Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s Program

Imagine earning a top-ranked Master’s degree in Paris without the financial burden – that’s the promise of the Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2026. This fully funded program enables talented Sub-Saharan African students to study at Sciences Po, one of France’s premier universities. The scholarship covers tuition and living costs so you can focus on learning and leadership, with mentorship and career support built in. In short, it’s a life-changing opportunity to gain world-class education and prepare for a future of impact.

Sciences Po’s Masters programs are two years long and emphasize social sciences, public policy, and international affairs. Winners of this scholarship receive financial aid for the full duration of their degree. Beyond the money, scholars join a vibrant community and attend leadership workshops to sharpen their skills. Whether your goal is to improve governance, drive development, or advance human rights, this grant is designed to empower young African leaders.

Overview of the Scholarship and University

The Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship is part of the global Scholars Program, aimed at expanding higher education access in Africa. Launched in 2017, the partnership between Sciences Po and the MasterCard Foundation seeks to empower young African change-makers. Since its inception, over 130 African students have benefited from it, studying at Sciences Po’s rigorous graduate schools and preparing to address Africa’s development challenges.

• University: Sciences Po (Paris, France) – a leading social sciences university.
• Degree Level: Master’s (two-year program).
• Program Duration: 2 years (full-time).
• Funding Type: Fully funded scholarship (tuition waiver, stipends, etc.).
• Eligible Nationality: Sub-Saharan African.
• Deadline: January 4, 2026.

Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies) is known worldwide for politics and international relations. In the 2025 QS rankings by subject, Sciences Po was 4th in the world for Politics and International Studies, and ranked 1st in France and the EU. This underscores the university’s quality: students learn from top faculty and collaborate across its campuses. Studying in France also means experiencing a rich culture and strong academic community. Overall, Sciences Po offers a prestigious setting for African scholars to expand their network and knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Sub-Saharan African citizen: Must hold citizenship of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa (dual citizenship with a non-African country is not allowed).
• Academic background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (completed or about to complete) from Sciences Po or a partner institution or from a Mastercard Foundation partner mentoring program.
• Master’s program: Be admitted to a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s graduate schools. One-year or dual/joint Master’s programs are not eligible.
• Financial need: Demonstrate genuine financial need for higher education (you will need to provide proof of your economic situation).
• Leadership & commitment: Show evidence of leadership potential and commitment to positive change in Africa (e.g. community projects, advocacy, or social initiatives).
• Language proficiency: Meet the program’s language requirements (typically C1 level in English or French, depending on your chosen Master’s).
• Age limit: Be under 35 years old when the Master’s program starts.
• Degree status: Must not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree.

Meeting these criteria ensures you can apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po. Each point above comes from the official requirements, so be sure to prepare any supporting documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, financial records, etc.) to demonstrate that you qualify.

Coverage / Benefits

Recipients of the Masters scholarship enjoy comprehensive funding and support for all 2 years of study. The benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage at Sciences Po – your tuition fees are completely paid by the scholarship.
• Monthly living stipend – a generous allowance to cover food, books, and day-to-day expenses.
• Housing support in Paris – reserved accommodations for scholars, easing the cost of living in the city.
• Travel allowance & air tickets – return airfare to France and support for visa and insurance expenses.
• Leadership & skills training – workshops and professional development to build leadership and project management skills.
• Mentorship & academic guidance – personal advisors (faculty or alumni) help you navigate your studies and career choices.
• Internships and career support – access to sciences Po’s network and events, including internships and job fairs with African employers.

Beyond these, scholars receive pre-departure coaching and integration support in Paris, ensuring they adapt well to study abroad. In short, this MasterCard Foundation Scholarship provides a full package of funding and career resources – essentially a tuition waiver plus living grant – so you can concentrate on learning and leading.

Host Country & University Info

France (Europe): France is known for its high-quality higher education and vibrant student life. Paris, its capital, is a global hub for culture and academia. International students in France benefit from innovative programs and a diverse multicultural environment. Education is a national priority, and many French universities rank highly worldwide. For example, Sciences Po consistently excels in global rankings. Studying in France also provides opportunities to learn French (a major world language) and to travel in Europe.

Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies): Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is one of France’s most prestigious institutions for social sciences. It has several campuses (Paris plus campuses in Dijon, Le Havre, Menton, Poitiers, Nancy, and Reims) and offers specialized Master’s schools in fields such as International Affairs, Public Policy, Economics, Urban Affairs, and Media Studies. Its alumni network includes many world leaders and policy makers. The Master’s programs are multidisciplinary, combining theory and practical experience. For example, students can specialize in public policy, international relations, environmental policy, development economics, human rights, urban innovation, and more. With small class sizes and rigorous academics, Sciences Po equips graduates to become influential change-makers.

