L’Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques, was founded in 1871 by Emile Boutmy in Paris. It has always been a private institution is politically neutral and non-denominational. In 1945, a communist-inspired nationalization created the Political Institute of the University of Paris,
Founded in 1871, the Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques de Paris (ELSP) is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence and the impressive achievements of its alumni. Among its distinguished graduates are two French Presidents (François Mitterrand, Georges Pompidou), seven Prime Ministers, numerous Heads of State (Habib Bourguiba, Rainier III de Monaco), influential thinkers, CEOs, writers, and even the legendary designer Christian Dior.
ELSP offers a unique approach to education through its Validation of Acquired Experience programs. These programs allow students to earn degrees based on professional experience in diverse fields such as Political Science, Business, Finance, Accounting, Humanities, Public Service, and Sociology.
The institution is committed to maintaining rigorous academic standards while offering a flexible, experience-based learning environment. Notably, ELSP is an independent entity and is in no way affiliated with the Institute of Political Studies (IEP) in Paris. ELSP is fundamentally private, politically neutral and non-denominational.
The following French private higher education diplomas, governed by Title III of Book VII of the Education Code, can be awarded through the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) process, a procedure established since 2002: Bachelor’s, MBA, Master’s (MA, MS), LL.M., Ph.D. (Philosophiæ Doctor, UNESCO CITE Level 8), and Post-Doctoral (ADR).
The VAE Process
The Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) is a French government initiative introduced in 2002 that allows individuals to earn a diploma or certification based on their professional experience. This process recognizes the skills and knowledge gained through work, volunteering, or personal projects.
The VAE process consists of the following stages:
- Complete the Questionnaire & pay the application fee of €60.
- Submit Supporting Documents to support your candidacy.
- Admission Decision within 15 days. If accepted, pay the VAE jury fees:
- Interviews, Inquiries & Analysis by the VAE Jury to assess your experience.
- Final Decision within 2 months, by the VAE jury. If approved, you will receive your diploma along with the UNESCO Diploma Supplement in English, sent by registered post or presented during the formal graduation ceremony.
Important Notes:
- Application fees are non-refundable, even if the diploma is not awarded.
- The decisions of the VAE jury are final and cannot be appealed.
Non Mandatory Extras
Important legal and historical information
L’Ecole Libre de Sciences Politiques is a private French higher education institution that awards degrees according to the articles L151-6 “Higher education is free” and L731-1 to L732-3 of the French Education Code. It is not affiliated with the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris.
L’Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques, was founded in 1871 by Emile Boutmy in Paris. It has always been a private institution is politically neutral and non-denominational. In 1945, a communist-inspired nationalization created the Political Institute of the University of Paris