Mines Paris has four campuses—Paris, Fontainebleau, Évry, Sophia‑Antipolis—each aligned with specific departments or labs. You study part in Paris, then may spend semesters or research time at other campuses depending on your major. This setup gives you exposure to varied settings, research projects, and regional industries.

Most undergraduate and engineering-cycle courses are in French, especially early on. As you move into master’s or specialized programs, many are offered in English or bilingual formats. To make the most of it, fluency or near‑fluency in French is important at the start; later on, English plays a bigger role, especially in research contexts.

There are several ways in: competitive exams after preparatory classes (CCMP), university-based master’s admission, and international tracks. The prep‑class route is classical and highly selective. Master’s admission paths tend to weigh GPA, motivation, and letters. International routes sometimes accept strong academic records from abroad. Regardless, it’s competitive—excellent transcripts, motivation, and sometimes language certificates matter.

You’ll need a CV, academic transcripts and diplomas, a strong statement of purpose explaining why Mines fits your goals, two academic references, proof of identity, and often proof of English (TOEFL/IELTS or prior English-medium study). Some programs may ask for GRE scores or evidence of research experience. Make sure translations are certified if originals aren’t in French or English.

From submission to decision, expect around 8 to 12 weeks. Interviews or oral exams may extend that—especially for international applicants. If you need a student visa, plan for extra time: receiving an offer, applying for a visa, securing housing, it all adds up. Start early, track deadlines, and get documents in order to avoid surprises.

Security teams monitor buildings 24/7, and access to most facilities requires a student or staff ID card. Emergency protocols—for fire, evacuation, medical—are clearly posted and regularly tested. First-aid kits are available, and personnel are trained. Psychological care is integrated into health services for mental safety too.

Students are encouraged to travel in pairs or groups in central Paris. The school provides advice on safe routes and public transport options. There’s no formal night shuttle, but partnerships with trusted ride services and awareness campaigns help. Housing in shared residences or near campus reduces the need for risky commutes.

There are confidential reporting channels. A student can reach out to the administration, student union, or a counselor. The school takes these reports seriously, with support systems in place via psychological services or external mediators. Students can also connect through the student associations for informal guidance or peer support.

The core engineering program starts with broad fundamentals in math, physics, and engineering. As you progress, you specialize in one of the 16 departments—energy, materials, geosciences, economics, computer science, and more. Master’s and PhD tracks focus on research, leadership, or technical mastery. Project‑based work is part of every year.

Yes, absolutely. Expect internships, labs, and capstone projects tied to industry partners. The student-run consultancy JuMP enters client assignments. There are sponsored chairs, collaborative research projects, and innovation labs where students co-develop solutions with companies like EDF, Renault, or TotalEnergies.

Transfers are possible but competitive. You’ll need to maintain strong academic performance, get departmental approval, and show clear motivation. Moving between campuses generally happens for specific master’s tracks or research labs. It's doable, but planning is key—advisors can help map out timing and requirements.

Mines Paris and PSL offer merit-based grants, mobility scholarships, and emergency aid. The foundation and alumni network sometimes offer zero-interest loans or grants. International students can access scholarships for exchange or research programs, and EU funding may apply. Awards are usually competitive and require strong academic or extracurricular records.

Yes, PSL provides mobility grants for international internships and research missions. Students can also tap into European funding or joint research scholarships affiliated with partner universities. Application windows are specific and tied to exchange timelines, so planning ahead is crucial.

Aid rarely covers full living costs—it helps with partial tuition, travel, or emergency needs. Paris is expensive, so most students combine grants with student jobs, shared housing, or external scholarships. The school helps locate housing, and student associations sometimes support part‑time job matching or shared expense solutions.

The main campus is in central Paris near the Latin Quarter. Fontainebleau, Évry, Sophia‑Antipolis serve specific departments or research labs. Paris life offers rich culture, networking, and social options. Outlying campuses bring quieter settings, regional research communities, and more affordable housing.

There's the student residence “La Meuh” with ~200 furnished rooms, a favorite for first-year students. Beyond that, PSL’s housing service connects students to university residences (like CROUS), private studios, and coliving offers. Shared apartments or rooms in Paris may cost more but come with neighborhood and transit advantages. Early application is essential.

The school offers guidance on finding accommodation, application steps, visa-related residency paperwork, and access to preferred landlords or platforms. Orientation often includes housing workshops. For international students, emergency housing options or short-term solutions may be available until long-term lodging is arranged.

Absolutely. Student visas normally allow up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week), and APS holders can work full-time. This is great for gaining experience and supporting living costs. A formal contract is needed, and you must adhere to the rules, but it’s a widely used and accepted pathway.

After graduation, international students can apply for the “Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour” (APS) which lets you stay in France for up to two years to work or find a CTO. You’ll need valid enrollment records, proof you graduated, and sometimes a job offer. The APS is renewable once.

Yes. The career center often facilitates administrative support, helps prepare visa documents like job contracts and employer letters, and connects students with advisors who understand French immigration regulations. Workshops also walk you through post-study residency rights.