International Strategy
EPHE-PSL, an institution open to the world
The École Pratique des Hautes Études – PSL (EPHE-PSL) encourages specialisation in rare disciplines, transdisciplinary approaches, the dissemination of knowledge, and strong links between research and teaching. This shared culture connects its faculty, researchers and partners in France and overseas.
True to its mission, EPHE-PSL provides research training to students while adapting to the evolving landscape of French and global science. It has built a broad international network. 33% of master's students and 45% of doctoral students are international, and it welcomes many foreign colleagues each year.
EPHE-PSL is anchored in 21st century challenges and follows a three-part international strategy:
- The UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (adopted by France in 2015).
- French government policies on higher education, research, innovation, attractiveness, and international solidarity.
- PSL University's 2020-2025 international strategy, in which EPHE-PSL actively participates as a constituent institution.
These efforts promote French research and expertise abroad while fostering an environment that encourages innovation, societal responsibility and intercultural awareness through learning, research and work. All collaborations focus on developing human capital and institutional excellence.
Key areas of internationalisation include:
- Programmes: All students have access to study or internship mobility; programme that address societal issues and enable double degrees through partnerships. As a ‘Welcome to France’ label and Erasmus+ charter holder, EPHE-PSL offers language training tailored for professional success.
- Research: Strategic partnerships in specific regions facilitate high-level scientific exchange, projects, and faculty mobility.
- Societal impact: Collaborations facilitate the transfer of expertise and the sharing of resources for global solidarity.
EPHE-PSL is signatory to over 55 international agreements and follows a focused partnership policy with geostrategic priorities:
- In advanced countries, the emphasis is on research and training mobility and partnerships.
- Europe is the top priority, supporting the European Area for Education, Research, and Innovation (see EPHE-PSL's European strategy)
- Out of Europe, in the other countries, EPHE-PSL promotes French programmes via joint training and research to attract students and develop research and its open access.
- EPHE‑PSL operates across all linguistic regions of the world, including those that are not Francophone.
International Cooperation Agreements: These agreements facilitate student exchanges (non-degree), faculty and administrative staff mobility, publication exchanges, and collaborative projects.
=> View the map showing framework agreements, bilateral Erasmus+ deals, and Swiss mobility programmes.
Proposing New Collaborations: The list of agreements is updated based on requests from institutions or faculties.
Contact the International Relations Department by email, review the FAQs, and submit the proposal form (both of which are available to download):
