Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at Sciences Po for study in France
Closing Date: 4 January 2026
Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026/27 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at Sciences Po for study in France
Become a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at graduate level
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to students who are admitted onto a master’s programme at Sciences Po and who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. Students receive the scholarships and financial aid throughout the two years of their master’s programme.
Only admitted students to a master’s programme at Sciences Po can join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po. You can apply to any of the Master’s degree programmes offered at Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools, except the dual degree programmes and the one year master’s programme.
Eligibility criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program:
- Hold citizenship in a country within Africa. Candidates who hold a second citizenship from a country outside the African continent are not eligible.
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference (see the list of institutions).
Or Have completed or are currently enrolled in a training foundation or mentoring programme offered by a bridging programme organisation partnering with the Mastercard Foundation (see the list of institutions). - Be in genuine need of funding for your higher education (please note: documents proving your financial situation will be required for your application).
- Show a commitment to achieving change in Africa, particularly in the areas of public policy and major political, environmental and societal transitions.
- Be under 35 when you begin your Master’s programme.
- Not already hold a Master’s degree.
Please note
Please note that to be admitted at Sciences Po, you must meet the minimum academic requirements depending on your university’s country of origin.
Applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po
- To be selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you must first be accepted onto a Master’s programme at one of Science s Po’s Graduate Schools.
- You will need to apply for your chosen Master’s programme and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program via the international graduate admissions procedure.
- Science s Po also recommend you to read the Sciences Po application guide before starting your application. Several information sessions online and in person, will be organised between April and December 2025 to support you in the application process. Dates and registration information will be published on the Program’s LinkedIn and Instagram page (sciencespo_mcfsp). Don’t hesitate to follow this page, where valuable information about the Program will be posted regularly.
Preparing your application
Before you begin your application, please check you meet the selection criteria for Sciences Po’s graduate programmes and the specific language requirements for each programme. Sciences Po offers English, French and bilingual programmes.
Science s Po strongly advise you to begin preparing and assembling the supporting documents you need for your application well in advance (before the application platform opens):
- Proof of current or past enrolment at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference.
- All supporting documents required for international graduate admissions to Sciences Po.
- Valid photo ID.
- Proof of income (or lack thereof) demonstrating your financial circumstances: tax documents and/or income statements; scholarship certificates; or any other legal document attesting to your financial situation. You must submit at least one document with your application. Bank statements will not be accepted. If you are currently receiving a scholarship (from the Mastercard Foundation or another funding body), or have received one in the past, please also attach the scholarship certificate.
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