Master’s degree candidates are strongly encouraged to also apply to become a Normalien at the École Normale Supérieure, a prestigious status in the French academic system.
Being a Normalien leads one to obtain a double degree (the Master’s program in cognitive science degree + the École Normale Supérieure degree), with relatively few additional requirements.
It also gives a number of very important benefits, through one of two tracks.
Normalien International Selection track
For foreign applicants only. Being a Normalien entails:
- A scholarship of around 1000€ monthly
- The right to have a student room at the École Normale Supérieure
- A very high probability of securing a PhD scholarship after the master’s program
Apply early. The application to the Normalien International Selection track takes place before the Master’s application. See the application procedure here.
Students admitted to the Normalien International Selection track will automatically be admitted to the Master’s program. However, International Selection candidates are encouraged to apply for the Master’s program in parallel on the PSL portal. The two processes are independent of each other and represent two parallel routes into our program, so dual application increases the chances of eventual admission.
Normalien University track
For both French and foreign applicants. Being a Normalien entails:
- The right to have a student room at the École Normale Supérieure
- Financial support for an internship abroad (or to pass the Cambridge Certificate)
- Virtually automatic access to a PhD scholarship
Application to the Normalien University track takes place after the submission of your Master’s application. You can find more information and deadlines here.
Important. To apply for the Normalien University track at the Master level, you must have previously applied for the Master’s program on the PSL portal. Otherwise, your application for the Normalien University track will not be considered.