Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2026–2028

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to students who are admitted onto a master’s programme at Sciences Po and who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. Students receive the scholarships and financial aid throughout the two years of their master’s programme.

Only students admitted to a master’s programme at Sciences Po can join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po. You can apply to any of the Master’s degree programmes offered at Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools, except the dual degree programs and the one-year master’s programme.

Summary:

1. Application Deadline: January 4, 2026
2. Country to Study: France
3. School to Study: Sciences Po University
4. Study Level: Master’s
5. Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
6. Eligible Countries: African countries only

Eligibility Criteria for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2026–2028

You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:

1. Hold citizenship in a country within Africa. Candidates who hold a second citizenship from a country outside the African continent are not eligible.
2. Have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference (see the list of institutions).
3. Or Have completed or are currently enrolled in a training foundation or mentoring programme offered by a bridging programme organisation partnering with the Mastercard Foundation (see the list of institutions).
4. Be in genuine need of funding for your higher education (please note: documents proving your financial situation will be required for your application).
5. Show a commitment to achieving change in Africa, particularly in the areas of public policy and major political, environmental and societal transitions.
6. Be under 35 when you begin your Master’s programme.
7. Not already hold a Master’s degree.

Please note

Please note that to be admitted at Sciences Po, you must meet the minimum academic requirements depending on your university’s country of origin.

Selection process

To be selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you must first be accepted onto a Master’s programme at one of Science s Po’s Graduate Schools.

You will need to apply for your chosen Master’s programme and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program via the international graduate admissions procedure.

We also recommend you to read the Sciences Po application guide before starting your application. Several information sessions online and in person, will be organised between April and December 2025 to support you in the application process. Dates and registration information will be published on the Program’s LinkedIn and Instagram page (sciencespo_mcfsp). Don’t hesitate to follow this page, where valuable information about the Program will be posted regularly.

Required Documents:

1. Valid photo ID
2. Proof of income or financial need (tax or income statements, scholarship certificates, etc.)
3. Proof of enrollment at a partner institution or program
4. Motivation letter and academic transcripts
5. Proof of English or French language proficiency (depending on the program)

Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2026–2028

1. Full tuition fee coverage
2. Living stipend and accommodation support
3. Travel costs and visa fees covered
4. Health insurance
5. Participation in leadership development and mentorship programs
6. Networking opportunities with global changemakers

How to Apply

For more details, visit Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage

Application Deadline

January 4, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2026–2028