Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027: Full Funding at Sciences Po for Indians

Dreaming of studying at one of Europe's most prestigious social science universities? The Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027 at Sciences Po in Paris offers Indian students a golden opportunity to pursue world-class education with generous financial support. Named after the founder of Sciences Po, this merit-based scholarship can cover up to €19,000 per year (approximately ₹17 lakh), including full tuition and living expenses for select recipients.

With Sciences Po ranked 2nd globally in political science (just after Harvard) and offering 30+ Master's programmes taught in English, this scholarship is your gateway to studying international affairs, public policy, economics, law, and more in the heart of Paris. Applications for the September 2027 intake open in late September 2026, with deadlines in October-November 2026 — perfect timing for Indian students planning their 2027 study-abroad journey.

Overview of the Émile Boutmy Scholarship

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship was created by Sciences Po (Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris) to welcome the very best international students from outside the European Union. Since its establishment, the scholarship fund has supported hundreds of talented students from around the world, thanks to generous sponsors including the Chalhoub Group, Fondation Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart, L'Oréal, and Michel David-Weill.

Sciences Po is France's leading university in the social sciences, with a 150-year history of educating decision-makers in public and private sectors. Today, nearly 50% of Sciences Po's 13,000 students come from 150 countries, making it one of the most international universities in Europe. The university offers undergraduate and Master's programmes in political science, international relations, public affairs, economics, law, journalism, and more — with many courses taught entirely in English.

For Indian students specifically, Sciences Po partners with the prestigious Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, which awards one full scholarship per year to an Indian Master's student (covering 100% tuition + €1,000/month living stipend + airfare). However, the Émile Boutmy Scholarship is open to all Indian students and awards nearly 300 scholarships annually across all programmes.

Why Sciences Po?

• Global Ranking: 2nd worldwide in Political Science (Times Higher Education 2021), ahead of Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford
• Employment Rate: 88% of graduates are hired within 6 months; 39% start their careers abroad
• International Network: Dual-degree partnerships with Columbia, UC Berkeley, LSE, NUS, University of Hong Kong, and more
• English-Taught Programmes: Most Master's courses are taught in English; no French language requirement for admission
• Paris Location: Study in one of the world's most vibrant cultural and intellectual capitals

What's Covered by the Émile Boutmy Scholarship

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is a tuition-based award with variable amounts depending on the applicant's financial need and academic merit. The scholarship can take several forms:

For Master's Students (2-Year Programmes)

• Standard Award: €13,100 per year for two years (total €26,200)
• Enhanced Award: €18,500 per year for two years (total €37,000) — this covers nearly full tuition at Sciences Po

Master's tuition at Sciences Po for non-EU students ranges from approximately €15,000 to €19,000 per year, so the €18,500 award essentially covers full tuition.

For Undergraduate Students (3-Year Programmes)

The undergraduate Émile Boutmy Scholarship can take one of four forms:

• Tier 1 (Highest): €7,300 tuition grant + €5,000 living stipend per year for 3 years = €12,300/year (total €36,900)
• Tier 2: €7,300 tuition grant per year for 3 years = €21,900 total
• Tier 3: €5,000 tuition grant per year for 3 years = €15,000 total
• Tier 4: €3,000 tuition grant per year for 3 years = €9,000 total

Some sources report the highest undergraduate tier can go up to €14,720 per year or even full tuition exemption for exceptional candidates with demonstrated financial need.

INR Equivalent for Indian Students

At the current exchange rate (1 EUR = approx. ₹91 as of July 2026):

• Master's award: ₹11,90,000 to ₹16,80,000 per year
• Undergraduate award (Tier 1): ₹11,20,000 per year (₹6,65,000 tuition + ₹4,55,000 living stipend)
• Highest tier reported: Up to ₹17,30,000 per year

Important: While the Émile Boutmy Scholarship primarily covers tuition fees, the top tier for undergraduates also includes a living stipend. Living expenses in Paris typically range from €1,000–€1,500/month (₹91,000–₹1,36,000), so students should budget for additional costs or seek part-time work (permitted for international students in France up to 964 hours per year).

Scholarship Renewal

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is automatically renewed for the full duration of your programme, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you complete a Bachelor's at Sciences Po and continue to a Master's there, the scholarship is renewed (though you must reapply through the Master's admissions process).

