Sciences Po Summer School
Study at one of France's leading university in the social sciences and enjoy a summer in Paris!
Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is ranked 3rd in the world for politics and international relations (QS 2019). As one of France's "Grandes Écoles" (elite schools), Sciences Po provides world-class instruction with renowned international academics and professionals.
The Summer School offers a variety of courses in French language & culture, public policy, and social sciences.
Key information
Application information
Student Experience
Click to explore Sciences Po's Instagram page!
Useful links
Host University Exchange Website
Have questions?
For general inquiries: study.abroad@ucalgary.ca
For questions about the courses or program details: summer.school-at-sciencespo.fr
Program details
The information below was last updated in 2025
Sciences Po Summer School offers three distinct program types. Students can choose to participate in one of the following programs:
- Immersive Program: Intensive Policy Lab
- Social Sciences Track:
- Students can select one Core Course (6 ECTS) for either the June or July session
- Summer courses are offered in the following areas of study: international relations, political science, economics, history, and more.
- French Language Track: Beginner to Advanced
- Courses will include a combination of language classes and expression workshops.
Students who complete all academic program requirements and receive a passing grade as noted on the website, will receive 6 ECTS.
Students must receive the full 6 ECTS to transfer the credit back to UCalgary. 6 ECTS = 1 UCalgary half course (3 units). Please check with your UCalgary academic advisor to ensure that the course(s) you are interested in taking will transfer back to your degree.
Note: If UCalgary students choose to add an Optional Elective Course (3 ECTS), they will not receive transfer credit for this optional course as it does not provide sufficient credit to transfer back.
- July 6th - July 17th, 2026
- June session: June 2nd - June 25th, 2026
- July session: June 30th - July 24th, 2026
- June session: June 2nd - June 27th, 2025
- July session: July 1st - July 25th, 2025
There are also semester programs available at Sciences PO. The academic year is divided into two semesters.
- Fall semester begins late August and runs to mid/late December.
- Spring semester begins in mid-January and continues to mid/late May.
Please Note: Within 3 months before departure to France, students may be required to travel to Vancouver, Ottawa, or Toronto to submit documentation & biometrics for their French visa applications. Students may not have access to their passports during the visa application period.
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Costs
This is a Fee-Paying program, which means that you will pay tuition fees to Sceinces Po directly as well as any other required program fees such as housing, social events, etc.
You will pay a $150 placement fee to UCalgary, but otherwise you will not owe any fees to UCalgary for this program.
As long as your total stay in Europe is less than 90 days, a visa is usually not required for students travelling on a Canadian passport.
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Funding
Fee-paying programs might be able to obtain additional funding. Students are responsible for verifying eligibility for any funding you wish to pursue at UCalgary. If you wish to apply for student loans, please confirm eligibility with Alberta Student Aid or your responsible loans provider. If you wish to apply for our office's awards, such as the Global Learning Award, note that your program must receive at least 3 units of academic credit at UCalgary to qualify.
Sciences Po is an urban campus without student residences on site. The Summer School offers two housing options for students with external partners. View the website for more information.
Participants are advised to secure housing as soon as you have been accepted into the program and paid the deposit reserving your spot.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary. For more information, view the website.
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Application to UCalgary
Please submit an applicaton in the UCalgary application system, RAISA. Your application must be submitted by the UCalgary deadline, which is advertised in the yellow banner at the top of this page. (This program typically re-opens applications past the priority deadline until mid-March.)
In RAISA, you will be asked some basic questions about your interest in studying abroad, and confirm that you understand this is a Fee-Paying program.
By applying in RAISA, the UCalgary Global Learning office will better be able to support your preparation to travel, including providing resources for your safety abroad and guidance on the academic transfer credit process.
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Application to Sciences Po
Independent of your UCalgary RAISA application, you must also submit an application to Sciences Po. Your Global Learning Advisor will send you a reminder to apply, but it is your responsibility to gather the necessary documents and submit them to Sciences Po following their provided instructions and deadlines.
Have questions?
The Global Learning Advisor for this program is: Tara Jorgensen
How to Apply
Identify your programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs by the priority deadline. If you are applying to a mixture of fee-paying and exchange or research programs, please consult with a Global Learning Advisor. Fee-paying programs often have different timelines; we can help identify if your desired programs are competitive or any other unique considerations.
Check requirements and deadlines
Please review the "Eligibility and application requirements" section above. Some fee-paying programs require students to apply both to UCalgary and to the host university, while others may have different instructions. If you are uncertain about application procedures, you are welcome to contact a Global Learning Advisor and/or the host university for guidance.
Start your application
Be mindful that if your desired program requires applying both to UCalgary and to the host university, there may be different timelines for each application. Make note of the requirements for each application, prepare in advance when possible, and ensure you don't miss the deadline!
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.