New Student Information

The New School continues to monitor and respond to the public health situation in relation to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. French authorities decided to close all schools beginning Monday, March 16, until further notice in response to the outbreak. Classes at Parsons Paris have moved online. Although activities on campus have stopped, Parsons Paris is implementing remote learning and teaching solutions through the end of the spring semester. Our student support services and the Parsons Paris Admissions Office are operational and working remotely, in accordance with the mandate of the French government. The Admissions team continues to work with applicants and admitted and prospective students and families, and fall 2020 decisions are being released according to our rolling-basis schedule. We are aware of the disruptions affecting many of our applicants, admitted students, and prospective students this current academic year. That is why we encourage you to get in touch with us about any concerns or questions that you have.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19

Is Parsons Paris still accepting applications?
Yes, Parsons Paris is still accepting applications on a rolling basis. Please see our How to Apply page for details of the application procedure.

Can I visit the campus later this spring?
We would love to have you on campus. At the moment, our campus is closed until further notice, and classes are taking place through remote instruction. The campus status will be updated regularly on our website. This status, as you know, is linked directly to U.S. and French government regulations as decided upon by authorities that oversee universities. Our priority is to keep students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe, so we are following these guidelines strictly, and when this changes we will be sure to notify you and update the website accordingly.

We are offering virtual tours and live online information sessions. Please see our Admission Events page for additional details.

Can I speak with a Parsons Paris student (from my program)?
We would be delighted to connect you with a current Parsons Paris student. 

Can I delay my deposit if I cannot visit until late spring and need time to make my decision?
We understand this is a time of uncertainty and making a decision without visiting the campus can be difficult. For this reason, we are extending the deposit deadline to June 1.

Will Parsons Paris offer events for admitted students?
Parsons Paris will host a series of events for admitted students throughout the spring and summer. These events will connect you with faculty, academic advisors, current students, and admissions staff who will answer your questions and help you start your Parsons Paris journey. You can register for those events on our events page.  

Parsons Paris held its annual Admitted Student Day on Saturday, April 4. Video presentations by program directors of the majors offered at Parsons Paris can also be found on our events page. 

How has COVID-19 affected your current students in France?
Classes at Parsons Paris have moved to remote instruction. We have been in close contact with our students, faculty, and staff to ensure that they are aware of the evolving situation and the regulations provided by the French authorities. Most of our students live in private apartments across central Paris. Our Student Success team in Paris, as well as colleagues at our partner organization, Academic Programs International (API), have been continuously updating students about evolving travel restrictions in the United States, France, and beyond and providing support and remote counseling with our team as needed.

Many of our students have traveled to their home countries, and some remain in France. Students have been asked to contact Student Success to communicate their travel plans, so that we can offer the best support to everyone. Our decision making and planning are guided by our sense of responsibility, first and foremost, to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. It is also a priority to ensure that teaching, learning, and research are progressing and the academic requirements of classes are being met. We continue to take all necessary measures in line with the instructions given by the French authorities and the university's senior leadership.

Are staff available in France? 
Yes, our administrative and student support services staff are available and working. In accordance with the French government’s mandate, our teams are currently working remotely until further notice. Our admissions team is also available and will continue working with prospective students, their families, and counselors.

The best way to reach us is by email (thinkparsonsparis@newschool.edu). You can also reach us by phone (+33 01 76 21 76 49). In addition, we are available through Skype at ThinkParsonsParis during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central European Time). 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

My academic year has been disrupted and my official transcripts and/or secondary school exit exams have been delayed and may not be ready by existing deadlines. Can I submit those documents after the final transcript deadline?
We understand that the circumstances are highly unusual and that there may be a delay in receiving your final official documents (final transcript and diploma). Please let us know about your situation; as a first step, you can send us any progress reports that you receive.

I have requested a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a provider such as World Education Services (WES), but I cannot obtain the evaluation report before the application deadline. What should I do?
We understand that the circumstances are highly unusual and that there will be a delay in credit evaluation services. Please let us know about your situation; as a first step, you can send us a preliminary official transcript from your academic institution.

What if I cannot get my French student visa in time for fall 2020 orientation week?
We work with our partners, Academic Programs International (API), who closely accompany our students throughout their visa request and delivery process. We expect students who face any delays or difficulties in obtaining a visa for France to contact us, so that we can work with them on their pre-arrival procedures under these unusual circumstances.

How can I stay informed about the status of COVID-19 and the current situation?
You can consult the websites of the American Embassy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where important information is posted regularly. You can also check the French government’s coronavirus page for additional details of government regulations designed to contain the virus.

In addition, we update our school status page as needed, and you can visit our university’s COVID-19 page for more information about prevention, travel guidelines, and possible implications for our campuses in New York City and in Paris.

All new students will be assigned a New School email account within two business days of receipt of their tuition deposit. You can access your New School email account by logging in to MyNewSchool, clicking on the Apps icon (three horizontal lines located in the upper right portion of the screen), and selecting Email. You can also go directly to mail.newschool.edu.

It is important that you check your MyNewSchool announcements and New School email account regularly. Remember that all official university email communications will be sent only to this email address.

