Emile Boutmy Scholarship: 7 Powerful Secrets To Win It

Emile Boutmy Scholarship: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win It

What Is the Emile Boutmy Scholarship?

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive merit-based financial aid programs available to international students seeking to study in France. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is offered exclusively by Sciences Po — Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris — and is awarded each year to exceptional non-European Union students admitted to eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition fees, providing up to €19,000 annually, making it one of the most generous awards of its kind in Europe.

If you are a high-achieving student outside the EU, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship is currently one of the best opportunities to receive world-class education in social sciences, political science, law, and international affairs fully or partially funded. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, and in some cases, social and financial need is also considered.

Sciences Po reviews applications each year and selects scholars whose profiles best match the academic and international mission of the institution. Unlike many scholarships that require a separate lengthy application, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship is integrated directly into the Sciences Po admissions process — making it both exclusive and convenient for qualifying applicants.

[IMAGE PROMPT: A wide-angle photo of the Sciences Po Paris campus building facade with the inscription visible, golden morning light, students walking at the entrance — professional editorial style.]

Who Offers It and Why It Was Created

Sciences Po created the Emile Boutmy Scholarship in honor of its founder, Émile Boutmy, who established the institution in 1872. The scholarship was designed with a clear mission: to attract the very best international students from outside the European Union who might not otherwise be able to afford study at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities.

The scholarship fund is supported by a network of private sponsors, benefactors, foundations, and companies who are committed to enabling talented students from around the world to access Sciences Po’s transformative education. Notable sponsors include the Fondation Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart, L’Oréal, Michel David-Weill, and the Chalhoub Group.

This institutional backing ensures the scholarship is awarded each year and remains one of the most reliable international funding opportunities in France.

Emile Boutmy Scholarship Award Amounts

The scholarship is structured differently depending on your level of study. Here is the most current breakdown:

Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate) Level

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship at the undergraduate level is awarded as a tuition scholarship and can take one of the following amounts per year for the three years of study:

Up to €14,720 per year (highest tier)
€9,500 per year
€6,500 per year
Lower tiers may also be awarded depending on the committee’s assessment

During the third year abroad (the international year of the Sciences Po Bachelor), scholarship holders retain their award.

Master’s Degree Level

Up to €10,000 per year for two years of the Master’s programme (highest tier)
€5,000 per year for two years of the Master’s programme (second tier)
Some recipients may receive up to €19,000 in total over the programme

Important: The exact amount awarded is determined at the time of admission. It may be recalculated annually in line with tuition fee adjustments. If you do not validate your academic year, your scholarship will be lost.

Eligibility Requirements — Who Can Apply?

To be considered for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. First-Time Applicant You must be a newcomer — a first-time applicant to Sciences Po. Students who are already enrolled at Sciences Po, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, are not eligible to apply.

2. Non-European Union Nationality You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union. Your household must not file taxes within the European Union. This is a hard eligibility requirement.

3. Admitted to an Eligible Programme You must first receive an offer of admission to an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at Sciences Po. The scholarship application is only reviewed after admission is confirmed. You cannot apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship before being admitted, nor can you apply after admission or during your studies.

4. Undergraduate-Specific Requirements For the Bachelor’s level, applicants from foreign secondary schools must indicate their wish to apply within the “Financial information” section of their Sciences Po application. Applicants from French secondary schools must contact the Admissions Office via a dedicated contact form once their application has been validated on Parcoursup.

5. Master’s-Specific Requirements For the Master’s level, candidates must indicate their interest in the Emile Boutmy Scholarship in the “Financial information” section of their online application and must attach all required documents, including language test results if applicable.

Who Is NOT Eligible?

The following candidates are excluded from the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, regardless of their academic profile:

Students who are already enrolled at Sciences Po (undergraduate or graduate)
Applicants who have dual European Union citizenship
Swiss and Norwegian citizens (they are eligible for alternative financial aid mechanisms)
Applicants from Quebec applying at the Master’s level (they benefit from sliding-scale fees equivalent to European students; however, applicants from Quebec at the Bachelor’s level ARE eligible)
Master’s-level dual-degree candidates, except for select partnerships: the Sciences Po/Columbia University Journalism dual degree; Sciences Po/Fudan University (Europe-Asia Global Affairs — Chinese nationals only); Sciences Po/Peking University (Chinese nationals only)
Students applying to one-year Master’s programmes
PhD (thesis) programme students
Applicants who have previously been denied the Emile Boutmy Scholarship (you cannot reapply in the same admission cycle once refused)
Candidates applying via the French graduate admission procedure

Combination Restriction: The Emile Boutmy Scholarship may not be combined with other Sciences Po scholarships, including the Eiffel Scholarship, AEFE Scholarship, BGF, or Mastercard Scholarships at Sciences Po — unless an exceptional decision is made by the jury.

