The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers fully funded scholarships for talented African students seeking to pursue a Master’s degree in France. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of African leaders by providing access to quality education in the social sciences.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
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Be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country.
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Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
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Show a commitment to effecting positive change in Africa, particularly in areas such as public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.
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Have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
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Apply for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. Note that one-year Master’s programs, dual degrees, or joint Master’s programs are not eligible.
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Be under 35 years old at the start of the graduate academic year.
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Possess a minimum C1 level in French or English, depending on the program’s language requirements.
Benefits:
Scholars receive comprehensive support, including:
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Full coverage of tuition fees.
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Living expenses for the duration of their studies.
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Accommodation assistance in Paris.
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Personalized support throughout their academic journey.
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Career guidance and access to a network of employers and alumni working in Africa.
Application Process:
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Determine Eligibility: Prospective applicants should first verify their eligibility by providing the necessary information on the scholarship’s official website. Upon submission and review, candidates will be informed of their eligibility status.
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Apply to Sciences Po: Eligible candidates must apply to their chosen Master’s program at Sciences Po through the international graduate admissions procedure. It’s essential to start this application concurrently with the eligibility verification. Approved candidates will have their application processing fee waived.
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Admission and Scholarship Allocation: Applicants will be notified of their admission status to Sciences Po in mid-February 2026 and the scholarship decision by mid-March 2026.
Important Dates:
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Eligibility Verification Deadline: November 30, 2025.
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Application Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025.
For detailed information and to begin the application process, please visit the official Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.