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Indian students are fully eligible for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship. Here are the detailed requirements:

General Eligibility

• Citizenship: You must be a non-European Union citizen. Indian passport holders qualify.
• Tax Residency: Your household must not file taxes within the European Union. (Indian families residing and paying taxes in India meet this criterion.)
• First-Time Applicant: You must be applying to Sciences Po for the first time. Previous applicants who were rejected cannot reapply for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship within the same admissions cycle.
• Admission Required: You must have been admitted to an eligible undergraduate or Master's programme at Sciences Po. The scholarship is awarded after admission decisions.

Academic Requirements for Indian Students

For Master's Applicants:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree (or be in the final year) from a recognized Indian university
• Minimum academic grade: First class or equivalent (typically 60-65%+ depending on the field)
• For social sciences, humanities, law: minimum 65% or CGPA 6.8/10
• For mathematics, sciences, environment: minimum 70% or CGPA 7.2/10
• Strong academic record, leadership experience, and clear motivation for the chosen programme

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• Completed Class 12 (CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or state boards) with strong grades (typically 85%+ for competitive programmes)
• Demonstrated interest in social sciences, humanities, or related fields
• Strong extracurricular profile (debate, MUN, student government, community service, etc.)

English Language Requirements

Sciences Po does not mandate English language tests for admission to English-taught programmes. However, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through:

• Previous education in English (if applicable)
• A strong personal statement and interview in English
• Optional: IELTS (6.5-7.0+), TOEFL iBT (90-100+), or equivalent scores can strengthen your application

Indian students educated in English-medium schools typically do not face issues with this requirement.

No GRE/GMAT Required

Good news for Indian applicants: Sciences Po does not require GRE or GMAT scores for most Master's programmes (except for certain MBAs or specialized programmes). This is a major advantage compared to US universities.

Application Process for Indian Students

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is not a separate application — it is integrated into your Sciences Po admissions application. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Choose Your Programme

Sciences Po offers 30+ Master's programmes and multiple undergraduate programmes across eight professional schools. Popular choices for Indian students include:

• Master in Public Affairs (MPA)
• Master in International Affairs
• Master in International Development
• Master in Economics
• Master in International Security
• Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
• Master in Environmental Policy
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (with majors in Politics, Economics, Law, Sociology, etc.)

Visit the official Sciences Po website to explore all programmes: https://www.sciencespo.fr/en/academics/

Step 2: Check Important Dates

For the September 2027 intake:

• Application Opens: Late September 2026
• Master's Deadline (1st Committee): October 19, 2026 (results by December 30, 2026)
• Master's Deadline (2nd Committee): November 30, 2026 (results by March 2, 2027)
• Undergraduate Deadline: Expected January 20, 2027

Indian students are advised to apply for the 1st Committee (October deadline) to receive earlier admission decisions and have more time to arrange visas, housing, and other logistics.

Step 3: Create Your Online Application

When the Sciences Po admissions portal opens (late September 2026), create an account using a valid email address. You will use this account to:

• Fill out your personal information
• Upload required documents
• Indicate your scholarship interest
• Track your application status

Step 4: Indicate Interest in the Émile Boutmy Scholarship

Critical: Within the application portal, navigate to the "Financial Information" section and check the box indicating you wish to apply for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship. This section appears after you enter your nationality in the "Personal Information" section.

You will be asked to provide:

• Country where you are resident for tax purposes (India)
• Total annual household income (in euros)
• Number of financially dependent children in the household (including yourself)
• Whether any siblings are currently in higher education

Note: Sciences Po may request additional documentation such as:

• Income tax returns for both parents (last 2 years)
• Payslips or salary certificates
• Documents explaining family situation (divorce certificates, unemployment benefits, retirement pensions, etc.)

Keep these documents ready in English or with certified translations.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Documents

Required documents typically include:

• Academic transcripts: All undergraduate (and postgraduate, if applicable) transcripts with grade breakdowns
• Degree certificates: Class 12 marksheets, Bachelor's degree (or provisional certificate)
• Personal statement / Motivation letter: 1-2 pages explaining your academic background, career goals, why Sciences Po, and why this programme
• CV/Resume: Academic achievements, work experience, internships, extracurriculars, leadership roles
• Letters of recommendation: 2-3 academic or professional references (from professors, employers, or mentors)
• Passport copy
• English proficiency proof (if available — IELTS, TOEFL, or medium of instruction certificate)
• Writing samples or portfolio (for certain programmes like journalism, design, etc.)

Tip for Indian students: Ensure all documents are in English or have certified English translations. Academic transcripts should clearly state the grading scale (e.g., "out of 100" or "10-point CGPA").

