European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL)

European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL)

Based in Lille, Northern France, at the crossroad of Europe, European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL) stands at the forefront of education in political science and international relations. With a prime focus on Europe and global affairs, the school offers a dynamic learning environment where students engage in rigorous academic programs designed by a team of international academics.
  • 4 Masters
  • 62 Scholarships
  • 33 Academic Staff
  • 1,300 Students
  • 150 Students (int'l)
  • 1,000 Students (female)
  • Private Institution Type

Top reasons to study here

  • ESPOL, as part of the biggest private University in France offers various political science programmes that address the most topical issues facing society today
  • ESPOL offers theoretical and practical teaching by international academics in small groups for more personalised support.
  • ESPOL is based in Lille, at the crossroads of Europe, with easy access to the main European capitals and various European political institutions.

History

ESPOL, created in 2012 within the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille, with the purpose of giving students an international outlook over political science. To do so, the school’s first bachelor's degree in political science was created. A French / English bilingual, political science programme oriented towards Europe and European Union.

Education

ESPOL offers four master's programmes, all taught exclusively in English and conducted in small, interactive classes with 20 to 30 students per class. These master's programs include:

1. Master's in International and Security Politics

2. Master's in Food Politics and Sustainable Development (Only M2)

3. Master's in Digital Politics and Governance

4. Master's in Multilevel Governance in Europe

What sets ESPOL apart is our commitment to practical learning. For our master's students, we offer unique opportunities to enhance their education through study trips to prominent cities such as Brussels, Geneva, or Tallinn. 

Research

  • The ESPOL-LAB Research Centre focuses on studying contemporary political transformations and decision-making processes. It explores the evolving relationship between politics and society, examining the impact of political decisions and their drivers. In a changing world marked by fragmented identities, globalization, and new forms of violence, ESPOL-LAB seeks to shed light on the challenges of organizing social relations and the role of the modern state. 
  • Our interdisciplinary research team specializes in diverse fields of political science, including public policies, international relations, comparative politics, the history of political ideas, and political theory.

Career

ESPOL graduates enjoy diverse career prospects across various sectors. They can influence policy and regulation in national bodies, like France's CNIL and ARCEP, or shape digital strategies at big tech companies. Opportunities abound in the private sector as digital strategy advisors and within innovative start-ups or think tanks.Public administration, both national and subnational, welcomes ESPOL graduates to lead policy transformations. They can also make a global impact in international and European organizations, such as the European Union, OECD, and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. 

European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL) Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL). Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Ashinaga Africa Initiative
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1690 EUR
Deadline
01 Jun 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Korea
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Mar 2026
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Aga Khan Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
École de Management Appliqué Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

École de Management Appliqué (EMA)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3600 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
15 Oct 2025
Haniel Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Studienstiftung
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
10 Jun 2026
Livinfrance Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Livinfrance
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
600 EUR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
IDIL Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 Sep 2025
Scholarships for Master's studies abroad
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
860 EUR
Deadline
30 Oct 2025
Charpak Exchange
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2026
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Franco-German University: DFH Mobility Grant for Students of the DFH Study Programmes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Gabon
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1800 EUR
Deadline
08 Jan 2026
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Livinfrance Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Livinfrance
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Ayn Rand Institute
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Ashinaga Africa Initiative
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1690 EUR
Deadline
01 Jun 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Korea
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Mar 2026
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Aga Khan Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
École de Management Appliqué Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

École de Management Appliqué (EMA)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3600 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
15 Oct 2025
Haniel Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Studienstiftung
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
10 Jun 2026
Livinfrance Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Livinfrance
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
600 EUR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
IDIL Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 Sep 2025
Scholarships for Master's studies abroad
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
860 EUR
Deadline
30 Oct 2025
Charpak Exchange
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2026
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Franco-German University: DFH Mobility Grant for Students of the DFH Study Programmes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Gabon
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1800 EUR
Deadline
08 Jan 2026
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Livinfrance Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Livinfrance
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Ayn Rand Institute
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Ashinaga Africa Initiative
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1690 EUR
Deadline
01 Jun 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Korea
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Mar 2026
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Aga Khan Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
École de Management Appliqué Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

École de Management Appliqué (EMA)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3600 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
15 Oct 2025
Haniel Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Studienstiftung
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
10 Jun 2026
Livinfrance Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Livinfrance
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
600 EUR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
IDIL Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 Sep 2025
Scholarships for Master's studies abroad
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
860 EUR
Deadline
30 Oct 2025
Charpak Exchange
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2026
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Franco-German University: DFH Mobility Grant for Students of the DFH Study Programmes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Gabon
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1800 EUR
Deadline
08 Jan 2026
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Livinfrance Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Livinfrance
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Ayn Rand Institute
Location not available

For a complete overview of scholarships for European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL), visit our scholarship search.

