Last updated: February 2024
Sciences Po’s « regular » Bachelor study plan consists of three years: the two first years are spent on one of the seven campuses while the third year is spent abroad, as a year-long exchange in one of Sciences Po’s 480 partner universities.
However, Sciences Po also offers dual degrees with partner universities, leading to students obtaining two Bachelor degrees instead of only one.
These dual degrees are the result of a cooperation between Sciences Po and several partner universities. Students spend two years at Sciences Po, and then leave to study as a full-time student for two years (instead of one) at the partner university.
This means that students will have to pay regular tuition fees at the partner university (whereas during the « classical » third outgoing year, students pay Sciences Po tuition even when abroad). Applicants should keep this in mind because tuition fees at Sciences Po’s dual degree partner universities tend to be considerably high, for the most part.
Sciences Po currently offers ten international dual degrees (click to reveal):
1. Sciences Po / UC Berkeley
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for UC Berkeley where they get to choose their Major: Economics / Ethnic studies / Global studies / History / Legal studies / Political science / Political economy / Sociology / East Asian Languages and Cultures / Near Eastern Studies / African American Studies / Gender and Women’s Studies.
Applications are to be handed in on UC’s website, usually towards the end of November, and require a cover letter, a resume, and an English proficiency test. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / UC Berkeley dual degree?
As a French student who attended a British school in the Middle East, who cultivated a fascination with China, this dual degree program was the perfect fit for me as it gave me the opportunity to explore all my interests! As a highschool student I was not quite sure if I wanted to study Economics, Politics, or Computer Science, but this dual degree gave me the opportunity to explore all these subjects and choose my specialisation according to my evolving interests. Moreover, I really liked the interdisciplinary approach of the first year at Sciences Po, which allowed me to gain exposure to a lot of different subjects.
Furthermore, while I did not know the extent of this before joining the program, the level of support and guidance given by the DDP academic councilors and alumnus is absolutely incredible. I constantly feel like their recommendations are tailored to my needs.
Finally, another reason for choosing the DDP with UC Berkeley was for the American campus environment which is truly unique. Having the ability to take part in many sports and professional clubs along with being driving distance from the Silicon Valley were also very strong reasons for me choosing this program!
Find out more about the Sciences Po / UC Berkeley dual degree here.
2. Sciences Po / Columbia University
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for Columbia University where they will be enrolled in Columbia’s School of General Studies.
Applications are to be handed in on Columbia’s website, usually towards the beginning of January, and require a cover letter, two recommendation letters, High school transcripts, and an English proficiency test. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / Columbia dual degree?
I selected this dual degree as it offered a particularly complementary program. Like many students, when I was finishing high school, I was still unsure of which major I wanted to pursue. My two years at Sciences Po, where I was able to try different and varied subjects at a university level have allowed me to narrow down my choices, while doing a specific major at Columbia will give me a much more focused and precise understanding of a specific topic (in my case, economics). The degree also offers two very different life experiences: a small campus in a mid-sized French city, versus a large campus in the most populated city of the US. I particularly enjoy the fact that this dual degree allows students to discover varied worldviews, whether it be through its highly international student body and professors, or simply by the fact of living in two very different countries.
Find out more about the Sciences Po / Columbia dual degree here.
3. Sciences Po / University College London
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for UCL where they will be enrolled in the Faculty of European Social and Political Studies and will get to choose a major: Philosophy / Economics / History / Law / Political science / International relations.
Applications are to be handed in on UCAS, usually towards the end of January, and require a cover letter, a resume, and an English proficiency test. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / UCL dual degree?
(soon, we’ll have a testimony here that will convince you that this is THE dual degree that was made for you)
Find out more about the Sciences Po / UCL dual degree here.
4. Sciences Po / University of British Columbia
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for UBC where they will get to choose a major: Economics / History / Political science / Sociology / Geography.
Applications are to be handed in on UBC’s website, usually towards the beginning of December, and require applicants to fill out a personal profile, to write an essay, two academic references as well as hand in an English proficiency test. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / UBC dual degree?
UBC was just ranked 36th globally by Times Higher Education and is undeniably an amazing school, but that’s definitely not the only reason people go there. Vancouver is a beautiful and unique city that is next to the mountains and the ocean; in the summer, there is so much to do on the beach and by the ocean and in the winter, the skiing is some of the best in the world (better than France, according to me).
Professors are more attentive and many develop close professional relationships with their students. Nightlife is not anywhere near as good as Europe or some places in the US, but it does exist. Indigenous (Native American, in Canada) culture is vibrant and a big part of Canadian culture and it is very interesting to learn about for international students. The Canadian dollar is worth much less than the Euro, but Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in the world and rent in residence is still about 1000 euros on average (depending on the residence) per month. However, students at Sciences Po will find other living expenses in France and Canada are very similar, some being a lot cheaper in Canada because of the dollar.
Find out more about the Sciences Po / UBC dual degree here and on Instagram : @ubcsciencespo.
5. Sciences Po / University of Sydney
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for USyd where they will get to choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Economics.
Applications are to be handed in on USyd’s website, towards the end of October or the end of January (there are two application waves), and require a cover letter, a resume, High school transcripts and an English proficiency test. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / University of Sydney dual degree?