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee for Sciences Po is approximately €150-€200 (₹13,700–₹18,200). This is non-refundable. Fee waivers may be available for students with demonstrated financial hardship — check the admissions portal for details.

Step 7: Attend the Interview (if shortlisted)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview (usually conducted online via video call). The interview panel assesses your:

• Motivation and fit for the programme
• Academic preparedness
• Communication skills in English/French
• Leadership potential and career goals

For Indian students, be prepared to discuss:

• Why you're interested in studying in France and at Sciences Po specifically
• How your Indian educational background and experiences relate to your chosen field
• Your career aspirations (many Indian students pursue careers in international organizations, NGOs, government, or think tanks)

Step 8: Receive Admission and Scholarship Decision

Admission decisions are released in waves:

• 1st Committee (Oct 19 deadline): Results by December 30, 2026
• 2nd Committee (Nov 30 deadline): Results by March 2, 2027

If you are admitted, you will receive an offer letter. The Émile Boutmy Scholarship decision is made simultaneously by the Admissions Department. If awarded, the scholarship amount and terms will be clearly stated in your offer letter.

Required Documents (Detailed Checklist for Indian Students)

Here's a comprehensive checklist to ensure your application is complete:

Academic Documents

• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates (for undergraduate applicants)
• Bachelor's degree transcripts (all semesters) with official university seal
• Degree certificate or provisional certificate (if final degree pending)
• Grading scale explanation (e.g., "CGPA out of 10" or "Percentage out of 100")
• Medium of instruction certificate (if available)

Personal Statements and Essays

• Motivation letter: Why Sciences Po? Why this programme? How does it align with your career goals?
• Personal statement: Your academic journey, challenges overcome, leadership experiences
• Programme-specific essays: Some programmes may require additional short essays (check individual programme requirements)

Recommendation Letters

• 2-3 letters from professors, academic advisors, or employers
• Should speak to your academic ability, character, and potential
• Recommenders should submit letters directly through the online portal

Financial Documents (for Émile Boutmy Scholarship consideration)

• Income tax returns (ITR) for both parents (last 2 years)
• Salary certificates or payslips
• Bank statements (if requested)
• Any documents related to special family circumstances (single parent, unemployment, medical expenses, etc.)

Identification and Language

• Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended arrival)
• IELTS, TOEFL, or other English test scores (optional but recommended)
• French language test scores (only if applying to French-taught programmes — not required for English-taught programmes)

Additional Materials (Programme-Specific)

• Portfolio (for arts, design, journalism programmes)
• Writing samples or research papers (for research-focused programmes)
• GRE/GMAT scores (only for specific programmes that require them)

Selection Criteria: What the Jury Looks For

The Admissions Department at Sciences Po is responsible for awarding Émile Boutmy Scholarships. The selection is based on a holistic review combining:

1. Academic Excellence (40-50% weight)

• Strong academic record (Class 12 marks, Bachelor's GPA/percentage)
• Rigorous coursework in relevant subjects (e.g., political science, economics, history, law)
• Academic awards, honours, scholarships received in India

2. Profile Fit (30-40% weight)

• Alignment between your background, interests, and the chosen programme
• Clarity of career goals and how Sciences Po will help you achieve them
• Demonstrated passion for social sciences, public affairs, or international relations

3. Financial Need (10-20% weight)

• Household income and family circumstances
• Number of dependents and siblings in education
• Demonstrated inability to afford full tuition without financial assistance

4. Personal Qualities (10-20% weight)

• Leadership experience (student government, clubs, community projects)
• Extracurricular achievements (MUN, debate, sports, arts, volunteering)
• International exposure (internships, exchange programmes, research projects)
• Communication skills demonstrated in essays and interviews

For Indian students specifically: Sciences Po values diversity of perspectives. Highlighting your unique Indian background, experiences, and how you can contribute to the international student community is a major plus. Discuss issues relevant to India (democracy, development, sustainability, etc.) and how studying at Sciences Po will enable you to address them.

Tips for Indian Applicants to Maximize Your Chances

1. Start Early and Research Thoroughly

The application process is extensive. Begin preparing in August-September 2026 so you can meet the October/November deadlines. Research Sciences Po's programmes, faculty, and courses thoroughly. Mention specific professors, research centres, or courses you're excited about in your motivation letter.

