Opportunity Title:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Graduate / Master’s level) at Sciences Po
Organization / Host:
Sciences Po (in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation)
Brief Introduction:
- The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po seeks to open doors for talented young Africans who face financial and systemic barriers to quality higher education. (Sciences Po)
- Scholars are supported through a full graduate (master’s) programme and equipped with leadership, academic, and professional development to drive positive change in Africa. (Sciences Po)
Benefits of the Opportunity:
- Full coverage of tuition for the two-year master’s programme at Sciences Po. (Sciences Po)
- Living expenses, including housing in Paris (reserved for Scholars) and other costs. (Sciences Po)
- Tailored support: pre-departure orientation, arrival assistance, mentoring, integration support, and academic guidance. (Sciences Po)
- Career development resources: internships, networking, alumni mentorship, and access to Sciences Po’s employer networks. (Sciences Po)
- Strong alignment with a mission to produce change-makers in Africa. (Sciences Po)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country (dual citizenship with a country outside Africa may disqualify) (Sciences Po)
- Have completed or currently be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme at one of Sciences Po’s reference institutions or a recognized bridging/mentoring institution in partnership. (Sciences Po)
- Demonstrable financial need — documentation required. (Sciences Po)
- Be under 35 years old at the start of the master’s programme. (Sciences Po)
- Must not already hold a master’s degree. (Sciences Po)
- Must apply for a full two-year master’s programme (not one-year, dual, or joint programmes) at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. (Sciences Po)
- Admission to a master’s programme at Sciences Po is a prerequisite for consideration. (Sciences Po)
Application Process:
- First, apply and secure admission to a master’s programme at Sciences Po via the international graduate admissions procedure. (Sciences Po)
- Simultaneously or in parallel, indicate interest/apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through the same admissions platform (if you meet eligibility). (Sciences Po)
- The application will require academic transcripts, proof of financial need, identity documents, possibly letters of recommendation, motivation essays, etc. (Sciences Po)
- Eligible applications are evaluated, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to a remote interview. (Sciences Po)
- Scholarship decisions are made after the admission decision; once offered, you will review and accept the terms. (Sciences Po)
Deadline:
- For the 2026 cohort, the application deadline is 4 January 2026. (Sciences Po)
- The application platform for master’s and the scholarship opens in early October 2025. (Sciences Po)
Contact / More Information:
- For general information and FAQs: check the Mastercard Foundation Scholars page on the Sciences Po website. (Sciences Po)
- Inquiries may be directed to: info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr (Sciences Po)
Recommended Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early: gather official academic transcripts, proof of financial status, and recommendation letters well ahead of time.
- Tell your story: in your motivation essays, clearly connect your background, aspirations, and how you plan to contribute to Africa’s development.
- Show impact: emphasize any leadership roles, community initiatives, or projects you have led or participated in.
- Be precise and authentic: avoid over-inflation; illustrate claims with concrete examples.
- Prepare for interview: if shortlisted, be ready to discuss your vision, your fit with the scholarship’s goals, and your future plans.
- Adhere strictly to eligibility and submission guidelines; incomplete applications are disqualified.