Learn to model financial markets
What is the Engineer Cycle – Major in Quantitative Finance?
The Quantitative Finance Engineer Program at ECE, taught in French on the Paris campus, approaches financial markets as complex physical systems. In quantitative finance, engineers are specialists in applied mathematics for calculating probability distributions of financial gains or losses.
Markets are treated like bodies in physics, subject to the laws of stochastic calculus, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Over 2 years (4th and 5th year), this unique major trains experts capable of modeling, pricing, and managing the most sophisticated financial instruments.
The targeted professional certification
The Quantitative Finance Engineers Program leads to the title of ECE engineer, a level 7 diploma accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) and registered with the RNCP. This title is particularly valued in trading rooms, quantitative trading desks, and risk management teams of large financial institutions. It certifies a high mathematical level, which is rare among financial profiles. ECE is a member of the Conference of Grandes Écoles (CGE).
Mathematics Serving Financial Markets
Objectives and Acquired Skills
Designed for rigorous minds attracted by the mathematical complexity of markets, this program places stochastic calculus and probabilistic modeling at the heart of each course.
-
Calculation of probability distributions for gains and losses in financial markets.
-
Pricing and coverage of derivative instruments: options, swaps, and exotic products.
-
Stochastic simulation techniques: Monte Carlo, finite difference methods.
-
Large-Scale Market Dynamics: Analogies with Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics.
-
Application of machine learning and AI to asset management and market forecasting.
-
Quantitative management of market, credit, and liquidity risks.
A Program Rooted in the Mathematics of Financial Markets
Content
The courses combine traditional training in quantitative finance with new digital approaches. Redesigned for digital finance, they preserve the strengths of mathematics while integrating tools from AI and data science. They evolve each year to align with industry advancements.
Evaluation methods
Each evaluation tests the ability to build, calibrate, and interpret mathematical models in real market contexts. Rigor and precision are the primary criteria.
- Stochastic modeling projects based on real market data.
- Pricing and hedging work for derivatives in Python or C++.
- The Multidisciplinary Team Project (PPE) and the End of Studies Project (PFE).
- A minimum 6-month engineering internship in quantitative desk or financial institution, with a report and defense.
- An obligatory international semester, validated with a partner university of ECE.
A diploma recognized by the state and valued internationally
Yes. This program provides a professional certification registered with the RNCP by France Compétences (Ministry of Labor), confirming the recognition of the diploma and the alignment of professional skills with the needs of businesses.
Certified by the state
Validated skills
Prepares for employment
Professional immersion
The experience in business
The major in Quantitative Finance is offered exclusively in full-time mode. The mathematical depth of the program requires total concentration. However, two internships allow for a gradual immersion into the world of Parisian quantitative desks.
-
A minimum 3-month internship during the 4th year, in a trading desk, an investment fund, or a financial institution.
-
An engineering internship of at least 6 months during the 5th year of study, culminating in a final project defended before a panel.
-
A mandatory international semester at one of the ECE's 160 academic partner institutions.
-
Research projects in collaboration with the ECE's partner laboratory, which specializes in macroeconomic models and crypto-assets.
Careers
What are the career prospects after the Quantitative Finance Engineering Program?
The quant, a nickname for quantitative finance engineers, is one of the most sought-after and best-paid profiles in the global financial sector. Its rarity in the market and the sophistication of its models give it a sustainable competitive advantage.
Testimonials
Our students are satisfied
-
A big thank you to ECE for its support throughout my academic career! My specialization in Finance allowed me to combine my engineering skills with quantitative analysis, data, and financial issues. This dual approach is now very useful to me as I explore new topics, particularly those related to automation and artificial intelligence as applied to finance.
Nathan OrsinetDéveloppeur Visual Basic
Discover
Our campuses in France
-
Your engineering school in Paris
Discover our engineering school in Paris: a campus in the heart of the capital, training in AI and Data for a unique student life.
-
Your engineering school in Marseille
Brand new and fully designed for new educational practices, our campus welcomes you in an ideal setting for your studies.
-
Your engineering school in Rennes
Just a stone's throw from the TGV train station, our 3,000 m² campus offers you a warm and functional setting designed for studying in the best conditions.
1/3
Application
How to apply to the Quantitative Finance Engineering Program?
Admission in 2nd year of engineering cycle
The major is open to ECE students who have validated the first three years of the engineering cycle, as well as holders of a 3rd year undergraduated validated (180 ECTS) in a field with a very strong mathematical component: pure or applied mathematics, theoretical physics, scientific computing, or econometrics.
A solid mathematical foundation in differential calculus, probabilities, and linear algebra is essential to follow this program
How to apply?
- I submit my application online
- I go through the selection phase
- I receive the decision
Tuition fees
What are the tuition fees for the Quantitative Finance Engineers Program?
