Because the format, subjects and weighting are set by each concours and school and are revised over time, check the official examination and school pages for the exact structure that applies to the programme you are targeting.

International students and parallel admissions

Many international students do not go through CPGE and the concours. Grandes écoles commonly offer 'admissions parallèles' (parallel admission) and dedicated international tracks, which let students with a relevant prior qualification apply directly via an application file, tests or interviews — bypassing the CPGE route.

These routes have their own eligibility rules, often tied to your level of study and previous degree. A growing number of programmes are taught in English, while others require French. Confirm on each school's official admission page which track is open to your profile.

• CPGE + concours — the classic post-baccalauréat route
• Parallel admission — direct entry with a relevant prior degree
• International tracks — dedicated routes for overseas applicants
• Language of instruction (French or English) varies by programme

How to apply via an international or parallel track

Identify the grande école and programme, then read its official admission page to find which route applies to international applicants and what it requires — typically your prior qualification, transcripts, a language certificate (French or English), and sometimes tests or interviews.

Depending on your country, level and the school, you may apply through the Études en France / Campus France procedure, Parcoursup, or directly to the school. Note deadlines early, because selective programmes often close applications well before the start of the year.

Deciding whether the concours route fits you

The CPGE-and-concours route is demanding and built around the French system; parallel and international admissions are usually the practical route for students applying from abroad with an existing qualification. Neither is 'better' — they suit different starting points.

Fees, eligibility and procedures are set officially and by each school and change over time, so verify the current requirements on the official Campus France and institution sources before you decide.