phd student salary paris

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in France in 2024

France has a long academic tradition, and its universities are public and state-run, meaning that permanent academic staff are civil servants. Salaries are set by the government, and all figures in this article are pre-tax.

PhD candidates in France are employed as researchers. A French PhD typically takes three to six years. The government sets minimum salaries for doctoral students, which in 2024 range from €1,684.93 per month for those solely engaged in research, to €2,024.70 per month for those with teaching responsibilities​ ( Campus France )​ ( Campus France ). At some institutions, the salary can go higher, with institutions like UPEC offering a minimum of €2,074.78 per month for some doctoral contracts​ ( UPEC ).

Postdoc Salary

Postdoctoral positions in France allow researchers to further specialize in their field, usually lasting one to five years. While there is no national regulation for postdoc salaries, those employed by public institutions such as CNRS or INRIA can expect to earn between €2,000 and €3,700 per month ​ ( GitHub )​ ( Campus France ). More experienced postdocs in some regions may see salaries closer to €4,000 to €4,700 per month , depending on their experience and location​ ( GitHub ).

Maître de conférences (MCF) Salary

A maître de conférences (MCF) is equivalent to an associate professor and is a permanent position. MCF salaries are set by national legislation and do not vary by institution. The salary scale for MCFs in 2024 ranges from €2,169.63 to €3,865.97 per month for the classe normale and from €3,123.58 to €4,976.56 per month for the hors classe ​ ( Wikipedia ).

Professeur des universités (PU) Salary

Professors in France, known as professeurs des universités , are also civil servants. The salary range for this role depends on seniority and is divided into three ranks: 2e classe , 1re classe , and classe exceptionnelle . In 2024, salaries range from €3,102.15 to €4,531.39 per month for 2e classe , €3,865.97 to €5,473.28 for 1re classe , and €5,473.29 to €6,220.96 per month for the highest rank, classe exceptionnelle ​ ( Wikipedia )​ ( Campus France ).

Discover related jobs

Discover similar employers

Accelerate your academic career

The 7 Essential Transferable Skills All PhDs Have

During your PhD, you’re not just learning about your research topic. You...

5 Reasons You Should do Your PhD Abroad

Have you ever considered doing your PhD abroad? There are several major ...

10 Questions to Ask During a Postdoc Interview

Not sure what to ask during your postdoc interview? Make sure you get th...

What Should I Call My Professor?

Should you refer to them as “Professor”, “Doctor” or something else? The...

Belgian Academic Job Titles Explained

What's the difference between a docent and a hoogleraar? Here's a breakd...

Swedish Academic Job Titles Explained

Here is a breakdown of the most common Swedish academic job titles and t...

Jobs by field

• Electrical Engineering 168
• Machine Learning 166
• Programming Languages 140
• Artificial Intelligence 135
• Molecular Biology 121
• Electronics 106
• Materials Engineering 105
• Cell Biology 103
• Mechanical Engineering 102
• Materials Chemistry 98

Jobs by type

• Postdoc 292
• Assistant / Associate Professor 226
• Professor 139
• Tenure Track 114
• Researcher 107
• Lecturer / Senior Lecturer 93
• Engineer 47
• Management / Leadership 44
• Research assistant 43

Jobs by country

• Belgium 234
• The Netherlands 137
• Switzerland 116
• Luxembourg 71

Jobs by employer

• KU Leuven 80
• Mohammed VI Polytechnic Unive... 79
• University of Luxembourg 68
• ETH Zürich 61
• Ghent University 59
• Eindhoven University of Techn... 56
• KTH Royal Institute of Techno... 52
• Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) 42
• University of Oulu 38

• An unforgettable adventure
• Educational excellence in France
• Study at the heart of Europe
• Enjoy numerous benefits
• Industrial dynamism and French innovation
• The art of living à la française

• French system
• Higher education institutions
• French degrees, LMD system and equivalences
• Cost of studies
• Quality of degrees and institutions
• Online or distance programme
• Scholarships programmes
• Scholarships for French students or students living in France
• Welcoming of students and researchers in exile

• Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC)
• Reception services in your city
• Prepare your budget
• Bank account
• Working while studying in France
• Learning French
• Finding a student sponsor
• Organising your stay as a scholarship holder
• Being a student with a disability in France

• French regions
• French language
• Getting around
• Join the France Alumni network
• Finding work in France
• How to start a company in France

• Le séjour de recherche
• The role of Campus France
• The tools of Campus France for international researchers
• Research Labs
• Mapping French research
• Outstanding French researchers
• Overview of French research by field
• Excellence of French research in videos
• Accueil des étudiants et des chercheurs en exil

• What is involved in a Doctorate in France?
• Doctoral Schools directory
• PhD subjects
• Pre-Doctorate programmes
• How to enrol in a Doctorate
• How to finance your Doctorat (PhD)
• Use the "Research" portal

FAQ – Doing my Doctorate in France

• Study in a Post-Doctorate in France
• Join a summer school
• Come to France with the status of invited professor

• Reception programmes and doctoral student associations
• Apply for your visa / Validate your residence permit
• Prepare for your arrival in France
• Finding accommodation in France
• Social Security for doctoral students and researchers
• Living in France

• Programs with Sub-Saharan Africa countries
• Programs with Asian countries
• Programs with European countries
• Programs with Oceania countries
• Programs with American countries

• Campus France missions
• Campus France organisation
• Campus France activities by geographic area
• Events organised by Campus France
• Public procurement
• Mobile applications

• Operation and governance
• Joining the Forum
• Member benefits
• Committees and workshops
• Updating your information online

• France Alumni network
• European projects
• Choose France, La stratégie d'attractivité des étudiants internationaux
• The French+Sciences program

• Campus France expertise
• Make Our Planet Great again
• Le programme « Partenariats avec l’enseignement supérieur africain »
• Le programme de bourses IsDB-France
• Pakistan: Higher Education Commission scholarships programmes
• Les bourses pour les étudiants français ou résidant en France

• L'accueil des étudiants internationaux
• Label Bienvenue en France
• Nos événements
• Le réseau des responsables de l'accueil
• L'accueil des étudiants réfugiés et en exil
• L'accueil des étudiants en situation de handicap
• Les mémos de Campus France
• Afrique du Sud
• Burkina Faso
• Congo - Brazzaville
• Côte d'Ivoire
• République Démocratique du Congo
• Corée du Sud
• Ouzbékistan
• Philippines
• Territoire de Taïwan
• Biélorussie
• République tchèque
• Royaume-Uni
• Arabie Saoudite
• Émirats arabes unis
• République dominicaine
• Resources center

Below are all of the answers to your questions about doing a Doctorate in France: duration, content, admission requirements, how it works, legal and administrative framework, etc.

Doing a Doctorate in France

How long does a Doctorate take?

In France, it takes three to six years to complete a Doctorate, depending on the field, although there is no legal time limit. In the natural and technological sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, etc.), it usually takes three years and can be extended for a fourth year. In the social sciences and humanities (law, management, sociology, history, etc.), it usually takes four to five years.

During the first three years, re-enrolment is virtually automatic at the start of each academic year. After that, each year you will have to submit a file to reassure your doctoral school that you can complete your thesis within the time frame in order for your re-enrolment to be approved.

What is a doctoral school?

Doctoral schools are attached to a university or Grande Ecole , and are dedicated to supervising and teaching doctoral students. The work is conducted in conjunction with a research laboratory and under the authority of a thesis supervisor. They also supervise the enrolment and re-enrolment of doctoral students in their host institute.

What is a doctoral college?

A doctoral college includes all of the doctoral schools at a single university. It lays out the general policy for the organisation of the Doctorate within each institution.

Does a Doctorate give you ECTS credits?

With a few exceptions, French universities do not award ECTS for a Doctorate. The Doctorate is not generally considered training in and of itself but rather a research apprenticeship.

What degree will I be awarded at the end of a joint Doctorate?

At the end of a joint Doctorate, you receive two degrees : one from each institute you were enrolled in. Each degree nonetheless states that your Doctorate was completed in both establishments. It is possible, but rare, to receive a joint degree , bearing the names and logo of each institute.

