PSL University (Université PSL)

How PSL is put together

Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) was founded in 2010 by Paris grandes écoles and national research institutions. It is a public university made up of member schools that kept their own names and identities. They include the École normale supérieure, Université Paris Dauphine, Mines Paris, ESPCI Paris, Chimie ParisTech, the Paris Observatory, the École pratique des hautes études, the École nationale des chartes and arts schools such as the national conservatory of dramatic arts (CNSAD) and the Arts Décoratifs. The Collège de France and Institut Curie are associated institutions. Most sites are in central Paris, especially the Latin Quarter, with Dauphine in the 16th arrondissement.

Because PSL is a federation, its undergraduate offer looks different from a typical North American university. Many famous member schools recruit mainly at graduate level or through competitive exams after preparatory classes. The bachelor programs open to school leavers are a smaller, selective group, such as the multidisciplinary programs run across PSL and the Dauphine bachelor programs in economics, management and mathematics.

Teaching languages

Most PSL bachelor programs are taught in French. The PSL list of programs taught in English names one bachelor program taught fully in English: the International Bachelor of Science in AI. The Sustainability Sciences bachelor is mixed: about 40 percent of courses are in English in year one, rising to all courses in year three, and it lists both French and English requirements. Some Dauphine programs also include English tracks; their pages give the exact language levels. Where no level is stated, PSL says applicants are generally expected to have B2 or C1 English.

Applying and deadlines

PSL says most of its first-year bachelor programs are applied for through Parcoursup, the national platform. In the 2026 cycle, registration opened on 19 January, choices had to be entered by 12 March and applications confirmed by 1 April 2026. Expect similar dates for entry in 2027, and check the Parcoursup calendar once it is published. The drama diploma at CNSAD has its own audition process outside Parcoursup.

PSL has a separate page on admission procedures for international students. Read it before you start, because the route can differ for students who hold a foreign diploma and live outside the EU; some cases go through Parcoursup, others through Études en France. Students who completed a first year elsewhere can sometimes apply directly to second year.

What selective programs look for

PSL bachelor programs select on the full academic file: grades in the last years of high school, the rigour of the courses taken, and written statements. For a student from Canada or the US, an IB Diploma or a strong set of AP courses in mathematics and sciences helps a reviewer place your record. Some programs interview shortlisted candidates. PSL does not publish a fixed AP or SAT formula for these programs, so focus on demonstrating depth in the subjects closest to the program.

Costs and paperwork

Fees depend on the member school and the status of the program, and students from outside the EU may be subject to France differentiated fees unless an exemption applies. Look up the fee on the page of the specific program, together with the CVEC student life contribution. A French student visa is required for Canadian and US students; Campus France and the French consulate explain the process.

Preparing with StudyBrix

For the AI and mathematics-heavy programs, revise linear algebra and work through Python programming. For French-taught programs, start with the French A1 deck. The France guide explains the national system and visas.