École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr: Where Tomorrow’s Elite Military Leaders Are Forged

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM), or the Special Military School of Saint-Cyr, is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned military academies, and one of the best military academies in France. It trains officers for the French Army, the Gendarmerie, and some foreign cadets. Its motto is “Ils s’instruisent pour vaincre”, which means “They study to conquer”. The school is in Coëtquidan, in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France. It is part of the Académie Militaire de Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan (AMSCC), which also includes the École Militaire Interarmes (EMIA) and the École Militaire des Aspirants de Coëtquidan (EMAC).

History of the School

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) was founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, then the First Consul of France, who wanted to create a new elite for the French Army. He established the school at the Château de Fontainebleau but later moved it to Saint-Cyr-l’École, near Versailles, in 1808.

In 1855, by order of Napoleon III, Saint Cyr Military Academy adopted the red and white plumed hat, known as the “casoar,” as its distinctive headgear in honor of Queen Victoria of England. Over the years, the academy, also known as École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM), developed many traditions, including the “2S” ceremony. This ceremony commemorates the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, where many cadets, known as Saint-Cyriens, fought and lost their lives.

The Saint Cyr Military Academy successfully navigated the challenges of the 19th and 20th centuries, producing many notable officers who served in various wars, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Franco-Prussian War, and both World Wars. Some of its famous alumni include Marshal Lyautey, General de Gaulle, General Leclerc, General de Lattre de Tassigny, General Bigeard, and General Saint-Hillier. The academy also welcomed many international cadets, such as King Mohammed V of Morocco, Emperor Bao Dai of Vietnam, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

In 1945, after France was liberated, the St Cyr France Military Academy moved to Coëtquidan, where it continues to operate today. In 1961, the academy changed its name from École Spéciale Militaire Interarmes (ESMIA) to École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) to preserve its historical identity. Over the years, the school has modernized its curriculum by adding new academic disciplines like engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In 1983, the academy opened its doors to women and, in 2002, became a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), a prestigious association of top higher education institutions in France.

How to Gain Admission into Saint Cyr Military Academy

The admission process for the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) is highly competitive and selective, ensuring that only the best candidates are chosen to join this prestigious institution. There are several pathways for applying to the Saint Cyr Military Academy, depending on the applicant’s academic background and age. Here are the main categories:

1. Direct Admission (Concours Direct):
   • This is the most common way to enter the St Cyr France Military Academy, accounting for about 80% of the intake. It is designed for candidates who have completed two years of preparatory classes (CPGE) in science, literature, or economics and are between 18 and 22 years old.
   • Applicants must pass a series of rigorous tests, including a written exam that covers subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, literature, philosophy, economics, and foreign languages.
   • Additionally, there is an oral interview that assesses the candidate’s personality, motivation, and general culture. Physical and medical tests are also required, which include running, swimming, pull-ups, an obstacle course, and a comprehensive medical examination to evaluate the candidate’s health and fitness.
2. Semi-Direct Admission (Concours Semi-Direct):
   • This pathway is for candidates who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and are between 18 and 26 years old. It accounts for about 15% of the intake at École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr.
   • Like direct admission, candidates must pass a written exam, but the subjects are more focused, covering history, geography, literature, philosophy, economics, and foreign languages.
   • The semi-direct admission process also includes an oral interview and the same physical and medical tests as the direct admission. This option is a popular choice for older students or those with higher education degrees.
3. Nomination (Sur Titre):
   • This is the least common method of entry, making up about 5% of the intake. It is intended for candidates who have already earned a master’s degree or a PhD and are between 18 and 29 years old.
   • Candidates must be nominated by a high-ranking officer or civil servant who serves as their sponsor. After nomination, they must pass an oral interview that evaluates their personality, motivation, and general culture, as well as the same physical and medical tests required for the other admission categories.

After successfully passing the admission process, candidates are ranked based on their scores and preferences and are assigned to one of the three schools within the AMSCC (Arms and Service Schools Command): the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM), the EMIA (École Militaire Interarmes), or the EMAC (École Militaire d’Application des Chefs de Section). Among these, the ESM is the most sought-after, offering the highest rank and the most career opportunities for its graduates.

For those considering a prestigious military education in France, the Saint Cyr Military Academy provides a rigorous and rewarding path that has produced many distinguished leaders throughout history.