The University of Sydney offers a large panel of classes on very specific topics, which couples well with Sciences Po’s more generalist and theory-based classes. Small caveat though: few of the classes that are advertised on the University of Sydney website are actually available when you enrol, so maybe enquire about which ones are actually available (from current students who have access to the enrolment platform or from the university itself) before making a choice.
Another reason that pushed me to apply for this dual degree was the ability to learn and experience two very different teaching systems. The French education system tends to be more focused on structure and evidence, with written final exams. In contrast, the anglo-saxon Australian system is more so based on critical thinking and empirical application of theory, with final essay or papers rather than exams for certain classes. Lecturers and tutors are also generally closer to students which makes exchanging with them on many topics a lot easier.
Australian and French societal views on different topics, especially questions linked to the environment, was another reason that prompted me to choose this dual degree. A great emphasis is put on Australia’s natural ecosystem’s beauty and uniqueness in talks about ecology, as well as the taking into account Indigenous knowledge, which contrasts with the more urban ecology present in France.
Other than that, though I haden’t really taken it into account at first, Sydney is really a nice city to live in, very vibrant and welcoming, and surrounded by natural areas, from the Blue Mountains to bondi Beach.
Find out more about the Sciences Po / USyd dual degree here for the Bachelor of Arts and here for the Bachelor of Economics.
6. Sciences Po / Freie Universität Berlin
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for Berlin where they will be enrolled in a Bachelor Politikwissenschaft. Mind that students need a solid proficiency in German to be able to follow two years of study fully in German.
Applications are to be handed in on Sciences Po’s website following the international admissions deadline calendar and require motivational essays, a resume, academic references, and High school transcripts. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / FU dual degree?
(soon, we’ll have a testimony here that will convince you that this is THE dual degree that was made for you)
Find out more about the Sciences Po / FU dual degree here.
7. Sciences Po / Keio University
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for Keio where they will be enrolled in a Bachelor of Economics. Mind that Keio requires dual degree students to have started learning Japanese at Sciences Po and to have picked « Economics and Societies » as a second year major.
Applications are to be handed in on Sciences Po’s website following the international admissions deadline calendar and require motivational essays, a resume, academic references, and High school transcripts. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / Keio dual degree?
I was passionate about Japanese culture, engaged in various opportunities (both EU and organized by Japanese Embassy in my country) and I was interested toward non-formal education that can be looked through economy!
Find out more about the Sciences Po / Keio dual degree here.
8. Sciences Po / LUISS
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for LUISS where they will be asked to choose between a Bachelor Scienze Politiche (fully in Italian) and a Bachelor in PPE (Politics, Philosophy, Economics – in English).
Applications for international candidates are to be handed in on Sciences Po’s website following the international admissions deadline calendar and require motivational essays, a resume, academic references, and High school transcripts. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
Find out more about the Sciences Po / LUISS dual degree here.
9. Sciences Po / University of Hong Kong
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for HKU where they will be asked to choose between a Bachelor of Arts (specializing in History, Philosophy, or Hong Kong Studies), a Bachelor of Social Sciences (specializing in Sociology or Politics and Public administration) or a BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration (specializing in Finance, Marketing, or Human resources management).
Applications for international candidates are to be handed in on Sciences Po’s website following the international admissions deadline calendar and require motivational essays, a resume, academic references, and High school transcripts. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / HKU dual degree?
In terms of academics, you can enjoy the diversity of fields teached and improve different languages. It enjoys a great, and increasing, reputation, being a top 40 University worldwide. Regarding the city, Hong Kong is, in my view, the best compromise between urban and rural areas, local culture and international atmosphere, and regional connectivity. The financial aspect must be taken into account : around 21.000 €/year for the school fees and housing around 300-500€/months in students’ residences.
Find out more about the Sciences Po / HKU dual degree here.
10. Sciences Po / National University of Singapore
After two years spent at Sciences Po, students leave for NUS where they will be enrolled in NUS’ New College.
Applications for international candidates are to be handed in on NUS’ website, usually towards the beginning of March, and require a cover letter, two academic references, a resume, an essay, High school transcripts, and an English proficiency test. Applicants who pass the first stage of the process will have to pass an online interview in order to get accepted.
What made you choose the Sciences Po / NUS dual degree?
1. I chose this double degree because Sciences Po and NUS provided me with very different yet complementary experiences during my four years of study. Sciences Po allowed me to develop my soft skills and get involved in the small-scale campus life of Le Havre. Conversely, NUS encouraged me to develop my hard skills and constantly learn new things in various disciplines. Both schools expect very different things from their students, which makes for a challenging yet holistic learning experience. In addition, I was really keen on learning more about Asia, and Singapore allowed me to do just that. I got to discover this fascinating city that is currently the region’s central hub in finance, culture and geopolitics while also traveling also over Southeast Asia. »
2. People joined the NUS DDP because they want to have a university experience that would both allow them to explore a broad range of subjects (politics, economics, history, languages and more), while also having a specialization in one sector. This DDP allows us to do exactly that with the broad first year education, then the subject of our major in the second.
What’s more – the campus of NUS is an environment of a multitude of international students, we can see these subjects through the lens of many different cultures and gain a broader worldview, making us more adaptable and prepared for challenges ahead, be it in the workplace or in real life.
Find out more about the Sciences Po / NUS dual degree here.
