[4] Since early 20th century, student admission has been based on a competitive exam after attending a classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles or similar undergraduate studies.

Larger buildings with dedicated laboratories were inaugurated in 1875 nearby the Faculté des sciences de Lille.

Thus undergraduate studies + the Centralien Programme account for more than a cumulated 300 ECTS credit in the European education system.

In addition to the Centralien Programme, École Centrale de Lille provides a range of master's degree cursus in science and engineering that are opened to applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies in other institutes.

Admission to one of the 6 Masters[13] (M1+M2 or M2) from École Centrale de Lille is possible upon an application assessment process based on academic criteria.

Prerequisite to apply for this specialized curriculum is to already hold a Master or an equivalent postgraduate degree in a different scientific field.

In partnership with ENSI Poitiers and ISAE-ENSMA, Ecole Centrale de Lille is a part of the prestigious International Master's Program in Turbulence.

At the end of this highly selective two-year program, students are awarded a master's degree in Fluid Dynamics and Turbulence.