Application Deadline: mid-December 2026.
LOCATION: France
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to students who are admitted onto a master’s programme at Sciences Po and who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. Students receive the scholarships and financial aid throughout the two years of their master’s programme.
ELIGIBILITY:
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
Not already holding a Master’s degree.
Only students admitted to a master’s programme at Sciences Po can join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po. You can apply to any of the Master’s degree programmes offered at Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools, except the dual degree programmes and the one-year master’s programme.
Hold citizenship in a country within Africa. Candidates who hold a second citizenship from a country outside the African continent are not eligible.
Have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference (see the list of institutions).
Or Have completed or are currently enrolled in a training foundation or mentoring programme offered by a bridging programme organisation partnering with the Mastercard Foundation (see the list of institutions).
Be in genuine need of funding for your higher education (please note: documents proving your financial situation will be required for your application).
Show a commitment to achieving change in Africa, particularly in the areas of public policy and major political, environmental and societal transitions.
Be under 35 when you begin your Master’s programme
Please note that to be admitted at Sciences Po, you must meet the minimum academic requirements depending on your university’s country of origin.
BENEFIT:
Scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses in France throughout the recipient’s time studying at Sciences Po.
