In this section, you will find the most frequently asked questions about the PRISM PhD programme. If your question is not mentioned in this list, please contact the management team at the following email address : contact@prism.psl.eu
Question : How can I apply to the PRISM PhD programme ?
Applications to the PRISM PhD programme are submitted online through the official website : www.prism.psl.eu. To begin your application, you must first create an account by accessing the “My Account” section on the homepage.
For detailed information about the application process, eligibility requirements, and required documents, please consult the “How to apply ? > Guide for Applicants” section.
Question : Where should I upload my cover letter for the PhD project ?
Your motivation for the PhD project(s) should be provided directly through the answers you give to the questions in the “PhD projects” section of the online application form.
For further information about the application process, please refer to the “Application Procedure” section of the Guide for Applicants.
Question : Should I contact the principal investigator of the PhD project I am interested in ?
Applicants may contact the PhD supervisor if they would like to obtain further information about the project. The supervisor’s contact details are available in the “Research Unit” section of each PhD project description.
PhD supervisors and co-supervisors are not involved in the selection process. Please note that applications must be submitted online through the PRISM website and not sent directly by email to the project supervisor. Supervisors and co-supervisors can only provide information about the project and answer questions related to the research topic ; they do not influence the candidate selection process.
Question : How is the jury composed for my interview ?
The interview jury is composed of at least six members, including :
• 3 experts in the scientific field related to the selected PhD projects : a representative from industry, an international expert, and a member of a national academy.
• a representative of the relevant doctoral school ;
• a member of the PRISM management team ;
• a Head of a Joint Research Unit at PSL University.
Question : I have started my application, but I do not have any English certifications, nevertheless, I do speak English. Is an English language certificate required to apply ? Can I upload digital copies of my certificates ?
An English language certificate is not mandatory to apply to the PRISM PhD programme. If you have one, you may upload it in the “Optional documents” section, together with any other relevant certificates or supporting documents. Digital copies of these documents are accepted.
Please note, however, that applicants are expected to have an English proficiency level of at least C1. In addition, all interviews conducted as part of the selection process are held exclusively in English. Therefore, candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English, even if they do not provide a formal language certificate.
Question : What salary can I expect as a PRISM PhD student ?
PRISM PhD students receive a net monthly salary of approximately €2,100 after national tax. This amount is paid after mandatory social security contributions (including health insurance, pension contributions, and other statutory deductions) have been withheld. Income tax (impôt sur le revenu) is also taken into account, although the exact amount depends on each doctoral student’s individual tax situation.
In addition to their salary, doctoral students may be eligible for a range of employer benefits, depending on their personal circumstances, including :
• family allowances, where applicable ;
• partial reimbursement of complementary health insurance (approximately €20 per month) ;
• reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a public transportation pass ;
• access to additional employee benefits, such as sports facilities, subsidized meals, cultural activities, and other social benefits.
Question : None of my referees have received an email request to submit a recommendation, what should I do ?
First, make sure you have selected the checkbox that triggers the recommendation request to be sent to your referees. Once this option is selected, an email invitation should be sent automatically.
If your referees still have not received the email, please ask them to check their spam or junk mail folder, as the message may have been filtered by their email provider.