The Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship designed to provide exceptional African students with access to world-class education in social sciences.
This program is a collaborative initiative between Sciences Po, one of Europe’s leading universities, and the Mastercard Foundation.
It aims to empower young Africans who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to driving positive change on the continent.
Opportunity Summary
- Host Country: France
- Study Level: Master’s Degree (2-year programs only)
- Eligible Candidates: Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries
- Program Start: Late August 2025
- Financial Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, travel costs
- Age Requirement: Must be under 35 years at program start
- Language Requirements: Proficiency in English or French (C1 level minimum)
- Deadline: November 30, 2025
About the Scholarship
Since 2017, Sciences Po has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to provide exceptional educational opportunities for talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
This initiative has already enabled 138 students to pursue degrees in social sciences, with the aim of nurturing change-makers who will return to their home countries equipped to address pressing challenges.
The Mastercard Foundation works toward providing inclusive, quality education to young people across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through its ambitious Young Africa Works strategy, the Foundation aims to enable 30 million young Africans to secure dignified employment and entrepreneurship opportunities by 2030.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports various Master’s programs in social sciences offered by Sciences Po, including but not limited to:
- International Affairs
- Public Policy
- Political Science
- Law
- Human Rights
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Sociology
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country (those with dual citizenship from the European Economic Area are ineligible)
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree from one of Sciences Po’s partner institutions
- Demonstrate genuine financial need (documentation required)
- Show commitment to creating positive change in Africa
- Be under 35 years of age when beginning the Master’s program
- Not already hold or be completing another Master’s degree
- Apply only for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools
- Have sufficient language proficiency (minimum C1 level) in either French or English, depending on the chosen program
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is ideal for:
- Academically outstanding students who face financial barriers to higher education
- Individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and community involvement
- Those passionate about addressing challenges facing Africa
- Students committed to returning to Africa to implement positive change
- Critical thinkers who can analyze contemporary political, economic, and social challenges
- Individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets and innovative approaches to development
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship offers comprehensive financial and academic support to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their studies and personal growth.
Below are the key benefits:
- Full Tuition Coverage: All tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s program are covered.
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as food and daily necessities.
- Housing Support: Assistance in securing accommodation in Paris.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage throughout the study period.
- Travel Costs: Covers visa fees, flight tickets, and settling-in expenses.
- Application Fee Waiver: No charges for applying to Sciences Po.
- Mentorship & Psycho-Social Support: Guidance from mentors and access to mental health resources.
- Career Development Opportunities:
- Access to job fairs and internships in Africa.
- Networking with alumni and professionals through mentorship programs.
- Participation in leadership workshops.
How to Apply
The application process for the 2025 Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarship involves these key steps:
- Application Opens: September 2024
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all criteria before beginning your application
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of Sub-Saharan African citizenship
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Financial need documentation
- Personal statement demonstrating leadership and commitment to Africa
- Two recommendation letters
- Valid passport or ID
- Language proficiency test results (if required)
- Submit Application: Complete both the Sciences Po Master’s program application and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application through the international graduate admissions procedure
Tips for Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin gathering documents and preparing your application well before the deadline to allow time for revisions and improvements
- Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Clearly articulate your leadership experiences, commitment to Africa, and how you plan to create positive change. Express yourself authentically and draw from specific experiences
- Manage Your References: Provide your recommenders with an outline of your strengths and goals to help them write focused, impactful letters
- Showcase Your Diversity: Highlight your unique perspectives and experiences that make you stand out as a candidate
- Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Show your ability to analyze complex challenges facing Africa and propose innovative solutions
- Avoid AI-Generated Content: Sciences Po explicitly states that “Misuse of Artificial Intelligence to answer the questions will prove a disadvantage to the application”
- Be Authentic: Present your genuine self, passions, and visions rather than what you think the selection committee wants to hear
Deadline
The deadline for this opportunity is November 30, 2025
Conclusion
The Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity for talented African students to receive world-class education and develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change across the continent.
If you’re passionate about addressing Africa’s challenges through public policy, environmental initiatives, or social innovation, this scholarship could be your pathway to making a significant impact.
The application process is competitive, but with careful preparation, authentic expression of your goals, and demonstration of your leadership potential, you can position yourself as a strong candidate.
Disclaimer
This article contains information gathered from official sources about the Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, program details may change. Prospective applicants should verify all information through the official Sciences Po website before applying.
