Master's study abroad
The semester away (FR) is compulsory for Master’s students at Sciences Po. You can choose from several options for this semester, including an exchange programme abroad.
Define your plan to study abroad
Only students registered in the first year of a Master’s programme or on their gap year can apply to go abroad the following year. Students must have written authorisation from the academic advisor of their Master’s programme before submitting an application.
In allocating places on exchange programmes, Sciences Po gives priority to Undergraduate College students for their third year abroad. However, certain exchange agreements are specifically reserved for Master’s students.
Students who study abroad at a partner university for their gap year are considered regular Sciences Po students and must pay their tuition fees in full.
Choose a country and university
1/ Login to our advanced search engine. Make sure you check which departments and disciplines accept exchange students and if there are any language requirements.
2/ The recording of the meeting which was held on October 13 can be reviewed here. The presentation is available here (Pdf, 452,33 ko).
3/ Make an appointment (personal or in small groups) with the officer of the International Affairs Division in charge of the region you would like to go to (to make an appointment see the page "Study in" the region you are interested in).
Apply
Applications must be completed and submitted online on Sciences Po's dedicated "Outgoing" platform between 6 February at 12pm and 9 February 2023 at 4pm (Paris time). The user guide is available here (Pdf 522,87).
You must select a maximum of three university choices.
Supporting documents required:
- Authorisation from the academic advisor of your Master’s programme
- A CV
- A cover letter
- University transcript
- The language test results requested by the universities you are applying to
Sit a language test (if necessary)
Make sure you check the language requirements of each university (Fr, 84 Ko) you are interested in. You may need to submit the results of a language test. This can take several weeks so start making arrangements well in advance.
If you need to sit the TOEFL, inquire at the Language Department (FR) about the modalities.
Gather and present the documents requested by your host university. These documents may vary from one university to another. Note that the final letter of acceptance by the host university will be required to obtain a visa, where applicable.
Please note that most universities (especially in North America) will require that your test scores be less than 2 years (24 months) old.
Receive an offer of placement
Students are assigned to a host university based on several criteria, including academic record, language proficiency and a review of the student's study plan and background. We aim to ensure that each student can undertake an exchange which suits their personal goals, and to maximize students’ overall satisfaction. You will receive an offer of placement by email early March 2023.
Gather and present the documents requested by your host university
These documents may vary from one university to another. Note that the final letter of acceptance by the host university will be required to obtain a visa, where applicable. It is important to wait for the confirmation of the university before paying plane tickets or doing the Visa procedure.
Prepare for your exchange
Read the advice for students leaving on exchange to find out about all the obligatory formalities, as well as the pages specific to the region you are going to.
Validate your stay abroad
You must validate your period of study abroad (FR) in order to obtain your Sciences Po Master’s degree.
