Study abroad, step by step
The international network offered to Sciences Po students is exceptional both in its breadth and diversity.
As a student at Sciences Po, you can spend time abroad at three different moments:
- Students are required to spend the third year of the Bachelor’s programme abroad, either studying at one of Sciences Po’s 470 partner universities for a full year, or completing a semester of study at a partner university, followed by an internship abroad. .
- One semester of the Master’s programme is spent outside of Sciences Po, and studying abroad is one of the possibilities.
- During your PhD, you may choose to participate in a PhD exchange programme.
The timeline:
Decide on your destination
Once you have opted for a period of study abroad, you first need to draw up a list of universities in order of preference. There are various factors to consider when building this list, such as the compatibility with your programme of study, language, the university’s main disciplines, travel arrangements and the costs of your stay.
Check the partner universities through our advanced search engine.
You’ll find information on your selected universities as well as the reports written by Sciences Po students who have studied there before you.
During the Fall semester, attend the information sessions on the regions or countries you are interested in.
Submit your application
Prepare for your exchange
Once your exchange request has been approved and a place has been allocated, don't miss the pre-departure information sessions held in March and organised by the International Affairs Division. 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.
You also need to find out what financial support may be available for your exchange.
Keep in contact with Sciences Po
- When you arrive and all throughout your time abroad, keep in touch with Sciences Po, including on Facebook.
- Inform the Sciences Po International Affairs Division that you have arrived and register your foreign contact address and phone number through your Sciences Po online account.
- Check your @sciencespo.fr emails regularly, as a lot of information is sent to that address (guidance and assistance, administrative and academic obligations, Master’s registration, miscellaneous information).
- Register with the consulate of your country of origin and/or the French consulate in your host country.
Have your stay abroad recognised
You must comply with certain academic rules to have your stay validated).
- See the rules to have your third year abroad recognised.
- See the rules for validating a period of study abroad at Master’s level (FR).
