Top Post-Preparatory Engineering Schools in France for 2025
The Figaro Étudiant editorial team has released its annual ranking of the best French post-preparatory engineering schools for 2025. This ranking focuses on institutions accessible through competitive examinations after two years of preparatory classes, commonly known as CPGE (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles). Students typically come from various pathways, including MPSI (Mathematics-Physics), PCSI (Physics-Chemistry), or PTSI (Physics and Technology). The ranking evaluates 87 schools based on academic performance, international exposure, and employment outcomes, with the top school achieving an impressive score of 18.8 out of 20.
Understanding Preparatory Classes for Grandes Écoles
Preparatory classes, or CPGE, serve as a crucial stepping stone for students aspiring to enter prestigious business or engineering schools in France. These intensive programs last two to three years and are designed to prepare students for entrance exams to the grandes écoles. Admission to these classes is competitive, requiring strong academic records and, in the case of public institutions, registration through the Parcoursup system. While no diploma is awarded upon completion, students can earn ECTS credits, which facilitate further academic pursuits at universities or other institutions.
Advantages and Alternatives to Preparatory Classes
The benefits of attending a preparatory class include rigorous academic training, exposure to a heavy workload, and the opportunity to participate in mock exams known as
khôlles.
These experiences are invaluable for mastering the entrance exams. However, it is important to note that attending a preparatory class is not the only pathway to enter a top business or engineering school. Increasingly, these institutions are accepting students who have completed alternative qualifications, such as a university degree or a BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur). This shift reflects a broader trend in higher education, allowing for diverse routes to success in prestigious academic environments.