Gaining admission to a Doctorate

What degree is required for admission to a Doctorate in France?

To be accepted for a Doctorate, you must hold a Master's degree or equivalent (national degree conferring the level of master). You can also demonstrate research experience or a five-year Bachelor's to the doctoral school in which you wish to enrol in order to have certain requirements waived and be authorised to enrol.

How to find a research laboratory

To find a research laboratory in your field, check our directory of doctoral schools . Use key words or field to narrow your search and select a doctoral school. The "Laboratories" tab then lets you scroll through the list of research laboratories associated with the selected school.

When do I have to apply?

Doctorate offers are generally published in January, and state an application deadline between April and May for the start of the academic year in September of the same year. Some are occasionally published during the year. Register on our search portal and create e-mail alerts so you don't miss an offer.

When does the academic year start and stop?

The academic year starts in September and lasts until the end of August. Classes take place between September and June. During the summer holidays, there is less activity and most doctoral schools are closed in August. Nonetheless, in a Doctorate, especially if you have a doctoral fellowship , you aren't subject to the academic timetable. In general, you have the right to five weeks of holidays that you can take throughout the year.

What are the admission requirements for a Doctorate?

Each doctoral school and thesis supervisor have their own admission requirements. The main requirement is your ability to complete the research. You will have few classes to take in a Doctorate and you must above all be independent: you will have to work on your own on a specific topic, within a laboratory and liaising with a team.

You will be selected for your ability to find information by yourself and to draft and implement a research protocol. If you have already authored or co-authored a paper, presented results in a conference or completed a long internship within a research laboratory, don't forget to mention it on your CV.

Do I first have to do a Master's internship in a laboratory?

It is not a requirement to complete a Master's internship in a laboratory. In the natural and technological sciences, it's an advantage when applying for a Doctorate. It will help you become familiar with the world of research, and eventually be noticed by your future thesis supervisor.

What is involved in a Doctorate

What is a doctoral fellowship?

A doctoral fellowship is a work contract specifically for doctoral students. It lasts three years, and can be renewed for one additional year twice at most. The doctoral student's net salary is approximately 1,350 to 1,400 euros per month in 2017. It can be higher when you perform additional activities.

Do I need a work contract or doctoral fellowship to enrol for a Doctorate?

A doctoral fellowship is not required to enrol in a Doctorate. Only a few research institutes do not accept unfunded doctoral students. Nonetheless, you will feel more at ease if you are under contract. Just like with every work contract, you will then qualify for unemployment benefits when it terminates and you will contribute to your pension if you are a European national. Doctoral fellowships are very frequent in the natural and technological sciences, much less so in the social sciences and humanities.

Can I do a Doctorate with a grant?

Generally, yes. Some research institutes do not accept doctoral students with grants. Generally speaking, your grant must be enough so that you can live and work under good conditions. Those with grants must also be able to take out health insurance and public liability insurance.

Each doctoral school determines the minimum amount of funding required for enrolment in a Doctorate at that school. It generally varies from 1,000 to 1,400 euros per month. If your grant is less than that, your laboratory must be able to pay you an additional amount that will ensure you receive the minimum amount required by the Doctoral school.

If I do my Doctorate within a research institute such as the CNRS, CEA or INRA, will I also be enrolled in a university?

Yes, as research institutes are not authorised to award degrees. You must therefore enrol in the university that is the partner of your research institute so that your Doctorate will be certified by the State.

What is a sandwich Doctorate?

A doctoral stay, called a "sandwich Doctorate", is when you spend time in a different university than the one you are enrolled in. For example, if you do a Doctorate at Yale University and you come to spend six months in a research laboratory at the University of Rheims.

There are two types of sandwich Doctorates. As part of a joint Doctorate, you must be enrolled in both a university in your country of origin and a French university. As part of a simple sandwich Doctorate, you generally won't need to enrol in the university , but it is recommended that you inform the doctoral school of your presence.

What is the difference between a Doctorate (PhD) and a DBA?

Some schools, in particular in management, award DBAs ( Doctorate in Business Administration ). These DBAs are outside the academic structure and are not certified by the French State.

