- Provider: Sciences Po
- Host country: France
- Study level: Master’s
- Funding: Fully funded: Covers full tuition and living expenses in France, plus housing in Paris, tailored academic and career support, and a mentoring program.
- Who can apply: Citizens of African countries (no dual citizenship with non-African countries) who hold or are completing a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution, or have participated in an approved bridge program, or hold UNHCR refugee status. Applicants must be under 35 on 1 September of the application year, not currently hold or pursue a Master’s degree, and be applying to this program for the first time.
- Fields of study: Master’s degrees at Sciences Po, including the Executive Master “Politiques et management du développement – Potentiel Afrique” for those with at least 5 years of professional experience and French language skills.
- Deadline: 14 December 2026
About the scholarship
The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed for students from the African continent who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po in France. The program provides comprehensive financial support and tailored resources to help scholars succeed academically and professionally.
What it covers
- Full tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s program.
- Living expenses in France throughout the study period.
- Housing in Paris reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
- Academic support including a welcome program, personalized guidance, and access to general student resources.
- Careers support such as guidance, careers fairs focusing on Africa, access to the business incubator, and workshops.
- Mentoring program co-run with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni.
Who can apply
- Citizens of an African country (dual citizenship with a non-African country is not eligible).
- Hold or are completing a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution, or have participated in an approved bridge/mentoring program, or hold UNHCR refugee status.
- Under 35 years of age on 1 September of the application year.
- Not currently holding or pursuing a Master’s degree.
- Applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.
How to apply
Applications are open for the 2027 intake. You can submit your application by 23 November 2026 to receive an admission decision by 11 February 2027, or by 14 December 2026 for a decision by 1 April 2027. Note that the final selection results for the scholarship will be communicated in April 2027. Please visit the official Sciences Po webpage to begin your application.
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