Are you an ambitious young African seeking a life-changing, fully funded master’s opportunity in Europe? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Sciences Po (2026–2028 cohort) may just be the path you’ve been waiting for. This prestigious scholarship is designed to empower African leaders through high-quality education, strong networks, and a platform to make systemic impact back home.
Below, we break everything down — from what the programme offers to how to apply and what it takes to stand out.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Sciences Po?
Sciences Po — one of France’s leading institutions in political science, international affairs, public policy, and the social sciences — partners with the Mastercard Foundation to host this distinctive scholarship. The goal is to broaden access to world-class education for African students who have the talent and vision but lack financial resources.
The programme is fully integrated into Sciences Po’s graduate schools. Scholars enrolled under this scheme benefit from full funding for their two-year master’s programmes (excluding dual degree or one-year track programmes), along with academic, leadership, and career support.
Beyond financial backing, the programme fosters a scholar community committed to social transformation in Africa, emphasising inclusion, leadership, and return on impact.
What the Scholarship Covers & Benefits
As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Sciences Po, you can expect:
● Full tuition waiver for the two-year master’s programme
● Comprehensive living support: stipend, housing support (Paris housing dedicated for scholars), and access to university resources
● Support for travel and departure: covering the cost of travel between your home country and France
● Health insurance and integration assistance: ensuring you settle well into life in France
● Academic flexibility: Ability to audit or take elective courses at Sciences Po to enrich your learning
● Career and leadership support: mentoring, career services tailored to African markets, internship and network opportunities across the alumni community
The support package is designed not just to enable study, but to maximise your ability to thrive, build influence, and contribute meaningfully both during and after your time in France.
READ ALSO: Mastercard Scholarships at University of Toronto 2026 (Fully Funded)
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for this programme, you must meet several of the following criteria:
● Be a citizen of an African country (dual citizenship outside Africa may disqualify you from this scholarship)
● Be under 35 years old at the time the programme begins
● Hold (or be about to complete) a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
● Not already hold a master’s degree
● Demonstrate financial need (proof required in the application)
● Show leadership potential and commitment to positive change in Africa
● Be applying to a two-year master’s programme at one of Sciences Po’s graduate schools (not eligible for one-year or dual degree master’s tracks)
Sciences Po, via its graduate admissions process, evaluates academic performance, language proficiency, and coherence between your background, chosen course, and future career goals.
Timeline & Important Dates
Here’s how the typical admissions and scholarship timeline unfolds:
Phase Timeline
Application platform opens in Early October 2025
Deadline for applying to master’s + scholarship 4 January 2026
Admission decisions by Sciences Po between December 2025 and April 2026 (depending on when you apply)
Scholarship awards announced in Early May 2026
Master’s classes begin at the end of August 2026
Because decisions are rolled in waves, applying early can increase your chance of being selected and give you more flexibility.
READ ALSO: Fully Funded Rolls-Royce Scholarship 2026 at the University of Nottingham
What the Selection Committee Looks For
Competition is intense. To stand out, your application should reflect:
1. Academic excellence: strong undergraduate grades, evidence of rigorous study
2. Clear alignment: how your academic and professional past fits your choice of master’s programme
3. Leadership & impact: examples of community work, social initiatives, or roles showing you take initiative
4. Creative and strategic thinking: ability to analyse global challenges relevant to Africa and propose solutions
5. Commitment to Africa: a demonstrated plan to apply your learning back home, whether through public service, social enterprise, policy work, etc.
6. Authentic voice: your personal narrative should show resilience, passion, and clarity about your unique contribution
Also note: before being eligible for the scholarship, you must first be accepted into a master’s programme at Sciences Po. Only after admission will your scholarship application be reviewed.
Why It Matters — Especially for African Students
This scholarship isn’t just a ticket to Europe; it is an earnest stake in Africa’s future.
● It places you among future African leaders who graduate with not just credentials, but networks and influence
● It merges rigorous social science training with Africa-centric challenges — equipping you with the tools to design policies, lead NGOs, or drive change in business and governance
● It’s a statement: talent in Africa deserves world-class education and the financial support to reach it
● It helps break cycles: those from marginalised communities—women, rural students, displaced persons—gain access to a level of educational opportunity previously limited
Tips to Prepare a Strong Application
● Begin assembling reference letters, transcripts, and financial documents well before October
● Be strategic in your choice of master’s programme, ensuring it aligns with African development challenges you care about
● Craft a compelling motivation letter with specific examples of your leadership, challenges, and vision
● Ensure your language tests (if required) and applications meet deadlines well ahead
● Highlight projects or volunteer work that show you act, not just think
APPLY FOR THE MASTERCARD SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO SCHOLARSHIP
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