All applications should be submitted via the PSL portal.

Application deadline: March 11, 2024

The Master in Cognitive Science has a single admission session in 2024, which will open on January 11, and close on March 11 (23h59 Paris time).

Application process 

The procedure requires an online application and interviews. 
The majority of applicants apply for the first year (M1). Their submission is evaluated by a panel selected based on the applicant's prior education. There are 45 slots available for M1.

Candidates with an M1 or equivalent may apply directly to the second year (M2). It is important to note that students entering directly into M2 in 2024 will be completing the program of the former "Cogmaster" (available here) and not the new ENS-PSL Master in Cognitive Science. There will be a maximum of 5 slots available for direct M2 entry.

In preparing your application, please include the following:

  • On-line application form
  • Résumé (CV)
  • All higher education grade transcripts and diplomas (with French or English translations, if originals are in another language)
  • Cover letter
    Your cover letter is a crucial component of your application. Although there is no preordained format, it should not exceed three pages. Good letters showcase your knowledge about the field and your commitment and interest in studying cognitive science. You do not need to reiterate what is already in your CV. Emphasizing your intellectual, scientific, or professional evolution is more important than detailing your personal experiences. Please indicate how your interests align with the strengths of our programme, and the courses you wish to follow. This helps us understand how you can fit in and benefit from studying in our master's program.
  • Writing sample
    Please upload a writing sample, such as a thesis or course essay, that demonstrates your writing abilities. If multiple individuals contributed to the piece, please specify your specific contributions.
  • Recommendation letters (at least 1).
  • Note that no official English test is required to apply.

Prerequisites 

This program is open to any student with a bachelor's degree in science or the humanities and a strong interest in cognitive science. A minimum level of English is required to follow the courses and take the exams. Knowledge of French is not required.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are set by ministerial decree (€334 in 2021/22).

Become a Normalien: apply to the ENS double degree and scholarship

Master's degree candidates are strongly encouraged to also apply to become a Fellow of the École Normale Supérieure, also known as a Normalien, a highly prestigious status in the French academic system with a number of very important benefits, including the virtual certainty of receiving a PhD scholarship after the Master's degree, and a scholarship of around 1000€ per month for foreign students. Additional details can be found here. 

There are two different entrance tracks to become a Normalien: (1) the "international selection" track, which is reserved for foreigners (non-French nationals), and (2) the "Normalien étudiant" track, which is open to all nationalities.

BEWARE!!! The application for the international selection track has an earlier deadline than the Master's application. ​​​​​​​Application procedure is here, and the deadline is December 11, 2023 (23h59, Paris time).

The deadline for the Normalien étudiant track, on the other hand, is later than the Master's application. It will be announced at a later date.