Closing Date: 23 November 2026
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2027: Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students
Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2027 in France. Find eligibility criteria, fully funded scholarships benefits and deadlines
Overview
African students who aspire to pursue postgraduate studies in France can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2027 intake. The programme supports academically talented young Africans who have faced significant barriers to education and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support for a two-year master’s degree at Sciences Po, including tuition and living expenses. The programme also provides accommodation arrangements, mentoring, career guidance and leadership development opportunities to help scholars prepare for meaningful careers.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po
Sciences Po is a French university specialising in the humanities and social sciences, including political science, international affairs, economics and public policy. Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the university aims to expand access to higher education for talented African students who have experienced financial, social, geographical or other barriers to education.
The programme seeks to develop future African leaders who can contribute to positive change in their communities and countries. Scholars are encouraged to demonstrate leadership, social responsibility, initiative and a clear commitment to Africa’s social and economic transformation.
The scholarship is available for eligible two-year master’s degree programmes at Sciences Po. One-year master’s programmes and dual-degree programmes are not eligible under this graduate scholarship route.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive comprehensive support intended to cover the costs of studying and living in France throughout their two-year master’s programme.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the eligible master’s degree.
- Living expenses, as part of the comprehensive scholarship grant.
- Accommodation support, including housing reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars in Paris.
- Pre-departure and arrival assistance to help scholars prepare for their studies in France.
- Personalised academic and student support throughout the programme.
- Career development services, including guidance, workshops and access to employment and internship opportunities connected to Africa.
- Mentoring opportunities through a programme co-run with Sciences Po Alumni.
- Entrepreneurship support, including access to relevant university initiatives and networks.
The programme is designed to support scholars beyond graduation, helping them prepare for employment and develop the skills needed to contribute to their communities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po, applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria and the academic requirements for admission to their chosen master’s degree.
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Be under 35 years old on 1 September of the year in which they submit their scholarship application.
- Be completing or already hold a bachelor’s degree from a university listed by Sciences Po; alternatively, applicants may qualify through an approved bridge or mentoring programme, or through documented UNHCR refugee status alongside a bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a master’s degree or be currently pursuing one.
- Be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.
- Meet Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements and the admission requirements of their chosen master’s programme.
Applicants who hold dual citizenship that includes citizenship of a country outside Africa are not eligible. Students already enrolled at Sciences Po and those currently enrolled in or graduated from a French higher education institution are also excluded.
Application Deadlines
Applicants have two published deadlines, depending on their preferred admission decision timeline:
- 23 November 2026: for applicants seeking a master’s admission decision by 11 February 2027.
- 14 December 2026: for applicants seeking a master’s admission decision by 1 April 2027.
Scholarship selection results are expected to be communicated in April 2027, regardless of which of these deadlines an applicant uses.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow the official application procedure carefully.
- Check your eligibility: Review the official scholarship requirements and Sciences Po’s minimum academic results for your country or previous university.
- Prepare your documents: These may include proof of identity, a bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of current undergraduate studies, academic transcripts, recommendation letters and any other documents required for your chosen programme.
- Request scholarship eligibility verification: Use the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform when it becomes available.
- Create your master’s application: Apply through Sciences Po’s international graduate admissions procedure. You must initiate both the scholarship eligibility process and the master’s application to qualify for the scholarship application fee waiver.
- Complete and submit your application: Follow the instructions and deadline provided by Sciences Po’s Admissions Office. Prepare your supporting documents early because the time allowed to complete the final submission may be short.
Shortlisted applicants who are admitted to Sciences Po and declared eligible for the programme may be invited to an online interview. Admission to the university and eligibility for the scholarship do not automatically guarantee selection.
Official Application Link
For full eligibility details, eligible master’s programmes and application instructions, visit the official Sciences Po page:
For questions, contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at [email protected].
Final Advice for Applicants
Start preparing well before your selected deadline. Check that your previous university or alternative qualification pathway meets the programme’s rules, confirm the academic requirements for your intended master’s degree, and request recommendation letters early.
Sciences Po also asks applicants to write authentically about their personal experiences, ambitions and commitment to Africa. Its official guidance warns that relying on AI for scholarship written assignments may result in a lower evaluation. Applicants should therefore develop their own reflections and ensure their applications genuinely represent their experiences and goals.
