Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and France’s Sciences Po Launch Student Exchange Programme
22 April, 2025The strategic partnership between the two higher education institutions aims to immerse students in international academia and culture between the UAE and France
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), the French Emirati university recognised as one of the premier institutions for higher education in the Middle East, has announced a strategic international partnership with Sciences Po, one of France’s most prestigious institutions for higher education, renowned for producing influential leaders and policymakers globally.
SUAD, known for its dedication to high-quality education in the humanities, social sciences, law and management nurtures graduates who make significant contributions to both national and global communities. Meanwhile, Sciences Po promotes global engagement and cross-cultural academic experiences, aligning with its commitment to broadening international partnerships.
Under the new agreement, up to ten students from each university, whether graduates or undergraduates, will have the opportunity to study abroad every academic year. This immersive experience will allow students to gain invaluable international perspectives within diverse academic settings. Furthermore, this collaborative initiative also aligns with SUAD’s commitment to educational excellence, integrating the renowned French learning model with the UAE’s vision for innovation and knowledge.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented on the partnership: “We are very happy about this new partnership with Sciences Po and proud to offer an international exchange programme with one of the top institutions worldwide that promises to be an enriching experience for students from both campuses. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster an excellent educational experience that transcends borders. By partnering with Sciences Po, we are enhancing the learning journey for our students, providing them with the cultural and academic resources needed to excel in a globally interconnected world.”
Jeremy Perelman, Director of International Affairs at Sciences Po, said: “Sciences Po’s recent partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has already fostered meaningful exchanges between our institutions, enhancing student experiences and paving the way for future collaboration in training and research. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to academic excellence and cross-cultural engagement, creating new opportunities for innovation and knowledge sharing between our two reference universities in Europe and the Gulf Region.”
The student exchange programme reflects Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s commitment to international academic standards, in line with the Bologna Process – a European initiative aimed at harmonising higher education systems across participating countries. SUAD’s academic programmes are designed according to structures widely adopted in Bologna Process signatory nations, ensuring comparability and consistency in quality. The university’s bachelor’s and master’s programmes correspond to Level 6 and Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and align with the First and Second Cycles of the Bologna Framework. This ensures that students can seamlessly continue their studies abroad without repeating prior learning.
To further support student mobility and academic recognition, SUAD also implements the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which enables the transfer and accumulation of academic credits across institutions within Europe and beyond. These shared standards make SUAD qualifications easily comparable across national systems, enhancing the global portability of its degrees.
As one of the few higher education institutions across the UAE that follows the French education system, SUAD blends France’s renowned educational system with the UAE’s innovative academic landscape – offering students a unique and globally respected learning experience.
In addition to the student exchange, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SUAD and Sciences Po establishes a foundation for collaborative opportunities that go beyond academic mobility. Both SUAD and Sciences Po have committed to exploring initiatives such as faculty exchanges, intensive language programmes, short executive certificate courses for professionals, study abroad programmes, joint research and cultural programmes, the development of joint degrees and co-hosting workshops and conferences.
Through this partnership, SUAD and Sciences Po reinforce their mission to support impactful, global academic collaboration that addresses both national priorities and global challenges.
For more information about the student exchange programme at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, please visit: http://www.sorbonne.ae