Sciences Po is a university governed as a major public establishment as defined by the Savary Law of 1984. At Sciences Po, decisions of all types are taken by the Boards of the institution, for the most part based on proposals put forward by the Executive Committee made up of the Director-Administrator and the general administration. This autonomy is granted to Sciences Po by law.

The Board of Directors of the Fondation National des Sciences Politiques (National Political Science Foundation) has decision-making authority with respect to financial, human resources and property management issues as well as scientific and documentary strategy.

The Board (equivalent to a Board of Directors) of the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (IEP) de Paris has authority to take decisions in matters relating to student enrolment and the content of studies, from admission procedures to curriculum, evaluation and the granting of degrees .

The Joint Commission of the IEP issues opinions to prepare decisions taken by the Board. It has its own powers with respect to student life and compliance with political and union freedoms.

The Scientific Board and the Faculty Assembly are responsible for taking decisions relating to purely academic issues.