Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2026–2028

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Application Deadline: January 4,, 2025

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers a fully funded graduate opportunity for talented African students who aspire to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the African continent. This prestigious program provides comprehensive financial support covering full tuition fees, living expenses, and academic support throughout the two-year master’s program at Sciences Po, France.

This scholarship empowers exceptional young Africans with the education and leadership skills required to drive social and economic transformation across Africa.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to equip young people from Africa with the tools to lead change in their communities. At Sciences Po, the program focuses on nurturing leaders who will tackle critical challenges in areas such as public policy, governance, climate action, and social innovation.

Only candidates who have gained admission into an eligible two-year master’s program at Sciences Po are considered for this scholarship. Dual-degree and one-year master’s programs do not qualify under this scheme.

Eligible Master’s Programs

Applicants may choose from a wide range of master’s programs offered by Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools, including disciplines related to:

  • International Affairs
  • Public Policy
  • Urban Studies
  • Environmental Policy
  • Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
  • Economic and Social Development

All programs aim to equip students with global perspectives and the skills to create local impact in Africa.

Admission and Application Timeline

The application platform opens in early October 2025, and the deadline for both Sciences Po admission and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is January 4, 2026.

Admission decisions will be communicated in three rounds depending on submission dates:

  • Mid-December 2025
  • Mid-February 2026
  • Early April 2026

Scholarship results will be announced in May 2026, and all programs commence at the end of August 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po:

  • Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country (dual citizens with a non-African nationality are not eligible).
  • Hold or be completing a bachelor’s degree at one of Sciences Po’s recognized partner institutions or be part of a Mastercard Foundation-affiliated program.
  • Demonstrate financial need with supporting evidence such as income statements, tax forms, or official scholarship documents (bank statements are not accepted).
  • Exhibit a strong commitment to driving social or economic transformation in Africa.
  • Be under 35 years of age at the start of the program.
  • Not hold a prior master’s degree.

Candidates must also meet Sciences Po’s academic and language requirements, depending on the program of choice.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must first apply for a master’s program at Sciences Po through the international graduate admissions portal. During the process, they should indicate their intention to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

It is advisable to review the Sciences Po Graduate Admissions Guide before starting the application. Between April and December 2025, several virtual and in-person information sessions will be available to assist applicants.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents in advance:

  • Application materials required by Sciences Po
  • A valid photo ID
  • Proof of income or financial hardship
  • Evidence of enrollment or graduation from a recognized institution
  • Scholarship certificates (if applicable)

Selection Criteria

Selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is competitive and based on:

  • Alignment between the applicant’s academic goals and the chosen master’s program
  • Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving on Africa’s social, economic, and political issues
  • Authentic motivation and commitment to leadership and community impact
  • Clear, genuine, and personal storytelling in the motivation letter

Applications from refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged and given special consideration.

Important Notes

  • Scholarships are valid only for the year awarded; deferrals are not allowed.
  • Candidates who are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship can still apply to Sciences Po independently.
  • Applicants may also explore other funding options such as the Emile Boutmy Scholarship.
  • Current Sciences Po students are not eligible to apply for this program.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

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