SCIENCES PO · FRANCE
PhD Programs in Law, Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
€21k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Apply directly online for PhD admission.Application Method
- Choose one doctoral program per year.Program Limit
- Master's degree or equivalent (Bac+5) required.Entry Requirement
- Application fee: €100.Application Fee
- In-person or online auditions may be required for doctoral contracts.Auditions
Sciences Po offers doctoral programs for students who have completed a Master's degree or equivalent and wish to pursue advanced research. The university provides PhD programs in Economics, History, Law, Political Science, and Sociology. Prospective students must carefully select their doctoral program as only one application is permitted per academic year across all disciplines. Applications are processed online, and candidates should ensure their application is complete before the stated deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the eligibility requirements for the PhD programs?
- You must hold a Master's degree or equivalent (Bac+5), with the field of study aligning with your chosen doctoral program. For History and Political Science, a Master's thesis grade of 16/20 or equivalent is required. Specific requirements, such as obtaining agreement from a potential thesis supervisor for Sociology, also apply.
- How much are the tuition fees?
- Tuition fees are based on tax residency. For students fiscally resident outside the European Economic Area, the annual tuition fee is €20,640. For those resident within the EEA, fees range from €0 to €20,640, depending on household resources.
- What is the application fee and are there any exemptions?
- The application fee is €100 and is non-refundable. Exemptions are available for CROUS scholarship holders, applicants with disabilities, or refugees upon providing official documentation.
- How do I apply for a PhD program?
- Applications are submitted exclusively online through the Sciences Po Admissions portal. You will need to prepare documents such as academic recommendations, CV, cover letter, thesis proposal, and transcripts.
- What are the application deadlines?
- The application period opens on October 6, 2025. The first application deadline is February 10, 2026, and the second deadline is May 17, 2026. Admission results for the first session are expected by the end of March 2026.
- Can I apply to more than one PhD program?
- No, you may only select and apply to one doctoral program per academic year across all disciplines.
Entry requirements
Master's degree or equivalent (Bac+5)A Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate degree (like DEA) is required. The field of study for the Master's must align with the chosen doctoral program. For History, a Master's thesis grade of 16/20 or equivalent is needed. For Political Science, a Master's thesis grade of 16/20 or equivalent is required.
Research Master's degreeCandidates must hold a Research Master's degree or an equivalent degree.
Thesis Supervisor Consent (Sociology)For PhD programs in Sociology, explicit agreement from a potential thesis supervisor is mandatory and must be included in the application.
Thesis Supervisor Identification (History)For History PhDs, at least one potential supervisor from Sciences Po’s Center for History must be identified in the 'Personal statement' section.
Host Research Unit IdentificationCandidates must identify a host research laboratory within Sciences Po.
Language TestOptional
Candidates currently completing their Master's degree may apply, pending final results. An official or informal translation in English or French is required if original documents are not in these languages. A sworn statement of compliance is needed for self-translated documents. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Specific requirements for the Master's thesis grade apply to History and Political Science.
Fees
Tuition (international)For students fiscally resident outside the European Economic Area, tuition fees are €20,640 per academic year for Master's level students (this likely applies to PhD as well, based on typical fee structures).
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are calculated based on the tax household's resources and range from €0 to €20,640 for students fiscally resident within the European Economic Area.
LivingInformation on living costs is not provided.
Tuition fees are voted annually and depend on tax residency, not nationality. The application fee is €100 and is non-refundable, except in cases of specific exemptions (e.g., CROUS scholarship, disability status, refugee status).
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationAccess the Sciences Po online admissions platform and create an account to start your application. Fill in all required sections accurately.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather all necessary documents, which can be uploaded in French or English (PDF, PNG, JPEG, JPG formats). This includes academic recommendations, CV, proof of identity, cover letter, thesis proposal, thesis abstract, copy of your last completed degree, and Master's transcripts. Translations are required if documents are not in French or English, accompanied by a sworn statement if translated by the applicant.
3. Identify Research InterestsFor Sociology, obtain written agreement from a potential thesis supervisor. For History, identify at least one potential supervisor from the Center for History. For all programs, identify a host research laboratory.
4. Pay Application FeePay the non-refundable application fee of €100. Fee waivers are available for CROUS scholarship holders, applicants with disabilities, or refugees upon providing official documentation.
5. Submit ApplicationOnce all sections are completed and documents uploaded, submit your application before the deadline. Ensure your application is complete, as incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the PhD programs?
+
You must hold a Master's degree or equivalent (Bac+5), with the field of study aligning with your chosen doctoral program. For History and Political Science, a Master's thesis grade of 16/20 or equivalent is required. Specific requirements, such as obtaining agreement from a potential thesis supervisor for Sociology, also apply.
How much are the tuition fees?
+
Tuition fees are based on tax residency. For students fiscally resident outside the European Economic Area, the annual tuition fee is €20,640. For those resident within the EEA, fees range from €0 to €20,640, depending on household resources.
What is the application fee and are there any exemptions?
+
The application fee is €100 and is non-refundable. Exemptions are available for CROUS scholarship holders, applicants with disabilities, or refugees upon providing official documentation.
How do I apply for a PhD program?
+
Applications are submitted exclusively online through the Sciences Po Admissions portal. You will need to prepare documents such as academic recommendations, CV, cover letter, thesis proposal, and transcripts.
What are the application deadlines?
+
The application period opens on October 6, 2025. The first application deadline is February 10, 2026, and the second deadline is May 17, 2026. Admission results for the first session are expected by the end of March 2026.
Can I apply to more than one PhD program?
+
No, you may only select and apply to one doctoral program per academic year across all disciplines.