Fully Funded PSL Master and PhD Tracks in France for 2027 Intake
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- Age18 - 60
- GenderBoth
Opportunity criteria
- Opportunity FieldScience, Engineering and Architecture , Others
- Job locationFrance
- Deadline2026-12-14
Opportunity description
Université PSL invites applications for its fully funded PSL PhD Tracks, a five-year Master’s-to-PhD pathway in France for high-potential students pursuing research careers. The September 2027 intake offers tracks in Chemistry, Life Sciences, Astrophysics and Computer Science; applications are accepted from October 14 to December 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time.
About the PSL PhD Tracks Scholarship
The program combines two years of Master’s study with three years of doctoral research. During the Master’s phase, students receive academic supervision to develop a scientific project and build the skills needed for advanced research. After completing the first two years, they are awarded a Master’s degree. Their doctoral dissertation project must then pass a qualifying exam, with procedures varying by track, before they proceed directly to doctoral study. The final three years focus entirely on the research project and lead to a PhD awarded by Université PSL.
For the September 2027 intake, applicants can choose from four tracks: Chemistry, Life Sciences, Astrophysics and Computer Science. Applications will not reopen for the Physics, Engineering, Earth Sciences and Biodiversity, or Cognitive Sciences tracks for this intake. Applicants interested in those fields are encouraged to consider the regular Master’s admission process instead; those programs may sometimes offer financial aid or merit-based scholarships.
Admission begins with an online, document-based application through the PSL portal. Eligible candidates are invited to a remote interview conducted in English. Interviews are scheduled from January to March 2027, and results are expected from February to April 2027, depending on the track. Applications to a PhD Track and to a regular Master’s program are separate processes, and candidates may apply to both in parallel according to their respective calendars. Explore other scholarships, consult the study abroad guide by country, or browse the university guide.
Who Should Apply
The tracks are intended for academically strong students with a serious interest in research and the goal of becoming researchers in the public or private sector, in France or internationally. Previous experience in a research laboratory is highly recommended. Applicants should also meet the admission requirements of the relevant Master’s program. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, students in the final year of such a degree, and current or prospective Master’s students may apply, subject to the program’s entry rules.
Key Highlights
- Five-year integrated pathway: two years of Master’s study followed by three years of PhD research.
- All teaching is in English; eligible candidates interview remotely in English.
- Master’s grant: €10,000 per year for two years, paid over 10 months each year.
- PhD phase: a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,300 under a three-year doctoral contract.
- Application deadline: December 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
- Tuition, housing and transportation costs are not covered. First-year Master’s housing is guaranteed for 10 months, but students pay rent, the security deposit and home insurance.
Benefits
- Master’s grant of €10,000 per year for two years, paid over 10 months each year. The grant is awarded upon admission; no separate application is required.
- Minimum gross salary of €2,300 per month during the PhD phase under a three-year doctoral contract. Students are considered employees, are eligible for benefits, and their salary is subject to social contributions.
- Administrative and formalities support for international recipients through the PSL Welcome Desk, including residence permits, health insurance, opening a bank account and a buddy program.
- First-time enrollees are offered an airport meet-and-greet with an international tutor from the PSL Welcome Desk.
- Three months of free online French as a Foreign Language (FLE) classes for recipients who do not speak French.
- Access to the PSL language resource center and the PSL Welcome Desk language exchange program, the Tandem Program.
- Access to free healthcare services provided by Université PSL.
- Guaranteed housing for the first year of the Master’s program (M1), for 10 months. After admission is confirmed, students receive accommodation proposals in residences partnered with PSL. Students must pay the rent, security deposit, home insurance and related costs in full.
Eligibility criteria
- Academic excellence and the quality of the research project are common admission criteria.
- Previous experience in a research laboratory is highly recommended.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma representing 180 ECTS credits, or be in the final year of such a program when applying. Applicants who hold or are currently completing a Master’s degree are also eligible.
- Admission to a PSL PhD Track is only available from Master’s Year 1 for the full five-year program. Direct entry into Master’s Year 2 or PhD Year 1 within the track is not permitted.
- Applicants already enrolled at PSL must be in Year 3 of a Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in a Master’s degree that is not part of the targeted Graduate Program, in addition to meeting the other requirements.
- A very good command of English is required, with C1 recommended. Proof is compulsory if English is not the applicant’s mother tongue. Applicants whose first language is English or who earned a higher education diploma from an English-speaking university should include a statement confirming this. Other applicants should submit recent official results from a test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Older results may be submitted provisionally if recent official results are unavailable; PSL may request newer results later in the selection process.
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the relevant Master’s program as listed on that program’s website. Language prerequisites may differ by PhD Track.
- A complete application must be submitted in English and include an academic CV; transcripts and diplomas from each higher education institution attended; a statement of purpose of no more than one page; a research project or statement of one to two pages; proof of English proficiency when applicable; and contact details for at least two academic referees, including their names, position titles and email addresses.
Ready to apply?
Fully Funded PSL Master and PhD Tracks in France for 2027 Intake