Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris
"Sciences Po"

The Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in France is one of the most distinguished schools of political science and public affairs in all of Europe. It is ideal for Elliott School M.A. students with interests in European issues, internation affairs, security, communication, development, and economics.

• Curriculum
• Transfer of Credits
• Academic Calendar
• Language of Instruction
• Internships
• Housing
• Tuition and fees
• Location
• Travel Information
• To Apply
• For More Information

Curriculum: Students choose from courses offered in the masters' programs of Sciences Po, generally from Master Affaires international. A list of possible course for exchange students is available on-line. A full semester at Sciences Po would typically include three modules: one seminar of French language; and two elective courses.

Transfer of Credits:  Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students may transfer up to 10 GW credits from the partner into the Elliott School M.A. programs. For more details on transfer credit, visit Receiving Credit .

Grade "11" at Sciences Po = Grade B at GW
2 ECTS credits at Sciences Po = 1 credit at GW

Academic Calendar:  The academic calendar at Sciences Po is different from the GW calendar. The Sciences Po autumn semester generally runs from October to February, with extensive orientation during the month of September. Spring semester runs from February to late June, with a brief one-week orientation. Courses are held in the daytime.

Given the mismatch of Sciences Po's autumn semester dates with the GW fall semester, the Elliott School recommends study abroad in Paris during the spring semester.

Language of Instruction:  French proficiency is required to attend Sciences Po. Most classes are conducted in French; some classes are offered in English. Students may take a mix of French and English-taught classes. Students should submit a copy of their Elliott School Diagnostic Language Examination results with their applications for Sciences Po.

Internships:  The intense academic schedule usually discourages students from undertaking internships while studying at Sciences Po. However, students may choose to stay during the summer and pursue an internship.

Housing: Students must arrange their own accommodations in Paris. In past years, students have arranged their housing after arrival in Paris. The American Center at Sciences Po has several recommendations.

Tuition and fees:  Students pay regular GW and Elliott School graduate tuition and fees for their participation in exchange programs, based upon 9 or 10 credit hours.

Location:  Sciences Po has an urban campus, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, near Saint Germain.

Travel information:  Students are responsible for obtaining appropriate student visas for study abroad; guidance will be provided by the host institution. GW students are also required to comply with the GW International Trade Approval Policy.

To Apply:  The Elliott School reviews all applications for study at International Exchange Partners. To apply, students must complete:

1. The Elliott School Exchange Student Application, and
2. The Sciences Po application is available on-line only after the Elliott School has endorsed your candidacy as an excnahge student.

The Elliott School Exchange Student Application (1) is due to the Elliott School by March 15 for fall enrollment abroad and October 15 for spring enrollment abroad. Once the application has been reviewed and endorsed by the Elliott School, the Elliott School will forward the application materials to Sciences Po in order to open their on-line application process.

For more information about Sciences Po:
The international center (DAIE) at Sciences Po has an excellent website with links to a student guide and academic calendar.

The Americas Center is the administrative "home" to Elliott School exchange students in Paris.

Last revised 07.10.09