Validation of Prior Learning (VAE) — Engineering Degree from École Polytechnique
The Validation of Prior Learning (VAE) allows a candidate's professional experience to be recognised for the purpose of obtaining the engineering degree from École Polytechnique. This process is governed by the law of 21 December 2022 and the decree of 18 July 2025, and is structured around the national France VAE portal, whose role has been strengthened and clarified as part of the reform that came into effect in 2025.
It consists of verifying that the theoretical and practical skills and knowledge acquired throughout a professional career meet the requirements of the targeted degree.
Does your professional experience align with the fields taught at École Polytechnique? You may apply to present your file to a jury in order to obtain the engineering degree from École Polytechnique through the VAE process. However, please be aware that this is a lengthy and complex procedure requiring significant personal and financial investment, structured around the steps below.
Step 1 – Eligibility Assessment
The eligibility file (Booklet 1), submitted in French, is used to assess:
- Education and training background
- Nature of roles held
- Duration and level of responsibility
- Overall alignment of the career path with the targeted degree
The École verifies the legal eligibility conditions and reviews the file. Following this assessment, you will be notified of the eligibility decision within two months.
Current fee: €1,000
Step 2 – Preparation of the VAE File (Booklet 2) and Degree Registration
If your eligibility is confirmed, you will need to complete your administrative registration for the degree and then compile a detailed file in French (Booklet 2) describing:
- Your professional background
- Missions carried out
- Responsibilities held
- Skills developed
You may benefit from educational support offered by the École to help structure your file and prepare for the jury presentation.
Current fees: €7,750 (2026–2027 registration fees, subject to revision) + €4,000 (optional support)
Step 3 – Jury Presentation
You will be invited to present your file before a jury composed of researcher-professors from the École, a representative from the business world, and a representative from the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
Based on the validation jury and a defence session, the jury will assess the alignment between the skills you have acquired and those required to obtain the degree.
Following the interview, the jury may propose:
- Full validation
- Partial validation
- Rejection
Only the graduation jury, which will be held in September, can confirm the award of the engineering degree from École Polytechnique.
Current fee: €5,000
Step 4 – Next Steps in Case of Partial Validation
In the event of partial validation, the jury will specify the skills or knowledge still to be acquired. You may be required to complete additional training and, depending on the jury's decision, present your file before a supplementary jury.
Current fees: €1,300 for a supplementary jury appearance, plus the cost of any additional training required.
Practical Information
- Applications are reviewed on an annual schedule, following the admission jury's assessment in March and the graduation jury's decision in September.
- Detailed requirements and documents to be provided will be specified at the eligibility application stage.
- Fees are associated with each step of the procedure.
The dedicated email address and submission platform will be available on this page from October 2026.