ENS-PSL International Selection Scholarship 2027 | France Fully Funded Masters

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The ENS-PSL International Selection is a competitive scholarship program at École normale supérieure – PSL in Paris, France. It recruits exceptional international students for 3-year integrated study and research programs leading to a Master’s degree and the prestigious ENS diploma. The scholarship targets students from all countries who demonstrate outstanding academic results and research potential.

For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity to study at one of France’s most elite institutions with full financial support, including monthly stipend and housing.

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What the Scholarship Covers

The award provides comprehensive support for 3 years:

• Monthly grant: €1,000 paid monthly (first payment covers September–October; subsequent payments between the 5th–10th of each month)
• Campus accommodation: Guaranteed room on an ENS-PSL campus
• Training and research environment: Direct contact with exceptional researchers and access to multidisciplinary programs
• Integration: Full membership in the community of normaliens with associated benefits
• Outcome: Master degree in your specialty plus the diploma of École normale supérieure

Two Separate Tracks

Arts & Humanities Track

Available disciplines: Anthropology, Archeology, Classical studies (Greek, Latin), Cinema, Theater 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, Sociology.

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Key requirement: Fluency in French is strongly recommended, as most instruction and examinations are conducted in French. Candidates in Economics, Linguistics, or Cognitive studies must submit materials in both French and English.

Sciences Track

Available disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Earth science, Computing science, Mathematics, Physics, Cognitive sciences.

Language flexibility: Candidates may choose to answer in French or English during interviews.

Eligibility Requirements

Strict criteria apply. You must meet ALL conditions:

• Age limit: Under 26 years old as of the application opening date (must not have turned 26)
• Prior study in France: Must not have resided in France for more than 10 months (Arts & Humanities) or 6 months (Sciences) during the academic year of competition or the preceding year
• Academic level: Must justify at least one year of undergraduate studies at a foreign university; at enrollment, must have completed at least two years (Sciences) or three years (Arts & Humanities) toward a foreign university degree
• First-time applicant: Must not have previously applied to the International Selection (SI)
• Current students: You may apply if currently in your 3rd year of studies

Note: The Director of ENS may exceptionally authorize non-standard academic backgrounds.

Application Documents

Submit these via the OnePSL30 platform:

Arts & Humanities

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter (1–3 pages, Times New Roman 12pt, 1.5 spacing) – in French; Economics/Linguistics/Cognitive studies candidates also in English
• Research project (3 pages max, 10,000 characters) with bibliography of 10 important works – in French; Economics/Linguistics/Cognitive studies may use French or English
• University transcript (complete, all coursework)
• High school diploma
• 2–4 letters of recommendation (requested through platform)

Sciences

• High school diploma
• University transcript
• Curriculum vitae
• Argued cover letter (1–3 pages, Times New Roman 12pt, 1.5 spacing) in French or English, specifying interest in ENS, chosen department, and study plan
• 2–4 letters of recommendation (requested through platform)

Important: Do not use @icloud.com email addresses for yourself or referees. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No email submissions accepted.

Application and Selection Process

The competition occurs in two stages:

Stage 1: Application Review

Jury evaluates dossiers for academic excellence, research potential, and fit with ENS-PSL.

Stage 2: Remote Tests (Shortlisted Candidates Only)

Arts & Humanities:

• Written exam in French (discipline-specific) – Weight 1
• Oral exam in discipline – Weight 2
• Interview on academic background and project (20–30 minutes) – Weight 2

Sciences:

• Scientific oral test in chosen discipline (may include preparatory written component) – Weight 6
• Oral interview on scientific culture and motivation – Weight 3

All tests conducted remotely by videoconference. Dictionaries and personal documents are forbidden.

2027 Session Timeline

Admitted candidates receive visa documentation and preparatory information in Spring 2027, with administrative registration and scholarship setup in September 2027.

Pre-Program Activities

Admitted students participate in a comprehensive orientation:

• 1-day welcome event
• 3 weeks of conferences and debates in Sciences and Humanities
• Department visits
• Intensive French lessons
• Cultural visits of Paris
• Activities organized by ENS student associations

Tips for African Applicants

• Plan early: Contact referees well before the December deadline to ensure recommendation letters are submitted on time
• French preparation: Arts & Humanities candidates should prioritize French language acquisition; Sciences candidates benefit from basic French for daily life
• Research project: For Arts & Humanities, invest significant time in developing a focused, well-argued research proposal with precise methodology and relevant bibliography
• Transcript certification: Ensure all university transcripts are complete and prepare for eventual translation/certification requirements for September enrollment
• Visa timeline: Upon admission, immediately begin the “visa long séjour pour études” application process

Contact Information

Pôle Concours – Service des concours, de la scolarité et des thèses
École normale supérieure
45, rue d’Ulm
75230 Paris cedex 05 – France
Phone: +33 (0) 1 44 32 28 60

Official scholarship page: https://www.ens.psl.eu/en/academics/admissions/international-selection/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships