ECTS
180 credits
Duration
3 years
Training structure
Faculty of Economics
Language(s) of instruction
French
Presentation
The integrated preparatory program at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), set up in partnership with the Lycée Mermoz in Montpellier as part of a cooperation agreement, has been running for several years. It is aimed at a cohort of around forty students with high academic potential, who simultaneously follow university bachelor's degree courses and prepare for the ENS Paris-Saclay (formerly ENS Cachan) entrance exam.
As part of this Prep School–University partnership, students in the preparatory class take certain courses at the University, where they sit the corresponding exams. The results obtained at the University, combined with those from the preparatory class, enable the validation of the first and second years of the Bachelor's degree.
The ENS D2 preparatory class offers an excellent education in economics and management for motivated students with a strong academic background, particularly in mathematics up to the high school diploma level. It opens up a wide range of opportunities, both in terms of further study—entrance exams for prestigious universities, IEP, selective university programs—and professional careers in the public and private sectors.

The advantages of the training program
- EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING
- PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
- PREPARATION FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Objectives
Objectives of the ENS D2 integrated preparatory program
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To offer excellent training in economics and management, combining academic requirements with intensive preparation for competitive examinations.
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Prepare students for the École normale supérieure (ENS Paris-Saclay) entrance exam as part of the D2 program.
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Enable simultaneous validation of the first and second years of a bachelor's degree, thanks to a program combining university courses and preparatory classes.
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Develop strong analytical skills, particularly in economics, management, and mathematics.
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Train students in rigorous and demanding work methods, characteristic of preparatory classes.
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Promoteaccess to selective training programs (prestigious universities, IEP, university courses of excellence).
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Supporting the development of ambitious academic and professional projects in the public and private sectors.
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Promoting multidisciplinarity and academic excellence, based on a structured partnership between high school and university.
Know-how and skills
Know-how
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Mobilize theoretical and analytical tools from economics and management to address complex issues.
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Use quantitative methods (mathematics, statistics) in economic analysis.
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Implement a demanding work methodology: organization of work, regularity, efficiency.
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Analyze, synthesize, and structure economic and social reports.
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Write essays, summary notes, and reasoned analyses.
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Prepare for and pass written and oral exams for competitive examinations.
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Articulate the lessons learned in preparatory classes and university.
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Working independently while being part of a demanding team environment.
Skills
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Solid knowledge of economics, management, and mathematics.
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Abilityto think critically and reason rigorously.
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Ability to work under pressure and manage a heavy workload.
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Academic excellence and a strong work ethic.
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Ability to adapt to multiple teaching environments (preparatory classes/university).
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Independence, perseverance, and organizational skills.
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High level of written and oral communication skills.
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Ability to pursue selective studies and integrate into programs of excellence.
International dimension
Starting in their second year, students can spend a year (two semesters) at one of the 60 universities with which the Faculty of Economics has partnerships through the ERASMUS+ exchange programs, inter-university agreements, and CHARM-EU.
https://economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/international/
Organization
Knowledge assessment
The Bachelor's Degree in Economics, structured over three years and six semesters, is based on an assessment system designed to measure students' learning progressively and comprehensively. At the end of each semester, the skills, competencies, and knowledge acquired in each Teaching Unit (UE) are assessed in one of two ways: continuous assessment or a final exam.
Continuous assessment allows for regular monitoring of student progress through several forms of evaluation: supervised assignments, graded tutorials, presentations, projects, document analysis, and active participation in class. This method encourages attendance, regular work, and the gradual acquisition of skills.
The final exam consists of a written or oral test held at the end of the semester. It aims to assess the student's overall mastery of the concepts taught and their ability to apply their knowledge in a structured and in-depth manner.
Depending on the course units, teaching methods, or learning objectives, some units may combine both assessment methods. These methods ensure fair and diverse assessment that is tailored to the nature of the course, while allowing students to develop methodology, rigor, and autonomy throughout their academic career.
Special facilities
Students with disabilities, young entrepreneurs, and high-level athletes can benefit from personalized support.
This may take the form of study arrangements, educational adaptations, or specific rights, in order to enable them to best balance their personal or professional constraints with their university education. Depending on the situation, these measures may include an adapted schedule, adjusted assessment methods, attendance facilities, individualized monitoring, or dedicated support services.
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Possible |
|---|---|
Duration of the internship | Maximum 924 hours, or 6 months |
Internship abroad | Possible |
A true immersion in the professional world, it allows students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in class, discover how organizations work, and compare theory with practice. To get the most out of it, serious preparation is essential: learning about the host organization, defining your objectives, mobilizing your skills, and preparing for professional demands.
During a bachelor's degree, internships are possible and optional. They must be related to the course of study.
The internship may begin at the end of the second semester exams or be completed during university vacation periods. In all cases, it must end no later than August 31, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or University Diploma program.
Please note: students may only begin their internship immediately after the second semester exams if they have successfully completed their year in the first session.
Program
The program lasts three years, or six semesters.
180 ECTS
Initial and continuing education
Mathematics for Economists 1
5 creditsLaw
4 creditsLANGUAGE SELECTION
2 creditsChoose one of two options:
English S1
2 creditsSpanish S1
2 credits
Business economics
5 creditsPolitical Science
4 creditsHistory of economic events
5 creditsPrinciples of economics
5 creditsOptional
Optional
LANGUAGE SELECTION
2 creditsChoose one of two options:
English S2
2 creditsSpanish S2
2 credits
Contemporary economic issues
4 creditsMathematics and Statistics for Economists - 2 -
5 creditsStatistics 1
5 creditsGeneral accounting
Macroeconomics 1
5 creditsMicroeconomics 1
5 creditsChoose 1 out of 3
Admission
Admission requirements
Registration procedures
First year of a bachelor's degree
- If you are in your final year of high school, you must apply via Parcoursup for Mermoz High School between January and March. This is because preparatory class students are first enrolled in high school.
- The CPGE ENS D2 program at Lycée Jean Mermoz receives an average of 600 applications for 48 places. Recruitment is carried out via "Parcoursup" and is based primarily on results obtained in the 11th and 12th grades, grades on early Baccalaureate exams, and teacher evaluations.
Target audience
The typical profile of a student admitted to CPGE requires intellectual curiosity and an interest in social issues, rigor, a taste for analysis and reflection, good written and oral communication skills (in French and in a foreign language), as well as a real ability to work hard and consistently (but without forgetting to enjoy life!).
- It is essential to have studied mathematics in the 11th and/or 12th grades.
- The subjects taken into account are mathematics, French, history-geography, philosophy, and modern languages, as well as all other subjects related to the humanities and social sciences.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set each year by the Ministry of Higher Education. They are accompanied by the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).
The entire program is free for students receiving scholarships.
Capacity
48
And after
Continuing education
- Masters
- Top universities accessible after a D2 preparatory course