France · Master's
Sciences Po
MA Economics and Public Policy
Sciences Po
Course Overview
Sciences Po's MA Economics and Public Policy (EPP) is a joint Master's between Sciences Po's School of Public Affairs and the Department of Economics, with optional joint tracks with École Polytechnique (X-EPP) and ENSAE Paris (ENSAE-EPP). Sciences Po is consistently ranked #2 globally for Politics & International Studies (QS subject rankings) behind Harvard, and Sciences Po's Department of Economics is consistently ranked among Europe's top 10 (with active research output via the LIEPP — Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire d'Évaluation des Politiques Publiques). The 2-year MA combines rigorous applied economics (econometrics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, public economics, development economics) with public policy analysis (impact evaluation, behavioural economics, policy design, regulation), plus a 6-month research thesis or policy practicum. Cohort sizes ~150 students/year, ~50% international.
Sri Lankan applicants — typically Economics / Statistics / Mathematics / Engineering graduates from Colombo (Faculty of Arts Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics), Peradeniya, SLIIT, plus development sector and public sector professionals with 2-4 years' experience at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Finance, IPS Sri Lanka, World Bank Colombo, ADB, JICA, USAID, UN agencies — choose Sciences Po EPP over LSE Public Policy / Oxford BSG / Harvard Kennedy School for: the QS #2 Politics brand, tuition at €18,000/year (versus £30,000+ at LSE and $50,000+ at Harvard Kennedy School), the rigorous applied econometrics + policy design curriculum (especially the X-EPP and ENSAE-EPP tracks), the Sciences Po-PSE (Paris School of Economics) research network, France's 24-month APS post-Master's permit, and the EU Blue Card pathway. Returnees route into the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (research department), Ministry of Finance, IPS Sri Lanka, World Bank Colombo, ADB, JICA, USAID, UN agencies (UNDP, ILO, UNICEF), plus Big Four Colombo public sector and development practices.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Public Policy, Political Science, or closely-related discipline. First-class or upper second-class Hons equivalent (Sri Lankan GPA 3.3+) preferred.
- check_circle Strong quantitative background — undergraduate econometrics, mathematical statistics, and microeconomics coursework strongly preferred. The X-EPP and ENSAE-EPP tracks expect graduate-level mathematics.
- check_circle GRE Quantitative 162+ recommended; GMAT 700+ also accepted.
- check_circle Two academic / professional references, CV, motivation essays (3 short + 1 research statement), Kira Talent video interview.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from Colombo (Economics, Statistics, Mathematics), Peradeniya (Economics), SLIIT (Economics / Business Analytics), plus Central Bank, IPS, Ministry of Finance, World Bank Colombo professionals with first-class Bachelor's are competitive.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (no band below 6.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced grade B.
- check_circle Duolingo English Test: 120+.
- check_circle GRE / GMAT Verbal score is considered alongside English proficiency tests.
- check_circle Programme is taught 100% in English; French is recommended (A2-B1) for hospital-network and policy practicum placements but not gating.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English — Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees at Colombo, Peradeniya, SLIIT, NSBM, NIBM, IIT, ICBT submit an MOI letter from their university.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU; income-banded) | €18,000 | Rs. 6,210,000 |
| Living Expenses in Paris (12 months) | €16,000 | Rs. 5,520,000 |
| Student Visa, Residence Permit & CVEC | €800 | Rs. 276,000 |
| Health Insurance, Books & Research Materials | €1,800 | Rs. 621,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €36,600 | Rs. 12,627,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Sciences Po EPP graduates report ~92% placement within 6 months, with average starting salaries of €45,000-€60,000 in Paris (higher in consulting and central bank roles). France's 24-month APS post-Master's permit converts to a Passeport Talent or the EU Blue Card. Top hirers: the French institutions (Quai d'Orsay, Banque de France, Direction Générale du Trésor, INSEE), the European Commission (DG ECFIN, DG REGIO), the European Central Bank, the OECD (Paris HQ), the IMF and World Bank (Paris and Washington), plus McKinsey Public Sector, BCG Public Sector, Bain Public Sector, the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) public sector practices, and the policy advisory teams at Paris private banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole). Direct PhD progression at the Paris School of Economics, Sciences Po, ENSAE, and École Polytechnique doctoral schools. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (Research Department, Economic Research Department), Ministry of Finance, IPS Sri Lanka, World Bank Colombo, ADB, JICA, USAID, UN agencies, plus Big Four Colombo public sector and development practices.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.