Villa Albertine 
École Nationale des Chartes
Founded in 1821, the École nationale des Chartes – PSL is a one-of-a-kind institution for studying archival science, paleography, historical anthropology, and more broadly writing as a historical practice, from its most ancient forms to its digital manifestations, as well as for its rigorous training in historical research methods.
It also now specialized in digital humanities (data sciences and digital technologies applied to history) through masters degrees.
The school operates under the authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. Most graduates pursue careers as heritage or library curators, researchers, or university faculty in the humanities and social sciences. The school is also distinguished for the excellence of its research laboratories and the work of its Jean-Mabillon Center.
All programs offered by the École Nationale des Chartes are taught in French and require proficiency in the language.
Eligible Programs for Lafayette Fellows
Eligible programs for the Lafayette Fellowship include:
- Master Archives – Technologies numériques appliquées à l’histoire (Master 1 or Master 2; one-year or two-year program)
- Master Humanités numériques (Master 1 or Master 2 ; one-year or two-year program)
- One year visiting fellowship of the Diplôme d’archiviste paléographe admitted through the international selection process.
The Lafayette Fellowship at the École Nationale des Chartes will be funded by the Fondation Chambrun-Lafayette. In this regard, special consideration will be given to projects submitted by candidates who have proposed a research topic degree research paper or personal project) connected either to the life and ideas of La Fayette or to issues related to his fights to the democratic ideal.
Computer Science, Data Science, History, Humanities, New Technologies, and Social Sciences.
Admissions Information
For Master’s programs, applications must be submitted on the PSL application platform, in parallel with the “Études en France” procedure, between the end of February and the end of March (dates for the 2026–27 academic year will be updated during the Fall semester). We encourage Lafayette Fellows to apply as early as possible, as their applications will be reviewed sooner to ensure they receive admission confirmation in time to align with the Fellowship.
For the Diplôme d’archiviste paléographe, through the international selection process, candidates should refer to the dedicated webpage on the École Nationale des Chartes website.
- Please see the requirements and required admissions documents on the École Nationale des Chartes website.
- If you have any questions, please contact ri@chartes.psl.eu and etudes@chartes.psl.eu
Reminder: The awarding of the Lafayette Fellowship is conditional upon admission to one of the eligible partner institutions. Applicants must complete both the Lafayette Fellowship application and apply to at least one program at one of the partner institutions.