2. Tailor Your Personal Statement

Avoid generic statements like "I want to study international relations because I'm passionate about global issues." Instead, be specific:

• "During my internship with [Indian NGO], I worked on rural education access, which exposed me to the challenges of policy implementation in India. I want to study at Sciences Po's School of Public Affairs to gain comparative perspectives on education policy from European and developing-world contexts, and eventually work with UNICEF or the Indian Ministry of Education."

3. Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship considers financial need. Be transparent about your family's financial situation. If your household income is below €50,000/year (₹45-50 lakhs/year), clearly state this. Provide accurate income documentation.

4. Highlight Your Indian Context and Global Ambitions

Sciences Po seeks students who will become global leaders. Discuss how your Indian background provides unique insights and how you plan to contribute to global conversations on democracy, development, climate, etc. Mention if you've worked on India-specific issues (e.g., caste, gender equality, urban planning) and want to explore international perspectives.

5. Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed, specific examples of your academic ability and character. Ideally, one letter should come from a professor in a social science or related field. Provide your recommenders with your CV and personal statement so they can align their letters with your application narrative.

6. Prepare for the Interview

If shortlisted, the interview is your chance to shine. Practice answering questions like:

• Why Sciences Po and not a UK or US university?
• What are the biggest challenges facing India today, and how can you contribute to addressing them?
• How will you contribute to the diversity of the Sciences Po community?
• Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Be articulate, confident, and authentic. Interviewers appreciate students who are intellectually curious and passionate about their chosen field.

7. Apply for the 1st Committee Deadline (October 19, 2026)

Applying early has several advantages:

• Earlier admission decision (by December 2026)
• More time to arrange visas, housing, and other logistics
• Potentially higher scholarship amounts (as the scholarship pool may be larger in the first round)

8. Explore Additional Scholarships for Indian Students

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. In addition to the Émile Boutmy Scholarship, Indian students can explore:

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: One full scholarship per year for an Indian Master's student at Sciences Po (100% tuition + €1,000/month + airfare). Application deadline: March 31, 2027 (for 2027 intake). Visit: https://www.inlaksfoundation.org
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: French government scholarship for Master's students (€1,181/month stipend). Sciences Po nominates top candidates. Check with Sciences Po admissions.
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Full scholarship for students from Sub-Saharan Africa (not applicable to Indian students, unfortunately)
• Campus France Scholarships: Check the Campus France India website for other French government scholarships

9. Budget for Living Expenses

While the Émile Boutmy Scholarship covers tuition (and sometimes a living stipend), Paris is an expensive city. Budget approximately:

• Accommodation: €600-€900/month (₹55,000-₹82,000) for student housing or shared apartments
• Food: €250-€400/month (₹23,000-₹36,000)
• Transport: €75/month (₹7,000) for Navigo student pass (unlimited metro, bus, RER)
• Health Insurance: Approximately €200-€300/year (subsidized for students)
• Miscellaneous: €100-€200/month (₹9,000-₹18,000) for books, social activities, etc.

Total monthly budget: €1,025-€1,575/month (₹93,000-₹1,43,000/month or ₹11-17 lakhs/year)

International students in France are allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week during term), which can help offset living costs. Part-time jobs typically pay €10-€12/hour.

10. Connect with the Indian Community at Sciences Po

Sciences Po has an active Indian student community. Reach out to current students via LinkedIn or the Sciences Po Students' Union to ask questions about life in Paris, the application process, and tips for Indian students. The Sciences Po South Asia Programme also organizes events and provides support for students from the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indian students apply for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027?

Yes, absolutely! The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is open to all non-EU students, including Indian citizens. Indian students are among the top recipients of the scholarship each year. Additionally, Sciences Po has a specific partnership with the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation that awards one full scholarship per year to an Indian Master's student (100% tuition waiver + €1,000/month living stipend + one-way airfare). Indian students are strongly encouraged to apply.

What is the application deadline for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027?

For the September 2027 intake, the application deadlines are expected to be:

• Master's programmes (1st Committee): October 19, 2026 (results by December 30, 2026)
• Master's programmes (2nd Committee): November 30, 2026 (results by March 2, 2027)
• Undergraduate programmes: January 20, 2027 (results by mid-May 2027)

Applications will open in late September 2026. Indian students are advised to apply for the 1st Committee (October deadline) to receive earlier decisions and have more time for visa arrangements.

Does the Émile Boutmy Scholarship cover living expenses for Indian students?

