Location: France
Program: Postgraduate – Master’s Degree
Eligibility: African Students
Duration: 2 years
Deadline: January 4, 2026
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The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is a prestigious fully funded scholarship program 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 scholarships and financial aid throughout the two years of their master’s programme.
Sciences Po (Institut d’études politiques de Paris) is one of France’s most prestigious universities, particularly renowned for its programs in political science, international affairs, economics, and social sciences. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of African leaders committed to achieving change in Africa, particularly in the areas of public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.
Only admitted students to a master’s programme at Sciences Po can join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Students can apply to any of the Master’s degree programmes offered at Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools, except the School of Journalism, dual degree programmes, and one-year master’s programmes.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This scholarship provides comprehensive support including:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of Master’s programme
- Financial aid for living expenses throughout the programme
- Application fee exemption for Sciences Po
- Access to world-class education at one of France’s most prestigious universities
- Comprehensive scholar support and mentoring services
- Leadership development opportunities
- Access to Sciences Po’s extensive alumni network
- Career guidance and professional development
- Other benefits
Also Check:
CGU Academic Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students in Taiwan
Taiwan Government Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Hold citizenship in a country within Africa
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference
- 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
- Be in genuine need of funding for your higher education
- 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 years old when you begin your Master’s programme
- Not already hold a Master’s degree
- Be applying for a two-year Master’s programme at one of Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools
- NOT applying for one-year Master’s, dual degrees or joint Master’s programmes, or the School of Journalism programmes
- Meet Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements (around 70-80%)
- Meet specific language requirements for your chosen programme (English, French, or bilingual)
Note: Kindly check the official website for complete and detailed requirements.
Also Check:
CGU Scholarships for International Doctoral Students in Taiwan
2026-27 CSRS Graduate Fellowships at University of Victoria – Canada
Selection Criteria
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is highly competitive, selecting candidates based on academic-professional alignment, demonstrated through the coherence between their previous degree, chosen Master’s programme, academic background, and future career goals; critical thinking and analysis, shown by the ability to thoughtfully examine and understand major political, economic, and societal challenges in Africa and globally; commitment to change, reflected in ambition, originality, leadership, and a clear vision for driving socio-economic and policy transformation across the continent; authenticity and expression, emphasizing genuine, personal motivation and the use of real experiences rather than artificial assistance; diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity with particular consideration for refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities; and financial need, demonstrated through credible documentation of limited financial resources and genuine need for funding.
CLICK HERE to visit the official scholarship page
