The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is a fully funded scholarship designed for talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in France. The programme is part of the global Mastercard Foundation initiative to develop future leaders committed to social transformation and sustainable development in Africa.
About Sciences Po
Sciences Po is one of Europe’s leading universities in the field of social sciences. Located in Paris, France, it is internationally recognised for excellence in public policy, international relations, economics, law, and social sciences. Sciences Po is the only institution in the European Union that partners with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
About the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po supports academically strong students who face financial barriers and demonstrate leadership potential, ethical values, and a clear commitment to contributing to positive change in Africa. The scholarship supports only full-time, two-year Master’s programmes.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire Master’s programme
- Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses
- Housing support during the study period
- Medical insurance and visa-related assistance
- Academic mentoring, leadership training, and career development support
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be under 35 years of age at the start of the Master’s programme
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of undergraduate studies
- Not already hold a Master’s degree
- Apply for an eligible two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po
- Show a strong commitment to contributing to social and economic development in Africa
- Meet the academic and language requirements of the chosen programme
Eligible Programmes
The scholarship is available only for two-year Master’s programmes offered by Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools. One-year, joint, or dual-degree programmes are not eligible.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are selected based on:
- Academic excellence and potential
- Leadership qualities and community engagement
- Motivation and long-term vision are aligned with Africa’s development
- Relevance of the chosen Master’s programme to future goals
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews as part of the selection process.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply for admission to a Master’s programme at Sciences Po through the official admissions portal and select the option to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program during the application process.
Application link:
https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/mastercard-foundation-scholarships/
The scholarship application is submitted together with the Master’s application. No separate scholarship application is required.
Application Timeline
- Applications usually open in October
- The deadline typically falls in early January
- Scholarship decisions are announced after the Master’s admission results
Applicants are advised to apply early and ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Conclusion
The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers an exceptional opportunity for students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in France. With comprehensive financial support, academic excellence, and leadership development opportunities, the programme prepares scholars to become impactful leaders capable of driving meaningful change in their communities and across the African continent.
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