Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Master's in France for Africans

Spread the love G Add us as a preferred source on Google » The goal of the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is to support 1,450 students and young professionals who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership potential, and a commitment to achieving change in Africa but who face significant barriers to accessing higher education. Want opportunities like this sent to you before the deadline?

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Application

Deadline

23 November 2026 if you wish to receive your master's admission decision by 11 February 2027. 14 December 2026 if you wish to receive your master's admission decision by 1 April 2027. Tell Me

About the Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po provides fully funded graduate fellowship opportunities for talented young leaders from the African continent. Designed for students who wish to pursue a two-year Master's degree in Paris, France, the program covers all financial needs and delivers comprehensive mentorship, leadership training, and career support to prepare scholars to drive societal, environmental, and public policy transitions across Africa.

Which Fields are Eligible: Any full-time, two-year Master's degree programme offered across Sciences Po's graduate schools (such as Public Affairs, International Affairs, Management and Innovation, Research, Law, or Urbanism). (Note: One-year Master's programs and dual degree programs are strictly ineligible for this scholarship). Type: Fully Funded Graduate Fellowship & Master's Scholarship

Who Can Apply

Citizenship: Must hold citizenship of an African country. Dual citizens holding citizenship outside the African continent are ineligible. Academic Background: Must be currently completing or already hold a Bachelor's degree from an approved partner institution, a recognized bridge/mentoring program associated with approved organizations, OR hold official UNHCR refugee/displaced person status.

Age Limit: Must be under 35 years of age on 1 September of the

Application

year. Degree History: Must not already hold or currently be pursuing a Master's degree. Must be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.

Exclusions: Current students at Sciences Po or graduates from French higher education institutions are ineligible. How are Applicants Selected: Academic Admission Review: Applicants must apply and be admitted through Sciences Po's International Graduate Admissions procedure, meeting all rigorous country-specific minimum academic thresholds.

Scholarship Screening & Review: Admitted candidates are assessed by the Mastercard Foundation Selection Committee based on: Overcoming significant economic, social, or geographical barriers to education. Demonstrated commitment to African development and change-making (public policy, environmental, political, and societal transitions).

Strong potential for transformative leadership and measurable community impact. Special consideration for young women, refugees/displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a 25-minute online interview via Zoom. Which Countries Are Eligible: African nations (Open to citizens of African countries meeting institutional and refugee criteria).

Where will the Program be Taken: Sciences Po (Paris, France ). How Many Fellows: Multiple competitive graduate scholarships awarded…

This is a shortened overview. Open the official site for full eligibility, documents, and how to apply.