Are you aiming to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions? The ENS International Selection Scholarship (Selection Internationale) offered by the École Normale Supérieure (ENS – PSL) in Paris, France, provides extraordinary opportunities for international students seeking academic excellence in Arts, Humanities, and Sciences.
Whether you are looking for higher education scholarships, fully covered study abroad programs, or top master’s scholarships in Europe, this complete application guide breaks down everything you need to know: coverage benefits, simple eligibility criteria, step-by-step application procedures, document checklists, and crucial deadlines.
💡 What is the ENS International Selection Scholarship?
The ENS International Selection Scholarship is a annual competition organized by École Normale Supérieure (a constituent college of Université PSL in Paris). It aims to recruit around 20 outstanding international students (10 in Sciences and 10 in Arts & Humanities) every year.
Selected candidates receive three years of study at ENS, during which they complete a Master’s degree alongside the prestigious ENS Diploma. Scholarship winners earn a generous monthly grant and guaranteed low-cost on-campus housing in the heart of Paris.
Key Summary Overview
- Host Country: France 🇫🇷
- Host Institution: École Normale Supérieure (ENS – PSL, Paris)
- Degree Level: Master’s / Postgraduate Degree
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded / Monthly Stipend (€1,000/month) + On-Campus Housing
- Duration: 3 Years
- Target Audience: All non-French international students worldwide
💰 Types of Scholarships & Financial Benefits
Winning the ENS PSL Scholarship 2027 grants scholars access to one of the most lucrative financial assistance packages available for study in France fully funded scholarship seekers.
The key benefits include:
- Monthly Tax-Free Stipend: Scholars receive €1,000 per month for 36 consecutive months.
- Guaranteed Housing Support: Access to reserved student room accommodations on the ENS campus in Paris.
- Tuition & Academic Allowance: Full access to ENS facilities, research labs, libraries, and multidisciplinary academic courses without standard tuition barriers.
- ENS Diploma Status: Graduates are recognized as Normaliens, gaining access to prestigious European research networks, PhD grants, and global career opportunities.
🎓 Academic Fields & Major Subjects Offered
The scholarship is split across two major streams:
1. Arts & Humanities Stream
- Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies (Greek, Latin)
- Cinema, Theatre Studies, History of Art, Musicology
- Economics, Political Science, Geography, Sociology
- History, Philosophy, History of Sciences, Linguistics, Literature
- Cognitive Studies & Interdisciplinary Humanities
2. Sciences Stream
- Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences
- Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
- Cognitive Science & Complex Systems
📋 Simple Eligibility Criteria
To ensure your application is valid for the ENS International Selection Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit: You must be under 26 years of age on the day applications open (you must not have turned 26 prior to the start of the application window).
- Nationality: Open to candidates of all nationalities except French citizens. Dual citizens with French nationality are not eligible.
- Undergraduate Education: You must hold or be currently completing a university degree at an institution outside France. You must prove completion of at least 1-2 years of undergraduate study depending on your starting level, or 3 years for entry into the Master’s level.
- Residence in France Restriction: You must not have lived or studied in France for more than 10 months during the current academic year or the preceding year.
- First-Time Applicants Only: You must never have previously applied to the ENS International Selection competition.
📁 Required Application Documents Checklist
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format to the official portal. Ensure official translations (in French or English) are provided if your originals are in another language:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed academic CV.
- Passport / National ID: Clear scanned copy of identity pages.
- Academic Transcripts: Complete university level academic transcripts.
- High School Diploma: High school completion certificate / Baccalaureate equivalent.
- Motivation Letter & Study Project:
- Arts & Humanities: A study project written in French (1 to 3 pages long). Note: Economics, Linguistics, and Cognitive Studies projects may be written in English or French.
- Sciences: Study project and motivation letter can be written in French or English.
- Two Recommendation Letters: Submitted directly by university professors who know your work.
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for fully funded scholarships in Europe can seem complex, but following these steps keeps the process smooth:
- Online Account Creation: Create an account on the official ENS selection portal (OnePSL platform) during the open application window.
- Upload Documents: Complete your personal profile, attach all required PDF files, and register referee email addresses for recommendation letters.
- Application Review (Admissibility Phase): The academic jury reviews all dossiers and publishes a pre-selection shortlist online.
- Entrance Exams (Admission Phase): Shortlisted applicants undergo remote written and oral examinations (videoconference format) conducted by subject professors.
- Final Results & Enrollment: Successful candidates receive formal award letters, assistance with French student visa procedures, and accommodation allocation.
📅 Important Dates & Schedule (2027 Session Intake)
Keep these deadline dates marked to ensure your file is processed on time:
| Phase / Action | Arts & Humanities Timeline | Sciences Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | October 16, 2026 | October 16, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 15, 2026 (14:00 Paris Time) | December 15, 2026 (14:00 Paris Time) |
| Pre-selection Shortlist Published | January 21, 2027 | January 27, 2027 |
| Exams & Oral Interviews | Feb 15 – Feb 26, 2027 | Mar 3 – Mar 19, 2027 |
| Final Admission Results | From March 9, 2027 | From March 26, 2027 |
| Academic Program Start | September 2027 | September 2027 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS or TOEFL compulsory for the ENS Scholarship?
No official language test score (like IELTS or TOEFL) is mandatory. However, candidates in Arts & Humanities must demonstrate strong French fluency to take courses, while Science applicants must be fluent in English or French.
Does the scholarship cover international flight tickets?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,000, which students can use to cover personal living expenses, food, and air travel.
Can I apply if I am currently in my final year of Bachelor’s degree?
Yes! You can apply while in your final year of undergraduate study, provided you will complete your degree prior to enrolling in Paris in September.
🔗 Official Portal & Direct Application Links
Ready to take your academic journey to France? Visit the official ENS PSL portals below to submit your application file:
- Official ENS Selection Portal: ENS PSL International Selection Webpage
- University Main Portal: École Normale Supérieure (ENS – PSL)
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