From Morocco to Polytechnique: How Lydex, UM6P’s Preparatory School, Competes with Ginette and Louis-le-Grand

Lydex Brings Fresh Perspectives to France’s Elite Track with Academic Excellence and Gender Balance

In Benguerir, far from the historic campuses of Paris, a quiet achievement is taking shape. At Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), the Lydex preparatory school is steadily demonstrating that Moroccan students can aspire to, and reach, the same standards of excellence long associated with France’s most prestigious preparatory institutions. For Christophe Boeckel, Director of Preparatory Classes at Lydex, the comparison with schools like Sainte-Geneviève (“Ginette”), Louis-le-Grand, and Henri-IV is no longer abstract.

A Pathway to Global Excellence

Since its creation in 2020, Lydex has positioned itself as a rigorous and supportive environment for talented Moroccan and African students preparing for admission to France’s Grandes Écoles. The results reflect a steady progression:

• 2023: 20 students admitted to École Polytechnique.
• 2024: 16 students admitted.
• 2025: 17 students admitted.

In just three years, more than 12% of the Maths-Physics track graduates have secured admission to École Polytechnique, joining an institution recognized worldwide for scientific and engineering excellence.

An Ecosystem that Fosters Talent

What sets Lydex apart is not only the quality of its teaching but also the ecosystem of UM6P that surrounds it. Students benefit from:

• Access to advanced research facilities across UM6P’s campus.
• Mentorship and guidance from a diverse body of faculty and researchers.
• An international perspective, preparing them for careers that extend beyond national and regional borders.

This approach reflects UM6P’s broader mission: to create opportunities where talent can flourish locally, while remaining connected to global networks of knowledge and innovation.

A Shared Achievement

For UM6P, these admissions are not only individual successes but also a collective recognition of what Moroccan higher education can offer. They highlight the potential of an institution that places academic rigor, innovation, and service to society at the core of its mission.

From Benguerir to Paris, the journey of Lydex students illustrates a growing confidence in Morocco’s ability to train the scientific leaders of tomorrow—leaders who will contribute not only to the advancement of knowledge, but also to the development of their communities and continent.