Prépa Talents

The École nationale des chartes - PSL is a participant in the Prépa Talents programme, which coaches candidates for the external curatorial entrance examinations through enhanced teaching support, financial assistance and tutoring. This scheme is organised in partnership with the  INP, the École du Louvre and the Fondation Culture & Diversité, with the support of the Ministère de la transformation et de la function publique (French Ministry of Transformation and Civil Service). The programme was awarded the ‘Diversité’ label by the Institut National du Patrimoine for 2023 to 2026.

The preparatory class was inaugurated on 18 March 2010 by the Institut National du Patrimoine in response to the government's desire for greater diversity in recruitment to high-level civil service positions. The programme is designed for students or jobseekers selected on academic and social criteria.

It can accommodate up to fifteen students in all specialist fields.

Recruitment

The integrated preparatory class is open to French and European students, regardless of age, with a bachelor's degree or other equivalent qualification or are in the process of completing such a degree.

Candidates must meet the income requirements, barring derogation, to be eligible for diversity allowances in the civil service, which means that their income and family expenses must not exceed the limits set each year by the Ministère de l’enseignement supérier (Ministry of Higher Education) for the award of a ‘zero bis’ higher education grant.

Candidates are selected in several stages: first, a committee reviews the applications and shortlists candidates for an entrance interview. The list of candidates admitted to the Prépa Talents class is published once these interviews are over.

The following selection criteria apply: quality of academic record, merit in terms of personal, family and social background, financial resources, personality and motivation.

The INP handles all the administrative procedures.

Educational support: Enrolment in renowned competitive entrance exam preparation courses (École du Louvre, École nationale des chartes), specific educational support with refresher courses, methodological support, test practice, and tailored tutoring.

Material assistance: Depending on the case and the nature of the competition, assistance may be granted in the form of financial assistance via diversity allowances in civil service, college grant based on social criteria, grant from the Fondation Culture & Diversité, partial payment of meal expenses and an option to secure student accommodation.