The goal of the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is to support 1,450 students and young professionals who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership potential, and a commitment to achieving change in Africa but who face significant barriers to accessing higher education.
Application Deadline:
- 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.
Tell Me About The Program:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po provides fully funded graduate fellowship opportunities for talented young leaders from the African continent. Designed for students who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in Paris, France, the program covers all financial needs and delivers comprehensive mentorship, leadership training, and career support to prepare scholars to drive societal, environmental, and public policy transitions across Africa.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Any full-time, two-year Master’s degree programme offered across Sciences Po’s graduate schools (such as Public Affairs, International Affairs, Management and Innovation, Research, Law, or Urbanism).(Note: One-year Master’s programs and dual degree programs are strictly ineligible for this scholarship).
Type:
Fully Funded Graduate Fellowship & Master’s Scholarship
Who can Apply:
- Citizenship: Must hold citizenship of an African country. Dual citizens holding citizenship outside the African continent are ineligible.
- Academic Background: Must be currently completing or already hold a Bachelor’s degree from an approved partner institution, a recognized bridge/mentoring program associated with approved organizations, OR hold official UNHCR refugee/displaced person status.
- Age Limit: Must be under 35 years of age on 1 September of the application year.
- Degree History: Must not already hold or currently be pursuing a Master’s degree. Must be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.
- Exclusions: Current students at Sciences Po or graduates from French higher education institutions are ineligible.
How are Applicants Selected:
- Academic Admission Review: Applicants must apply and be admitted through Sciences Po’s International Graduate Admissions procedure, meeting all rigorous country-specific minimum academic thresholds.
- Scholarship Screening & Review: Admitted candidates are assessed by the Mastercard Foundation Selection Committee based on:
- Overcoming significant economic, social, or geographical barriers to education.
- Demonstrated commitment to African development and change-making (public policy, environmental, political, and societal transitions).
- Strong potential for transformative leadership and measurable community impact.
- Special consideration for young women, refugees/displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a 25-minute online interview via Zoom.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
African nations (Open to citizens of African countries meeting institutional and refugee criteria).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Sciences Po (Paris, France).
How Many Fellows:
Multiple competitive graduate scholarships awarded annually based on cohort availability.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Financial Coverage: Complete coverage of tuition fees and living expenses throughout the two-year study period.
- Comprehensive Support: Dedicated pre-arrival orientation, academic advising, mentoring, career counseling, leadership development workshops, and integration assistance.
How Long Will it Last:
2 years (24 months, matching the duration of the eligible Master’s program).
How to Apply:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the citizenship, refugee status, or partner university/bridge program criteria, alongside Sciences Po’s minimum academic thresholds.
- Apply for Admission & Fee Waiver: Submit your application for an eligible two-year Master’s program at Sciences Po via the International Graduate Admissions procedure and request a Mastercard Foundation application fee waiver.
- Scholarship Application: Submit your separate scholarship application through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program platform.
- Interview & Selection: If shortlisted, participate in the online selection interview and await final committee decisions.
