Are you a young, passionate African dreaming of studying at one of the best universities in Europe? The wait is over! Applications are now open for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in France. This international scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa who aspire to pursue a two-year master’s degree at Sciences Po. Sciences Po is one of the world’s leading social science universities. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po aims to equip future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges in governance, policy, innovation, and sustainable development.
Through access to top-notch education, leadership development, and broad professional networks, the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship aims to develop the next generation of influential African leaders. Selected scholars will receive support for their personal and professional growth in addition to a top-notch academic education in Paris through the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, ensuring their success both during and after their studies. The Mastercard scholarship is a comprehensive academic and professional journey that goes beyond financial aid, allowing young Africans to return to their homelands and support social and economic progress.
The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in France is a fully funded scholarship program. The Mastercard Foundation scholarship will cover the full tuition fee. Scholarships will also cover living expenses in France, throughout the duration of the studies at Sciences Po. Sciences Po offers scholars a variety of specialized resources to help them with their coursework and ease their transition into the workforce. In particular, scholars can access: accommodation in Paris reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars, career support, a mentoring program, and access to the extensive library of general materials that Sciences Po offers to help students at every stage of their education. Every year, exceptional students are chosen based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities under the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026.
- Country: France
- Financial coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: January 4, 2026
Eligibility Criteria of the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026:
- Applicants must hold citizenship in a country in Africa. Individuals with a second citizenship from a country outside the African continent are not eligible.
- They must be under 35 when beginning their master’s program.
- They must have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference (check the list of institutions, here) or have completed or are currently enrolled in a training foundation or mentoring program offered by a bridging program organisation partnering with the Mastercard Foundation (check the list of institutions, here).
- They must be in need of funding to pursue their higher education.
- Committed to achieving a change in Africa, specifically in the areas of public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.
- They must not already hold a master’s degree.
Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po:
- The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program for Africans.
- Scholars will get full assistance for tuition fees.
- The scholars will also get a stipend to cover living expenses in France throughout the duration.
- The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship in France will also provide access to accommodation in Paris reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
- A fully funded opportunity to visit Europe for free.
Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Requirements:
- Passport, National ID, or residence permit only
- CV/Resume
- Academic transcript(s)
- A copy of the diploma
- Language Test scores (if applicable)
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of current or past enrolment at one of Sciences Po’s institutions