Dual degree with Freie Universität

Freie Universität Berlin, was  founded in 1948 by a group of students and teachers who had been excluded from Universiät Unter den Linden (today: Humboldt Universität)in the Soviet occupied part of the city.  Freie Universität Berlin is one of the largest German universities, with 29,000  students, including 15% international students. In 2007 and 2012, Freie Universität Berlin was awarded the Excellence status by the German Excellence Initiative for a period of five years. Its department of Political Science, the Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft (OSI), is one of the most renowned in Europe.

Mastering the German language and a good knowledge of German politics  are essential assets in Europe where the Franco-German relationship plays a major role. In France, public and private sectors are looking  for experts to enhance the exchange, work and engagement with Germany. Obtaining two Masters from two renowned institutions is therefore a unique opportunity offered by Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin. For over thirty years, these two institutions have maintained privileged relations based on full recognition of the teaching provided by each of the partner institutions.

The Franco-German study program was founded in 1991 and has trained hundreds of students who hold positions of responsibility in national, European and international institutions as well as the media, the private sector and research.

The dual degree Sciences Po - Freie Universität Berlin was awarded the “ DAAD Excellence Award” (German Academic Exchange Service).

Programme studies

Year 1 at Sciences Po

During the first year of the Dual Degree, students may join one of the following Master's programs offered by the Paris School of International Affairs.

• International Security
• International Governance and Diplomacy
• International Economic Policy
• International Development
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
• Environmental Policy
• International Energy Transitions

Students must validate all required courses to the value of 60 ECTS credits during the first year at Sciences Po according to PSIA Dual Degree structure to be permitted to proceed to Freie Universität Berlin for the second year.

Year 2 at the Otto-Suhr-Institut in Berlin

Students can choose courses in the following fields :

• Political Theory and Foundations of Politics
• International Relations
• Political Systems

Furthermore, joint Franco-German seminars are exclusively organized for the students of the program and part of the academic requirements.Their purpose is the study of current European challenges  from a Franco-German perspective. In addition, a methodological training will be offered at Freie Universität Berlin.

Moreover, a mandatory internship of six weeks full time between the first and the second year of the Master is also part of the program. 

Admissions

For more information on dual degree admissions.

For further information about language requirements for dual degree applicants.

For more information about language test exemptions.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Students pay their fees:

• to Sciences Po for Year 1
• to Freie Universität Berlin for Year 2 

Students of the dual degree receive a mobility scholarship from the Franco-German University (UFA).

Student testimonial

"The dual degree “Politikwissenschaften- Affaires Internationales” at Sciences Po Paris and FU Berlin offers the chance to study in two different university systems in two outstanding European cities – Paris and Berlin. As I am very interested in international energy politics, I specialized in International Energy at Sciences Po Paris. While the classes were very practice-oriented and focused on economic aspects, I can now focus on a broader range of political sciences topics at FU Berlin. However, it is still possible to pick courses relating to the specialization I pursued at Sciences Po. Of course, the different approaches in France and Germany can be quite a challenge, but I personally consider them an opportunity to approach topics differently. Besides, I strongly recommend taking advantage from the possibilities students have to get involved in activities beyond University, which also help to sharpen the professional and academic profile."

Lilly Höhn Dual degree Sciences Po - Freie Universität Berlin

The Alumni association

The “Association Gerhard Kiersch Verein” (AGKV) was founded in 1995. Its name is intended to preserve the memory of a Professor at the Otto-Suhr-Institut , who  initiated the Franco-German dual degree between Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin in the early 1980s.

It brings together current students of the program and alumni to build a strong European network through its links with stakeholders in the political, economic, social and cultural sphere. In fact, many alumni currently work in diverse sectors including international organizations, the media, public services, business, consulting and research.

For further information about the Alumni Association.

Testimonials from our Graduates

• Fabio, Senior Policy Officer and Data Scientist at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
• Andreas, Director for the offices in Francophone West Africa Innovations for Poverty Action, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Contacts us

At Sciences Po

• Julia Krongelb, Country Manager, International Affairs Division, Sciences Po, email | phone: +33 (0)1 45 49 54 93
• Contact the Admissions office regarding application procedures and requirements.  
• Catarina Laranjeira, Assistant Dean for Admissions, Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), email

At Freie Universität Berlin:

• Prof. Miriam Hartlapp, Program Coordinator
• Website