The Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship offers full funding, monthly stipends, and accommodation for international students who wish to earn a Master’s degree in France.
This prestigious scholarship targets academically excellent students with strong leadership potential who lack financial means to access higher education. It aims to empower young Africans committed to driving positive change across the continent — especially in areas such as public policy, environmental sustainability, and societal development.
🎯 Scholarship Summary
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Host Country: France
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Study Abroad: Yes (Europe)
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Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
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Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African Countries
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Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipends | Accommodation | Airfare Tickets
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Deadline: January 4, 2026
🌍 About the Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships
Since 2017, Sciences Po has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, alongside other prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh.
The program has already supported over 130 students from Sub-Saharan Africa, offering them the opportunity to pursue world-class education in the social sciences and become future change-makers in their home countries.
This scholarship supports the Mastercard Foundation’s “Young Africa Works” initiative — aiming to empower 30 million young Africans to access meaningful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities by 2030.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be citizens or residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
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Show a strong commitment to social and economic change in Africa.
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Demonstrate financial need (proof required).
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by the next academic year.
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Be under 35 years old at the start of the Master’s program.
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Apply for a two-year Master’s program at Sciences Po (one-year or dual degree programs not eligible).
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Possess C1-level proficiency in English or French, depending on the program.
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Not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree.
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Provide a recommendation letter from their university.
💰 Scholarship Benefits
The Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarship covers:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Accommodation in Paris
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Travel expenses (airfare)
Additionally, scholars enjoy:
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Pre-departure and arrival support
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Official welcome program
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Mentorship and career guidance
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Internship and job placement opportunities
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Access to the Sciences Po business incubator
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Workshops, conferences, and alumni networking
📄 Required Documents
Applicants will need to submit:
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Personal details and contact information
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A letter of recommendation from an academic advisor
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Proof of financial need
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Academic records and extracurricular achievements
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A personal statement explaining their vision for Africa’s development and how they plan to contribute to it
🧭 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
STEP 1: Eligibility Request
Submit the required information on the official scholarship website to confirm your eligibility.
If approved, you’ll receive confirmation and a waiver for application fees.
STEP 2: Apply to Sciences Po
Follow the international graduate admissions procedure on the Sciences Po portal.
You can begin this step alongside your eligibility request but submit only after your fee waiver approval.
STEP 3: Scholarship Allocation
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Admissions results: February 2026
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Scholarship results: March 2026
📅 Note: Admission to Sciences Po does not automatically guarantee the scholarship. Deferring admission will forfeit the award.
📌 Deadline
January 4, 2026
