Sliding scale tuition fees

For all French students and students from the European Economic Area, Sciences Po tuition fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on family income. This innovative means-tested fee system was put in place in the 2000s and creates a form of social redistribution within the institution. As a result of this policy, only 21% of students pay maximum fees. 45% of students benefit from a partial fee waiver and 34% of students pay no tuition fees at all.  

Scholarship funds

Financial assistance – maintenance grants

To allow all students to focus freely on their studies, Sciences Po offers substantial financial aid to those who need it most.

French students and students from the European Economic Area who meet certain social criteria are eligible for CROUS bursaries granted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

However, foreign European nationals may only request this bursary from their second year of study in France. To compensate for the lack of financial aid in their first year, Sciences Po established the Europe Bursary. In addition to a full fee waiver, eligible students receive a substantial maintenance bursary.

The CROUS supplement – French students, and foreign students having completed their first year of study—covered in full by Sciences Po—continue to benefit from a full tuition fee waiver. They also receive a CROUS maintenance bursary granted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Finally, Sciences Po offers a financial aid supplement equivalent to 75% of the amount of the CROUS bursary (see table below).

Merit-based scholarships

Sciences Po is able to offer an incentive to the most brilliant and deserving students, thereby enhancing the institution’s attractiveness at the international level. Each year, thanks to a range of merit-based scholarships offered through the Boutmy fund, our institution is able to attract an increasing number of talented people from all over the world who would not have access to a Sciences Po education without substantial financial support.

The Émile Boutmy scholarship

Sciences Po created , named after the founder of Sciences Po (1871), in order to welcome the very best international students from outside the European Union. The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is awarded to top students whose profiles match the admissions priorities of Sciences Po and individual course requirements.

The Émile Boutmy scholarship fund benefits from the generous support of its sponsors (benefactors, companies and foundations) who are eager to allow the most deserving international students to study at Sciences Po. Private sponsors can be in direct contact with scholarship holders during official organised events.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

In 2017, Sciences Po launched a six-year scholarship programme worth US$8.2 million (approximately €7.6 million) in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation. This scheme will enable 120 talented African students to pursue their university education in the social sciences at one of Europe’s leading institutions.

Mobility grants

The third year of the Sciences Po Undergraduate College programme is completed abroad at a partner university. Students may also choose to do an internship. The purpose of this grant fund is to help cover students’ mobility costs so that all students can benefit from an international experience under the best possible conditions.

€9.500 funds a maintenance bursary for one year

€5.000 covers the living expenses of a third year student for a semester abroad

Create a new scholarship

You can choose to create a scholarship in line with your values, awarded on the basis of criteria that you establish in agreement with Sciences Po. Because creating a scholarship entails following a student over several years, a significant funding commitment is required.

You get to give your name to the scholarship and develop personal relationships with the recipient(s) you have selected in collaboration with Sciences Po staff.

€100.000 funds a student’s undergraduate studies

€50.000 funds a student’s master’s studies