Home>Students
Information guide for newly admitted and current students
Welcome to PSIA students
At Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), our goal is to attract the best and brightest students from across the planet and to instil these future leaders with the knowledge, skills and experience to understand, navigate, engage and shape the complexities of our ever-evolving world. Since 2010, PSIA has continued Sciences Po’s century long tradition of providing world-class graduate education and professional training in the most salient fields of international affairs. Our central location in Paris, our position at the heart of Europe and with English as the main language of study help us to attract a diverse community of students representing more than 120 nationalities, who join us with a variety of academic backgrounds.
Newly Admitted Students
Once you have received our offer to study at Sciences Po, there are several things you need to do to prepare for the start of your first semester.
First steps
Read the first steps at Sciences Po to find out what you need to do to accept your offer of admission and to connect to your online student account and to access Sciences Po services and resources. For information specific to International Students please check the dedicated page.
Sciences Po Username and Login
Your account for accessing Sciences Po digital resources (Google Apps, WIFI, online library, zoom, etc.) is created automatically once your relationship with Sciences Po is officially established. You will be sent an email (to the email address you provided with your application to Sciences Po) with your username and your password, which you will need to change after signing in for the first time.
Administrative registration
All necessary information to guide you through the administrative registration process is provided on the dedicated page.
Student card
Your student card is issued once you have completed your online administrative registration. A dedicated page tells you all you need to know about the student card, including how to use it, and what to do in case of problems.
The Paris Campus
Consult the map of the Sciences Po Paris campus (PDF, 466 Ko)
Location: 13 rue de l’Université 75007 on the 2nd floor of the building.
Once you enter, take the white double door on your right. Take the right-hand staircase to the second floor and follow the signs (the door is marked “PSIA Secretariat”).
You will have classes across the Sciences Po Paris Campus, including: 1 place St Thomas d’Aquin, 27 rue Saint Guillaume; 30 rue Saint Guillaume; 56 rue des Saints-Pères; 28 rue des Saints-Pères; 9 rue de la Chaise; 13 rue de l’Université or 199 boulevard Saint-Germain.
Opening hours vary according to the building. During semesters, buildings are generally open from 15 minutes before the first class (7:45 am) until 15 minutes after the final class ends (9:30 pm).
Photo ID (student card) should be carried at all times and shown to gain entry to any campus building. Please note access requirements are subject to change.
Wi-Fi allows you to connect wirelessly to the internet and various online services offered at Sciences Po. You can use any device equipped with Wi-Fi functionality (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.).
Find out more about the Wi-Fi network at Sciences Po.
Academic Life
The Academic Year
The academic year is organised into two semesters: fall and spring. Depending on your year of study, each semester consists of either 12 weeks of teaching or a semester off campus. In addition, each semester begins with an Orientation Week and normally includes a one week break (without teaching).
All important events and dates, (including orientation week, exams, public holidays and graduation ceremonies), are announced in the newsletters sent to students at their Sciences Po email address.
University Calendar
The university calendar is available online. Each April, the calendar for the following academic year is published. Students must complete their administrative registration each academic year, and their course registration each semester. Both registration processes are done online through the student account.
To find out exact dates about online course registrations, exams, breaks for each semester, please refer to the semestrial calendar.
Registering for your courses
The online course registration is an important step of your studies. The process allows you to select your courses, plan your timetable and organize your schedule for the next semester.
Online course registration takes place as follows:
- Early July for the Fall semester;
- Early January for the Spring semester.
Academic Policies & Resources
PSIA students are subject to Sciences Po’s Academic Rules and Regulations, including the specific requirements for Master students outlined in Articles 35-43. Please review them carefully, in particular Article 42: Conditions for obtaining the Sciences Po Master's degree.
Depending on the organization of their program, PSIA students need to meet specific degree requirements.
PSIA students should be aware of Sciences Po’s Regulations on Student Life, and pay particular attention to the General Provisions described in Chapter 1 (also available in French).
Students should also be aware of attendance and punctuality rules (articles 4 and 4).
The Academic Rules and Regulations (Article 12 & 13) and the Academic Integrity Charter emphasise the high standards expected for any academic work (written and oral), and provide details of good practice and support mechanisms to train students regarding best citation practices and to raise awareness about the importance of academic integrity.
All student work must comply with the Academic Integrity Charter.
- Fraud, including plagiarism and falsification, as well as attempted fraud are among the most serious violations of academic integrity
- Anti-plagiarism software is used by PSIA professors. Students are normally required to submit their work in digital format.
- Failure to maintain academic integrity constitutes a fundamental breach of students’ academic duties, leading to pedagogical measures and disciplinary sanctions as detailed in section 5 of the Charter.
PSIA has an established Student Assessment Policy (PDF, 152 ko) relating to the deadlines, extension requests and penalties for late submission of assessed work.
Your academic team are dedicated to your academic support and fulfilment. Consult the contact page.
With more than one million documents in its print collections, its vast range of digital resources and its archive holdings, the Sciences Po Library is an invaluable resource to support your learning journey at PSIA.
Sciences Po library offers a wealth of resources online for students who need to review and use online journals, books or reviews.
The Library organizes training sessions on how to use the online library services at the start of the academic year.
For more information concerning online library resources and services, please visit the Sciences Po library website.
Student Services and Support
At Sciences Po, every staff member is dedicated to both your academic fulfilment and your personal well being.
Sciences Po offers a range of services in support of your daily life including :
At the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), we support our students throughout their time with us to help them pursue their professional goals. By giving them access to a wide range of dedicated resources and events, as well as PSIA’s network of Alumni, Faculty and Professionals, students are able to plan and refine their career path and relevant opportunities. More information.
