PSL offers over 60 master’s programs and nearly as many undergraduate tracks, spanning six inclusive fields: life sciences, material sciences, cognitive science, economics, humanities and social sciences, AI and engineering. Many programs are taught entirely or partly in English, attracting 20‑25% international students. 90‑plus labs and research initiatives support this ecosystem, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary student engagement.

Selective varies by level: undergraduate programs—especially CPES and Sciences tracks—often see historic acceptance rates as low as ~4%, reflecting high demand. Graduate and international intake is more open, with overall rates ranging from ~70‑80% depending on program. That said, PSL emphasizes academic excellence—strong GPA, research aptitude, letters, and language skills are essential. Some programs accompany interviews or written applications, particularly in research-intensive master's tracks.

International applicants use the PSL application portal; French and EU applicants often use the national “Mon Master” platform. Timelines: international calls open in January each year, national in late February/March. Applications require academic transcripts, a CV, motivation letter or research proposal (if needed), and proof of language ability. Some specialized programs also require interviews or coding sample submissions. Once admitted, non-EU students continue with the Études en France pre-consular visa process.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (180–240 ECTS) ideally in a relevant discipline. Required documents include transcript(s), degree certificate or proof of upcoming graduation, CV, letter of motivation, letters of recommendation (typically two), and certified language certification (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF/DALF) depending on program language. Research-based programs may require a project proposal or portfolio. GRE or GMAT may be asked for certain engineering or economics tracks.

PSL programs are delivered in French, English, or bilingually. For English-taught programs, minimum TOEFL (iBT ~90) or IELTS (~6.5–7.0) is typical. French-language tracks require DELF/DALF B2 or better. Official certified scores must be submitted if mandated by the program, though some programs may invite conditional offers followed by clearance of tests before enrollment. Applicants are encouraged to check program details early since language standard may affect eligibility.

PSL campuses enforce controlled access via key cards or entry systems, staffed reception, and coordination with Paris public security. Buildings are monitored and well-lit. Emergency protocols exist—including rapid alerts for medical, fire or security incidents—as well as clear evacuation procedures. Neighboring campuses like Dauphine or ENS integrate internal security teams with municipal services. Students receive safety briefings at orientation, plus dedicated assistance for late-night travel and buddy systems.

PSL offers centralized preventive and psychological health services. Students can access confidential counseling in multiple languages, with professionals trained for student issues. The university supports peer mentoring, crisis intervention, and referral to external specialists if needed. Health and pastoral care systems work hand-in-hand to ensure student mental wellness and preemptive support for vulnerability or stress

PSL maintains emergency protocols in all facilities—fire alarms, evacuation plans, assembly points, trained staff, and incident escalation chains. Each site offers health and security information. For sexual harassment and serious incidents, PSL has designated reporting and helpline services, ensuring confidentiality and supportive procedures. They educate new students and staff about risk prevention and reporting, integrating respectful conduct and safety into campus culture.

Programs such as CPES (multidisciplinary undergraduate) and SACRe (doctoral level) encourage students to explore multiple fields—arts, social sciences, data science, engineering—within a unified framework. CPES offers a broad-year foundational year before selecting a specialization. SACRe merges artistic creation and scientific research at the PhD level. The result: students develop both depth and breadth, combining research labs, workshops, and cross-school modules in a tailor-made curriculum.

Yes. PSL offers over 40 tracks taught entirely in English, including fields like physics (ICFP track), materials science, quantum engineering, AI & society, life sciences, energy, sustainability. Some programs are partly English, partly French. International master’s applicants frequently choose these tracks. PSL also runs five-year PhD tracks taught fully in English designed for early-career researchers. Language thresholds are B2–C1 for admission, depending on the program.

Absolutely. PSL emphasizes flexible pathways: students can earn minors, take language modules, entrepreneurship courses, or certificate programs in digital humanities or sustainability. There are elective weeks like “PSL Week” where students from different programs exchange ideas. At master’s level, students often choose between M1 and M2 specializations or tracks, and may work across member institutions. Research internships, academic mobility, and capstone projects further personalize the academic journey.

Yes. Many master’s students are exempted from tuition fees under government and institutional funding schemes—especially EU and non-EU admitted cohorts from 2025 intake onward receive full fee exemption (except CVEC student life fee). PSL also administers merit-based grants, mobility scholarships, and research-top-up awards that cover monthly stipends (~€1,000/month), study materials or travel costs.

PSL students may apply for variety of aid: campus-based scholarships for academic excellence or social need, departmental or research grants, French government or EU mobility funds (ERASMUS+, Eiffel). Funding opportunities exist for doctoral candidates (PSL doctoral college), specific labs, or grand-international programs. Postgraduate students can also qualify for CROUS scholarships or external foundations if they meet eligibility criteria.

Yes. PSL offers fully funded PhD-track scholarships where students receive salary or stipend for full five-year track (year 1‑2 master + 3 years PhD). Additionally, competitive research grants like ERC Starting grants fund postdocs and early career researchers. Master’s programs sometimes offer dedicated funding for research-based tracks, including innovation labs or specific flagship programs such as Q‑Life or Scripta.

PSL’s facilities are spread across Paris—principally in the Latin Quarter and Montagne Sainte‑Geneviève, Jourdan campus, Porte Dauphine, northern Paris, Condorcet area, and Meudon (Observatoire). Students experience easy access to Parisian culture, cafes, libraries, and green spaces. Many campuses are within walking distance or a short metro ride of each other, fostering a city-wide academic network.

PSL provides around 800 beds in CROUS or partner residences across Paris and suburbs, with rents around €500–700/month. There are specially reserved options for international students via PSL Welcome Desk. Some member schools like Dauphine or Mines have dedicated dorms in nearby areas with easy commutes. PSL also connects students to private housing resources, roommate search platforms, and information on housing guarantees and deposits.

International students receive support from the Welcome Desk and PSL Housing Service. They get help with visa formalities, guarantee letters, campus integration, orientation, and housing paperwork. Peer mentors and buddy systems help with short-term stays, bank setup, transport navigation, and settling in. PSL also provides information on student insurance (“mutuelle”), Social Security registration, and essential administrative processes—ensuring new arrivals are supported from day one.

Yes. Non-EU students can apply for a post-study “APS” or “Titre de Séjour Recherche” under the “young graduate” scheme, which extends status for one year and may be renewed once. It allows job search or legal work up to full-time employment. PSL’s official status as a recognized institution simplifies this process. Graduates need sponsorship from a French employer or to prove job search/income criteria.

Non-EU students follow the Études en France (EEF) procedure post-admission to register pre-consular applications. Once accepted, students apply to their French consulate for a long-stay student visa. PSL provides confirmation letters, registration codes, and assistance via the Welcome Desk. Students must also register with French Social Security or show insurance proof. For PhD-track candidates (talent passport visa), PSL guides applicants through specialized doctoral visa routes.

PSL’s Welcome Desk offers step-by-step guidance for visas, residence permits, and renewals. Advisors assist with Études en France file submission, scheduling appointments, document checks, and translation help. PSL also helps with academic validation, scholarship-related administrative steps, and collaboration with CROUS for housing deposit letters. There's mentoring and documentation support for navigating French administrative bureaucracy, bank accounts, and healthcare registration.