Eligibility criteria for the University Programmes

The University Programmes admit university students and graduates from a variety of backgrounds and situations. Whether they are preparing for an international career, considering a degree at Sciences Po, or simply intellectually curious, students benefit from this unique opportunity to discover Sciences Po. To see profiles of some former University Programme students, please visit our students page.

Age and Education Requirements

The University Programmes are open to candidates in the following situations:

• Students currently enrolled in an institution of higher education 
• University graduates who have obtained at least a bachelor's degree
• Students in their final year of secondary school who will receive their secondary diploma by Summer 2024 and who will enrol in an institution of higher education in Fall 2025

Current secondary students who will still be enrolled in secondary school in Fall 2025 are ineligible for the University Programmes. These candidates are invited to apply to the Pre-College Programme.

The University Programmes do not have a minimum or maximum age. However, admitted students who meet the above criteria, but are under the age of 18, will need parental consent to participate in the programme. Please note that certain housing options in Paris do not accept students under the age of 18.

Language Requirements

For more information on the language levels, download an explanation of the CEFR levels (in English).

Social sciences track

Candidates for the social sciences track who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate advanced English proficiency (see options below).

French language track

The French language track welcomes students at every level of French language learning, from complete beginners (Level A1) to the advanced (Level C2). Students who wish to enter Level A1 do not need to provide proof of their French level. All other students will need to provide proof of their level of French at the level below the level they wish to obtain. For example, if you wish to take Level B2, you must demonstrate a Level B1 in French.

Candidates who think that their French level may change between the time of application and the Summer School should take a language assessment based on their current French level. They will then have the opportunity to retake a language assessment immediately prior to beginning classes and will be moved up or down a level according to results.

Candidates applying to Levels A1 to B1 (beginner and intermediate), and who are not native English speakers, also must provide proof of advanced level of English (see below). Candidates for Levels B2, C1 and C2 only need to provide proof of their level of French.

Language Level Verification

English

Candidates who are not native English speakers may demonstrate their proficiency in English in one of three ways:

Option 1: Provide an official language certification taken within the last three years

The following tests and minimum scores are accepted:

• TOEFL (IBT or Home Edition): 90 - Comprehension (Reading + Listening) minimum: 46; Expression (Speaking + Writing) minimum: 44
• IELTS: 6.5, no subscore under 5.5
• Cambridge English: B2 First (former Cambridge English First FCE) - "Reading" and "Listening": grade A (minimum:180); "Use of English", "Writing" and "Speaking" minimum: grade B (minimum: 173)
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (former Cambridge English Advanced - CAE)
• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency (former Cambridge English Proficiency - CPE)
• Duolingo test: 130 minimum

Option 2: Provide proof of at least two years of study entirely taught in English within the last five years. This includes:

• An academic transcript showing at least two years of courses entirely taught in English.
• A diploma from an English-speaking institution.

Please note that two years of English language courses alone are not sufficient.

Option 3: complete a Summer School English language assessment and upload it as part of your application file

French

Option 1: Provide an official language certification taken within the last three years

• DELF
• DALF
• TCF

Option 2: complete a Summer School French language assessment and upload it as part of your application file

Please note that academic transcripts for French foreign language classes are not sufficient to demonstrate French language level, nor are language level certifications from institutions that do not correspond to the official certifications listed above.