EPHE Diploma - Religious Sciences

This program benefits from the close and personalized supervision of a professor from the EPHE-PSL, who serves as the student's academic advisor. The diploma is completed in a minimum of two years and culminates in the writing of a dissertation on a topic approved by the academic advisor. The program is accompanied by theoretical instruction tailored to the student's needs within the framework of the courses offered by the EPHE-PSL. Students must therefore attend at least one lecture given by their academic advisor, at a rate of two hours per week, and may take other courses if they wish.

The EPHE Diploma may qualify students for admission to the doctoral program, subject to the approval of the relevant committee.

First-Year Registration

You must apply according to the following procedure:

Step 1: Contact a professor at the EPHE-PSL

At any time during the year, you can contact by email a professor whose specialty is closely related to the theme of your research project.

You will briefly present your motivations and research project. The professor will inform you if the degree you have chosen matches your profile.

Step 2: Apply (online application only – no paper application required)

Two sessions will be open this year.

• 1st session: from Tuesday, June 22th to Thursday, September 17th, 2026.
• 2nd session: from Tuesday, September 22rd to Thursday, October 23th, 2026.

Your application requires prior contact with a research supervisor (a professor from the EPHE-PSL's Religious Sciences Section), who will supervise your research project, and to obtain their written consent for your research project.
All applications for initial registration must be accompanied by a reasoned opinion from the professor who has agreed to supervise the candidate's work.
The research project template (2 pages) can be downloaded in the online application. You must complete it, and have it signed by the professor who agrees to supervise your research (the academic supervisor). Once it has been signed by your supervisor, this document must be uploaded to your online application.

    -> online application

Step 3: Administrative Registration

If the selection committee accepts your application, you will be invited to complete your administrative registration.

1) Pay the CVEC. Keep the proof of payment; it is mandatory. You will be asked for it to register.
2) Complete your administrative registration online via the Registration App (link available from mid-October).

Re-Register

Administrative registration is mandatory and annual. You can register via your student portal.

• For simple re-registration (from years 2 to 6), you must re-register via your student portal by attaching the annual registration form.
• For re-registration with an exemption (years 7 and 8), the re-registration request must be accompanied by the exemption form and the reasoned opinion of the Scientific Director of the Diploma. Please contact the administrator by email to receive the exemption request form for a final registration. If accepted by the commission, you will be authorized to register.

At the EPHE-PSL, the internationalization of our courses means that every student has the opportunity to undertake a study or internship mobility program.

The International Relations Department assists students in defining and implementing their projects, identifying the most appropriate financial instruments and schemes.

Holder of the “Welcome to France” label and the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 charter, the EPHE-PSL has also been welcoming a large and growing number of international students for many years.

Go to International relations

Download: Directory of financial mechanisms and instruments for international projects 

Who should you contact?   International Relations Department

Take an appointment by contacting the manager by email.