Requirements

Open to:

• Cornell Undergraduate Students

GPA Requirements:

Minimum GPA: 3.70

Description:

Named for Michel David-Weill, an alumnus of Sciences Po and former chairman of Lazard Frères investment bank, this scholarship provides an American student seeking to pursue a Masters degree at Sciences Po with a stipend of approximately $80,000 to cover the cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses) over the course of two years. Cornell is one of a limited number of partner institutions invited to nominate one candidate to the national competition.

 

Application Information:

Applicants must apply simultaneously for admission to one of Sciences Po’s Masters programs AND for Cornell's nomination for the Michel David-Weill Scholarship. (See notes on eligibility below.) Cornell's nomination process is coordinated by the Office of Fellowships .

A complete application for the Michel David-Weill Scholarship includes the following items, which should be sent to ccs-fellowships@cornell.edu before the campus application deadline of 1pm ET on September 1, 2025:

1. A "letter of motivation" which is a statement of no more than 1,000 words, explaining course of study proposed, reasons and motivation for this choice, and how it fits into longer-term plans/aspirations.
2. A copy of a graded term paper from an appropriate course, with the professor's comments (8-10 pages).
3. A resume or cv (2 pages max).
4. Three letters of reference: two should be academic references relevant to the proposed graduate study at Sciences Po, although one letter might be a professional reference of similar relevance. These should also be sent to ccs-fellowships@cornell.edu by the endorsement deadline.
5. Transcripts: unofficial Cornell transcripts are required for all applicants, who must also provide copies of relevant transcripts from other institutions. (Note that official transcripts will be required for application to the Sciences Po Master's program.)

If endorsed, the Office of Fellowships will complete the Michel David-Weill official candidate information form on your behalf.

 

Following the campus round of competition, no more than one nominated application may be sent to the national competition in November. Finalists are invited to interview in New York City, typically in February or early March, and the Scholar is announced shortly thereafter.

Interested Cornell applicants, after doing some research of their own, may refer questions to Krista Saleet, ks2334@cornell.edu at the Office of Fellowships (meetings by appointment).

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible are currently-enrolled Cornell seniors who are American citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.70, and who are applying for a Master's program at Sciences Po.

There are no constraints on the field of study, although candidates wishing to pursue a Master's degree related to Economics are especially encouraged to apply. Dual degrees with partner institutions, and/or executive training courses are not eligible.

Sciences Po imposes no blanket language requirement for its incoming students; thus, the candidate must only consider the language requirements (if any) established for the Master’s program to which he/she seeks admission. Proficiency in French will, however, be an asset regardless of strict language requirements.

The scholarship seeks those who exemplify the core values embodied by Michel David-Weill – excellence, leadership, multiculturalism, tolerance and high achievement. Candidates will thus be selected on the basis of their literary and scholastic accomplishments, their capacity to analyse critically, their morals and character, instincts to lead, and their commitment to community – local or global.

Restrictions to Use of Award:

Dual degrees with partner institutions, and/or executive training courses are not eligible.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Krista Saleet at ks2334@cornell.edu