International programs
The French program is offered to exchange students who wish to complete all of their courses in French. It features a compulsory core curriculum focused on French language and culture, along with innovative learning in the following courses:
- French as a foreign language : 3 ECTS
- French history and civilization : 6 ECTS
- Improving French through collaborative project management : 6 ECTS
Students then choose three courses from among those offered in first, second and fourth year. Each course is worth five ECTS credits. If they wish, students can enroll in additional courses that are compatible with their course schedules.
At the end of the semester or year, students who pass the courses receive, in addition to their transcript of records, a certificate or diploma depending on the length of their stay.
Prerequisites : students wishing to enroll in this program must submit a B1-level certificate of French language proficiency or higher with their application. We strongly recommend B2-level proficiency.
The English program provides a general introduction to political, social and cultural landscapes in France and Europe and examines current affairs in France today. All of the courses are taught in English.
The special program curriculum includes certain compulsory courses per semester, for two semesters. These courses are worth between 3 and 6 ECTS credits per semester. In addition to the core curriculum and depending on their level of proficiency in French, students must also complete courses in French during the first, second and fourth year of their program.
At the of the semester or year, students who pass the courses receive, in addition to their transcript of records, a certificate (Certificate of Political Studies) or diploma (Diploma of Political Studies) depending on the length of their stay.
Prerequisites : students wishing to enroll in this program must submit a B1-level certificate of English language proficiency or higher with their application. We strongly recommend B2-level proficiency.
The multidisciplinary program is offered to exchange students for a one-year or one-semester stay, with no requirement to obtain a maximum number of ECTS credits or to take compulsory courses. Students can choose from courses offered in the first year, second year, fourth year and international programs.
Prerequisites: Students wishing to follow this program must present a certificate of French language proficiency equivalent to at least level B1 at the time of application. We strongly recommend B2 level.
Grading system and assessment criteria
Sciences Po Rennes recognizes and applies the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation system (ECTS).
This system is a component of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), designed to enhance the readability of degrees and programs in the interest of improving the quality of higher education.
- Sixty (60) credits measure the workload and learning outcomes of one full-time academic year (or equivalent). The year is usually composed of a specific number of courses or modules for which the credits are granted. Thirty (30) credits measure the results of one semester.
- Students obtain ECTS credits upon the completion of the workload and the successful validation of any related knowledge assessments or exams.
>> Grading and validation system
Assessment procedures for international students vary according to the program of study chosen.
For programs in English and French, specific assessment criteria are used for international students. These generally involve a continuous assessment assignment and a final oral exam in the program language.
For the multi-disciplinary program, international students are assessed in the same way as French students, mainly through a final written assignment.
Incoming international students
A team here to welcome you
Every year, Sciences Po Rennes' International Mobility service assists international students with administrative formalities, from the preparation of their stay to the validation of their semester. Don't hesitate to consult the guide for international students to prepare your stay.
Created in 2009, Rennes' Centre de Mobilité Internationale (CMI) welcomes and supports international students, PhD students and researchers enrolled in Rennes' higher education institutions, and helps them with the day-to-day formalities involved in settling and living in France (residence permits, housing, transport, health, banking, telephony, etc.).
The CMI also offers a calendar of events, meetings and cultural gatherings throughout the year, and facilitates their enrolment in French courses, to help integrate this important population as fully as possible: there are some 7,500 foreign students in the Rennes metropolitan area every year!
Zephyr : the student association at Sciences Po Rennes
The Zephyr student association organises an orientation program for international students of newcomer events and opportunities to meet French students. A variety of trips are planned to explore France: Mont Saint-Michel, the Loire Valley châteaux, Nantes, Paris, D-Day beaches and Brocéliande forest.