Emile Boutmy Scholarship vs. Other Sciences Po Awards

Feature	Emile Boutmy Scholarship	Eiffel Excellence Scholarship	Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Offered By	Sciences Po	French Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs	Mastercard Foundation + Sciences Po
Target Students	Non-EU international students	High-achieving foreign students	African students with demonstrated need
Level	Bachelor’s & Master’s	Master’s & PhD	Master’s
Award Amount	Up to €19,000/year	Up to ~€1,181/month + benefits	Full tuition + living stipend
Can Be Combined?	No (with Eiffel/Mastercard)	No (with Emile Boutmy)	No (with Emile Boutmy)
Application Method	Integrated into Sciences Po application	Separate application via French institutions	Separate application process
Merit-Based?	Yes (+ social criteria)	Yes	Yes (+ need-based)
Renewable?	Yes, automatically at Master’s level	No (fixed term)	Yes (conditions apply)

Emile Boutmy Scholarship vs. Top International Scholarships in Europe

Feature	Emile Boutmy Scholarship	Chevening Scholarship (UK)	DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Country	France	United Kingdom	Germany
Institution	Sciences Po Paris	Various UK universities	Various German universities
Level	Bachelor’s & Master’s	Master’s	Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Award Value	Up to €19,000/year	Full tuition + living costs	Full tuition + €934/month stipend
Eligible Applicants	Non-EU international students	Selected nationalities	International students worldwide
Language Requirement	French/English depending on programme	English	German or English (programme-specific)
Work Experience Required?	No	Yes (minimum 2 years)	No
Application Integration	Built into university application	Standalone via Chevening portal	Standalone via DAAD portal

Application Deadlines

Sciences Po updates its deadlines each year. Below are the standard deadline windows. Always verify the exact dates on the official Sciences Po website before applying.

Master’s Programmes:

Early deadline: mid-to-late October each year (First Committee)
Late deadline: late November to early December each year (Second Committee)

Bachelor’s Programmes (Undergraduate):

Applicants from foreign secondary schools: typically mid-January to late January each year
Applicants from French secondary schools: typically April 1st each year

No exceptions are made for late applications. Sciences Po states firmly that no application requests will be accepted after the stated deadline.

Critical Note: Students in deferral who wish to apply to the Emile Boutmy Scholarship must contact Sciences Po’s Admissions Department by email ([email protected]) before the relevant deadline if they did not apply during their original application or if they lost the scholarship due to deferral.

How to Apply Step by Step

The application process for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship is built into your Sciences Po admissions application. There is no separate standalone application portal.

Step 1: Apply to Sciences Po Submit your application to Sciences Po for an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme through the official Sciences Po online application portal.

Step 2: Enter Your Nationality Once you enter your nationality in the “Personal Information” section of your application, the “Financial Information” section will become visible. This section only appears for non-EU applicants.

Step 3: Indicate Interest in the Scholarship In the “Financial Information” section, clearly indicate that you are applying for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship. This step is mandatory. Failing to check this option means your scholarship request will not be reviewed.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents You may be asked to provide proof of income and documents explaining your family situation. For Master’s applicants, language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF/DALF) must also be attached.

Step 5: Receive Admission First Your scholarship request is only taken into account once you have been admitted to an eligible programme. The Admissions Department reviews scholarship applications alongside admission decisions.

Step 6: Await the Committee Decision The Sciences Po Admissions Department acts as the jury for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship. You will be notified of the scholarship decision along with (or shortly after) your admission results.

Step 7: Accept and Enroll If awarded the scholarship, you must enroll in your programme and validate your academic year to retain the award. The scholarship is automatically renewed at the Master’s level if you continue from a Sciences Po Bachelor’s programme into an eligible Master’s.

7 Powerful Secrets to Win the Emile Boutmy Scholarship

Thousands of exceptional students apply to Sciences Po each year. Only a fraction receive the Emile Boutmy Scholarship. Here are the seven most powerful strategies to strengthen your application.

Secret 1: Apply in the First Admission Round Sciences Po runs multiple admission committees. Applying early — and indicating your scholarship interest in the first round — gives you the best chance of being reviewed by the full jury pool with the most funding available.

Secret 2: Build an Unmistakably International Profile Sciences Po explicitly awards this scholarship based on the “profile sought for the programme.” This means your extracurricular activities, leadership, multilingualism, and international engagement matter as much as your grades. Show a clear global outlook.

Secret 3: Demonstrate Academic Excellence at the Top of Your Class This is a merit-based scholarship. Your academic record must stand out. Top grades, advanced coursework, and recognition in your home country all strengthen your case. Do not underestimate the power of a strong class rank or academic distinction.

Secret 4: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement Your admissions essay is indirectly your scholarship essay. Articulate clearly why Sciences Po is the right institution for your academic goals, and connect your background to the kind of international, interdisciplinary thinking Sciences Po values.

Secret 5: Ensure Your Tax Household Residency Is Correctly Documented One of the most overlooked eligibility requirements is the tax residency of your household. Even if you are a non-EU citizen, if your parents or guardians file taxes within the EU, you will be ineligible. Verify and document this clearly.

