École Pratique des Hautes Études
Paris, France • Founded 1868
Updated Oct 2026 · Source: ephe.psl.eu
Overview
The École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE) is a French higher education and research institution based in Paris and a member of Université PSL.
Founded in 1868, it has a distinctive place in French academia, known for a very high level of scholarship and for teaching research through the practice of research itself. More than 270 teacher-researchers and teachers are organised in three scientific sections: Life and Earth Sciences, Historical and Philological Sciences, and Religious Sciences.
They work across about 45 research units, some supervised by the school and others hosting its staff, and their expertise feeds both interdisciplinary research programmes and advanced training. Study is offered at master and doctoral level, including PSL graduate programmes in historical sciences and in the science of religions, plus partner programmes in life sciences and in earth science and biodiversity.
Students are placed in laboratories from the first year of master and are encouraged to take an international path.
The school's research seminars, called conferences, bring teacher-researchers and students together and are also open to free auditors, covering subjects from pre-Islamic Central Asian languages and the major monotheisms to Chinese archaeology, papyrology, Hebrew, Latin and Byzantine palaeography, and digital humanities. Exchange agreements allow master and doctoral students to spend a semester or a year at partner institutions abroad, and incoming exchange students from partner universities are welcomed, with registration fees waived at the host.
A doctoral school and a published calendar of seminars complete the offer.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for École Pratique des Hautes Études are summarised below.
Programs Offered
Every programme École Pratique des Hautes Études currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.
5 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France
Master's Degree 5 programmes
Scholarships in France
France-wide scholarships, relevant to students considering École Pratique des Hautes Études or other institutions there.
How to apply to École Pratique des Hautes Études
Step-by-step guidance for applying to École Pratique des Hautes Études, in five steps.
-
1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse École Pratique des Hautes Études's 5 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
-
2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at École Pratique des Hautes Études typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
-
3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
-
4
Apply through the official channel
École Pratique des Hautes Études processes applications through www.ephe.psl.eu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
-
5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at 01 53 63 61 20. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about École Pratique des Hautes Études
A short Q&A covering École Pratique des Hautes Études's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
In what year was École Pratique des Hautes Études established?
École Pratique des Hautes Études was founded in 1868 (approximately 158 years ago).
Where can I find École Pratique des Hautes Études?
The institution is located in Paris, France.
How do I find École Pratique des Hautes Études online?
You can find École Pratique des Hautes Études online at www.ephe.psl.eu.
Top-Ranked Universities in France
The institutions topping France's rankings give national context for École Pratique des Hautes Études. Context matters because employer perception in France often correlates with national rankings.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near École Pratique des Hautes Études are listed below.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Other institutions in France teaching Social & Cultural Studies are listed below for comparison with École Pratique des Hautes Études.
Universities Compared with École Pratique des Hautes Études
Comparable universities to École Pratique des Hautes Études are listed below.
Studying in France: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
