Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship | Fully Funded

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The 2025 Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in France is now open, offering fully funded opportunities for outstanding African students facing financial or systemic barriers to higher education. This scholarship enables recipients to pursue a two-year master’s degree at Sciences Po—one of Europe’s top universities for social sciences—while receiving holistic support throughout their academic journey.

This prestigious award is aimed at emerging leaders committed to driving impactful change across Africa in public policy, environmental issues, politics, and social development. In addition to covering all study-related costs, the program provides tailored mentorship, pre-arrival and post-arrival assistance, and integration into a dynamic alumni network.

Launched in 2017, the partnership between Sciences Po and the Mastercard Foundation has already supported 138 scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa. It plays a vital role in the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which seeks to create 30 million jobs across the continent by 2030 through educational access and employment pathways.

Scholarship Overview:

• Host Country:Francea

• Institution:Sciences Po

• Level: Postgraduate (Full-time Master’s Programs)

• Eligible Applicants: Citizens or residents of Sub-Saharan African countries

• Reward:Full tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, airfare, mentorship, career support

• Application Deadline: November 1, 2025

The scholarship extends beyond financial support, offering pre-departure guidance, guaranteed housing in Paris, personalized mentorship, career fairs focused on African employment, access to Sciences Po’s incubators and alumni networks, and a robust system of student support throughout the program.

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Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or legal resident of a Sub-Saharan African country (or temporarily studying/working abroad)

• Be under 35 years old at the beginning of the graduate program

• Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by the next academic year

• Apply for a 2-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven graduate schools (1-year or dual degrees not eligible)

• Demonstrate financial need (with supporting documentation)

• Show strong academic credentials and leadership potential

• Have at least a C1 level in English or French (depending on the program)

• Be committed to driving positive transformation in Africa, especially in key areas like public policy or environmental and societal change

Applicants must also submit:

• Personal details and academic history

• A completed recommendation form from a university advisor

• Evidence of financial situation

• A detailed statement outlining views on African development and how the applicant plans to make an impact

• Information about extracurricular activities and achievements

How to Apply:
Applicants must follow a three-step application process:

• Step 1 – Eligibility Request: Submit an eligibility form on the official scholarship portal. If eligible, applicants will receive a waiver for the application fee. This step must be completed by November 30, 2025.

• Step 2 – Apply to Sciences Po: Begin the international graduate admission process and submit required documents. Do not finalize your submission until you receive eligibility confirmation and fee waiver.

• Step 3 – Final Decision: Admissions results will be announced in February 2026, followed by scholarship allocation results in March 2026.

Please note: Admission to Sciences Po does not automatically guarantee the scholarship. Deferring admission results in forfeiting the scholarship offer.

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For more information and to apply, visit: Sciences Po scholarship