ENS International Selection Scholarships 2027

The ENS International Selection Scholarships 2027 provide an opportunity for academically talented international students to pursue higher education and research-oriented training at École normale supérieure – PSL (ENS-PSL) in Paris, France.

The programme attracts students who have begun their university studies outside France and wish to develop their academic knowledge within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Through its International Selection competitive examinations, ENS-PSL welcomes students from different countries and academic backgrounds into its community of normaliens.

Selected participants pursue three years of advanced education, working towards a master's degree in their chosen discipline and the ENS graduate diploma.

The programme has two separate selection tracks.

Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Sciences, Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics.

Arts & Humanities: Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Cinema, Theatre Studies, History of Art, Musicology, Cognitive Sciences, Economics, Political Studies, Geography, History, History and Philosophy of Law, History and Philosophy of Sciences, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy and Sociology.

Students benefit from academic supervision, access to research resources and opportunities to explore disciplines beyond their main specialisation. Science students may also participate in laboratory-based research training.

The selection process consists of an initial assessment of academic applications, followed by remote admission examinations for shortlisted candidates.

Applicants must satisfy the requirements of their chosen selection track.

General Requirements

• Be under 26 years old on the opening date of applications, 16 October 2026.
• Have completed relevant university studies outside France.
• Have never previously applied to the ENS International Selection.
• Apply for one academic discipline offered within the chosen track.
• Meet the academic and France-related residence or enrolment restrictions applicable to that track.

Sciences Requirements

• Have completed at least one year of undergraduate university study outside France when applying.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the time of enrolment.
• Have not been registered at a secondary school or higher education institution in France for more than six months in total across the academic year of the competition and the preceding academic year.
• Have never previously applied to the International Selection.

Arts & Humanities Requirements

• Have completed, or be in the process of completing, the required three years of university study towards a foreign university degree.
• Provide complete university transcripts demonstrating the relevant academic study.
• Have not resided in France for more than ten months during the academic year of the competition or the preceding academic year.
• Have never previously applied to the International Selection.
• Have sufficient French-language ability to follow the relevant courses and examinations.

ENS indicates that applicants may apply during their third year of university studies.

Language Requirements

Sciences: No formal language proficiency level is prescribed. Depending on the department, teaching and admission interviews may be conducted in French or English.

Arts & Humanities: Students should be able to read and write French sufficiently to follow courses and examinations, approximately B1 level. An official language certificate is not required.

Successful candidates receive the following confirmed benefits:

• €1,000 Monthly Scholarship: A grant of €1,000 per month for 36 months, equivalent to €36,000 over three years.
• Campus Accommodation Access: Students may request a furnished room on an ENS-PSL campus, subject to availability and rent.
• Advanced Academic Education: Access to three years of multidisciplinary, research-oriented training.
• Master's Degree Pathway: Opportunity to complete a master's degree in the chosen specialisation.
• ENS Graduate Diploma: Additional academic training towards the ENS diploma.
• Academic Mentoring: Supervision and support from academic staff, including individualised training arrangements.
• Research Opportunities: Exposure to research activities and, where relevant, laboratory placements.
• French-Language Learning: Access to French courses, including intensive introductory lessons for international students.
• Academic Resources: Access to university learning facilities, libraries and departmental resources.

The official application documents differ between the two tracks.

Sciences Applicants

• High school diploma.
• University academic transcript.
• Updated CV or résumé.
• Motivation or cover letter of 1–3 pages, written in French or English.
• Between two and four academic recommendation letters, requested through the OnePSL30 platform.

The Sciences cover letter must explain the applicant's interest in ENS, chosen department, academic goals and intended course of study.

Arts & Humanities Applicants

• Updated CV or résumé.
• Motivation letter of 1–3 pages, normally written in French.
• Research project of up to three pages or 10,000 characters, including spaces.
• Bibliography containing ten relevant books, articles or literary works.
• University academic transcripts.
• High school diploma.
• Between two and four recommendation letters, requested through OnePSL30.

For Economics, Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences, the motivation letter must be submitted in both French and English. The research project may be written in French or English for these disciplines.

Documents Required After Admission

Successful applicants may subsequently need:

• Official university diplomas with certified translations.
• Translated and certified birth certificate.
• Three identity photographs.
• Documents for French student visa and residence-permit formalities.

The official ENS selection process considers:

• Outstanding academic performance and previous university achievements.
• Academic curiosity and interest in research.
• Ability to analyse, conceptualise and synthesise information.
• Knowledge of the chosen scientific or humanities discipline.
• Relevance and quality of the applicant's proposed academic or research project.
• Intellectual openness and motivation for multidisciplinary learning.
• Performance in competitive admission examinations.
• Strength of the applicant's academic profile and intended study pathway.

Admission Assessments

Arts & Humanities

• Written examination in French in the chosen discipline.
• Oral disciplinary examination.
• Interview covering academic background, motivation and proposed studies.

Sciences

• Scientific oral examination in the chosen discipline, potentially including a written preparatory component.
• Oral interview assessing scientific knowledge, academic curiosity and motivation.

• Study at a leading French higher education and research institution.
• Receive long-term financial support throughout a three-year academic pathway.
• Develop advanced knowledge within a specialised academic discipline.
• Gain exposure to interdisciplinary learning and research.
• Work with experienced academics and research supervisors.
• Obtain both a master's qualification and the ENS graduate diploma.
• Experience an international academic environment in Paris.
• Build a strong foundation for future research and doctoral studies.