A DBA associates classes and applied research. The objective of a DBA is that students apply theoretical knowledge in order to improve their professional practice. The first year is spent on training and a review of the scientific literature on the student's research subject. The following years are spent on writing a thesis and doing practical work. Some management schools offer a DBA falsely entitled PhD.

To obtain a Doctorate certified by the French State, you must be enrolled in a doctoral school and have conducted research that significantly adds to our knowledge.

Additional questions

Can I do my Doctorate in France without speaking French?

In theory yes, but it varies depending on the field. In the natural and technological sciences, it is generally entirely possible to conduct your research, write your thesis and correspond in English with your thesis supervisor and colleagues. In the arts and humanities, on the other hand, it's much more difficult. Find out for your particular case from your doctoral school.

Will my medical costs be covered while I am doing my Doctorate?

If you have a work contract, doctoral fellowship or other contract, you are automatically registered for general Social Security. Your employer pays your contributions for you.

If you do not have a work contract you must register for Student Social Security at the same time while you enrol at the university. 

On average, Social Security reimburses 70% of medical expenses. For better coverage, you can take out complementary health insurance.

Related contents

Follow the main steps to come study in France

PhD student

• Faculty member
• Entrepreneur

By clicking on continue , you will visit the website of École Polytechnique, one of the founding schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

By clicking on continue , you will visit the website of ENSTA Paris, one of the founding schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

By clicking on continue , you will visit the website of Ecole des Ponts, one of the founding schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

By clicking on continue , you will visit the website of ENSAE Paris, one of the founding schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

By clicking on continue , you will visit the website of Télécom Paris, one of the founding schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

By clicking on continue , you will visit the website of Télécom SudParis, one of the founding schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

The PhD student community at a glance

• 950 PhD students
• 230 post-doctoral fellows

By pooling the disciplinary expertise and research facilities of its five founding schools, the Institut Polytechnique de Paris offers ideal conditions for researchers and future researchers. Pursuing a PhD at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris means benefitting from optimal support to innovate and expand the frontiers of knowledge. The internationally-recognized doctoral degree opens up high-level career opportunities in both the public and private sector.

PhD Students

Useful information:

• Scholarships

AMR Seminar: Interdisciplinary approaches to antimicrobial resistance

Distributed intelligence 2024 cieds challenge: "control a swarm of drones for rescue missions", call for cieds projects, wave 2025: « mobilise your research for the benefit of defence and security », workshop biology of cancer cells 2024, institut polytechnique de paris consolidates its governance and integrates ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées, new statutes for ip paris and integration of ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées, ip paris receives two qs awards: employability and global engagement champions, call for projects "prématuration ip paris" 2024: discover success stories and become the innovator of tomorrow, institut polytechnique de paris joins the udice group universities, optimizing prostheses for disabled long jumpers, 3rd place for ip paris in the national final of the ma thèse en 180 secondes competition.

• Current page 1

Financial benefits

• PhD students will receive a salary of 1,684 €/month including health coverage and social benefits, which represents 1,422 €/month net salary.
• In addition, they will be granted by their host laboratory a bonus of 10,000 € which can be used to buy a computer and books and to attend conferences and summer schools.
• Daily commuting through the Ile de France public transportation network will be subsidized to 50% of the full costs.
• Access to the student cafeteria will be subsidized.

Educational training program

Academic program . PhD students registered at Sorbonne University will be offered a large choice of training modules to strengthen their academic expertise as well as their soft skills. Please consult the catalogue here (note that training modules that are offered in English are marked with the English flag🇬🇧). PhD students will be invited to formulate a (non-binding) individual training plan for the duration of their PhD.

Scientific training. The i-Bio program will organize monthly seminars, journal clubs, oral presentation workshops, biennial retreats, as well as one or more annual summer schools designed to fit the interests and needs of PhD students (see here).

Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) . Each year, the PhD student will meet with a TAC which follows his/her progress and identifies potential difficulties. The TAC will also offer guidance if needed.