The tuition fees presented below are for the year 2026-2027. They are subject to change each year. Various funding options are available to support you in your project.
Students in France 🇫🇷
This category is for students of all nationalities residing in France.
- Tuition for the Grande École Engineering Program 12 months €11 990
Tuition fees for each academic year are communicated to students when they re-enroll for the following year. The ECE offers several financial aid programs.
+70€ : admission fees
Scholarships: How can I finance my studies with the help of the State?
ECE offers you several funding assistance options
Meet us
Discover the events of the Engineering program
Event type
-
07/10
Soirée Portes Ouvertes – ECE – Marseille – mercredi 7 octobre 2026
-
19/10
Immersion in Marseille
-
28/11
Matinée Portes Ouvertes – ECE – Marseille – samedi 28 novembre 2026
-
16/12
Soirée Portes Ouvertes – ECE – Marseille – mercredi 16 décembre 2026
FAQ
Everything you need to know about the Quantitative Finance Engineers Program
Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Quantitative Finance Engineers Program at ECE. Is there a point that remains unanswered? Our advisors are available to discuss it with you.
Let’s meet
Are you still hesitating? Meet our teams to guide you in your choices!
After obtaining the ECE engineer diploma specialized in quantitative finance, several paths are available to you.
- You can directly integrate a quantitative desk, an investment fund, or an investment bank.
- A doctoral pursuit in the field of financial mathematics is also possible, in France or internationally, thanks to the network of more than 160 academic partners of ECE.
By joining ECE, you become part of a community of over 40 student associations. Finance, mathematical engineering, and innovation clubs are available on the Paris campus.
These meeting spaces allow you to build connections with students from other majors and create a network as early as your studies, a valuable asset in the field of quantitative finance.
The Quantitative Finance major spans 2 years, in the 4th and 5th years of the engineering cycle, totaling 120 ECTS credits. It is part of a comprehensive 5-year curriculum leading to an engineering diploma, equivalent to a master’s degree.
A mandatory international semester and two internships in a financial institution mark this path.
The Quantitative Finance Engineers Program is conducted in French. However, proficiency in financial and technical English is cultivated throughout the course, as reference publications in quantitative financial engineering (pricing formulas, research articles, market tool documentation) are almost exclusively in English.
ECE offers structured support throughout the journey, from admission to professional integration in the engineering master’s program:
- Personalized follow-up in the search for internships in financial institutions.
- Access to over 20,000 offers through Match’Up.
- Coaching workshops: CV, interviews, pitches, LinkedIn.
- Support for the mandatory international semester.
- Assistance in finding accommodation for students on mobility to Paris.
Beyond mathematical rigor, this financial engineering program develops essential human skills to thrive in the demanding environments of market finance:
- Analytical precision and ability to work under pressure.
- Critical thinking regarding models and market data.
- Communication of complex results to non-mathematician audiences.
- Autonomy and rigor in managing quantitative projects.
- Intellectual curiosity regarding the constant innovation in markets.
Yes. ECE relies on an alumni network within the OMNES Education group, which includes over 215,000 graduates worldwide. Graduates of the Quantitative Finance major work in investment banks, hedge funds, and international financial institutions. This network facilitates access to the best opportunities in the field of quantitative engineering.
Yes. This program leads to the ECE engineering degree, a level 7 diploma accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI), registered with the RNCP. This title is recognized by French and international financial institutions.
Yes, it is an essential requirement. This engineering program is designed for students comfortable with differential calculus, advanced probability, linear algebra, and numerical analysis.
Stochastic calculus, a central pillar of the curriculum, assumes a solid mastery of these fundamentals. A genuine interest in pure mathematics and its application to financial markets is expected from the time of admission.
- Graduates of the Corporate Finance major work in banks, consulting firms, investment funds, and financial institutions.
- This network is a valuable resource for accessing the best job opportunities in the sector.
These two majors address finance from complementary angles.
- Quantitative Finance focuses on the mathematical modeling of markets: pricing derivatives, stochastic calculus, quantitative risk management, and algorithmic trading.
- Corporate Finance covers a broader spectrum: business valuation, M&A, Fintech, macroeconomics, and digital finance.
The choice depends on your profile:
- If you are primarily a mathematician, Quantitative Finance is your major.
- If you seek a dual culture in finance-management, lean towards Corporate Finance.
Made for you
Our other programs Engineering Cycle
Specializations
Campus
-
- 4- Year Degree
Engineering Program – Major in Aerospace & Space Systems
-
- 4- Year Degree
Engineering Cycle Major in Corporate Finance
-
- 4- Year Degree
Engineering Cycle – Major in Quantitative Finance
-
- 4- Year Degree
Engineering Cycle – Major in Health and Technology
-
- 4- Year Degree
Engineering Cycle – Major in Energy Transition
-
- 4- Year Degree
Engineering Cycle – Major in Digital Transformation & Innovation