Studying at Sciences Po means joining a diverse, international student body. Over 40% of graduate students are from outside France. You will attend classes in English or French (depending on your program), work on team projects, and have access to France’s world-class libraries and research centers. In short, the host environment is top-tier: you get a Parisian education with a global perspective.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Applicants should follow these clear steps to apply:

1. Confirm Eligibility and Fee Waiver: Go to the official Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation webpage and fill out the eligibility request form. If you meet the criteria, you’ll be informed and exempted from the usual application fee. This step ensures you qualify and saves you the fee.
2. Prepare Your Application: Gather required documents early (transcripts, diplomas, passport/ID, financial need proof, motivation and CV). Ensure your personal statement highlights your leadership experience and vision for Africa.
3. Start Your Sciences Po Master’s Application: In early October 2025 (when the application portal opens), create an account on the Sciences Po graduate admissions platform. Choose your two-year Master’s program and begin the online application.
4. Attach Scholarship Documents: In your application, indicate interest in the Mastercard Foundation scholarship. Upload all required documents by the deadline: transcripts, degree certificates, two recommendation letters, proof of language proficiency, and your personal statement (including financial need statement).
5. Submit Before Deadline: Make sure your complete application is submitted by January 4, 2026. Double-check every section – incomplete files or missing items will disqualify your application.
6. Await Decisions: Sciences Po will announce admission decisions in several rounds (December 2025 through April 2026). If you are admitted to a Master’s program, your scholarship application will then be reviewed. Final scholarship selection results will be released in early May 2026 (admission does not guarantee the scholarship, so keep your grades high and stay engaged).
7. Interview (if shortlisted): If your application stands out, you may be invited to a remote interview with program faculty. Be prepared to discuss your goals, leadership experiences, and commitment to Africa.
8. Acceptance and Onboarding: If selected, you’ll receive an award letter outlining your benefits and obligations. Respond by the stated deadline to confirm your scholarship. You’ll then receive pre-departure guidance to prepare for life in France (orientation, housing assistance, visa support).

Following these steps carefully will ensure a smooth application. Remember to read the official Sciences Po admissions guide and attend any online info sessions (April–Dec 2025) posted on the program’s LinkedIn/Instagram for extra tips.

Important Deadlines

Plan ahead! Key dates for the 2026 intake are:

• Application Opens: Early October 2025 – the online portal will be live.
• Deadline (Master’s + Scholarship): January 4, 2026 – this is the final date to submit your complete application. Late submissions are not accepted.
• SciPo Admission Results: December 2025, February 2026, and April 2026 (multiple rounds). Check your email and SciPo portal regularly.
• Scholarship Results: Early May 2026 – successful candidates will be notified of the MasterCard Foundation scholarship award.
• Program Start: Late August 2026 – the new academic year begins.

Mark Jan 4, 2026 in your calendar as the make-or-break deadline. Prepare all documents well in advance because getting transcripts and recommendations can take time. Use the Advent and New Year holidays to finalize your application, so nothing is left incomplete.

Tips for Applicants

• Start Early: Collect transcripts, references, and financial documents months in advance. Scoring all materials by Oct–Nov 2025 will reduce stress as deadlines approach.
• Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Clearly explain your leadership journey, community work, and how a Sciences Po degree will impact Africa. Be sincere and specific. The quality of your statement is crucial.
• Emphasize Leadership: Highlight any initiative you’ve led or community service. The scholarship seeks changemakers, so showcase how you’ve made a difference and intend to continue doing so.
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Ask professors or mentors who know you well and can attest to your academic ability and character. Give them plenty of time and context to write detailed letters.
• Show Financial Need: Provide honest documents (family income statements, scholarships applied, etc.) to demonstrate why you need support. This scholarship is for students who truly need it.
• Check Language Requirements: Even if IELTS/TOEFL aren’t mandatory, be ready to submit any English or French test scores or a certificate showing C1-level proficiency, as required by your program.
• Follow Instructions Precisely: Fill out all forms carefully and attach every requested document (missing anything leads to disqualification).
• Use Available Resources: Attend Sciences Po info sessions (LinkedIn/Instagram) and consult mentors or alumni for advice. Networking with past scholars can provide insights into the process.
• Stay Positive and Persevere: Competition is tough, but a compelling application can shine through. Even if not selected, gaining admissions to Sciences Po means you secured a top education – use it to future advantage.

Conclusion

This Masters scholarship at Sciences Po is a rare chance to study in France on a full scholarship and prepare for leadership roles in Africa. We encourage all eligible students to seize it: gather your documents, polish your essays, and submit by the deadline. Share this opportunity with friends and classmates who might benefit. Good luck – we hope to welcome you in Paris and see you drive positive change on the continent!

FAQ

Who can apply for the Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship?
Sub-Saharan African citizens under 35 who hold (or expect to hold) a Bachelor’s degree and are applying to a two-year Master’s program at Sciences Po. Applicants should also demonstrate leadership potential and financial need.

What does the scholarship cover?
It is fully funded: the scholarship pays full tuition, provides a monthly living stipend, covers housing in Paris, airfare, visa and insurance costs, plus offers leadership training and career support.

Is a language exam (IELTS/TOEFL) required?
No. You can submit alternative proof of English or French proficiency at the required level instead. Ensure you meet the program’s language C1 requirement before applying.

Can I apply for a one-year or joint Master’s program?
No. Only full two-year Master’s programs at Sciences Po qualify. One-year Master’s or dual/joint degrees are explicitly excluded.

What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2026 intake is January 4, 2026. Your complete application (for both the Master’s and scholarship) must be submitted by this date.

Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
No. Applicants must not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s. The scholarship is only for first-time Master’s students.

Best of luck with your application – your future in public service or social impact could start here!