Every summer, Sciences Po opens its doors to high school students from around the world as part of the Summer School’s Pre-College Programme. This programme is an opportunity to discover Sciences Po and experience university life and academics at France’s leading university in the social sciences.

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The Pre-College Programme challenges students’ perspectives and offers them the opportunity to participate in engaging discussions with renowned professors and students from around the world. This summer, students can choose to join us in France for an on-campus session or from anywhere in the world through our online session.

ONLINE SESSION: WORLD CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS BOOTCAMP

The Summer School is offering high school students the opportunity to participate in an online course focused on developing their negotiation skills, as well as introducing them to climate change and international relations.

This negotiations bootcamp will not only allow students to learn about international relations theories, but also put them into practice right away through role-playing exercises that include interactive rounds of simulation.

This online simulation course is ideal for students who are passionate about climate and environmental issues, while also curious to learn more about international relations and diplomacy. Learn more about the World Climate Negotiations Bootcamp. 

On-Campus sessions

During three weeks in July, students in the on-campus session undertake rigorous coursework in the social sciences, which introduces them to the key disciplines and methodologies of a Sciences Po education. 

Participants explore current international issues from an interdisciplinary perspective through thematic Master Classes taught by Sciences Po professors. These Master Classes address subjects such as the European Union, global inequalities, and populism, as well as refugee and migrant issues and nuclear weapons challenges. Interactive tutorials reinforce learning, while preparing students for university studies through an emphasis on academic methodology.

Elective classes allow students to focus on one of Sciences Po’s core disciplines, such as international relations, political science, sociology or history. Learn more about the academic programme.

Discover Reims and Paris

Students in the on-campus session of the Pre-College Programme get the chance to live in both Reims and Paris, and study on two of Sciences Po’s most beautiful campuses.

The first two weeks take place on the Reims campus of Sciences Po, a beautifully restored former Jesuit college, located in the historic city centre. Located in the heart of France’s famous Champagne region, Reims is an ideal location for participants to immerse themselves in French life and culture. The programme continues with the third week in Paris, where students take classes at Sciences Po’s flagship campus in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood.

Participants are housed together in shared rooms located in proximity to the Sciences Po campuses. A team of certified counsellors, present 24 hours a day, ensures that students enjoy the best possible conditions for learning, in a safe and enjoyable environment at Sciences Po. Meals are provided by the Summer School both on and off-campus. Discover life outside the classroom.

Make new friends through a social and cultural programme

While the academic programme is intense, the Pre-College Programme makes time for extracurricular activities. The Summer School offers an enriching social and cultural programme. Students have the opportunity to connect and make new friends from around the world through social activities, as well visits of French landmarks, museums and cultural sites.

Become a part of Sciences Po's International Community

Summer School students become part of an international community of students who come from around the world and share a common passion for the social sciences. Here’s what some of our alumni have to say about their experience in the Pre-College Programme:

 The diversity of student profiles has truly had a huge impact on my experience and made the discussions more entertaining and appealing. I truly enjoy talking with my classmates! I find that they have great mindsets and a very high level of knowledge as well.” - Wonjoon, South Korea

The Pre-College programme really prepared me for college. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience that I don’t think I would get anywhere else, so this whole experience for me was eye-opening.” - Emma, USA

You are definitely going to get something out of this programme, whether it’s knowledge, experience or friendships. It’s definitely an opportunity to see the world through a different lens, through the social scientist perspective.” - Kara, Singapore

This online learning experience made me feel like I was in the classroom. We managed to interact so much. We’ve learned together. We’ve laughed together. We’ve joined the social activities together. I felt that we’ve created a bond, even though it was through a screen, so I’m really grateful for having this class. I think this programme meets the target for how online learning experiences should actually be." - Mara-Denisa, Romania

Find out more about the Pre-College Programme's student profiles.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Dates

• On-Campus Session: July 8th - July 29th, 2023
• Online Session: June 26th - July 6th, 2023

Programme Fees

• On-campus session (three weeks): €5870
• Online session (two weeks): €1230

On Campus Session Fees include:

• All courses, books and study materials
• Accommodation and meals
• Social and cultural programme
• Transportation during the programme

Online Session Fees include:

• Online resources and study materials
• Access to Sciences Po’s library resources

Eligibility

The Pre-College Programme is open to students currently enrolled in secondary school, and who will still be enrolled in secondary school in Fall 2023. Candidates must be at least 15 years old at the time of the programme. Learn more about eligibility criteria.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2023 Summer School are now open. Applying to the Pre-College Programme requires the successful completion of a selective application process; candidates must submit an online application, which will be reviewed by an admissions jury. Learn more about the application process..