The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers a fully supported pathway for talented students from Africa to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at one of Europe’s leading universities. The program supports students with demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to driving positive change across Africa.
Only students admitted to a Master’s programme at Sciences Po are eligible to be considered for the scholarship.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to empower the next generation of African leaders by providing access to world-class education, leadership development, and long-term support. At Sciences Po, the program focuses on building capacity in public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions impacting Africa and the world.
Scholars receive financial support and tailored assistance throughout the full two years of their Master’s programme.
What the Scholarship Covers
Selected Scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including:
- Tuition and academic fees
- Financial aid for living expenses
- Ongoing support and assistance throughout the two-year Master’s programme
(Exact funding components are determined by the program and Sciences Po.)
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Applicants may apply to:
- Any two-year Master’s degree programme offered by Sciences Po Graduate Schools
Not eligible:
- Dual degree programmes
- One-year Master’s programmes
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold citizenship of an African country (dual citizenship with a non-African country is not eligible)
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in:
- A Bachelor’s degree at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference, or
- A training or mentoring programme offered by a Mastercard Foundation partner bridging organisation
- Demonstrate genuine financial need (financial documentation required; bank statements are not accepted)
- Show a strong commitment to achieving change in Africa, particularly in public policy and major transitions
- Be under 35 years old at the start of the Master’s programme
- Not already hold a Master’s degree
Admissions Timeline (2026–2028 Intake)
- Application platform opens: Early October 2025
- Application deadline (Master’s + Scholarship): 4 January 2026
- Sciences Po admission decisions:
- Mid-December 2025
- Mid-February 2026
- Early April 2026
- Scholarship decisions released: Early May 2026
- Master’s programmes begin: End of August 2026
Application Process
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Apply to a Master’s programme at Sciences Po
- Apply simultaneously to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Submit all applications through Sciences Po’s international graduate admissions procedure
Only applicants admitted to a Master’s programme at Sciences Po will be considered for the scholarship.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants are advised to prepare documents well in advance, including:
- All documents required for Sciences Po international graduate admissions
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of income or lack thereof (tax documents, income statements, scholarship certificates, or legal financial documents — bank statements are not accepted)
- Proof of current or past enrolment at a Sciences Po institution of reference
Selection Criteria
The program is highly competitive and selection is based on:
- Strong alignment between academic background, Master’s choice, and career plans
- Critical thinking and understanding of key political, economic, and societal challenges affecting Africa
- Ambition and originality in social or entrepreneurial projects aimed at socio-economic change
- Authentic, well-articulated motivation letters
Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in application responses may negatively impact the evaluation.
Special consideration is given to:
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Applicants with disabilities
Important Notes
- The scholarship offer is valid only for the intake year in which the applicant is selected
- Deferral of admission makes applicants ineligible for the program
- Applicants may apply only once to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Current Sciences Po students are not eligible
- Applicants not selected for the scholarship must secure alternative funding
- Applicants are encouraged to also apply for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship (earliest deadline applies)
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