Emile Boutmy Scholarship for International Students

Are you a talented and enthusiastic Pakistani student who wants to pursue further education at a world-class university in France? The Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po could provide the right opportunity to make that goal a reality. This fellowship, named after Sciences Po's founder, is specifically meant to welcome excellent international students from non-European Union nations and provide substantial financial assistance to help them succeed academically.

Sciences Po, a leading French university that specializes in humanities and social sciences, offers the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, a merit-based financial aid program. It is a highly competitive scholarship designed to recruit and assist bright students who have demonstrated academic distinction and a strong desire to contribute to the global society. The scholarship is applicable to both undergraduate (Bachelor's) and master's degrees.

Programs Offered

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship helps students in various fields at Sciences Po, for both Bachelor's and Master's programs. Sciences Po is well-known for its:

School of International Affairs (PSIA)
School of Public Affairs
School of Management & Innovation
Law School
Urban School
Doctoral School (but the scholarship mainly targets Bachelor's and Master's levels)

Benefits

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship provides extensive financial help, which can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad. The benefits vary based on the level of education and the applicant's financial position, but often include:

Tuition Fee Grants:
- Undergraduate Programs: Grants can range from €6,500 to €14,720 per year, covering a significant portion of the tuition fees for the three-year program.
- Master's Programs: A tuition grant of around €13,100 per year is typically awarded for the two-year Master's program, covering a substantial part of the tuition.
Living Expenses: Depending on the scholarship level and financial need, an additional stipend for living expenses may be awarded (for example, €5,000 per year for undergraduate students).
Continued Support: For undergraduate recipients, the tuition fee assistance is typically retained during their mandated year abroad. If the student decides to pursue graduate studies at Sciences Po, the scholarship may be automatically renewed.
Prestige and Networking: Aside from financial aid, the scholarship provides an invaluable opportunity to study at a prominent university, interact with famous instructors, and join a global network of alumni and professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

As a Pakistani national, you are eligible to apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship if you meet the following requirements:

Nationality: You must be a citizen of a non-EU country. Pakistani citizens come within this category.
First-Time Applicant: You must be a first-time applicant to Sciences Po for the program to which you are applying. Students who have previously applied but have not been admitted, as well as current Sciences Po students, are generally ineligible.
Tax Residence: Your household must not submit taxes in the European Union.
Admission to Sciences Po: You must have been accepted into an approved undergraduate or master's program at Sciences Po. The scholarship is not an independent application; it is linked to your admission.
Academic Excellence: You should have a great academic record and a high academic profile. This is a merit-based scholarship, thus your previous academic success is vital.
Age: While age limits may vary significantly, applicants for undergraduate programs should be under the age of 23. Master's programs may have a maximum age limit (e.g., approximately 30 years).
Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency in either English (TOEFL, IELTS) or French (DELF/DALF). Sciences Po provides studies in both languages. If your past education was entirely in English, you may be able to avoid an English language test by presenting an official letter from your institution.
Financial Need: Although this is a merit-based scholarship, social characteristics and financial need are taken into account during the selection process. You may be required to produce proof of income as well as financial documentation for your family.

How to Apply

Meet Admission Criteria: First, check that you meet all of the academic, language (English/French), and other requirements for your selected Bachelor's or Master's degree at Sciences Po.
Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documentation for both admission and the scholarship. This comprises your resume, validated academic transcripts (by HEC Pakistan), a copy of your passport, proof of language competency (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo), two academic recommendation letters, a personal statement, and specific financial documentation.
Apply Online: Apply for admission to your desired program through the official Sciences Po admissions page.
Declare Scholarship Interest: In the "Financial Information" part of your online application, check the box indicating that you are applying for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship.
Upload Financials: Please include all requested financial documents with your application.
Pay Fee: Pay the Sciences Po application fee.
Submit by deadline: Ensure that your whole application is submitted before the official deadlines, which are usually in early March for undergraduate programs and early December for Master's programs. Always use the official Sciences Po website to confirm specific dates.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship before I apply to Sciences Po?

No, you need to apply and be accepted into a Bachelor's or Master's program at Sciences Po first to be eligible for the scholarship. The scholarship application is part of the admission process.

2. Is the scholarship fully funded for Pakistani students?

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship usually covers part of your tuition fees and sometimes helps with living expenses. While it may not cover everything, it does ease the financial load quite a bit.

3. Do I need to show proof of French language skills?

That depends on the program you choose. Sciences Po has programs in both English and French. If you're going for an English program, you'll need to show your English skills (like IELTS or TOEFL). For a French program, you'll need to provide French test results (DELF or DALF). Some programs might ask for both.

4. Can I apply if I have both Pakistani and EU citizenship?

No, if you have dual citizenship, including EU citizenship, you typically can’t apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship.

5. What are my chances of getting the scholarship?

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is quite competitive. Your chances depend on how well you did academically, how good your personal statement is, the strength of your recommendations, and if you can show you need financial assistance.

6. When will I find out if I got the scholarship?

For undergraduate applicants, results usually come out by the end of June. For Master’s applicants, you'll likely hear back by the end of April.

7. Can I defer my admission if I get the scholarship?

If you decide to defer your admission, you might lose your scholarship. It's best to check with Sciences Po directly if you're thinking about deferring.

8. What if my financial situation changes after I apply?

Sciences Po may consider changes in your family’s financial situation, like job loss or health issues, which could lead to a reevaluation of your scholarship amount.