Charter of Doctoral Training and Ethics guidelines . This charter defines the respective rights and obligations, as well as the reciprocal undertakings, of the doctoral partners, in order to ensure quality. The national ethics guidelines aim to define the criteria for good and ethical science. Related documents can be found here .

Graduate officer Valérie Goguel: [email protected]

Support PSL

PSL PhD Tracks

Highly selective and entirely taught in English, PSL PhD tracks are 5-year fully funded programs intended for high-potential students hoping to become top level researchers, in France or abroad. Through its PhD Track Grants, PSL will support outstanding students for the entire duration of their graduate studies, from their Master’s to the completion of their PhD.

The PSL PhD tracks are structured along the lines of models in the world’s top universities, with a strong international focus and funding provided from Master’s to Doctorate. Students are immersed in the environment of excellence of the PSL graduate programs (top level facilities and academic teams, international partners, elective courses, etc.) | Download the brochure   |

Key figures

Why sign up for psl phd track.

Research track from Master’s year 1   

Close supervision and customized curriculum   

International scientific environment  

Funding for 5 years

PSL is renewing its call for applications for its PhD track programs of excellence. These are 5-year programs, fully funded and intended for high-potential students hoping to become top level researchers in the public or private sector, in France or abroad.  

The PSL PhD Track grant is €10,000 / year for one or two years at Master’s level then the equivalent of a doctoral contract based on French legislation (see details in the Funding tab).

• After the first 2 years of the program a Master’s degree is awarded. Students are supervised by an academic tutor; they build their own scientific project and acquire the tools needed to carry out an ambitious research project.
• The next 3 years are spent entirely on the research project and culminate in the PhD degree awarded by Université PSL.

PSL PhD tracks for September 2025 intake: (Click on each PhD track for more details)  

Find out more about PSL other fully funded PhD programs:

• International selection (ENS-PSL)  | Sciences & Arts/Humanities
• Phd program in Cognitive science  
• Phd program in Finance

Who we look for? The admission criteria common to all PSL PhD Tracks are as follows: academic excellence, quality of the research project, command of English (level C1 recommended).  Previous experience in a research laboratory is highly recommended.

Admissions calendar

•    Application submissions: 17 october - 12 december 2024  (11:59 pm CET time) •    Interviews with eligible candidates: January - February 2025 (depending on the PhD track concerned) •    Admission results: February - March 2025 (depending on the PhD track concerned) Note: the admissions procedure for the PhD track (5-year course) and the admissions procedure for the Master’s degree (2 years) are 2 distinct processes. Applicants may apply in parallel for both programs (PhD track and Master’s) according to the admissions calendars. As the PhD tracks are highly selective, applicants are strongly advised to apply for both programs (PhD tracks and Master’s).

Application procedure Based on an application package (to be submitted online from 17 October 2024  on the PSL portal ) and interview.  Eligible candidates will be invited for an admissions interview (remote). These interviews will be held in English.

Application package  All documents must be submitted in English. Only complete applications submitted within the deadlines will be considered by the committee. Applicants should submit the following documents: 

• Academic CV 
• Transcripts and diplomas from each higher education institution / university attended (Bachelor and Master if applicable).  One unique pdf for all your documents. You can use pdf-merge website for example.
• Statement of purpose  (In English, strict 1 page limit) The purpose of this document is to explain who you are and what you expect from your postgraduate studies. Give details about your interest in the field and your career goals. You can use this document to clarify anything unusual in your CV or your transcripts. One page maximum.
• Research project (/statement)  (In English, 1 to 2 pages) A research project is a short document that provides a brief history of your past research experience, the current state of your research, and the future work you intend to complete. It should present the context of your work first, then show how it contributes to extend other ongoing work. You should present a structured research project showing your commitment and describing what you plan for the future of your research if you join a PSL PhD track.
• Proof of English proficiency , level C1 (compulsory proof required if English is not your mother tongue) The language prerequisites specific to each PhD track are detailed on the applications portal. In general: - If your first language is English or if you have earned a higher education diploma (BA, MA) in an English-speaking university, you should include a statement to this effect. - If not, you should include the official results from a recent test of English, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS. If you have no recent official results, you can submit some older test results provisionally. This will not detract from the assessment of your application, but we reserve the right to ask for more recent official results later in the selection process.
• References: contact details (name, position title, email) of at least two academic referees.

