Sciences Po International Security

I know some alumni at PSIA International Sec. and both did not have prior security work experience. It is a pre-experience master's. Though A worked full time for an international organisation prior to SP and had a humanities BA/MA degree. B completed a politics bachelor like you and worked as an unpaid summer intern for a NGO (fund raising, minor research, project assistance, event organisation). Like you, he was active at uni's student clubs/assembly. B applied in final yr and was admitted straight from undergrad. I think you are realistic in yr evaluation of strengths (GPA, relevant BSc from UvA, semester abroad, MUN, own publication with research institute). The only minor weakness relative to other applicants may be lack of work experience. You have the option to take the third semester at PSIA as an internship and receive 30 credit points. Most students take the professional option.

Don't worry about non Ivy, most students come from normal unis. GPA matters more and schools give credit to student clubs such as MUN, student assembly. Relevant work/internship in security is more difficult to land than other topics as in some countries you need to obtain a security clearance with a long background check that takes many months. Maybe try to write a BSc thesis on a security topic, B wrote about early warning codes and crisis management of home office to terror threat. Make sure to have good letters of recommendation and statement of purpose to show why the programme is a good fit.

IHEID really looks closely at grades and work experience. You will see at class profile in report that average age of entering students are mid 20s rather 22. How is yr French? though English taught MA, some modules are offered in French. With fluent French, you will have more choices.