Erasmus guide Sciences Po Paris
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Sciences Po Paris in Paris, France.
Snapshot
Flagship Paris option for exchange students focused on social sciences, policy, economics, and international affairs in a highly international academic environment.
Why students shortlist it
France's most prestigious school for political science, international relations, and public affairs — arguably the world's best for these fields. Alumni run governments, international organisations, and global media. Highly selective, intellectually demanding.
Teaching languages: French and English (dual-language campus; many courses available in both)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, CV, personal statement, photo ID, university transcripts, and French and/or English language test results depending on the programme.
Nomination Process
Autumn 2026 nominations run 3-24 March 2026 with student applications due by 7 April 2026. Spring 2027 nominations run 22 September-6 October 2026 with applications due by 8 October 2026.
Visa Support
Non-EU, EEA, and Swiss students need to secure the appropriate French student visa before arrival if required by status and stay length.
Buddy System
The welcome programme and exchange support team help incoming students handle arrival and academic setup from day one.
Orientation Week
Semester 1 welcome programme runs 1-5 September 2026; semester 2 welcome programme runs 19-23 January 2027.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 | 3 to 24 March 2026 | 7 April 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | 22 September to 6 October 2026 | 8 October 2026 |
Arrival Checklist
- Lock in your home-university nomination before preparing the application.
- Plan language certification early because required scores vary by level and programme.
- Prepare a broad course shortlist; access to all preferred courses is not guaranteed.
- Stay in Paris until the final exam date shown in the academic calendar.
Academics
Course Registration
Exchange students register after admission and should prepare multiple course options because some classes fill quickly or have prerequisites.
Credit System
Exchange students may take from 5 ECTS minimum to 30 ECTS maximum per semester.
Grading System
Sciences Po uses the French 0 to 20 scale, with 10 as the pass threshold.
Exam Culture
Attendance rules matter. Sciences Po specifically asks students to understand the attendance policy and academic rules before the semester starts.
Library Access
Students work in a dense social-sciences environment with Paris-based academic infrastructure, writing support, and programme-level advising.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition at host + EUR 105 CVEC | Sciences Po exchange students pay tuition to their HOME university only — Sciences Po charges no tuition for incoming bilateral/Erasmus exchange. CVEC €105 (… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 0–20,640/year (income-based) | Sciences Po uses sliding scale based on family income: €0 (lowest bracket) to €20,640/year (highest bracket), regardless of nationality. Exchange students pa… |
EUR 0 tuition at host + EUR 105 CVEC
Sciences Po exchange students pay tuition to their HOME university only — Sciences Po charges no tuition for incoming bilateral/Erasmus exchange. CVEC €105 (…
EUR 0–20,640/year (income-based)
Sciences Po uses sliding scale based on family income: €0 (lowest bracket) to €20,640/year (highest bracket), regardless of nationality. Exchange students pa…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Incoming students need valid health coverage before and during their stay.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Sciences Po points incoming students to the health center through the student website and onboarding guidance.
Mental Health
Support and disability adjustments are available through dedicated student services when arranged early.
EHIC
Varies by home-country eligibility
Suitable for many EU students together with local onboarding.
Private student insurance
Varies by provider
Useful for non-EU students or anyone who needs full arrival-to-arrival coverage.
Campus Services
Student Exchanges Team
Handles nomination flow, application timing, and operational guidance for incoming exchange students.
Student website and onboarding hub
Central place for accommodation, visas, health center information, and practical first steps.
Student Services & Daily Life
Sciences Po comprehensive student services portal: housing, health, sports, culture, disability support, career guidance, and campus life resources.
Health Services
Sciences Po health centre plus referrals to BAPU mental health centres (free psychiatrist/psychologist sessions). Medical procedures, health certification, and wellbeing support.
Disability & Accessibility
Dedicated support for students with temporary or permanent disabilities: academic adjustments, accessible library services, career support, and mentoring programme.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Sciences Po has a high-density student culture around debate, politics, policy, entrepreneurship, and international exchange.
Buddy Program
The incoming exchange welcome programme is the fastest route into the student community.
Sports & Recreation
- Students combine central-Paris life with campus sport and extracurricular options throughout the year.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the full welcome programme and keep room for admin tasks afterwards.
- Prepare more courses than you think you need before registration opens.
- Learn the attendance rules early to avoid preventable mistakes.
- Build a practical routine between housing, metro, and the 7th arrondissement campus.
Key Dates
Welcome programme - semester 1
1-5 September 2026
Use this week for orientation, practical setup, and first contacts.
Semester 1 classes and exams
7 September-18 December 2026
Students are expected to remain until the last published exam date.
Welcome programme - semester 2
19-23 January 2027
Equivalent onboarding window for spring arrivals.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
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