More information regarding the statement of pupose and the research statement in the "FAQ" tab.

Eligibility requirements   In order to apply to a PSL PhD track, applicants must meet the entry requirements specific to the Master’s degree concerned, as described on the program website. In particular, irrespective of the PhD track concerned, applicants should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or any other diploma equivalent to 180 ECTS credits (High school diploma + 3 years equivalent) (or be in the final year of preparing such a course in the year they apply).

For students already enrolled at PSL and who satisfy the criteria listed below: in addition to the general admission requirements, only students enrolled in Year 3 of a Bachelor’s degree or in a Master’s degree that is not part of the targeted Graduate Program are eligible. In other words, note the following 3 cases: o    Student in Bachelor’s Year 3 at PSL, whatever the degree course -> eligible to apply o    Student in PSL Master’s degree outside the Graduate Program concerned -> eligible to apply o    Student in PSL Master’s degree included in the Graduate Program concerned -> not eligible to apply

A PhD Track grant provides funding of €10,000 per year of enrollment in the Master’s degree, then the amount currently in force according to the decree of 29 August 2016 setting the amount of remuneration for a contractual PhD student on a 3-year doctoral contract (Minimum gross salary of circa €2,200/month). Funding for the Master’s degree is a gratuity granted directly to the student; the doctoral contract is an employment contract within the meaning of the regulations in force. Thus the PhD student receives a salary that entitles him or her to benefits and is subject to social contributions. The PhD student is considered as an employee for the duration of the contract.

In addition to the grant, students in 2025/26 will also have the following support services to help them settle into PSL and Paris:

• 3 months of online FLE courses (French as a foreign language) provided free of charge to non-French-speaking students
• Assistance in their search for accommodation in Paris by the PSL Housing Service  
• For international students, administrative support and assistance are available from the PSL Welcome Desk (residence permits, health insurance, opening a bank account, Buddy Program, language exchange, etc.)
• Access to PSL’s free healthcare services, including the remote consultation service

Tuition fees, as well as the cost of housing, transport, and living expenses in general are paid by the student. 

Admissions & prerequisites

• The Master’s degree is a two-year program 
• The PhD Track is a five-year, funded and research-oriented program, including a Master’s degree* and research internships, then a Doctorate. You will obtain a Master’s degree then a PhD degree. These 2 diplomas will be awarded by Université PSL.

* When you apply to the PhD Track, you will be asked to choose the Master’s course that you want to follow for the first 2 years of the course (see list of eligible Master’s degrees).  

Absolutely. Given the very high selectivity of the PhD Tracks, it is strongly recommended that you apply for the Master’s degree in parallel if you are interested in both programs. Look at the page of the Master’s degree that you are interested in for the application calendar and how to apply.  

The PhD Track is a 5-year course associated with a PSL graduate program . The graduate programs follow the model of the “graduate school” in international universities, and consist of an entity (School) that contains research laboratories, academic teams, training programs, etc. The PhD tracks are specific training courses within a graduate program.

The PSL PhD Tracks are intended for high-potential students hoping to become top-level researchers in the public or private sector. If you are passionate about research and you want an international career, you are ideal for the PhD track program.   

The admission criteria common to all the PSL PhD Tracks are as follows: academic excellence, research project, command of English (C1 level) .  

No personal proof is required for this purpose. The admission criteria are exclusively academic.  

Certainly, if you speak English fluently. All courses are taught in English.

Level C1 is strongly recommended. Supporting documents are not compulsory for all PhD tracks (see what documents are required in the application portal). Note that interviews with eligible candidates take place in English and allow the jury to assess your oral level.  

Certainly. However, note that many applicants already have a Master’s degree.

Yes, if you are preparing the last year of an undergraduate diploma in the year you apply for PhD Tracks. You should upload the most recent transcripts you have available to the applications portal. If you have graduated, you will then be asked to produce your diploma when you enroll.

