École Polytechnique joins the Lafayette Fellowship Program to offer exceptional opportunities for American students

Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, the Lafayette Fellowship Program is designed to be the French equivalent of the prestigious Rhodes and Fulbright scholarships, offering a unique opportunity for 30 American master’s students to pursue a fully funded year of studies in France, beginning in 2026. With a network spanning 8 major French cities, the program aims to foster academic excellence and cultural exchange between France and the United States.

The Lafayette Fellowship Program, launched by the French Embassy in the United States, marks a historic milestone in French-American academic cooperation and École Polytechnique is proud to be selected as one of the 15 partner institutions for this groundbreaking program. 

Designed to be accessible and attractive to students who have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution between August 2023 and June 2026, the scholarship recipients can follow their entire Master’s curriculum in English, ensuring a seamless academic experience without any French language requirement. The fellowship provides full coverage of tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of €1,500, a round-trip airfare between the U.S. and France and a visa fee waiver and support for leadership and cultural activities.

Renowned for its academic rigor and innovation, École Polytechnique’s Master of Science & Technology program, taught in English, stands out for its world-class interdisciplinary curriculum, combining advanced research with practical, hands-on experience. The program also benefits from strong industry partnerships, providing students with unique internship and collaboration opportunities with global leaders in technology and research. Additionally, École Polytechnique’s entrepreneurial ecosystem supports students in developing their ideas into impactful projects and startups. 

Seven specializations of the Master of Science & Technology program are open to Lafayette fellows: Visual and Creative Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things: Innovation & Management, Trustworthy and Responsible AI, Data and Economics for Public Policy, Economics, Data Analytics, and Corporate Finance, Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Management and Energy Environment: Science Technology and Management.

"The Lafayette Fellowship Program is a testament to the enduring partnership between France and the United States in nurturing the next generation of global leaders. At École Polytechnique, we are thrilled to welcome international students into our Master of Science & Technology program, where they will not only gain cutting-edge scientific knowledge but also become part of a vibrant, multicultural community. This fellowship embodies our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding." says Gaëlle Le Goff, École Polytechnique's Director of International Affairs.

Applications for the inaugural edition are now open, with applications open until November 30, 2025. École Polytechnique is honored to join this initiative and looks forward to welcoming the next generation of leaders and innovators.