Tuition Fees at The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr

The tuition fees at École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) are very low, averaging around 3,923.37 USD. This affordability is largely due to subsidies provided by the French government. As a result, students only need to pay for their uniforms, books, and personal expenses, making the overall cost much more manageable.

In addition to the low tuition, Saint Cyr Military Academy offers scholarships and financial aid for students who need additional support. Students also receive a monthly salary of about 1,500 euros, which helps cover living and travel expenses. Moreover, students benefit from free health care, free accommodation, and free meals on campus, making the St Cyr France Military Academy a financially accessible and attractive option for military education.

Current Rankings of Saint Cyr Military Academy

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) is widely recognized as one of the best military academies globally and one of the top engineering schools in France. It consistently ranks among France’s top 10 engineering schools, as highlighted by publications such as L’Étudiant, L’Usine Nouvelle, and Le Figaro. On an international level, Saint Cyr Military Academy is also highly regarded, being listed among the top 100 engineering schools worldwide by the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Additionally, the school’s engineering programs are accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI), the French agency responsible for certifying the quality of engineering education in France.

The St Cyr France Military Academy is not only renowned for its academic excellence but also for its international outlook and strong alumni network. The school has established partnerships with many prestigious universities and institutions around the world, including Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Berkeley, West Point, and Sandhurst, among others. The academy is also a hub for international cadets, hosting students from more than 70 countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, India, Brazil, and more.

Furthermore, École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) boasts a robust alumni network through the Association des Anciens Élèves de Saint-Cyr (AAESC), which connects over 15,000 former students. These alumni are influential figures in various fields, including the military, government, business, academia, and civil society. The network not only supports current students but also strengthens the school’s global reputation as a leader in military and engineering education.

Academic Programs

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) offers a range of academic programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both engineering and the humanities. Here’s an overview of the programs available:

Three-Year Program: Master of Engineering

• Degree: Master of Engineering (equivalent to a Master of Science degree in the Anglo-Saxon system)
• Duration: Three years
• Program Structure:
  • Common Core:
    • Covers basic sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science.
    • Includes humanities and social sciences like history, geography, literature, philosophy, economics, and foreign languages.
  • Specialization:
    • Students choose a track in either mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, or systems engineering.
    • Includes a six-month internship in a company or organization, either in France or abroad.

Four-Year Program: Master of Arts

• Degree: Master of Arts (equivalent to a Master of Arts degree in the Anglo-Saxon system)
• Duration: Four years
• Program Structure:
  • Common Core:
    • Covers basic sciences including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science.
    • Includes humanities and social sciences such as history, geography, literature, philosophy, economics, and foreign languages.
  • Major:
    • Students select a major in history, geography, literature, philosophy, economics, or political science.
    • Includes a six-month internship in a company or organization, either in France or abroad.

Five-Year Program: PhD Degree

• Degree: PhD (equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Anglo-Saxon system)
• Duration: Five years
• Program Structure:
  • Master’s Degree:
    • The first phase of the program is identical to the Master of Engineering or Master of Arts degree, depending on the student’s field of study.
  • Doctoral Degree:
    • After completing the master’s phase, students proceed to their doctoral research and studies.

These programs at École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Campus Life at St Cyr France Military Academy

Campus life at the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) is both challenging and enriching, offering a unique blend of academic rigor, military discipline, and personal development. Students, known as cadets, adhere to a strict daily schedule designed to instill discipline and time management.

A typical day begins at 6:00 am with morning exercise, followed by breakfast, academic classes, lunch, additional classes, sports activities, dinner, and study time. Throughout the day, cadets are required to wear their uniforms and uphold the school’s rules and hierarchical structure. Additionally, cadets participate in various formal ceremonies, including flag-raising, oath-taking, graduation, and commemorations of the fallen, which are integral to the school’s tradition and values.

Despite the demanding routine, campus life at Saint Cyr Military Academy is also diverse, supportive, and enjoyable. Cadets have access to numerous facilities and resources, including libraries, laboratories, auditoriums, sports fields, gyms, swimming pools, and various clubs. The location of St Cyr France Military Academy in Brittany offers cadets the opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with nearby cities like Rennes, Nantes, and Vannes adding to the experience.

The sense of community at École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) is strong, with cadets forming close bonds with their peers, seniors, juniors, and instructors, all of whom are part of the “grande famille de Saint-Cyr” (the big family of Saint-Cyr). This close-knit environment is further enriched by the presence of foreign cadets, who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the academy, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and cultural exchange.

