In short
Sciences Po is a globally recognized French university specializing in social sciences, offering a diverse international environment with many programs in English. It has seven campuses and a strong network of partner universities worldwide.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1872
- Students
- 15,000
- International students
- 7,500
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- Tuition (intl)
- €15–21k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR, DE
- Location
- Paris, France
Sciences Po is a globally recognised university based in France, specialising in the social sciences. With a strong international focus, it hosts a diverse student body from 150 countries across its seven multicultural campuses. The university is known for its pioneering approach to international education, requiring all undergraduate students to complete a year abroad. Sciences Po offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels, including numerous courses taught entirely in English, making it accessible to international students who may not speak French. The institution is dedicated to addressing contemporary global challenges through its interdisciplinary research and education. Sciences Po maintains an extensive network of 445 partner universities across five continents, facilitating vibrant academic exchanges and dual degree programs. Its curriculum is designed to develop analytical and critical skills, often integrating practical applications, case studies, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The university is a coordinating institution for the CIVICA European University Alliance, further cementing its commitment to European values and collaborative research. The university's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its financial aid policies, which adapt tuition fees for European students based on household income, with a significant portion of students receiving fee waivers or financial assistance. For non-European students, tuition fees are set at competitive rates compared to other leading global institutions.
Why study here
- Access a globally recognized education in social sciences, with a strong emphasis on international relations, political science, economics, and law.
- Benefit from a diverse and international learning environment with 50% international students from 150 nationalities.
- Choose from a wide array of programs taught entirely in English, eliminating the need for prior French language proficiency.
- Engage in unique dual degree programs with prestigious universities worldwide, earning two bachelor's or master's degrees.
- Experience a compulsory year abroad as part of the undergraduate curriculum, fostering global perspectives and intercultural skills.
- Study at one of seven distinct campuses, each offering a regional specialisation (e.g., Europe-Asia, Mediterranean-Middle East) and a close-knit community.
Student life
Sciences Po offers a vibrant and diverse student life across its seven campuses. Students are encouraged to fully participate in campus activities, including a wide range of student clubs and associations. The curriculum itself fosters interdisciplinary learning, with courses in law, economics, history, humanities, international relations, political science, and sociology. Many courses are available in both French and English, and intensive French language classes are offered to help international students become multilingual. The university library provides extensive resources on all campuses, and various guest lectures and events are scheduled throughout the year. An orientation week, the Welcome Programme, helps international students acclimate to campus life and academic expectations.
Fees
InternationalFor students whose parents' tax residence is outside the European Economic Area, undergraduate tuition fees are €14,900 per year, and graduate tuition fees are €20,640 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additionally, a compulsory student life and campus contribution (CVEC) of €105 per year (for 2025-2026) is required.
HomeFor French and European students, tuition fees are calculated based on household income, ranging from €0 to €14,900 for undergraduate and €0 to €20,640 for graduate programs (2026-2027 rates). The average tuition fees in 2024-2025 were €5,740 for undergraduate and €7,275 for graduate levels. One in three students pays no tuition fees, including CROUS scholarship holders and low-income non-scholarship holders. A compulsory student life and campus contribution (CVEC) of €105 per year (for 2025-2026) also applies.
LivingLiving costs vary significantly by location. In Paris, expect an average monthly rent of €885, and a global budget (including food, transport, books, leisure) of at least €1,235 per month. Regional campuses offer lower costs: Dijon (€380-€450 rent, €250-€300 food), Le Havre (€380-€450 rent, €200-€250 food), Menton (€205-€365 student residence, €500-€700 private rent, €200-€300 food).
Tuition fees listed are for new students enrolling in September 2026. Students should also factor in a one-month rent deposit and travel expenses if coming from outside France. Sciences Po allocates €11.5 million for grants and other financial aid annually.
Admissions
One-Year Master'sIntensive curriculum designed for young professionals. Admission is based on academic background and professional experience. Check specific program eligibility and language requirements.
PhD ProgramsCandidates must hold a Research Master's degree (or equivalent bac +5). Must be a match between previous graduate studies and the requested doctoral program discipline. Specific consent from a thesis supervisor is required for Sociology applications; not for Economics, Law, and Political Science.
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024367
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024301
THE Social Sciences42
University scholarships
Eiffel Scholarship€1,200 per month (Master's level), plus international and national transport assistance, insurance, housing search assistance, and cultural activities.
Accreditation
Sciences Po is recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. It coordinates the CIVICA - European University of Social Sciences alliance, which includes 10 partner universities. Its research has received significant funding from the European Research Council and the French National Research Agency.
Programs
a selectionSciences Po · France
Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition
The Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition certificate programme equips professionals worldwide with the knowledge and skills to advance sustainable development and green transformation. Co-designed by Sciences Po Executive Education and the University of Cape Town's Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, this program focuses on fostering transformative change through collaboration and innovation. It addresses critical issues in public policy, climate-resilient development, and sustainable finance, specifically within the context of Afro-European cooperation and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will gain insights into identifying key cooperation levers between Africa and Europe, designing effective policies and strategies, and contributing to a shared, sustainable future.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Sciences Po · France
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts program at Sciences Po is a three-year undergraduate degree. The third year of the program is a mandatory period of international experience, which can be fulfilled through a study abroad semester at one of Sciences Po's 445 partner universities or a combination of a study semester and a full-time internship. This year abroad is designed to complement the coursework completed in the first two years at Sciences Po's Undergraduate College, allowing students to deepen their understanding within a chosen region of focus or explore new global perspectives.
