Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Sciences Po in France is offering the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to eligible African students seeking admission to a two-year master's degree.

The programme aims to support talented students who have faced barriers to education and demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's development.

Scholarship Benefits

The programme covers the full financial needs of selected scholars during their two years of study at Sciences Po.

Support includes:

Tuition fees.

Living expenses.

Accommodation arrangements in Paris.

Personalised support throughout the programme.

Mentoring and career guidance.

Assistance preparing for employment after graduation.

Eligible applicants can also request a waiver of the Sciences Po master's application fee through the scholarship process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following requirements:

Be citizens of an African country.

Be under 35 years old on 1 September of the year in which the scholarship application is submitted.

Be completing or already hold a bachelor's degree from a university on Sciences Po's eligible reference list.

Applicants must also:

Not already hold or be pursuing a master's degree.

Be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.

Meet Sciences Po's academic requirements.

Apply for an eligible two-year master's programme.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

Proof of identity.

Bachelor's degree certificate or proof of current undergraduate study.

Academic transcripts and other documents required for master's admission.

Supporting documents for an approved bridge programme or refugee status, where applicable.

Academic recommendations and language evidence required by the selected master's programme.

Sciences Po's academic eligibility requirements must be checked before applying.

How to Apply

Check whether your university or background qualifies under the programme's eligibility rules.

Review Sciences Po's minimum academic requirements.

Submit a request to verify your eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Create an application for an eligible two-year master's programme through Sciences Po's admissions platform.

Follow the instructions provided to complete the scholarship and admission applications.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.

Official scholarship page: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/mastercard-foundation-scholarships/graduate-study/

Sciences Po website: https://www.sciencespo.fr/

Application Deadlines 14 December 2026

Important Information: Applicants whose universities are not on that list may qualify through a recognised bridge or mentoring programme offered by an approved organisation. Applicants with refugee status recognised by UNHCR may also qualify through the programme's approved pathway.

One-year master's programmes and dual-degree programmes are not eligible. Students already enrolled at Sciences Po, or currently enrolled in or graduated from a French higher education institution, are also excluded.