Incoming International Mobility

Each year, more than 350 international students come to Sciences Po Lille for a semester or a year of exchange. 

Studying at Sciences Po Lille means discovering a stimulating academic environment open to the world, benefiting from a diverse range of courses taught in French and English, and fully experiencing student life in the heart of Lille. 

You’ll become part of a dynamic and welcoming international community that fosters connections, exchanges, and the discovery of new cultures. 

Course Offerings for International Exchange Students 

At Sciences Po Lille, you can design a study plan that suits you. 

During your exchange, you’ll have access to a rich, flexible, and decidedly international selection of courses, tailored to your level and academic goals. 

While most courses are taught in French, Sciences Po Lille also offers a wide range of courses in English, as well as several courses in Spanish. 

Open to undergraduate and master’s students, these courses cover a wide range of disciplines and specializations. In accordance with the requirements of your home university, you can tailor your program by selecting the courses that best fit your academic background and goals. 

Because a university exchange is an opportunity to discover new disciplines, explore different learning methods, and broaden your horizons, Sciences Po Lille allows you to build an academic path that reflects who you are. See below for the catalog of courses offered to international students. 

University certificates 

In addition to à la carte courses, Sciences Po Lille offers two academic certificates (University Certificates) to international exchange students: the CEIS and the CEP. 

These two programs allow you to follow a structured course of study and, under certain conditions, to earn a certificate issued by Sciences Po Lille in addition to the ECTS credits earned during your exchange. 

CEIS: Certificate of European and International Studies 

The CEIS (Certificate of European and International Studies) is intended for international students with a minimum B2 level in English. 

Who is it for? 

• Exchange students studying for one semester or one academic year; 

• Students with a minimum B2 level in English. 

The program includes: 

• Two core courses in European affairs and international relations (Core Modules): Principles of International Security and EU Politics and Institutions; 

• A course in French as a Foreign Language; 

• Two elective courses to be chosen from the course catalog, worth 5 ECTS each. 

The certificate is worth 30 ECTS per semester. To earn it, students must pass all courses with a minimum grade of C. 

Since the number of spots is limited, admission to the CEIS is subject to certain conditions. Exchange students enrolled for an academic year may take the CEIS only once, during their first semester. In the second semester, they take courses of their choice from the course catalog. 

Why choose the CEIS? 

• Follow a program taught entirely in English; 

• Gain a deeper understanding of European and international issues; 

• Earn a certificate from Sciences Po Lille upon completion of your exchange. 

CEP – Certificate in Political Studies 

The CEP (Certificate in Political Studies) is intended for international students with a good command of French (minimum B2 level). 

Who is it for? 

• Students on exchange for a full academic year (2 semesters); 

• Students with a minimum B2 level in French. 

The program includes: 

• Core courses in political science, history, law, and economics; 

• Language and civilization courses; 

• Elective courses. 

The CEP is worth 60 ECTS credits over the year. To earn the certificate, students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum grade of C. Space is limited. 

Why choose the CEP? 

• Study in an immersive French-speaking environment; 

• Strengthen your command of academic French; 

• Earn a certificate from Sciences Po Lille at the end of your exchange year. 

Details of the courses offered as part of the CEIS and CEP are available in the course catalogs below.

Exams and Grading System 

Assessment and Academic Recognition 

Throughout your exchange, your knowledge and skills will be assessed according to the procedures defined by each instructor: written or oral exams, continuous assessment, research projects, theses, etc. The assessment procedures are communicated in advance by the instructors and the Office of International Relations. 

Sciences Po Lille uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) . The requirements for validating your exchange are outlined in the academic regulations. 

Before your arrival, a Learning Agreement is drawn up with your home university. It guarantees the academic recognition of your exchange, subject to the validation of the courses taken by Erasmus students. 

At the end of your stay, an official transcript listing the courses taken and the ECTS credits earned is sent to your partner university. 

For more information on exams, please contact: international.students@sciencespo-lille.eu 

Being assessed “differently,” “by skills” 

At Sciences Po Lille, assessment is not limited to acquired knowledge. Courses also rely on a competency-based approach, which allows us to assess what you are able to apply and put into practice: analyzing, arguing, collaborating, leading a project, or even resolving complex situations. 

This approach promotes progressive learning and helps you develop skills that can be directly applied throughout your academic and professional career.

Welcome Meeting

As soon as you arrive, the Office of International Relations will welcome you at a welcome meeting held at the beginning of each semester. Much more than just an information session, this first meeting gives you the opportunity to meet the staff who will support you during your exchange, connect with other international students, and get your bearings on campus.

During this meeting, you’ll learn all the essential information you need to get your exchange off to a good start: life in Lille and at Sciences Po Lille, course registration, administrative procedures, the academic calendar, and the support services and resources available.

This welcome program is designed to help you begin your exchange with peace of mind, quickly find your bearings, and fully enjoy your experience at Sciences Po Lille from the very first days.

Orientation Seminar

Get your exchange off to the best possible start with our orientation seminar, held the week before classes begin. Over the course of a week, you’ll settle in, explore your new surroundings, and prepare for your semester with confidence through two modules:

• French – 6 hours
• Academic Methodology – 4 hours

These courses are offered for preparatory purposes and do not count toward ECTS credits.

To allow you to focus fully on your arrival, administrative procedures and course registration are completed before you arrive.

This also marks the beginning of your international experience. Together with students from the International Office, participate in a program of social activities: lunches, tours, evening events, games, and get-togethers. These are all opportunities to make your first connections, discover Sciences Po Lille, and ensure that this study abroad experience is as enriching on a personal level as it is academically.