The Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2026 at Sciences Po, Paris offers international students (non-EU) a chance to access world-class education with financial support. Whether for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, this scholarship helps reduce tuition fees and sometimes eases living costs, enabling you to focus on learning, research, and building your future. Below is a detailed overview to help you decide if you should apply, how to apply, and how to maximize your chances.
What Is the Émile Boutmy Scholarship?
The Émile Boutmy Scholarship was created by Sciences Po to attract high-achieving international students from outside the European Union (non-EU) who demonstrate strong academic profiles, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing positively to society. Named after the founder of Sciences Po, this scholarship is part of the university’s effort to foster diversity and excellence.
It is awarded to students entering eligible Bachelor’s (first year undergraduate) or Master’s degree programmes at Sciences Po. It is not intended for PhD students, one-year Master’s programmes, or exchange students in general.
What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)
Here are the main financial benefits typically offered under Émile Boutmy:
| Level | What It Covers / Approximate Amounts |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) | Tuition grants of €14,720, €9,500, €6,500, or €3,600 per year for the 3-year duration of the undergraduate programme; in exceptional cases higher grants (≈ €19,000 total for 3 years) may be awarded. |
| Master’s | Tuition grant of about €13,100-€13,190 per year for each year of a two-year Master’s programme. |
Other perks:
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The scholarship can be renewed when progressing from undergraduate to Master’s at Sciences Po, provided academic performance remains satisfactory.
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If not validating an academic year, or if one defers admission, the scholarship may be lost.
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During a year abroad (for undergraduates in their third year) the tuition grant portion is often retained.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all of these general requirements:
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Be a non-EU international student (household not taxed in the EU) and first-time applicant to Sciences Po.
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Have been admitted to an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at Sciences Po. Applying for the scholarship is part of the admission application process — you cannot apply after being admitted or during studies without meeting certain conditions.
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Provide excellent academic performance and a strong profile: high grades, motivation, possibly community/service involvement, extracurriculars.
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Be medically fit.
Who is not eligible:
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EU dual citizens (one EU nationality) or Swiss/Norwegian applicants, because alternative support systems may exist for them.
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PhD students (thesis), one-year Master’s programmes generally not eligible.
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Dual or joint degree applicants in some cases (unless they are part of specific eligible agreements) may be excluded.
Fields of Study / Programs Covered
Sciences Po offers many programmes across multiple disciplines. The scholarship applies to almost all eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, particularly those taught in English or that welcome international students, including but not limited to:
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Political Science, International Relations
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Public Policy, Economics, Legal Studies
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Communication, Media, Creative Industries
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Marketing, Social Sciences, Urban Studies
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Environmental Policy, European Affairs
Be sure that your chosen course is one of the eligible programmes. Some dual degree programmes have additional constraints.
Application Process & Deadlines
Here’s how to apply, step by step, with important timelines:
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Get admitted to a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at Sciences Po via their official admissions process. Indicate during application that you wish to apply for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship (often in the “Financial Information” section).
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Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, proof of non-EU status / tax situation, motivation letter, possibly proof of income, passport, etc.
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Submit your full application including scholarship request before the published deadline. Deadlines vary: e.g. Bachelor’s application deadline (foreign secondary school applicants) ~ 4 March 2025, French school applicants later, Master’s ~ 1 December 2024 (but for 2026, check updated deadlines on Sciences Po site).
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Selection process: Based on merit (academic excellence), profile, motivation, possibly financial need. Sciences Po reviews complete applications.
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Notification: If successful, you’ll be informed, expected to maintain good academic standing; if you defer or fail to validate the year, scholarship may be revoked.
Important Tips to Strengthen Your Application
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Ensure your grades/transcripts are clean and well-presented; Sciences Po takes academic merit seriously.
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Submit a well-written motivation or personal statement: explain why you are applying to Sciences Po, how your background aligns, how you plan to use the education.
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Provide accurate documentation of household income/tax status; since non-EU tax residency is required.
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Highlight extracurriculars or community engagement: leadership, social causes, etc. Sciences Po considers more than just grades.
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Apply early — avoid missing deadlines; and double check that all parts of your application (including the scholarship portion) are correctly indicated.
Why This Scholarship Is a Great Opportunity
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Prestige & Reputation: Sciences Po is globally well-regarded in social sciences, policy, international relations, etc. A degree from here opens doors internationally.
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Substantial Tuition Support: Tuition fees in France can be high for non-EU students; the scholarship reduces or removes that burden.
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Multicultural Campus Experience: Studying at Sciences Po means being part of a diverse student body, exposure to global perspectives.
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Networking & Career Prospects: Strong linkages to alumni, policymaking, think-tanks, NGOs. Having this scholarship significantly boosts your CV.
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Renewability: Scholarship is potentially renewable if you continue to Master’s after Bachelor’s at Sciences Po, given strong record.