Like all other grandes écoles, this elite higher education institution is not included in the mainstream framework of the French public universities.

Along with the École normale supérieure (Paris), ENS Lyon and ENS Rennes, the school belongs to the informal network of French écoles normales supérieures, forming the top level of research and education in the French higher educational system.

[2][3][4] Grandes Écoles typically they have much smaller class sizes and student bodies than public universities in France, and many of their programs are taught in English.

[5] International internships, study abroad opportunities, and close ties with government and the corporate world are a hallmark of the Grandes Écoles.

[10][11] The main mission of ENS Paris-Saclay is to train world-class academics, but it is also a starting point for public administrative or private executive careers.