Admission procedure 2025

•    Application submissions: 17 october - 12 december 2024  (11:59 pm CET time) •    Interviews with eligible candidates: January / February 2025 (depending on the PhD track concerned).  These interviews will be held in English. •    Admission results: February / Early March 2025

• Transcripts and diplomas from each higher education institution / university attended One unique pdf for all documents. You can merge them with pdf-merge for example.
• Research statement (In English, 1 to 2 pages) This project should clearly define your interests within your area of research and specialization. You should present a structured research project showing your commitment and describing what you plan for the future of your research if you join a PSL PhD track.
• Proof of English proficiency , level C1 (proof not compulsory but recommended) The language prerequisites specific to each PhD track are detailed on the applications portal. In general: - If your first language is English or if you have earned a higher education diploma (BA/BS.c, MA) in an English-speaking university, you should include a statement to this effect. - If not, you should include the official results from a recent test of English, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS. If you have no recent official results, you can submit some older test results provisionally. This will not detract from the assessment of your application, but we reserve the right to ask for more recent official results later in the selection process.

The research project  must be written in English and not exceed 2 pages. A research project is a short document that provides a brief history of your past research experience, the current state of your research, and the future work you intend to complete. It should present the context of your work first, then show how it contributes to extend other ongoing work. It should be written for an audience of other professionals in your field. Make sure that your statement is clearly tied together. Show a progression. What is the primary question that you have tried to address over the course of your internships and work experience? Why is this question important to the field? How has each stage of your work related to that question?

The statement of purpose  must be written in English and not exceed 1 page. A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate program application. It tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the GP you’re applying to. The statement of purpose reflects not only who you are as a candidate but your writing abilities and qualifications as well. A good personal statement should contain: your personal motivations for applying to the program, your accomplishments and success-stories, the challenges you’ve faced and overcome.

The PSL PhD Track grant is €10,000 / year for one or two years at Master’s level then the equivalent of a doctoral contract based on French legislation.

The combining of funding with other grants will be examined on a case by case basis by the jury of the Graduate Program concerned, which will determine whether the 2 funding methods are compatible.

Note in particular that students who have also been awarded an Eiffel scholarship may not combine the 2 grants during the 2 years of the Master’s degree. However, the Eiffel scholarship can replace the Master’s grant provided in the PSL PhD track for the first two years of the program (until the start of the doctoral studies). 

The PhD tracks are 5-year courses. As a rough guide, below are the provisional annual amounts for enrollment fees, based on the rates in force in 2024/2025. Note that the grant awarded to students on the PSL PhD tracks does not include these annual enrollment fees.

In addition to these fees is the “Contribution to student and campus life” (CVEC) of around €103 / year. There are several exemptions available.  I nformation

International students

The PSL Welcome Desk & Euraxess Center assists international students and researchers across all PSL schools. Their team is available to help you prepare your arrival and manage non-academic administrative processes throughout your time with Université PSL. Please visit their web page for detailed information about entry requirements, residence permit, social security, health insurance, housing, and other daily life matters. The PSL Welcome Desk also offers social and cultural outings, including a Buddy Program and Tandem Partner Program .

Please feel free to schedule an appointment or email them with your questions! 

The PSL Welcome Desk will help you at every stage, to advise you, guide you and ensure that your arrival in Paris and at PSL goes smoothly:

• Before you arrive - For   the main administrative formalities (visa, CVEC, transport, etc.) and put you in touch with other PSL students via the Buddy Program “Partner@PSL”.
• When you arrive , come and see the Welcome Desk team during office hours to check out the next formalities that need to be completed: validation of your visa, registration with the French Social Security system, request for housing allowance from CAF, taking out home insurance, opening a bank account, etc.
• During the university year : don’t hesitate to contact the PSL Welcome Desk for help with medical reimbursements or with finding a bilingual doctor. The international tutors can also give you a hand with finding a student job and following up on the renewal of your residence permit with the Prefecture.

Non-French speaking students can indeed follow FLE courses as part of their training at PSL. You will get all the information you need at the start of the academic year, at your host school.

More information about PSL

Contact: [email protected]

-- Next call for applications: October 17 to December 12, 2024 --