Sciences Po, one of France’s leading institutions for social sciences and political studies, offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to eligible students across Africa who aspire to pursue postgraduate education and develop leadership skills.
The programme provides comprehensive financial support and academic guidance to selected scholars undertaking eligible two-year master’s degrees at Sciences Po in France.
The initiative aims to expand access to quality higher education for talented African students and support the development of future leaders committed to contributing to their communities and countries.
Through academic training, personal development, and institutional support, scholars can strengthen their expertise and prepare for careers that advance social and economic progress.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to cover the full financial needs of selected scholars throughout their two years of study at Sciences Po.
The programme provides comprehensive financial support and assistance intended to help students concentrate on their studies and prepare for life in France.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship guidance for the complete breakdown of covered expenses, applicable conditions, and support arrangements.
In addition to financial assistance, successful scholars receive support from the programme team as they prepare for their arrival and integration into university life.
Online information sessions help incoming scholars understand the transition to France, prepare for their studies, and familiarise themselves with the academic environment at Sciences Po.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all the academic, personal, and programme-specific eligibility requirements to be considered for the scholarship.
The main requirements include:
- African citizenship: Applicants must hold citizenship of an African country. Individuals with dual citizenship that includes a country outside Africa are not eligible.
- Eligible undergraduate education: Applicants must hold, or be completing, a bachelor’s degree from an institution on the approved list of universities.
- Alternative eligibility pathways: Candidates may also qualify if they hold or are completing a bachelor’s degree and have participated in an approved bridge or mentoring programme, or if they hold or have previously held refugee status recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
- Age requirement: Applicants must be under 35 years old on 1 September of the year in which the scholarship application is submitted.
- Previous postgraduate education: Applicants must not already hold a master’s degree or currently be pursuing one.
- First-time application: Candidates must be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.
- Academic admission: Applicants must satisfy Sciences Po’s academic requirements and secure admission to an eligible two-year master’s programme.
Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po and individuals currently enrolled in, or already graduated from, a French higher education institution are not eligible under the published criteria.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship supports eligible two-year master’s programmes at Sciences Po. Dual-degree programmes and one-year master’s programmes are excluded.
Applicants must apply through the International Graduate Admissions Procedure, which is the designated admission pathway for candidates seeking consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Before applying, prospective scholars must review Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements for applicants from their country of previous university education.
Candidates who do not meet the required academic threshold should not submit a scholarship application, as eligibility depends on meeting the university’s admission requirements.
Application Process
The application process involves several stages, and candidates should prepare their documents carefully before beginning.
Verify eligibility
- Applicants should confirm that they meet the citizenship, age, educational background, and other programme requirements.
- They should also consult the approved university and partner-organisation lists where applicable.
Check academic requirements
- Candidates must review the minimum academic results required by Sciences Po for their country and ensure that their qualifications meet the required standard.
Apply for the scholarship
- Eligible applicants will be able to submit an application through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform.
- The scholarship application also allows eligible candidates to request an application fee waiver for qualifying two-year master’s programmes.
Apply for admission to Sciences Po
- Applicants must submit a complete application through the International Graduate Admissions Procedure.
- They should ensure that all required documents, including academic transcripts, language test results, and recommendations, meet the university’s requirements.
Academic recommendations must comply with the specified submission rules. Missing or non-compliant documents can render an application incomplete and ineligible for review.
Complete the selection process
- Candidates who meet the scholarship eligibility requirements and receive admission to an eligible master’s programme will be considered for scholarship selection.
- The process includes application review, interviews, and a final scholarship decision.
Application Deadlines and Selection Timeline
- 23 November 2026 if you wish to receive your master’s admission decision by 11 February 2027.
- 14 December 2026 if you wish to receive your master’s admission decision by 1 April 2027.
Please note: Regardless of the date on which you submit your application for a master’s program at Sciences Po, the results of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program selection process will be communicated in April 2027.
Support for Incoming Scholars
Once an applicant accepts an offer from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the programme team begins providing support to facilitate the transition to France.
Contact Information and Further Guidance
Prospective applicants can consult the official Sciences Po website and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program frequently asked questions for detailed guidance on eligibility, documentation, admissions, and scholarship procedures.
For scholarship-related enquiries that are not addressed in the frequently asked questions, applicants can contact the programme team at: info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr
An Opportunity for African Students
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers eligible African students an opportunity to pursue advanced education in France while receiving comprehensive financial and transition support.
By combining academic study with personal development and access to an international learning environment, the programme aims to help scholars build the knowledge and capabilities needed to contribute to their communities and professional fields.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to review the official requirements, prepare their applications carefully, and monitor Sciences Po’s announcements for the opening of the scholarship application platform and confirmed deadlines.
