Sciences Po

The Paris Institute of Political Studies (IEP de Paris), more commonly known as Sciences Po or Sciences Po Paris, is a French grande école specialising in scientific research and academic teaching in the humanities and social sciences, including political science, economics and law. Enjoying a very high prestige in France and worldwide, the school is often nicknamed "the elite factory" as its alumni hold the highest positions in the civil service, international organisations, the media and major corporations. Many French statesmen and women have graduated from its ranks, including six presidents and seventeen prime ministers of the Fifth Republic.

According to the QS rankings by subject, Sciences Po ranked 2nd globally in political science and international relations in 2024, behind Harvard and ahead of Oxford, thereby ranking as the top European university in these fields. According to Le Figaro's rankings, Sciences Po ranked first among French journalism schools in 2022.

Sciences Po stands out in the French university landscape for its high level of internationalisation: nearly 50% of its students are international and the school has established partnerships with 445 universities worldwide, including Oxford, Harvard, Columbia and Bocconi.

Sciences Po Paris was founded in 1872 under the name École libre des sciences politiques by Émile Boutmy, surrounded and inspired by figures such as Hippolyte Taine, Ernest Renan and François Guizot. Following France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 following the Battle of Sedan, he wished to "create the elite who, step by step, will set the tone for the entire nation". Originally located solely in Paris, the school has also been present since 2000 on regional campuses in Nancy, Dijon, Poitiers, Menton, Le Havre and Reims.