Student services

  • ESPOL offers a comprehensive range of student support services aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. Our administrative team serves as the primary point of contact for students seeking information related to their registration and student records. 
  • Various offices within the administration offer drop-in sessions, providing students with the opportunity to receive face-to-face advice and assistance, catering to both undergraduate and graduate admissions inquiries.ESPOL is dedicated to supporting disabled students as well as those with long-term medical conditions or dyslexia. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to initiate early contact with the Disability and Well-being Office (MAH).

Housing services

  • ESPOL offers a diverse range of student housing options to cater to individual preferences and needs. Students can choose from on-campus housing for convenience, rent shared or independent flats in the city center or neighboring areas, or explore quieter living in nearby cities. The university's housing services provide valuable support in finding suitable accommodation, ensuring that students can make informed choices for a rewarding and comfortable living experience while pursuing their studies at ESPOL.

Library services

  • The library offers a range of amenities to enhance the student experience, including free access to 338 seats on the ground and upper floors. Additionally, there are freely accessible computers, catalog consultation workstations for quick searches, and copiers located on the premises and access to wi-fi. For group work, reservation-based rooms accommodating 2 to 6 people are available.

Medical services

  • At ESPOL, our health center offers preventive services like mandatory first-year check-ups, lifestyle advice, and dietitian consultations. We also provide treatment through walk-in doctor visits, gynecology appointments, and psychological support. Our social workers are here to assist with various challenges and ensure your well-being.

Campus life

  • Our campus is ideally located in the heart of the Vauban district, surrounded by 50 hectares of green space, making it the greenest district in Lille. Just a 5-minute walk away, you'll find such green gems as the Parc de la Citadelle, the Bois de Boulogne and Lille Zoo. 
  • Our privileged location brings you close to cultural highlights, just 5 minutes from the Palais Rameau, a historic monument and exhibition space, 10 minutes from the prestigious Palais des Beaux-Arts and the opera, and 15 minutes from Lille Flandres train station.Lille has an extensive public transport network, including 2 metro lines, 2 tram lines, over 90 bus lines and over 5,500 self-service V'Lille bicycles.

Sports facilities

ESPOL provides an array of sports facilities for all students, including a fitness room open from September to July, a gymnasium opens all year, and a sport complex accessible to sports associations. Certified coaches offer diverse sports classes six days a week, from Zumba and step to boxing, catering to various interests. Plus, enjoy flexible subscription options ranging from 1 to 10 months, all at an affordable price. Stay active and energized throughout the year!

Student clubs

ESPOL boasts a thriving and diverse array of over 30 student associations, each contributing significantly to our students' growth and development. Providing them with technical know-how and hands-on experiential learning, our associations provide a well-rounded education. Whether it's culinary arts, photography, social activism, debates, United Nations simulations, or even the art of rap, there's something for everyone. These associations not only enrich students' lives but also form the beating heart of ESPOL throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2023

GSSA 2023

The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2023. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!

Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction Awards

Gallery

Student Reviews

Solid academic experience
Andrea rated 4 out of 5 stars

My experience at this university was very positive. The professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in students� success. I appreciated how many classes combined theory with practical application, especially in my final year, when I completed my internship. The campus is also modern and well-equipped. However, I did feel that some administrative...

Great programme in Frace
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great opportunity to study in English in France. Lille is a nice location to study european politics (next to Brussels, Paris, ...) The professors are passionate and real specialists

A complete and diverse formation
Provided by ESN rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am very satisfied with my shcool. I had a really good formation and it offered me lots of opportunities to succeed. I would totally recommend it.

Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

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