It depends on the scholarship tier. The Émile Boutmy Scholarship primarily covers tuition fees, with the Master's award providing up to €18,500 per year (which covers nearly full tuition at Sciences Po). For undergraduate students, the highest tier includes a €5,000/year living stipend in addition to tuition coverage. However, most scholarship recipients receive tuition-only awards. Indian students should budget for living expenses (approximately €1,000-€1,500/month or ₹90,000-₹1,36,000/month in Paris) through savings, family support, part-time work, or additional scholarships like the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship.

Is GRE or IELTS required for Indian students applying to Sciences Po?

No, Sciences Po does not require GRE or GMAT scores for most Master's programmes (some specialized programmes may request them). Sciences Po also does not mandate IELTS or TOEFL for admission to English-taught programmes, though submitting English proficiency scores can strengthen your application. Indian students educated in English-medium schools can typically demonstrate proficiency through their previous education and interview. However, if your undergraduate education was not in English, submitting IELTS (6.5-7.0+) or TOEFL iBT (90-100+) is recommended.

Can I combine the Émile Boutmy Scholarship with other scholarships?

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship cannot be combined with the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po, except in special cases decided by the admissions jury. However, you can combine it with external scholarships like the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship (which is awarded independently by the Inlaks Foundation, not by Sciences Po). If you receive the Inlaks Scholarship (which covers 100% tuition + living expenses), you would not need the Émile Boutmy Scholarship. It's recommended to apply for both and see which offers more generous funding.

What is the acceptance rate for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship?

Sciences Po does not publish official acceptance rates for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship. However, approximately 300 Émile Boutmy Scholarships are awarded annually across all programmes (undergraduate and Master's). Given that Sciences Po receives thousands of applications from non-EU students each year, the scholarship is highly competitive. The overall acceptance rate for Sciences Po Master's programmes is estimated at 15-25%, and scholarship awards are even more selective. To maximize your chances, ensure you have a strong academic record (first-class degree or 65%+ for Indian students), compelling motivation letter, and demonstrated financial need.

How much does it cost to study at Sciences Po for Indian students?

For non-EU students (including Indians), Sciences Po charges full-cost tuition fees, which vary by programme:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor's): Approximately €14,000-€15,000 per year
• Master's (two-year programmes): Approximately €15,000-€19,000 per year

In addition, living expenses in Paris are approximately €1,000-€1,500 per month (₹90,000-₹1,36,000), or ₹11-17 lakhs per year. This includes accommodation (€600-€900/month), food (€250-€400/month), transport (€75/month), and miscellaneous expenses. Total annual cost for Indian students without a scholarship: approximately ₹25-35 lakhs per year. With the Émile Boutmy Scholarship covering tuition, out-of-pocket costs reduce to approximately ₹11-17 lakhs per year (living expenses only). Students can further reduce costs by working part-time (up to 964 hours/year permitted for international students).

What programmes are most popular among Indian students at Sciences Po?

Indian students at Sciences Po tend to pursue programmes in:

• Public Affairs (MPA): Focused on public policy, governance, and administration — popular among students interested in civil service, NGOs, or international organizations like the UN or World Bank
• International Affairs: Covers diplomacy, international relations, security studies — ideal for students interested in the Indian Foreign Service or think tanks
• International Development: Focuses on sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and global health — relevant for students working with NGOs or development agencies
• Economics: Rigorous quantitative training for careers in economic policy, central banking, or private sector consulting
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Action: Popular among students passionate about social justice and human rights advocacy
• Environmental Policy: Growing field for students interested in climate change, sustainability, and green policy — highly relevant for India's development challenges

Sciences Po also offers dual-degree programmes with universities like Columbia, LSE, and NUS, which are highly sought after by ambitious Indian students.

Where can I find the official application link for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027?

The official application portal for Sciences Po admissions (including the Émile Boutmy Scholarship) will open in late September 2026. Visit the official Sciences Po Admissions website to access the portal: https://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/

For detailed information about the Émile Boutmy Scholarship, including eligibility, coverage, and deadlines, visit: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/emile-boutmy-scholarship/

For questions specific to Indian students, contact the Sciences Po South Asia Programme: https://www.sciencespo.fr/south-asia-programme/en/

Ready to take the next step? Bookmark the official Sciences Po admissions page, set a reminder for late September 2026 when applications open, and start preparing your documents now. With strong academics, a compelling personal story, and demonstrated financial need, Indian students have an excellent chance of securing the Émile Boutmy Scholarship and studying at one of Europe's most prestigious universities. Bonne chance!