The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 offers full funding, monthly stipends, and accommodation for international students to pursue a Master’s degree in France.
This scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership potential but face financial difficulties or lack access to higher education.
It is particularly aimed at students who aspire to create a lasting impact in tackling pressing issues in Africa, especially in public policy, political, environmental, and societal transitions.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program focuses on three strategic objectives: providing specialized support for students, developing their soft skills beyond academics, and building a strong alumni network.
Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Summary
| Host Country | France |
| Study Abroad | Study in Europe |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships, Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Sub-Saharan African Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship, Monthly Stipends, Accommodation, Airfare Tickets |
| No IELTS Required | Yes |
| Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Details
Since 2017, Sciences Po has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, joining Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh in providing educational opportunities for students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The program has enabled 138 students to enroll in social sciences degree programs at Sciences Po, aiming to train a new generation of change-makers in their home countries.
The Mastercard Foundation works to provide access to quality education for young Africans and facilitate dignified employment. Through its strategy, Young Africa Works, the Foundation aims to help 30 million young Africans secure employment and entrepreneurship opportunities by 2030.
Sciences Po plays a central role in this initiative by giving African students access to top-tier education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Eligibility Requirements for Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a resident or citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and legally reside in the region or prove temporary studies/work elsewhere.
- Demonstrate a commitment to bringing change in Africa, particularly in public policy, political, environmental, and societal transitions.
- Show financial need (proof required during application).
- Provide a recommendation letter from their university.
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) before the next academic year.
- Apply for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. (One-year, dual degree, or joint Master’s programs are ineligible.)
- Have a minimum C1 level in French or English, depending on the program’s language requirements. See language requirement here.
- Not hold or be pursuing another Master’s degree.
- Be under 35 years old at the start of the academic year.
Benefits of Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship covers full tuition and living expenses in France throughout the study period at Sciences Po. Additional benefits include:
- Pre-departure and arrival support, including an official welcome program.
- Reserved housing in Paris for scholarship holders.
- Personalized academic and personal support.
- Career support services, including mentorship, internships, and networking events.
- Access to Sciences Po’s business incubator and employment network in Africa.
- Mentorship via the Sciences Po Alumni Africa Division.
- Access to various student resources to guide academic and career development.
Required Documents for Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Personal details.
- A recommendation letter from an academic advisor.
- Proof of financial need.
- Academic records and extracurricular achievements.
- A statement outlining their experiences and perspectives on African issues and their plan to drive change on the continent.
How to Apply for Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
1: Request Eligibility for the Scholarship
- Verify eligibility by submitting required information on the scholarship website.
- If eligible, the application processing fee for Sciences Po will be waived.
- Complete this step by November 30, 2025, to receive eligibility approval.
2: Apply to Sciences Po (Main Admissions Procedure)
- Follow the international graduate admissions process.
- Start this application simultaneously with Step 1.
- Wait for eligibility approval and fee waiver confirmation before submitting the Sciences Po application.
- Submit the Sciences Po application by November 30, 2025.
3: Admission and Scholarship Allocation
- Admission results for Sciences Po will be announced in mid-February 2026.
- Scholarship allocation results will be announced in mid-March 2026.
Important Notes
- Admission to Sciences Po does not guarantee the scholarship.
- Deferring admission to the next year results in forfeiture of the scholarship.
For more details and to apply, visit: Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Website
Deadline for applications
30 Nov 2025
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