DiginThe Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarships provide full funding, including tuition fees, monthly stipends, and accommodation, for international students to pursue a Master’s degree in France. This program is designed for academically excellent students with strong leadership potential who face financial barriers to higher education. It targets individuals committed to driving impactful change in Africa, particularly in areas like public policy, political transitions, environmental sustainability, and societal development.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program focuses on three key objectives:
- Offering tailored support to students.
- Enhancing soft skills beyond academic learning.
- Building a robust alumni network for long-term collaboration.
Since 2017, Sciences Po has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation alongside prestigious institutions like the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. This collaboration has enabled 138 students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue social sciences degrees at Sciences Po, empowering them to become change makers in their home countries.
The Mastercard Foundation’s broader mission, under its Young Africa Works strategy, is to provide inclusive education and create opportunities for dignified employment and entrepreneurship. By 2030, the Foundation aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access meaningful work.
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Eligibility CriteriaÂ
- To qualify for the Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of a Sub-Saharan African country (proof of residency or temporary study/work abroad is required).
- Demonstrate a commitment to driving positive change in Africa, particularly in public policy and societal transitions.
- Show financial need (evidence of financial circumstances will be required).
- Provide a recommendation from their university.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by the start of the academic year.
- Apply for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools (one-year programs, dual degrees, and joint programs are not eligible).
- Meet the language requirements (minimum C1 level in French or English, depending on the program).
- Not already holding or pursuing a Master’s degree.
- Be under 35 years old at the start of the academic year.
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Scholarship BenefitsÂ
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living expenses in France.
- Housing in Paris reserved for scholars.
- Health insurance and other essential support.
Additional Support for ScholarsÂ
- Pre-departure and arrival assistance, including a welcome program.
- Personalized academic and career guidance.
- Access to career fairs, workshops, and networking events focused on African opportunities.
- Mentorship programs with Sciences Po alumni working in Africa.
- Access to Sciences Po’s business incubator and employer networks.
Required DocumentsÂ
Applicants must submit:Â
- Personal details.
- A recommendation letter from an academic advisor (using the provided form).
- Proof of financial circumstances.
- Academic records and extracurricular achievements.
- A statement outlining your experiences, perspectives on African issues, and plans to drive change on the continent.
How to ApplyÂ
Follow these steps to apply for the 2025 Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship:
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
Verify your eligibility by submitting the required information on the scholarship website.
If eligible, you will receive confirmation and a waiver for the Sciences Po application fee.
Complete this step by November 30, 2025.
- Step 2: Apply to Sciences Po
Begin your application to Sciences Po through the international graduate admissions procedure.
Wait for confirmation of your scholarship eligibility and fee waiver before submitting your application.
Submit your Sciences Po application by November 30, 2025.
- Step 3: Await Results
Admission decisions will be announced in mid-February 2026.
Scholarship allocation results will be communicated in mid-March 2026.
Important Notes:Â
- Admission to Sciences Po does not guarantee a scholarship.
- Deferring admission will result in forfeiting the scholarship.
Application Deadline
November 30, 2025Â
For more details, visit the official Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship webpage
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