All new students who have submitted a tuition deposit should already have completed the financial aid process. If you have not yet applied for aid, visit Student Financial Services for information and instructions.

If you are eligible for financial aid (or scholarships) and have a completed application on file, you can check the status online by logging in to MyNewSchool and accessing your financial aid information in the Student Financial Services section. All new students receiving financial aid in the form of federal government-supported student loans must complete an Entrance Loan Counseling session online at www.studentloans.gov.

If you are an international undergraduate or graduate student, learn more about funding options by visiting Student Financial Services.

If you have not yet deposited, please visit the Accepted Student tab in MyNewSchool before continuing.

Invoices for fall 2020 will be available in the summer; the tuition due date is in August. The exact date will be published soon. Once your invoice is available, you'll be able to make a payment online. These are the steps for making a payment online.

1. Log in to MyNewSchool using the following link: https://my.newschool.edu.
2. Click on the Services tab.
3. Click Make Payments Online under Student Account (a new window will open).
4. Click on Make Payment.
5. Enter the amount to pay.
6. From the drop-down menu, select the payment method: Checking/Savings or Credit Card via PayPath (a 2.85 percent convenience fee applies to any payments made by credit or debit card).
7. Follow the instructions to complete your payment.

The New School requires all enrolled students to present a final official transcript before the start of their first semester of classes. All final official transcripts must indicate the date of graduation.

• Undergraduate students: Submit proof of high school graduation or completion of secondary school. Transfer students must also submit an updated transcript indicating all coursework completed in their final semester (required for completion of Transfer Credit Evaluation).
• Graduate students: Submit proof of college or university graduation. Graduate students must also submit official transcripts for every college or university attended.

Transcripts must be received in the Office of Admission by July 1 for students beginning their studies in the fall. Failure to submit the required documentation for your degree program will result in a hold on your account. A hold prevents registration for subsequent semesters and could jeopardize your financial aid awards.

Review the list of documents (PDF) we accept as proof of graduation. Please email enroll@newschool.edu if your particular situation and school documentation are not outlined in the list. Use the Transcript Request Form (PDF) to request a final transcript, to be sent to the Office of Admission. Transcripts should be mailed from a student's school in a sealed envelope to:

The New School  
Admission Operations

79 Fifth Avenue, 5th floor 
New York, NY 10003

Electronic transcripts are also accepted from the following vendors (U.S./domestic institutions only):

• Parchment Exchange
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Script-Safe International

The Office of Admission may require that a student submit an evaluation of his or her final transcript by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) provider.

Parsons Paris is partnering with Academic Programs International (API), our preferred housing provider, to offer housing to students in Paris. For the 2020-2021 academic year, API will offer two housing options for Parsons Paris students. To learn more about these two housing options, please check out our Housing video. After students deposit, they will receive an email from API with information on the housing options and the housing application procedure.

More information is available on the API website.

Students who are members of the Schengen Area do not need a visa to enter France or study at Parsons Paris.

Students who are not European Union (EU) citizens must apply for and obtain a student visa for their program at Parsons Paris before departing for France. The student visa process involves multiple steps and must be started early.

Parsons Paris will provide all students requiring a visa with the appropriate visa support letter and proof of medical insurance letter shortly after their tuition deposits are received. Additional support for students is provided throughout the visa application process.

The entire visa process from start to finish can take three to four months. Please follow visa application instructions carefully.

Students who cannot show proof of citizenship of a Schengen Member state, or a valid student visa issued by French immigration authorities, prior to their arrival in France will have a hold placed on their account. This hold will prevent registration for classes and making changes to class schedules.

A tourist visa is not an acceptable type of visa and cannot be accepted as proof.

Parsons Paris is part of The New School, though only students who are on mobility at our New York City campus must comply with New York State immunization requirements. Students on mobility in New York City are required to provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis.

Download the immunization form and carefully read the instructions. Submit the completed form and required documentation, and verify that you have read the material distributed by The New School about meningococcal disease. If you do not complete these steps, a hold will be placed on your account, which will prevent you from registering for classes and making changes to your class schedule.

If you have already submitted your immunization records and received confirmation that they are complete, no further action is necessary. For more information, email shs@newschool.edu or visit the Student Health Services website.

Academic advising begins with the selection of classes for your first semester and continues throughout your time at The New School. Academic advisors are here to help you define your goals, identify unique learning opportunities, and map a personalized path to prepare you to lead creative innovation. Your advisor will be assigned to you on the basis of your year, program of study, or major.

Students begin registering for classes once they have made a tuition deposit. Visiting students begin registering for classes once they have confirmed attendance.

You will be contacted via your New School email account with more information and registration instructions specific to your program.

As a member of the New School community, you are required to obtain a newcard, your official university ID card. The newcard functions as your key to campus facilities and student services. Your newcard must be presented for building access, library lending, and identification purposes.

As a new incoming student, you must — before arriving on campus — submit a high-quality scan of a color photo to be used to create your newcard. Parsons Paris students: Please submit photos using the following form.

