Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarships in France for Africans | How to apply

Fully funded Sciences Po Mastercard scholarship empowers African future leaders

The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Program 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded scholarship enables talented African students facing financial hardship to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po in Paris,bFrance’s leading social sciences institution. With comprehensive coverage including tuition, accommodation, living stipend, visa, and more, this opportunity cultivates next-generation leaders committed to Africa’s transformation. The application deadline is January 4, 2026.

Fully Funded Benefits: What the Scholarship Covers

Recipients of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po receive:

Full tuition fees for the entire Master’s program
Accommodation, living stipends, a laptop, and meals
Visa support, round-trip airfare, and medical insurance
Tailored pre-departure, arrival, and ongoing academic support
Access to mentorship, internships, entrepreneurship and career resources

This rich support structure ensures scholars are well-equipped for academic success and post-graduation impact.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To qualify for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must:

Be citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries
Have strong academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community engagement
Demonstrate significant financial need (typically among the lowest two income quintiles in their country)
Commit to contributing to Africa’s socio-economic development after graduation
Gain admission to a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools

Your scholarship application is only considered after your admission to a relevant graduate program.

Selection Criteria: What Makes Candidates Stand Out?

Selection is highly competitive and based on:

Academic achievement, combined with a coherent alignment between your study background and intended Master’s field at Sciences Po
Critical thinking and awareness of political, social, and economic challenges in Africa
Demonstrable ambition, tenacity, and drive for social or entrepreneurial impact in African communities

Applications are evaluated holistically, with special consideration for refugees, displaced youth, and persons with disabilities.

ASU Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarships 2026 for Africans

Application Timeline & Process

Application portal opens: Early October 2025
Deadline: January 4, 2026
Admission decisions: Mid-December 2025 to early April 2026
Scholarship awards announced: Early May 2026
Program start: Late August 2026

How to apply:

Apply through the international graduate admissions portal for a eligible two-year Master’s program at Sciences Po.
Indicate your interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in your application.
Upload all required documentation, financial proof, transcripts, recommendation letters, and motivational essays.

Why This Scholarship Is a Game-Changer for Africa

Since 2017, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po has supported African talent, producing ground-breaking leaders in public policy, environmental strategy, humanitarian action, and international development. Over the next decade, the program plans to support 1,450 African students, making it the most impactful scholarship initiative in Europe’s social sciences landscape.

The support extends beyond academic, providing networking, alumni mentorship, entrepreneurial incubation, and building strong career pathways back to Africa. This investment ensures that African scholars return home ready to contribute to meaningful socio-economic change.

The fully funded Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is more than educational funding, it’s an investment in Africa’s leadership future. If you’re a driven African student aiming to transform your community, this is your moment. Apply before January 4, 2026, and start your journey toward impactful change.