Poitiers campus

A campus open to Latin America and the Caribbean

Located in the heart of Poitiers’ historic centre, the campus is fully integrated into the network of the seven campuses of Sciences Po’s Undergraduate College. Each year, it welcomes around 300 students, approximately one third of whom are international, representing a wide range of countries and academic backgrounds.

As part of the shared multidisciplinary curriculum across all campuses, structured around political science, economics, law, sociology and history, the campus promotes a pedagogical approach grounded in international openness and the comparative study of societies. This diversity fosters a deeper understanding of contemporary issues and encourages dialogue between different intellectual traditions. Multilingualism and comparative perspectives therefore play a central role in the curriculum.

The campus is distinguished by a regional minor focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, offering students the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge of the region through its historical, political, economic and cultural dimensions.

Housed in a fully renovated heritage building, the campus provides a study environment that combines academic excellence with optimal working conditions. It offers spaces dedicated to teaching, research and collaborative work, encouraging intellectual exchange and student engagement.

Discover the campus on video

Academic programmes at the Poitiers campus

A close-knit campus with a vibrant student life

The Poitiers campus offers a supportive study environment that encourages interaction between students, faculty and administrative staff. Located in the city centre, within immediate proximity of shops, public transport and cultural venues, it enables students to fully engage in university life while benefiting from a pleasant living environment. This configuration enables students to find accommodation near the campus. 

Student life brings a vibrant atmosphere to the campus on campus. Student organisations coordinate a wide range of activities throughout the year, including cultural events, community projects, diplomatic simulations, intercultural festivals and sports activities. These initiatives encourage students to develop organisational skills, a sense of responsibility and civic engagement.

Students therefore play an active role in shaping the campus life. They contribute to creating a space for intellectual and cultural exchange where different perspectives and academic traditions interact. This vibrant student community is one of the defining features of the Poitiers campus.

Learning about Latin America and the Caribbean beyond the classroom

Beyond formal teaching, campus life plays a full role in enriching students’ intellectual development. Conferences, debates, meetings and round tables enable them to deepen their understanding of current international issues, with particular attention to the political, economic and social dynamics of Latin America and the Caribbean. These events regularly bring together researchers, diplomats, journalists and members of civil society, offering students the opportunity to engage with perspectives that connect academic analysis with practical experience.

Students are also encouraged to take part in collective projects and thematic workshops as well as invited to launch cultural initiatives. Some of these activities form part of the Bachelor’s Civic Learning Programme, involving concrete commitments with associations, local institutions or partner organisations. Study trips, arts projects and collaborations with cultural institutions further complement this learning experience.

Virtual tour of the Poitiers campus

Explore the campus and discover its lecture halls, classrooms, library and student spaces.

Poitiers, a university city in a medieval setting

Located 1 hour and 15 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, the City of Poitiers (FR) offers students an outstanding living environment that combines a rich historical heritage with a vibrant academic life. A major city in the Gallo-Roman period and a former residence of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it preserves an exceptional architectural heritage, including the oldest baptistery in Europe.

Its university, founded in 1431 and among the oldest in Europe, French intellectual and literary figures as renowned as René Descartes, Pierre de Ronsard and Michel Foucault. Today, students account for nearly a quarter of the city’s population, reflecting a strong and enduring academic tradition.

The cultural scene is particularly vibrant, supported by institutions such as the Théâtre Auditorium de Poitiers (FR) and by internationally recognised events including the Poitiers Film Festival, the Filmer le travail (FR), the Festival À Corps (FR) and the Festival de cinéma hispano-américain.

Practical information