Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 | Graduate Study at Sciences Po

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is a fully funded scholarship designed specifically for students from the African continent. It enables Scholars to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at one of France’s most prestigious institutions for political and social sciences. The Program covers all financial needs and provides comprehensive support throughout the two years of study.

This scholarship is ideal for African changemakers—particularly those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region—who aspire to leadership roles in public policy, governance, and socio-economic transformation.

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What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive funding that includes:

• Full tuition fees for the two-year Master’s programme
• Living expenses in Paris
• Travel costs
• Health insurance
• Comprehensive support services throughout the study period

The Program emphasises not just financial aid but holistic development, preparing Scholars to return to Africa as transformative leaders.

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Eligible Programmes

Only two-year Master’s programmes at Sciences Po are eligible. The following are excluded:

• Dual degree programmes
• One-year Master’s programmes

Applicants must apply through the International Graduate Admissions Procedure—the only pathway that allows consideration for this scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold citizenship of an African country (dual citizenship with a non-African country disqualifies you)
• Be under 35 years of age on 1 September 2026
• Not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree
• Be applying to the Scholars Program for the first time
• Meet Sciences Po’s academic requirements (minimum results vary by country of prior study)

Academic Background Requirements

You must satisfy one of the following:

• Hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree from an approved list of institutions
• Hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree AND have completed a recognised bridge or mentoring programme from an approved organisation
• Hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree AND currently hold or have previously held UNHCR refugee status

Who Cannot Apply

• Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po
• Students currently enrolled in, or graduated from, any French higher education institution

Application Deadlines 2026–2027

Important: Regardless of when you submit your Master’s application, scholarship decisions are communicated in April 2027. Plan your finances and visa timeline accordingly.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before starting, consult the table of minimum academic results for your country. If you do not meet these thresholds, do not apply—you will be automatically ineligible.

Step 2: Submit Dual Applications

You must simultaneously:

1. Submit a request to verify your eligibility for the Scholars Program through the dedicated platform
2. Create an application for a Master’s programme at Sciences Po through the standard admissions platform

Critical: If you do not create the Master’s application at this stage, you cannot receive the application fee waiver later, even if found eligible for the scholarship.

Step 3: Receive Fee Waiver Instructions

If eligible, you will receive an email from the Admissions Office with instructions to complete your Master’s application without paying the fee. You must strictly comply with the short deadline specified in this email.

Recommendation: Complete your Sciences Po Master’s application—including all supporting documents—before receiving this email.

Step 4: Complete Scholarship Application

Prepare your written application and anticipate an interview. You must demonstrate:

• Alignment between your chosen Master’s programme, your background, and your career goals
• Critical analysis of contemporary challenges facing Africa and the world
• Ambition and perseverance through entrepreneurial or public service initiatives with potential for Africa’s socio-economic transformation

Warning: The use of artificial intelligence in written assignments is discouraged and may result in lower evaluation. Write authentically using personal experiences.

Step 5: Selection Process

If admitted to Sciences Po and declared eligible for the scholarship:

1. Your application is reviewed for selection criteria (barriers faced, commitment to Africa, leadership potential)
2. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 25-minute Zoom interview
3. Final decisions are made collectively by the Selection Committee

Note: Admission to Sciences Po and scholarship eligibility do not guarantee selection. Several months may pass between admission and scholarship notification.

Required Documents

For Scholarship Eligibility Verification:

• Proof of identity (passport, national ID, UNHCR card, or travel document)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate OR proof of current undergraduate studies at an approved institution
• If your university is not on the approved list: Bachelor’s transcript/diploma AND certificate of bridge programme completion
• Alternatively: Bachelor’s documentation AND proof of UNHCR refugee status

For Sciences Po Master’s Application:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Language test results (if required)
• Two letters of recommendation (from academic referees with institutional email addresses—personal emails are not accepted)
• Statement of purpose
• CV/Resume

Start obtaining recommendation letters early, as this often causes delays.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Barriers overcome: Economic, social, geographical, or other significant obstacles to education
• Commitment to Africa: Clear aspiration to become a changemaker in public policy, environmental, or societal transitions
• Leadership potential: Capacity and determination to create positive, sustainable, measurable impact

Priority consideration is given to young women, refugees and displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

Support for Scholars

Support begins immediately upon accepting your scholarship offer:

• Online information sessions to prepare for arrival in France
• Guidance on integration into Sciences Po
• Ongoing support from the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team

Important Conditions

• Scholarship offers are valid only for the academic year issued—deferral renders you ineligible
• If admitted to Sciences Po but not selected for the scholarship, you must secure alternative funding
• Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission or scholarship award

Contact Information

Scholarship questions: info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr
General admissions: Contact through Sciences Po Admissions website
Updates: Follow the LinkedIn page for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po

Official scholarship page: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/mastercard-foundation-scholarships/graduate-study/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships