Are you a young person from Sub-Saharan Africa looking to pursue a world-class education in the humanities and social sciences?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers an incredible opportunity to study in France with full funding. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this prestigious scholarship program for 2025 entry.
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What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Everything You Need to Know About the Fully Funded Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program 2025 in France
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an initiative that provides access to quality education for young people from economically disadvantaged communities, primarily in Africa.
The program aims to enable 30 million young Africans to secure dignified and fulfilling employment by 2030 through its Young Africa Works strategy.Since 2017, Sciences Po has been the only institution in continental Europe to partner with the Mastercard Foundation as part of this program.
The university is committed to training the next generation of change-makers who will have a positive impact on the African continent.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po provides a comprehensive grant that covers the full cost of tuition and living expenses in France for the duration of the recipient’s studies.
This includes:
- Tuition fees for the selected program
- Housing in Paris reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- A monthly living stipend to cover expenses such as food, transportation, and other necessities
- Visa and travel costs to and from France
- Health insurance coverage
In addition to the financial support, the program also provides tailored resources to help scholars succeed in their studies and transition into employment after graduation.
These include:
- Pre-departure support and an official welcome program to help scholars integrate into life in France
- Personalized academic and personal support throughout their studies
- Career guidance, including a careers fair focused on opportunities in Africa, access to Sciences Po’s business incubator and alumni network, and career support workshops
- A mentoring program co-run with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni
What Programs are Covered?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers funding for a wide range of academic programs to cater to diverse career paths and backgrounds:
Graduate Schools
The program supports students holding a Bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. These schools offer programs in fields such as:
- International Affairs
- Urban Planning and Environment
- Management and Finance
- Communications
- European Affairs
- Public Affairs
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
Executive Master
The Executive Master Potential in Africa – Development Policies and Management is a program designed for young professionals who want to earn a higher degree in entrepreneurship while continuing to work.
Summer School
The Sciences Po Summer School provides an introduction to the core theories and methodologies of the humanities and social sciences for current students at partner institutions of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Short, Custom Programs
In collaboration with partner universities from the Mastercard Foundation’s network in Africa, the program offers short, custom programs for students studying online or on campus at African universities.
Bridging Program
A bridging program is available for Bachelor’s degree-holders with refugee or displaced status or backgrounds, who aim to apply for a Master’s program at Sciences Po or another university.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential
- Have a strong commitment to making a positive impact in Africa
- Face significant financial barriers to accessing higher education
- Meet the specific admission requirements for the chosen program at Sciences Po
Application Process
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po consists of several steps:
- Choose a program: Decide on the academic program you wish to apply for at Sciences Po, ensuring you meet the admission requirements.
- Submit your application: Complete the online application form for your chosen program, including all required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Screening: Your application will be screened by the admissions committee to assess your academic qualifications and potential.
- Interview: If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview, either in person or via video conference, to further evaluate your suitability for the program and the scholarship.
- Selection: The final selection of scholarship recipients will be made by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Sciences Po, based on the admissions committee’s recommendations and the available funding.
- Notification: Successful applicants will be notified of their selection for the scholarship program.
It’s important to note that the application deadlines and requirements may vary depending on the specific program you are applying for.
Be sure to check the Sciences Po website for the most up-to-date information and to submit your application well before the deadline.
Application Deadlines for 2025 Entry
The application deadlines for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po for 2025 entry are as follows:
- Graduate Schools: The application deadline is typically in January for the fall semester and September for the spring semester. Check the specific deadlines for your chosen program on the Sciences Po website.
- Executive Master: The application deadline is typically in June for the fall semester. Check the specific deadline for the Executive Master Potential in Africa program on the Sciences Po website.
- Summer School: The application deadline is typically in April for the summer session. Check the specific deadline for the Sciences Po Summer School on the Sciences Po website.
- Short, Custom Programs: The application deadlines vary depending on the program. Check the specific deadlines for each program on the Sciences Po website.
- Bridging Program: The application deadline is typically in January for the fall semester. Check the specific deadline for the bridging program on the Sciences Po website.
Preparing Your Application
To increase your chances of being selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po, it’s important to prepare a strong application. Here are some tips:
- Research: Thoroughly research the academic programs offered at Sciences Po and choose the one that best aligns with your career goals and interests.
- Demonstrate academic excellence: Provide evidence of your academic achievements, such as transcripts, test scores, and awards.
- Showcase leadership potential: Highlight your leadership experience, whether through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal initiatives.
- Articulate your commitment to impact: Clearly explain your motivation for applying to the program and your plans to make a positive impact in Africa upon graduation.
- Tailor your statement of purpose: Write a compelling statement of purpose that showcases your unique experiences, skills, and aspirations.
- Secure strong letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who can attest to your academic abilities, leadership potential, and commitment to making a difference.
- Pay attention to details: Ensure that your application is complete, well-organized, and free of errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program only open to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries? Yes, the program is specifically designed for young people from Sub-Saharan Africa who face significant financial barriers to accessing higher education.
- Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already studying at Sciences Po? No, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is only available for new applicants to Sciences Po. Current students are not eligible for the scholarship.
- Do I need to speak French to apply for the program? The language of instruction at Sciences Po varies depending on the program. Some programs are taught entirely in English, while others may require proficiency in both English and French. Check the specific language requirements for your chosen program on the Sciences Po website.
- Can I work while studying under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program? The scholarship provides a monthly living stipend to cover your expenses in France. However, you may be able to work part-time during your studies, subject to visa regulations and the approval of the program coordinators.
- What happens if I am selected for the scholarship but decide not to attend Sciences Po? If you accept the scholarship offer but later decide not to attend Sciences Po, you will need to notify the program coordinators as soon as possible. The scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year or transferred to another institution.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers an unparalleled opportunity for young people from Sub-Saharan Africa to access a world-class education in the humanities and social sciences.
With full funding, personalized support, and a commitment to making a positive impact, this program is a game-changer for those who dream of becoming agents of change in their communities and across the African continent.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference, I encourage you to apply for this life-changing scholarship.
Visit the Sciences Po website to learn more about the program and start your application today.