Students studying in France are required to have health insurance that covers them in France. French Sécurité Sociale is available to any students studying in France but is mandatory only for students who plan on working or doing an internship during their time in France.

Mobility students with TNA-AETNA are required to maintain enrollment in their healthcare plan. We recommend that students with private insurance maintain enrollment in their healthcare plans while abroad, even if they do not have any pre-existing medical conditions. Students who must return home early because of a major illness or injury abroad would want to have access to healthcare coverage in their home country.

Important: It is the responsibility of students who have waived their TNA-AETNA insurance to ensure that their private health insurance will cover them abroad. If it does not, they must purchase additional insurance that will.

Additionally, mobility and visiting students have the right to enroll in the French Sécurité Sociale. While all students who possess a student visa can enroll in the French Sécurité Sociale, it is not recommended unless they plan to work or do an internship, because it may take months to be processed and receive a temporary social security number.

European Union students are not required to register with the Sécurité Sociale if they have obtained a European Health Insurance card (EHIC) in their home country before arriving in France, but it is still strongly recommended that they enroll in the Sécurité Sociale (it is also free to enroll).

French Sécurité Sociale covers approximately 60 to 70 percent of healthcare-related costs. Students may also choose to enroll in a secondary insurance plan (called a Mutuelle) to help cover the remaining costs. More information about these plans will be provided during orientation in Paris. Alternatively, students may choose to submit any unreimbursed costs to their private insurance plans in their home country.

We encourage all students who need to visit a doctor during their stay to speak to the Student Success staff. Local staff members are always able to recommend English-speaking physicians or can accompany students to the doctor in locations where English-speaking doctors are not available. Additional information about how to access healthcare in France will be provided during orientation.

Students interested in requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability should complete the Disability Self-Identification Form. For more information, visit Student Disability Services.

Tuition at Parsons Paris 2020-2021

An academic year at Parsons Paris is divided into two semesters or terms. Tuition for one academic year for undergraduate degree programs is approximately $34,490. 

*Graduate students in the Fashion Studies program take 12 credits per semester in the first year and 9 credits per semester in the second year, which means that they are charged the per-credit rate in the second year of study only. For the Global Executive Strategic Design and Management program, please refer to the Parsons School of Design cost chart.

Estimated Living Expenses

College living expenses vary from student to student. These figures are published to give you a rough idea of what an average student attending our Paris campus can expect to spend in a semester.

*Housing costs will depend on the option you select. For more information about housing from our preferred housing provider, please see the Housing section above.

**Personal expenses including airfare, travel, shopping, etc., vary greatly by student. Please ensure that you budget according to your lifestyle.

University Fees

All new students must provide emergency contact information. To update your emergency contact information, log in to MyNewSchool and visit the Me tab, where you will find a link to "Update Emergency Contact Information" in the Personal Information channel. The university may use the contact information you provide in case of an emergency. If this information changes, please return to MyNewSchool to update it.

Keep your mailing address up-to-date at MyNewSchool. All official university mailings will be sent to this address.

Information about the Fall 2021 Admitted Students Day will be available in January. 

Spring 2021 orientation for incoming visiting Parsons Paris students will be Thursday, January 14, 2021. Spring classes begin Monday, January 18, 2021.

Fall 2021 orientation dates will be available in spring 2021. 

Students may purchase the materials that they will need during their first year at Parsons Paris before arriving on campus or during orientation. The stores in Paris listed below generally have the required supplies. If you have any questions about the required list of supplies, please contact studentsuccessparis@newschool.edu.

Software

All first-year students will receive a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which is provided by the university at no additional cost. The subscription gives you access to all the programs you'll need for your courses. You will be required to use the Creative Cloud version of Adobe programs for your coursework, and your instructors will use Creative Cloud software in the classroom. The software subscription will be available when you arrive on campus, so please do not sign up for membership in advance.

All degree-seeking students receive access to the Microsoft Office Suite. We recommend that students have Microsoft Office installed on their laptops. You do not need to have the newest version. If you already have Microsoft Office installed on your laptop, you can continue using the version you have. If you need to download Microsoft Office, please log in with your New School email address and password at portal.office365.com to download the latest version.

Laptop Requirements

As an artist or designer, you will be working in an increasingly digital landscape. The Parsons curriculum addresses this by making digital literacy a foundational component of first-year coursework. Parsons requires all new first-year students to have a laptop for in-class and at-home use related to their studies. The requirement ensures that all students share a consistent learning experience as they develop their digital skill set. This document provides information about approved laptop models as well as a detailed list of minimum and recommended specifications.

Macbook Pro

Minimum Specifications: 8GB Ram, Core i5 Processor, 512GB solid-state drive

Recommended Specifications: 16GB Ram, Core i7 Processor, 512GB solid-state drive

PC Laptop

Minimum Specifications: 16GB Ram, Core i7 Processor, 512GB solid-state drive

Other Essentials

1. 500GB Backup Solid-State Drive (recommended model)
2. 32GB SD Card (recommended model)
3. 32GB USB Key (recommended model)
4. Apple USB-C adapter (for students with post-2017 MacBook Pro) (recommended model)

If you have any questions, please contact paristech@newschool.edu.