Welcoming PSIA Class of 2028

Every year, in the week preceding the start of classes, the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) proudly welcomes its newest cohort with a full program of activities designed to launch the academic year. This September, we were delighted to welcome 901 students to our Paris campus, our largest cohort since PSIA’s creation 15 years ago. This milestone reaffirms our position as the largest school of international affairs in Europe and reflects our sustained global appeal, consistently ranked top 4 worldwide in Politics and International Studies over the past decade (QS Ranking).

This year’s incoming class joins our eight master’s programs, 15 dual degrees, the One‑Year Master in Advanced Global Studies, and the Joint Master in Journalism and International Affairs. With students coming from over 100 nationalities, the Class of 2028 embodies PSIA’s commitment to cultivating a truly international learning environment.

The Welcome Week offered a dynamic and engaging program, including French language courses, team‑building workshops, essential information sessions, and an inspiring address by PSIA’s Dean, Arancha González.

While English is the main language of study at PSIA and French proficiency is not required, we encourage students to embrace the French language as part of their Parisian experience. To support this, PSIA offers an optional French course during the semester as well as an intensive French program during Welcome Week.

Team‑building workshops are a cornerstone of the Welcome Week. As a leading school of international affairs, PSIA is committed to fostering collaboration, leadership, and informed decision‑making. Students are grouped by program and engage in activities designed to develop these essential skills. Beyond strengthening teamwork, these sessions offer a valuable opportunity for students who will study together for one or two years to connect, collaborate, and begin forming lasting friendships.

Welcome Week also includes key information sessions covering academic requirements, the importance of academic integrity, and Sciences Po’s strong commitment to preventing discrimination and gender-based violence. These sessions ensure that every student understands their responsibilities and the values that underpin our community.

PSIA’s Dean, Arancha González, welcomed the Class of 2028 with a powerful and energizing message. She reminded students of the courage it takes to pursue international affairs at a moment when “many commentators describe the current situation as bleak: a climate crisis accelerating, geopolitical flashpoints multiplying, global institutions gridlocked, misinformation ecosystems fractured by mistrust.”

Yet, she emphasized that this context is precisely what makes their choice meaningful: “Global instability is not a tragedy for your careers. It can be your greatest comparative advantage.”

She encouraged students to see themselves not as passive observers but as active contributors: “You are not here just to memorise the traditional international rule book. You are here to help rewrite it.”

And she urged them to embrace curiosity, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking:

Treat this program not just as a library, where you absorb old knowledge, but also as a laboratory where you test new ideas.

The Welcome Week concluded with a festive gathering on the beautiful Saint‑Thomas campus, where students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and enjoy a convivial cocktail in the late‑summer Paris light.

We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2028 to Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs. May this year be one of discovery, ambition, and transformation as you begin your journey at PSIA.