In addition, you have access to Career counsellors via PSIA Careers and Sciences Po Career Services.
Campus community and engagement
Community engagement is central to the educational experience. Students are encouraged to embrace their academic, cultural, and social journey to the fullest.
A student association is a group of students from Sciences Po who have chosen to work together on a joint project, whether shared with the Sciences Po community or not, or who wish simply to meet around a common aim.
There are various types of student associations at Sciences Po.
Don’t forget to join the PSIA Student Association!
Contact: students.psia@sciencespo.fr
Many sports and cultural activities are offered to encourage students to explore their sports and artistic interests.
Sports competitions are organised along with the French Federation of University Sports (FFSU) or with other schools and universities, such as the Collegiades. For more information about these events, don’t hesitate to contact the Sports Club.
Credits and Regulations
Enrolment in sports and cultural activities will give you a maximum of 2 ECTS credits, regardless of the number of courses you choose to do. These courses are regular courses: they require a registration (see above), appear on the student schedule and on the transcript. They are marked as pass or fail solely on the basis of attendance: in other words, to validate your course and obtain your 2 credits, you are required to attend a minimum of 10 out of the 12 sessions. Otherwise a default mention (DF) will be appear on the transcript. Any absence due to exams or IELTS language tests can be excused, upon presentation of a letter of excuse from your academic office, addressed to the Sports coordinator at the Student life department.
No more than two credits can be earned for arts and sports classes combined. Should you choose to do both, you will be asked to indicate which activity (sport or culture) you wish to credit at the end of the semester.
Any absence due to exams or IELTS language tests can be excused, upon presentation of a letter from your academic office, addressed to the Sports & Arts coordinator at the Student life department.
Please note: Membership is not automatic for students.
To join the network, to read the latest Emile magazine or to take part in the latest Alumni events, visit the website (in French), contact the office by phone: +33 (0)1 45 48 40 40 or via email: info@sciencespo-alumni.fr
Life in Paris
Spending one or two years in Paris gives you the opportunity to have an authentic Paris experience. You’re not just a tourist anymore! Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your time in this beautiful city.
By preparing a sound budget, you may avoid certain financial troubles and fully benefit from your studies at Sciences Po.
The Sciences Po Housing Service is available to help you look for accommodation.
This section includes :
- Sciences Po's housing partnership agreements in Paris
- Other housing options (Crous student housing, student residences, Real estate professionals, Flat-sharing, Intergenerational and solidarity housing/housing exchange, Homestay)
Crous student housing
For students with a disability or accessibility needs, to make a request of accessible housing in a CROUS residence, you must complete a student social file (Dossier Social Étudiant) online, even if you do not receive a CROUS scholarship.
Is a French bank account really necessary? How do you open a French bank account?
Please note: when opening a bank account in France, students are now required to provide evidence of their Tax Identification Number (TIN). Students can obtain information on how to find their TIN through their consulate in France.
Paris offers a vast public transport network, including the metro, bus, tram and RER (suburban trains). The RATP website offers a “plan your route” to help you get to know the transport best servicing your needs.
- For those who will be using public transport regularly, you should consider a travel card. Students under 26 years old are eligible for the Imagine R student travel pass. Students over 26 are eligible for Navigo Passes.
- One-off journeys fares vary depending on whether you use the Metro, the RER, buses or tramways.
- Bike share bicycles: Paris offers a public bike-share system called Velib.
Students may opt for various options including the Restaurant Universitaire which is the cheapest option or opt for grocery shopping.
Opening hours for stores may differ from other countries and cities.
As a general rule, shops are open between 10am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed on Sunday afternoons with some exceptions
Find out the specific opening hours of a shop in Paris or elsewhere in France (in French) via this website.
Once you have secured accommodation, you may need to get internet connected in your name and obtain a phone line.
Find out more about internet and phone providers (including a tool to compare costs).
Until you find your permanent home, you can always connect to Sciences Po wifi networks.
Also note that many free WiFi hotspots are available in major French cities, in parks or coffee shops.
Need help with basic French Language to move around: please check these essential phrases.
Interested in building your French language skills? Please sign up for our pre-semester Intensive French Program (levels A1 to C1).
Security
Violent crime is relatively rare in France, especially in broad daylight in well-populated areas. However, as in most countries, petty crime such as bag snatching and phone theft is widespread, especially in "risk areas" such as airports, train stations, in the metro, and in busy shopping centres.
The guide Staying Safe in Paris developed by the Préfecture de Police, provides practical advice for dealing with incidents such as aggression, theft, or other security concerns.
This guide includes the following sections:
- advice to avoid becoming a victim
- watch out for scams
- What do do if you are mugged or your belongings are stolen
- Contact information:
- Emergency services phone numbers
- Paris Tourist & Congress Office
- Lost property service
- Lost or stolen credit cards
- List of police stations
- List of embassies
Sexual and Gender Based Violence
If you are a victim or witness of sexual assault or harassment, or if you have any questions about gender-based violence, you can visit the Combating sexual and gender-based violence page.
Emergency Numbers
In an emergency, or if you can't reach a doctor, (in the evening for example), you should of course go to a hospital, which should be covered by your insurance policy. Be sure to check the hospital’s website for details of reimbursement for emergency room visits.
- In the event of an emergency on the Paris campus, contact the Security Control Centre on 01 45 49 55 55 (24h/7)
- 112 is the number to call for emergency services throughout the European Union.
- 15 is for the SAMU (ambulance/paramedics service)
- 17 is for the Police
- 18 is for the nearest fire station, which also administers first aid
- 3624 for SOS médecin (12c/minute); for doctors who make house calls, 24/7, 365 days/year
- To find a duty chemist or night pharmacy