Athletics at ESM

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) places a strong emphasis on physical fitness and sports, considering them crucial for the overall development of cadets’ health, skills, and leadership abilities. Cadets are required to engage in at least one sport every day, either individually or as part of a team. They also participate in various tournaments and events, both within the school and against external competitors.

• Sports Offered:
  • The school offers a wide range of sports, including soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, fencing, judo, boxing, wrestling, karate, taekwondo, archery, shooting, horse riding, cycling, running, swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, and climbing.
  • École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) also has its own sports teams, known as the “équipes de France militaire” (the French military teams), which represent the school and France in national and international competitions such as the Military World Games, the Military World Championships, and the Olympic Games.

The school takes pride in its athletic achievements and the sports culture it fosters, which emphasizes values like excellence, teamwork, discipline, and fair play. Over the years, the school has produced many notable athletes who have excelled in various sports.

• Notable Athletes:
  • General de Castelnau: Champion fencer
  • General de Lattre de Tassigny: Champion boxer
  • General de Gaulle: Champion rugby player
  • General Saint-Hillier: Champion skier

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) also honors its sports heroes through traditions such as the “casoar d’or” (the golden casoar), awarded to the best athlete of the year, and the “casoar de bronze” (the bronze casoar), given to the best athlete in each class. These honors celebrate the achievements and dedication of the cadets in their athletic pursuits.

Notable Alumni of Saint Cyr Military Academy

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) has a distinguished history of producing leaders and innovators who have made impactful contributions across various fields, including the military, government, business, academia, and civil society. Here are some of the notable alumni who have left their mark:

• Marshal Lyautey (1841-1934): A military leader and colonial administrator, Marshal Lyautey served as the Resident-General of Morocco. He is celebrated as the founder of modern Morocco, having played a key role in its development during his tenure.
• General de Gaulle (1890-1970): A pivotal figure in French history, General de Gaulle led the Free French Forces during World War II. He later became the President of France and was instrumental in establishing the Fifth Republic, solidifying his legacy as a statesman and military leader.
• General Leclerc (1902-1947): Known for his heroism in World War II, General Leclerc commanded the 2nd Armored Division, which was crucial in liberating Paris and Strasbourg from Nazi occupation. His life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in Algeria.
• General de Lattre de Tassigny (1889-1952): A hero of both World Wars, General de Lattre de Tassigny led the 1st Army, which played a significant role in liberating France and Germany from Nazi control. He later served as Commander-in-Chief of the French Far East Expeditionary Corps during the Indochina War.
• General Bigeard (1916-2010): A legendary figure in the French Army, General Bigeard fought in the Second World War, the Indochina War, and the Algerian War. His contributions extended beyond the battlefield as he served as the Minister of Defense and Secretary of State for Sport in France.
• General Saint-Hillier (1954-): A modern military leader and strategist, General Saint-Hillier served as the Chief of the Defense Staff of France and is currently the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, continuing to influence defense strategies in Europe.
• King Mohammed V (1909-1961): As the Sultan and later King of Morocco, Mohammed V was a key figure in leading the Moroccan independence movement. He is revered as the father of the modern Moroccan state, having laid the groundwork for its independence.
• Emperor Bao Dai (1913-1997): The last Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai ruled from 1926 to 1955. His reign ended with his abdication in favor of the Republic of Vietnam, marking a significant transition in Vietnamese history.
• President Paul Kagame (1957-): Currently the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame is known for leading the Rwandan Patriotic Front, which played a crucial role in ending the Rwandan genocide. Under his leadership, Rwanda has transformed into a stable and prosperous nation.

These alumni exemplify the legacy of excellence and leadership that the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) continues to uphold, shaping individuals who make significant contributions to their nations and the world.

Conclusion

The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) is a school for future leaders who aspire to serve their country and the world with honor, courage, and excellence. The school provides a rigorous and comprehensive education, combining academic studies, military training, and extracurricular activities. The school also offers a rich and diverse campus life, which fosters the values of camaraderie, solidarity, and diversity.

The school also boasts a distinguished and influential alumni network spanning various fields and sectors. The school is a symbol of the French military tradition and French excellence and a source of pride and inspiration for many generations. The school is more than just a school; it is a way of life, a state of mind, and a spirit of adventure. you can visit their website if you are interested in enrolling in one of the best military schools in France.