Bachelor's
Level
€15k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Sciences Po · France
Board Director Certificate
The Board Director Certificate program is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their capabilities in corporate governance. In today's business environment, the role of a board director is increasingly demanding, requiring a comprehensive understanding of responsibilities, strategic thinking, and effective interpersonal skills. This certificate program aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and competencies to navigate the complexities of board directorship and contribute effectively to organizational success. The program focuses on core modules covering the fundamental aspects of board director responsibilities, strategy formulation, risk management, and human capital leverage. It also offers elective modules allowing for specialization in areas such as directorship in SMEs, European governance, or roles within specific sectors like banking or startups. An optional module in finance and accounting is also available to strengthen foundational knowledge.
Certificate
Level
€19k
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
Sciences Po · France
Certificate in Corporate Governance
This program is designed for experienced board members and those aspiring to join a board, focusing on the essential behaviors, tools, knowledge, and skills required for successful corporate governance. It aims to enhance expertise, provide international perspectives, and prepare participants for the evolving demands of board directorship. The curriculum covers fundamental aspects of board responsibilities, strategy, risk management, human capital, and practical simulations of board meetings. It also offers elective modules on specific governance challenges, such as those in SMEs, European contexts, banking, or startups, with an optional module on finance and accounting fundamentals. This certificate is ideal for seasoned directors seeking a high-level qualification, newly appointed directors, and future board members looking to strengthen their understanding and practice of effective corporate governance.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
Sciences Po · France
Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy
This certificate program focuses on the complexities of international relations and diplomacy in an increasingly unpredictable and volatile world. It aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of major global issues and contemporary geostrategic challenges. Through engagement with leading experts in defense, political science, and public policy, you will explore current international dynamics and develop insightful responses to global challenges.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Sciences Po · France
Dual Degree: Sciences Po – Peking University
This two-year dual Master's degree program, offered jointly by Sciences Po's Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) and Peking University's School of International Studies (SIS), provides a unique opportunity to study international affairs across two continents. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, covering political science, international political economy, global security, and development issues with a focus on European and Asian perspectives. You will spend your first year at Sciences Po in Paris, specializing in one of PSIA's Master's programs, and your second year at Peking University in Beijing, focusing on International Relations with an emphasis on security, development, and the Asia-Pacific region. This program is designed for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of global issues from both Western and Eastern viewpoints. You will benefit from the academic resources and student services of both institutions throughout your studies. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Master's degree from Sciences Po and a Master's Degree in International Relations from Peking University.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for France
full fundingFrench Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS)
French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship
Open to international scholars and scientists, primarily in the social sciences and humanities, who hold a doctoral degree plus at least 2 years of full-time post-doctoral research experience (or a master's plus 6 years). Applicants must comply with the transnational MSCA mobility rule, having spent no more than 12 months in France during the 3 years before the deadline.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Campus France)
MOPGA France Visiting Fellowship Program
Open to early-career foreign (non-French) researchers who hold a PhD obtained within roughly the last five years and who have lived outside France for most of the qualifying period before the call. Applicants must propose a 12-month research project that fits one of the programme's environmental and sustainability themes and must secure a letter of support from a French host laboratory. The programme is open to all nationalities except French citizens.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 5, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, managed by Campus France
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme
For international students (non-French nationals) nominated by a French higher education institution for a master's or doctoral programme. Master's applicants are generally under ~25 and PhD applicants under ~30 (guideline). Selection favours academic excellence and priority fields; students cannot apply directly.
partial
Funding
€21k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingEmbassy of France in Ghana (Service for Cooperation and Cultural Action)
French Embassy in Ghana Master's Scholarship
Open to Ghanaian nationals residing in Ghana who are under 30 years old at the time of application, hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have completed National Service. A First Class or Second-Class Upper degree is given priority. Applicants must commit to studying in France for the full Master's programme. French language proficiency is not required except for applicants to French as a Foreign Language (FLE) programmes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingSciences Po
Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship
Non-EU international students newly admitted to a Sciences Po bachelor’s or master’s programme who are not eligible for state financial aid and demonstrate strong academic merit.
partial
Funding
€19k
Max
Jan 5, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFondation Mathematique Jacques Hadamard (FMJH)
Sophie Germain Masters and PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a Master's (M1 or M2) or PhD in Mathematics and its Applications at Universite Paris-Saclay or the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. The first call is aimed at students from outside the Paris-Saclay area, including non-European applicants. Selection is based on academic excellence, with a stated focus on encouraging female applicants. Applicants typically need a CAMPUS France file number for visa purposes.
full
Funding
€13k
Max
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Sciences Po?
+
For students whose parents' tax residence is outside the European Economic Area, undergraduate tuition fees are €14,900 per year, and graduate tuition fees are €20,640 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year. A compulsory student life and campus contribution (CVEC) of €105 per year also applies.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
+
Sciences Po allocates €11.5 million for grants and financial aid annually. The Eiffel Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for Master's level non-French national applicants, providing €1,200 per month plus other benefits, though it does not cover tuition fees.
Does Sciences Po offer programs taught in English?
+
Yes, Sciences Po offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels, including numerous courses taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students who may not speak French.
What are the living costs for students?
+
Living costs vary by location. In Paris, expect an average monthly budget of at least €1,235. Regional campuses offer more affordable options, such as Dijon with an estimated monthly rent of €380-€450 and food costs of €250-€300.
What is the international student profile at Sciences Po?
+
Sciences Po hosts a diverse student body with 50% international students from 150 countries, reflecting its strong international focus and multicultural learning environment.
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