From 2019 to 2024, I was a member of the studies committee of MPRI and the point of contact of studenst from Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis for the master. The page below dates from 2024 and may be outdated. Prospective and current students should direct their inquiries to Mauro Sozio.
This page gives information to students of Télécom Paris about applying to the MPRI master program.
What is the MPRI?¶
The MPRI is a master's program in computer science. It mostly focuses on theoretical computer science. It regroups students from the École normale supérieure (rue d'Ulm), the École normale supérieure de Paris-Saclay, the École polytechnique, students from the Université de Paris (formerly Paris 7), foreign students, and a few Télécom students every year.
The MPRI is a 2-year program (M1 and M2), but Télécom students only do the M2 year. They can do so as a third-year choice of master in their studies.
The MPRI features classes about many areas in computer science during the first semester, and then an internship during the second semester, which can count as an engineering internship (stage d'ingénieur) for Télécom Paris.
The MPRI is a well-recognized program: it is probably one of the most well-known general-purpose theoretical computer science master's programs in France. It also has some international recognition.
Who should do the MPRI?¶
The MPRI is a good choice if you are interested in theoretical computer science, especially if you intend to continue with a PhD in computer science, and possibly a career as an academic researcher.
What are other possible choices?¶
The MPRO, unrelated despite the similar name, is a Parisian master in operational research that Télécom students can also take. It is specifically focused on the field of operational research, and has a more practical feel, but better industrial connections.
How can I choose my MPRI classes?¶
Have a look at the list of classes. There is also the possibility of adding some external classes (more info on the MPRI website). The classes are mostly independent from each other.
Do I have to do a PhD after the MPRI?¶
No, but it is what a large majority of students ends up doing. If you wish to do something else, e.g., work in the industry, the MPRI probably will not help you, i.e., you will probably not be much better off than with your Télécom diploma, except in some specific cases (e.g., research and development in a topic covered at the MPRI, internship via the MPRI in a company, etc.).
How are Télécom students selected? Do I need to have good grades?¶
There is no strict requirement, but the MPRI is very challenging: the classes are very specialized, and many of the other students have more background about theoretical computer science than the typical computer science student. For this reason, I am more comfortable selecting students who have good grades, especially in theoretical classes (e.g., INF101 and INF105 in first year, MITRO classes...).
In any case, however, I chat with students and check their motivation before accepting them. If you have the right motivation, know what you are getting into, and are willing to put in the effort and take the risk of failing, then we can certainly discuss.
Which "filière" should I take to study at the MPRI?¶
Télécom students going to the MPRI are typically ACCQ/MITRO students, though this is not a requirement. ACCQ and especially MITRO are the best way to be prepared for MPRI.
Do I need to speak French?¶
If you are not French-speaking, you should still be able to take MPRI, but your choice of classes may be more restricted. Some MPRI classes are in French, others in English, and others have a more complex policy. Please check the list of classes. As for the program administration, it is English-speaking.
How do I apply to the MPRI?¶
To apply to the MPRI, you should first get in touch with the Télécom representative. They will ask you about your motivations, and check that you are a good fit for the program. If so, they may write a recommendation letter for you.
You should then apply via IP Paris: here is the program on their website.
Please make sure to select the right year! i.e., M2 if you are applying to the second year of the program (to get a master at the end of the year: should be the standard situation for Télécom Paris student doing the master as part of their third year).
For the application, you will need to write a motivation letter, in which you should explain your motives. You will need to provide letters of recommendation: it may be sufficient to give the one from Telecom, unless your situation is special and you need someone else to explain why you are applying (e.g., you are a good fit for the program even if it is not reflected in your grades, etc.). If you cannot submit with just one single recommendation letter and really need a second one, you can ask a Télécom professor who knows you well or in whose class you did well. (Again, it is not necessary to put too much effort in this something special needs to be explained about your application). Please check the IP Paris website for application dates.
The jury then decides which applicants are selected and which are rejected.
If you are selected, you should register for the master via IP Paris. Once registered, you interact directly with MPRI to choose your classes and internship, on the pedagogical server.
How are MPRI internships accounted for at Télécom?¶
The internship done as part of MPRI normally counts as a "stage ingénieur" for Télécom. For this, please note that Télécom imposes a minimum internship duration of at least 24 weeks, which is more restrictive than the MPRI requirements (at least 4.5 months). Hence, please make sure to choose an internship duration which is compatible both with the MPRI and Télécom Paris requirement, in terms of duration, starting date, and ending date.
Once you have an internship topic, you can see with your studies director at Télécom Paris to prepare an internship agreement. You can indicate me (Antoine Amarilli) as "enseignant-référent", unless you know a teacher in Télécom Paris who is closer to the topic. In any case the role of the "enseignant-référent" is purely formal because your internship will in reality be evaluated by the MPRI jury — the role of the "enseignant-référent" is only to be a point of contact in case you have problems during the internship that cannot be solved with your supervisors.
Your internship defense for MPRI at the end of the internship (in early September) also validates your internship for Télécom, with the same grade as the one given at MPRI.
Please also make sure to satisfy the Télécom requirements for spending a given number of weeks abroad — if you still need to do this, please make sure to choose an internship where this is possible.
What is the "contrat pédagogique" (pedagogical contract)¶
When you are following MPRI, in addition to choosing your classes on the pedagogical server, you should submit a "contrat pédagogique" with IP Paris with the same list.
Important: in case you need to change your selection of courses, you should also get in touch with IP Paris to ask them reflect the change in the "contrat pédagogique".
How can I get more information about MPRI?¶
Simply get in touch with the Télécom representative.