Perfumery schools

Perfumery schools in France

Training to become a perfumer requires a lot of work. Those studying to become perfumers must perfect their knowledge of essential oils. In France, there are two specialist schools that offer very comprehensive programs.

The École Supérieure du Parfum in Paris or Grasse

This institution recruits its first-year Bachelor’s students, no matter what they have studied at secondary school: students in all fields can apply, including those who have chosen technical subjects. Depending on the candidate’s secondary education, refresher courses in chemistry are provided for those who need them.

The recruitment process involves interviewing candidates until all places are filled.

For students in the second and third years, the recruitment process also involves an interview. If the interview goes well, the candidate must take a test that includes chemistry, biology and olfaction.

Students with a two- or three-year degree in chemistry, biology, medicine or pharmacy can apply to be admitted directly.

On passing the third year of the program, students can spend another two years studying for a Master’s degree.

The ISIPCA in Versailles

The ISIPCA was founded in 1970 by Jean-Jacques Guerlin and shares its unique expertise with students and professionals. Since it was founded, the school has always had a particular focus on learning. Students can therefore opt for courses that combine studying with work placements to broaden their professional experience during their studies.

The ISIPCA has developed a solid network within the world of perfumery: students can work closely with all industry stakeholders.

To become a perfumer or evaluator, the school offers a Master’s degree, available after two years of post-secondary studies in science.

Students can begin their perfume studies after finishing their secondary education to receive a degree or study as part of a career change. Students can also study at ISIPCA after two years of post-secondary studies in science by taking a one-year refresher course.

As you can tell, there’s more than one way to become a perfumer!

The admissions process involves a written application with a covering letter, an interview, an introductory seminar and a written test. For courses that combine studying with work placements, you will also need to find a company to give you a job.

International perfumery schools

Some universities offer a Master’s degree and a doctorate in cosmetic science for students interested in a career in the world of perfume. These universities include:

- Liverpool John Moores University in England
- The University of Salford in England
- The University of Sunderland in England
- Cincinnati University in the United States
- Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey
- The University of Barcelona in Spain
- The Polytechnic School in Singapore
- The University of Milan in Italy
- The University of Hamburg in Germany
- The University of Québec in Chicoutimi in Canada

There are very few perfumery schools and it is expensive to study at these institutions because they provide comprehensive and specialized courses. They provide students with a very solid foundation for their future career, by improving their sense of smell so that they can become perfumers, for example. If you want to learn more about fragrance houses, iconic perfumers, perfume exhibitions and museums, how to store perfumes, influences and influencers, other types of fragrances and organic perfumes, read our articles.