Applications must be submitted online in English and include all required supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. It will not be possible to submit any applications after the call deadline of 31 October 2026.
To ensure you can complete your application before the deadline, we recommend preparing the following in advance:
1. Request Your Reference Letters
Two reference letters from previous teachers or supervisors are required. These letters should assess your motivation and potential to pursue doctoral research.
We strongly encourage you to contact your referees as early as possible to allow them sufficient time to prepare and submit their letters.
How it works:
• During the online application, you will be asked to provide the contact details of two referees (first name, last name, title, and email address).
• Each referee will automatically receive an email inviting them to upload their reference letter directly to the application platform.
• Reference letters remain confidential and cannot be accessed by applicants.
2. Prepare Your Academic Documents
Please gather the following documents - Documents not originally issued in English must be translated into English by either the awarding institution, or a certified/sworn translator:
• Master’s degree (or equivalent postgraduate degree)
• Academic transcripts/grades covering the previous three years
3. English language certificate
Applicants who are not native speakers of English must provide proof of C1-level English proficiency. Please make sure you obtain your certificate before submitting your application.
A. International curriculum vitae: with details of training curriculum, professional experience & skills.
B. Motivation questions: Complete all motivation questions available in the online application portal.
C. Supporting documents which should be uploaded in the end of the application:
• Copy of the Master’s degree or or equivalent/postgraduate degree, translated into English by the awarding institution or a sworn translator.
• Grades: Academic transcripts translated into English by the awarding institution or a sworn translator.
• English language certificate (for non-native English speakers)
• 2 reference letters submitted by your referees
• Signed Mobility Rule Declaration stating that you have not resided or carried out your main activity (work or studies) in France for more than the permitted period during the three years preceding the application deadline
• Any additional supporting documents relevant to your application (e.g. career breaks, distinctions, prizes, awards)
Copies of documents are sufficient for the application process. However, applicants selected for recruitment will be required to present the original documents before joining the programme.
The following templates are available for download:
• CV Template: This document is intended to help you prepare your CV by outlining the relevant sections and the detailed information expected for your application. This template is provided as a guide and does not represent a mandatory format. Applicants are welcome to use their own CV template if they prefer.
• Mobility rule sworn statement
Your cover letter should explain your interest in the PRISM PhD programme and demonstrate your motivation for joining PSL. It should also describe your long-term academic and professional ambitions.
In particular, your motivation statement should address:
- how you plan to develop the PhD project(s) for which you are applying;
– your motivation for joining the programme’s 3i dimensions (international, intersectoral, interdisciplinary);
– your interest in the research environment at PSL university;
– how your profile matches the requirements of PRISM programme;
– the personal and professional qualities that make you a strong candidate.
Please note that for each chosen PhD subject, applicants will need to explain their motivation.
For detailed instructions on the application process, please consult the Guide for Applicants, available in the "How to Apply?" section.