Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded academic scholarship supporting talented young people from African countries who face barriers to accessing higher education.

Offered through a partnership between Sciences Po and the Mastercard Foundation, the programme aims to prepare future African leaders with the academic knowledge, professional skills and networks needed to create meaningful social and economic change.

Sciences Po, based in Paris, France, is known for education and research in political science, international relations, economics, public policy and other social science disciplines.

Selected scholars pursue a two-year master's degree while receiving comprehensive financial support and access to professional development activities.

The programme particularly encourages students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities, resilience and a commitment to addressing challenges affecting communities across Africa.

Alongside their studies, scholars can participate in mentoring, entrepreneurship initiatives, networking events, professional workshops and career development activities.

The scholarship forms part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program's wider objective of expanding access to quality education and supporting young African changemakers.

Applicants must meet all applicable scholarship eligibility requirements.

Nationality Requirements

• Hold citizenship of an African country.
• Applicants with dual citizenship that includes a country outside Africa are not eligible.

Academic Requirements

• Hold a bachelor's degree or be completing one.
• Satisfy at least one of the following three eligibility pathways:
  • Study at, or hold a bachelor's degree from, a university included in the programme's official reference-institution list.
  • Hold or be completing a bachelor's degree and have completed a recognised bridging or mentoring programme offered by an approved organisation.
  • Hold or be completing a bachelor's degree and currently hold, or have previously held, UNHCR refugee status.
• Meet Sciences Po's minimum academic performance requirements for the country of the applicant's undergraduate university.
• Apply for and secure admission to an eligible two-year master's programme at Sciences Po.
• Not already hold or currently be pursuing a master's degree.
• Not currently be enrolled at Sciences Po.
• Not currently be studying at, or have graduated from, a French higher education institution.

Age and Previous Applications

• Be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026.
• Be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po for the first time.

Language Requirements

• Meet the English or French proficiency requirements of the chosen master's programme.
• Provide an accepted language test result or qualifying exemption where required by Sciences Po.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides extensive financial and professional support throughout the selected scholar's studies.

• Full Tuition Coverage: Tuition fees for the eligible two-year master's programme are covered.
• Living Expenses: Financial support for living costs during the scholarship period in France.
• Accommodation Assistance: Access to housing arrangements in Paris reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• Pre-Arrival Support: Information and guidance to help scholars prepare for their move to France.
• Welcome and Integration Activities: Support during the first weeks of university.
• Personalised Student Support: Assistance throughout the academic programme.
• Professional Mentoring: Opportunities to connect with mentors and Sciences Po alumni.
• Career Development: Career guidance, networking activities and professional workshops.
• Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Access to entrepreneurship-related activities and support.
• Professional Networking: Connections with employers, alumni and professionals working in Africa.
• Community Activities: Opportunities to collaborate with other scholars and participate in leadership initiatives.

Applicants must prepare documents for both the scholarship eligibility verification and Sciences Po master's admission procedures.

Scholarship Eligibility Verification

• Proof of identity, such as a passport, national identity card, UNHCR card or recognised travel document.
• Bachelor's degree certificate or evidence of current undergraduate enrolment at an institution on the official reference list.

Applicants using alternative eligibility pathways must provide the relevant documents:

• Evidence of bachelor's studies or degree completion and a certificate confirming successful completion of an approved bridging or mentoring programme.
• Alternatively, evidence of bachelor's studies or degree completion and documentation confirming current or previous UNHCR refugee status.

Sciences Po Master's Application

• Valid identity document.
• Updated CV or résumé.
• Academic transcripts covering previous higher education studies.
• Bachelor's degree certificate, if already obtained.
• Evidence of current university enrolment, where applicable.
• Academic grade average or required supporting certificate.
• Motivation letter written in the language required by the chosen programme.
• Two academic references.
• English or French language proficiency evidence, where required.
• Any additional programme-specific supporting documents.

The scholarship selection process evaluates the following officially stated criteria:

• Academic performance and eligibility for admission to Sciences Po.
• Barriers previously faced in accessing education, including financial, geographical and social challenges.
• Commitment to contributing to development across the African continent.
• Leadership potential and motivation to become a changemaker.
• Ability to contribute meaningful and measurable improvements to communities.
• Demonstrated resilience, originality and perseverance.
• Alignment between the chosen master's programme, academic background and future career goals.
• Critical thinking and understanding of contemporary challenges affecting Africa and the wider world.
• Entrepreneurial, community or public service initiatives demonstrating potential impact.
• Performance in the scholarship selection interview.

• Pursue a master's degree at a recognised institution specialising in social sciences and public affairs.
• Develop knowledge relevant to governance, economics, international relations and social development.
• Gain access to an international academic environment in Paris.
• Build leadership and problem-solving capabilities.
• Participate in professional mentoring and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Develop relationships with employers and alumni working across Africa.
• Gain practical support for transitioning from university into employment.
• Join a network of scholars committed to lasting social impact.