Secret 6: Prepare Your Income and Financial Documents Early Sciences Po may request proof of income. Prepare tax returns, family income statements, or other financial documents in advance — ideally translated into French or English if they are in another language.

Secret 7: Never Miss the Deadline — Not Even by One Day Sciences Po’s admissions team is unambiguous: no late applications are accepted under any circumstances. Set multiple reminders well in advance of the deadline each year.

What People Also Ask

Q: Is the Emile Boutmy Scholarship fully funded? A: The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is not a full scholarship in the traditional sense. It is a tuition grant that covers part or all of Sciences Po’s tuition fees — up to €14,720 per year at the Bachelor’s level and up to €10,000 per year at the Master’s level. It does not cover living expenses, housing, or travel. However, it substantially reduces the cost of one of Europe’s most expensive and prestigious universities.

Q: Can EU citizens apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship? A: No. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is exclusively for non-European Union students whose household does not file taxes within the EU. EU citizens, including those with dual EU citizenship, are not eligible.

Q: Can the Emile Boutmy Scholarship be combined with other funding? A: The scholarship cannot be combined with other Sciences Po-related scholarships (Eiffel, AEFE, BGF, Mastercard Sciences Po). However, it may be combined with external scholarships from organizations or governments not affiliated with Sciences Po, unless the jury decides otherwise.

Q: What happens to my scholarship if I defer my admission? A: If you are granted the Emile Boutmy Scholarship and then decide to defer your admission to Sciences Po, the scholarship is lost. You may be eligible to reapply in certain deferral situations by contacting the Admissions Department before the deadline.

Q: Is the Emile Boutmy Scholarship renewable each year? A: At the undergraduate level, the scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the Bachelor’s programme (three years), provided you validate your academic year each year. At the Master’s level, if you are a Sciences Po Bachelor’s graduate continuing into an eligible Master’s programme, the scholarship is automatically renewed — no additional application is required.

Q: What GPA or grades do I need for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship? A: Sciences Po does not publish a minimum GPA threshold. The scholarship is awarded based on the overall excellence of your academic profile and the fit of your profile with Sciences Po’s admission priorities. Top academic achievement in your national education system is essential.

Q: Can I apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship after I have been admitted? A: No. This is a strict rule. It is not possible to apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship after your admission to Sciences Po, nor during your studies there. You must indicate your interest in the scholarship within your original application form before the deadline.

Q: How competitive is the Emile Boutmy Scholarship? A: Sciences Po does not publicly release acceptance rates for the scholarship. Given that Sciences Po itself admits approximately 13,000 students from over 150 countries, and the scholarship is reserved for non-EU first-time applicants who are also admitted, competition is extremely high. Academic distinction at the top of your class is effectively a minimum requirement.

Q: Does Sciences Po inform me automatically if I’m considered for the scholarship? A: No. You must proactively opt in by selecting the scholarship option in the “Financial Information” section of your Sciences Po application. The scholarship is not automatically considered — even if you are admitted to an eligible programme.

Q: Is Sciences Po part of the “Études en France” / Campus France procedure? A: No. Sciences Po is not part of the “Études en France” procedure administered by Campus France. There is no need to apply through Campus France separately. Applications go directly through the Sciences Po online application portal.

If you found this guide helpful, these related articles on LicensureHub will help you explore more high-value scholarship opportunities:

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These three authoritative outbound resources provide additional verified information on the Emile Boutmy Scholarship and studying at Sciences Po:

Official Emile Boutmy Scholarship Page — Sciences Po — The primary official source for eligibility, deadlines, and application instructions. Always verify current cycle details here.
Sciences Po Official Admissions Portal — Where you submit your Sciences Po application, including your Emile Boutmy Scholarship request. Navigate to “Financial Information” during your application to opt in.
Campus France — Scholarships and Financial Aid in France — An excellent government-backed resource for discovering complementary funding options and understanding the French higher education financial aid landscape for international students.

Emile Boutmy Scholarship Sciences Po Paris campus

Is the Emile Boutmy Scholarship Worth Pursuing?

Absolutely — and without hesitation.

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is one of the most valuable financial awards available to non-EU students seeking to study social sciences, political science, international relations, law, or economics at a world-class institution in Europe. With up to €19,000 in tuition support, renewable funding across your programme, and the prestige of a Sciences Po education behind it, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity.

The application process is straightforward, integrated into your admissions application, and does not require a separate lengthy process. The key to winning is academic excellence, a genuinely international profile, and meticulous attention to eligibility rules and deadlines.

Each year, Sciences Po opens the application cycle for both undergraduate and master’s applicants. If you are currently eligible — a first-time, non-EU applicant with a strong academic record — there is no reason not to apply.

Start your Sciences Po application today. Indicate your interest in the Emile Boutmy Scholarship in the Financial Information section. And use every tip in this guide to maximize your chances.

The latest update on deadlines and award amounts can always be found on the official Sciences Po scholarship page linked above.

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