About the opportunity
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is designed for talented students from the African continent who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree. The program covers the full financial needs of selected Scholars and provides comprehensive support throughout their two years of study in France, including online information sessions, integration assistance, and career guidance. Applicants must apply via the international graduate admissions procedure and meet specific academic and program criteria.
Funding and benefits
- Full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses throughout the two years of study
- Application fee waiver for eligible applicants applying to Sciences Po Master's programs
- Comprehensive support services, orientation sessions, and integration assistance
- Mentorship and leadership development opportunities aimed at driving socio-economic transformation in Africa
Who can apply?
- Hold citizenship of an African country (dual citizens with non-African citizenship are not eligible)
- Currently completing or already holding a Bachelor's degree from an approved partner institution, a recognised bridge/mentoring programme, or holding UNHCR refugee status
- Be under 35 years of age on 1 September of the year of application
- Must not already hold or currently be pursuing a Master's degree
- Applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time
- Meet Sciences Po's academic eligibility requirements and be admitted to a two-year Master's programme (dual degrees and one-year Master's are ineligible)
Required documents
- Proof of identity (passport, national identity card, UNHCR card, or travel document)
- Bachelor's degree certificate or proof of current undergraduate studies at a reference institution
- Certificate of completion from a recognised bridge programme or partner institution, if applicable
- Supporting documentation confirming refugee status, if applicable
- Required documents for the Sciences Po Master's application, including transcripts, academic recommendations, and language test results
When to apply
- Application deadline for November admission decision: 23 November 2026
- Application deadline for April admission decision: 14 December 2026
- Scholarship selection results communicated: April 2027
How to apply
- Verify your eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and check Sciences Po's minimum academic results table
- Simultaneously submit a request to verify scholarship eligibility and create an application for a two-year Master's programme on the Sciences Po admissions platform
- Receive and follow instructions from the Admissions Office to complete your Master's application without paying the application fee
- Submit your complete Master's application and required documents before the specified deadline
- If admitted and shortlisted, participate in an online Zoom interview as part of the selection process
Additional information
- An offer to join the Scholars Program is valid only for the academic year issued and cannot be deferred.
- If you are admitted to Sciences Po but not selected for the scholarship, you must secure alternative funding.
- The use of artificial intelligence in written application assignments is discouraged and may lower evaluations.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Recent graduates or final-year university students from Africa looking to pursue fully funded graduate studies in social sciences, public policy, or international affairs.
- Individuals with a demonstrated commitment to public service, community impact, and the socio-economic transformation of the African continent.
- Candidates who face significant economic, social, or geographical barriers to education, including refugees and displaced persons.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to France is required for the duration of the two-year Master's programme.
- The scholarship offer cannot be deferred; deferring your university admission causes you to lose the scholarship eligibility.
- Dual degree programmes and one-year Master's programmes are strictly ineligible for this scholarship.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is ideal for ambitious students aiming for leadership roles in public policy, non-governmental organisations, or entrepreneurial initiatives focused on Africa. The combination of full financial backing and professional mentorship provides a powerful launchpad for impactful careers without the burden of student debt.
Our take
African students who meet the academic threshold and aspire to drive transformative change should strongly consider applying. Those seeking a one-year degree or dual degree pathway should look for alternative funding sources.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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