fbpx Summer Program Frequently Asked Questions — PCA

Summer Program Frequently Asked Questions

Signing Up

Where will Summer 2024 classes take place?

All Summer 2024 classes will take place at PCA, 15 Rue Fénelon, 75010 Paris campus.

Where can I find a list of all summer courses on offer?

You can browse summer courses by level, session dates, or subject on the Summer Program page here.

I want to take a PCA summer course, but I'm having trouble choosing. Which course is right for me?

Choosing the right course is a very personal decision. Please read the online course description carefully and peruse the syllabus (available to download towards the bottom of each course page). If you’d like advice on which courses would be the best fit for you, you can email us at summer@paris.edu with some background information on your past experience and what you hope to get out of the program. We’re happy to help!

Do I have to submit an application/portfolio?

No, you just need to select the class(es) you’d like to take and submit your payment. Any pre-requisites will be specified on the course page.

Can I be put on the waitlist for a class that is already full?

Yes, in certain cases it is possible to be waitlisted for a class that’s reached capacity. However, please note that if we already have several students waitlisted for the class, we may have to deny your request as it is unlikely you’d receive a place. Please send us an email at summer@paris.edu so we can help you individually.

My child is not yet 16 years old. Is there any way they can still take summer courses at PCA?

If a student is not currently 16 but will turn 16 by the start of their course, they may enroll. Please note that, in addition to being academically rigorous, our summer courses involve outings and independent work time in which students are expected to navigate the city of Paris on their own. We have a minimum age requirement of 16 in order to ensure the success and, most importantly, the safety of every student. If a student’s birthday is right on the cusp and the parents believe that the student has the level of maturity and independence necessary for the program, please contact summer@paris.edu for further clarification.

Payment & Cancellation

I’ve selected the course(s) I’d like to take. How do I pay?

You can pay for your course(s) by credit card directly through the registration form. If you are unable to pay by credit card, please contact summer@paris.edu so we can instruct you on paying by bank transfer. Please note that international bank transfers can incur higher fees, and all associated fees are at the registrant’s expense.

I've chosen my course(s) but I can't pay by credit card. What do I do?

If you have tried to pay by credit card and are encountering an error, please call your bank to find out what the issue is. If you have done that and tried again unsuccessfully, please take a screenshot of your error message and send it to businessoffice@paris.edu with summer@paris.edu in copy – we will do our best to help you resolve the issue.

If we are unable to resolve your credit card payment issue, or if you do not have a Visa or Mastercard, we can process your registration manually and permit you to pay by wire transfer. Please fill out this registration form and send it to summer@paris.edu. We will then send you an invoice and instructions for payment by wire transfer.

In your wire transfer, please be sure to mention “Summer” and the student’s full name in the subject line/reason for transfer so that we can properly identify your payment. It is IMPERATIVE to identify the transfer with the student’s full name. If a transfer is not identified, Paris College of Art will not be able to credit it to the appropriate student.

Payment by bank transfer must be made in euros, with all associated fees at the expense of the sender/registrant.

How much does each class cost?

Tuition fees are listed with each course; select the credit or non-credit option of your choice.

In-Person Courses

Early Bird Rate (valid until February 15)
Credit: €2250
Audit: €1545
Standard Rate (after February 15)
3 Credit: €2650
Audit: €1800

1-week Professional Development course for art teachers: €600

Does the cost of tuition include flights, housing, meals, etc.?

No, the cost of tuition only includes participating in the course, as well as some optional student life activities such as a Seine boat cruise. It does not include personal expenses such as flights to and from Paris, meals, metro passes, or housing. Housing may be purchased at the time of registration for an additional fee. Please make sure you bring enough money with you for day-to-day needs such as groceries and metro tickets.

I have already registered for a class, but I can’t make it. Can I cancel?

Cancellations must be made in writing to Paris College of Art at businessoffice@paris.edu with summer@paris.edu in copy. A confirmation of your cancellation will be emailed back to you.

Tuition Reimbursement Schedule*:

Up to 30 days before course start*: Full refund of tuition including registration fee.
Between 29 and 15 days before course start:
Refund of tuition minus 20% (representing the registration fee), OR apply full tuition to Summer 2024.
14 days and less before course start: No tuition refunds.**

*Tuition refunds will be calculated based on the start date of the student’s first session if the student is registered for multiple courses.
**Please note: As we did last year, we will closely monitor the global health situation and adjust our cancellation policies accordingly. Reimbursement or course deferral without penalty will be granted in the case of covid-related travel restrictions, given that the cancellation request is made in a timely manner following the announcement of such restrictions.

