Sciences Po

Paris Institute of Political Studies is a public research university, with the status of grande école and grand établissement, located in Paris, France, with further campuses in Dijon, Le Havre, Menton, Nancy, Poitiers and Reims.

Sciences Po was founded in 1872 as the École libre des sciences politiques (ELSP) by a group of French intellectuals, politicians, and businessmen led by Émile Boutmy. The ELSP was established in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, as a private institution to modernize education for French civil servants. It offered instruction in political science, a relatively new field of study at the time.

The ELSP quickly became a leading institution for the study of political science and social sciences in France. It attracted some of the most renowned scholars of the time, including Hippolyte Taine, Ernest Renan, Albert Sorel, and Paul Leroy Beaulieu. The ELSP also attracted a student body from the elite of French society, many of whom went on to become prominent politicians, civil servants, and business leaders.

In 1945, after the liberation of France from Nazi occupation, the ELSP was nationalized and became known as Sciences Po. The university underwent significant reforms in the aftermath of World War II, and its curriculum was expanded to include new fields of study such as economics and international relations.

Sciences Po continued to grow and develop in the postwar period. In 1985, it was granted the status of Grand Établissement, which gave it greater autonomy in terms of its budget and administration. Sciences Po also expanded its international presence, opening new campuses in Le Havre, Nancy, Menton, Dijon, and Poitiers.

Today, Sciences Po is one of the most prestigious universities in France and the world. It is known for its rigorous academics, strong international reputation, and diverse student body. Sciences Po graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of fields, including politics, government, business, and academia.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Sciences Po is positioned as the #367 top university in the world, which makes it the #9 top university in France. The university's global rank decreased by 17 points from last year.