Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) is France’s highest-ranked university: in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026, it was 34th in the world and first in France. PSL brings together some of France’s most famous institutions in central Paris, including the École normale supérieure (ENS), Université Paris Dauphine, Mines Paris, ESPCI Paris and Chimie ParisTech, as well as research centres such as the Collège de France and the Institut Curie. It’s small, selective and research-intensive, with many programmes taught in English at master’s level.
Applying to a French university works very differently from applying in the UK or USA, and the route depends on your nationality, where you live and the level you’re applying for. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance at PSL, based on PSL’s own guidance and official French government information.
1. Decide what level and programme you want
Many international students come to PSL for a master’s degree or a PhD, where there are many programmes taught in English. PSL says it offers more than 20 master’s programmes and tracks taught entirely in English and up to 10 taught partly in English, in areas such as cognitive science, mathematics, physics, economics, AI and data science. At undergraduate level, most programmes are taught in French, but PSL also offers an International Bachelor of Science in AI, taught entirely in English. Start by listing the programmes that match your interests and checking their language of teaching.
2. Apply through the right platform
The platform you use depends on your programme and your situation:
- Bachelor’s programmes generally go through Parcoursup, France’s national platform. If you live in a country covered by the Études en France procedure and don’t have a French baccalaureate, you apply through your country’s Campus France platform instead. For the International Bachelor of Science in AI, PSL says Études en France applicants must apply between 1 October and 15 December 2026.
- Master’s programmes usually use PSL’s own online application portal, with deadlines set by each programme. For example, the Cognitive Science master’s (year 1) takes applications from 14 January to 24 February 2027.
Always check the programme page for the exact route and dates, and don’t miss the deadline: late applications are usually not considered.
3. Build an excellent academic record
PSL is very selective. For its AI bachelor’s, it expects an excellent level in mathematics, with an advanced high-school maths curriculum, and a strong record in all subjects. For master’s programmes, you’ll need a strong first degree in a related subject. Admissions committees look closely at your transcripts, the progression of your results and the reputation of your previous institution, so ask for official transcripts and translations early.
4. Write a focused, personal motivation letter
Your covering letter, or statement of purpose, is often the most important part of a PSL master’s application. The Cognitive Science master’s, for example, says that your covering letter matters much more than any optional writing sample. Explain why you want this specific programme, which courses and research areas interest you, what you’ve done so far and what you want to do next. Be specific and honest. See our 50 sample SOPs for ideas on structure.
5. Show your interest in research
PSL is a research-intensive university, and many master’s students go on to PhDs. Mention any research experience you have, such as a dissertation, a research internship, a lab project or a publication, and explain what you learned. If you can, name a research area or a lab at PSL that interests you, and explain why.
6. Prove your language level
For programmes taught in English, PSL says students generally need at least C1 level, shown through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC or Cambridge certificates. Some programmes don’t require an official test at the application stage, but check yours. For programmes taught in French, non-French speakers generally need B2 or C1 on the DELF/DALF, TEF or TCF. Practise with our free IELTS and TOEFL practice tests.
7. Ask for strong references early
Most master’s applications ask for academic references. Choose professors who know your work well, give them plenty of notice and send them a short summary of your plans. Make sure they submit their references before the deadline, because an incomplete application may not be reviewed.
8. Understand the fees
PSL’s fees depend on the programme. For 2026–27, many PSL master’s programmes charge €255 a year for French and EU students and €3,950 for non-EU students who don’t receive an exemption, plus the €105 Student Life and Campus Contribution (CVEC). Some degrees cost more: the International Bachelor of Science in AI charges €19,500 a year for students who are tax residents outside the EU for the September 2026 intake, while fees for EU tax residents depend on household income. Since a government decree of 19 May 2026, French universities can exempt only a limited share of non-EU students from the higher national fees, so check the exact fee on your programme page.
9. Look for scholarships, including the ENS route
PSL says some of its degree programmes offer merit scholarships to international students, so contact your programme. Some master’s applicants, for example in Cognitive Science, are encouraged to also apply to become a fellow of the École normale supérieure (a “normalien”), which for foreign students comes with a monthly scholarship of around €1,000. Also look at French government scholarships such as Eiffel, scholarships from your own government, and the Campus Bourses database on the Campus France website.
10. Plan your visa and life in Paris
If you’re from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, you’ll usually need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). If you live in a country covered by the Études en France procedure, you apply for your visa through it after you’ve been accepted. You’ll need to show that you have enough money for your living costs, and you must validate your visa online after you arrive. Paris is expensive, so start looking for accommodation as soon as you’re admitted. After a master’s degree, you can usually apply for a one-year residence permit to look for work or start a business in France. Rules change, so check the French embassy in your country and Campus France for the latest advice.
Applying for a PhD at PSL?
PhD candidates at PSL usually join a research team in one of its member institutions and need a supervisor and funding. Many PhD positions are advertised by PSL’s doctoral schools and labs. Contact potential supervisors early with a clear research proposal, and see our sample SOPs and free GRE practice tests if you’re also applying elsewhere.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
PSL is one of the most selective universities in France, so apply to other strong options too. Read our guides to Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris-Saclay and ENS de Lyon. Our guide to studying in France explains how the French system works, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from Université PSL’s official programme and admissions pages, official French government sources and the QS World University Rankings 2027, and checked in October 2026. Admissions rules, deadlines, fees and visa rules can change, so always confirm the details on PSL’s education website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with Université PSL.