Paris College of Art reserves the right to cancel classes that do not reach sufficient enrollment. In this event, students will be offered the opportunity to register for a different course or receive a full refund for tuition payment. Classes will be confirmed or cancelled by April 15, 2023.

Housing Reimbursement Schedule:

Before end of workday (CET), May 5, 2023: 100% of housing fee

After that date: 0%

Paris College of Art reserves the right to cancel classes that do not reach sufficient enrollment. In this event, students will be offered the opportunity to register for a different course or receive a full refund for tuition payment.

The person who made the initial payment must make the request for reimbursement in writing to the Business Office at businessoffice@paris.edu. Be sure to include to whom the reimbursement should be made, and give all necessary bank details for wire.

The date of your email to the Business Office is the date considered in the calculation of your refund. Refunds will be made within 60 days.

Students who need to obtain a student visa are encouraged to register and submit tuition payment pending visa approval. Should the visa be denied before arrival, tuition fees will be reimbursed with sufficient documentation.

Arriving in Paris

I have registered and paid for my course. What’s next?

You will receive an email confirming your registration as well as an invoice of your payment. As we approach the start of the program, we will also send you the login credentials to your PCA summer student portal. There you will find instructions on next steps, including important documents to submit before your arrival in Paris. These documents include:

  • Copy of Passport
  • Copy of Visa (if applicable)
  • Headshot-style photo for your student ID (above your shoulders, plain background)
  • Student Participation Waiver
  • Student Housing Release (for students who have reserved Bluestripe or Citadines housing through PCA)
  • Health History & Emergency Contact Form
  • Independent Housing Authorization Form (for minors not staying in Citadines)
  • PCA Terms and Conditions of Enrollment Form

As courses depend on student enrollment, we usually advise you to wait until your class is confirmed by April 15 to make travel arrangements.

Do students need to bring their own supplies?

Yes, students provide their own supplies. A list of required materials will be sent to each student before the start of the program. In some cases, classes will take a trip to the art supply store on the first day to buy materials together. Expenses for supplies are estimated at between 30 and 150 Euros.

Do I need a visa for the Summer Program?

In some cases students may need to obtain a visa prior to the start of the program, and visa requirements vary by country. Citizens of the European Union do not need visas. If your passport allows you to come to France as a tourist/for a short stay (usually less than 90 days), you will not need a visa for the summer program. Please check with your local consulate. Obtaining visas takes time, so please apply well in advance. If you are unsure whether you require a visa please contact your local French consulate.

Please note that in light of the covid-19 travel restrictions, some students that do not require a visa to enter France for less than 90 days may still need to present documentation showing their enrollment in a PCA summer course and proof of housing. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what entry requirements there are from their home country and request any necessary documents in a timely manner. Please be sure to check PCA’s Covid-19 Response page for updates.

Can PCA provide a letter of enrollment for my visa application?

PCA can provide a letter of enrollment only after courses have been confirmed on April 15th. Please send a written request to summer@paris.edu once your course has been confirmed with the details of the type of letter you need. If you need a hard copy by post, please provide your current mailing address.

If my visa is denied, will I be reimbursed?

Students who need to obtain a student visa are encouraged to register and submit tuition payment pending visa approval. Should the visa be denied before arrival, tuition fees will be reimbursed with sufficient documentation that the student submitted a complete application within a reasonable timeframe.

I will be attending PCA with my friend and we have both booked housing. Can we request to be roomed together?

Our housing is single occupancy units, however PCA will place you in a neighbouring room if possible if you make a request in advance. After registering for housing, please email summer@paris.edu with the names of the students who wish to be roomed close together, as well as the session dates. Please make your requests by April 1st.

Does PCA provide metro tickets?

PCA does not provide metro tickets during your course. During orientation, we will provide information on purchasing a weekly metro pass (Navigo) or individual use tickets. Please refer to the RATP website for more information about metro ticket/pass prices.

Still have questions?

Email us at summer@paris.edu. We’re here to help!