Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for African Students in France

African students seeking a fully funded opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree in Europe can explore the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po in France. The programme supports talented young Africans who demonstrate academic potential and meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements, providing comprehensive financial assistance and support throughout a two-year Master’s degree.

Through this partnership, selected scholars can pursue an eligible two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po, one of France’s leading institutions for social sciences, international affairs, public policy, economics, law, and related disciplines. The scholarship is designed to cover the full financial needs of selected scholars and provide support throughout their academic journey.

The programme particularly seeks applicants who hold citizenship in an African country, demonstrate the required academic qualifications, and meet specific age and educational conditions. Applicants must also secure admission to an eligible two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po and successfully pass the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program selection process.

For eligible African graduates interested in advancing their education, developing leadership capacity, and gaining international academic experience, this scholarship offers an opportunity to study in France with comprehensive financial support.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, approved university and bridge-programme pathways, academic thresholds, and application procedures before beginning their applications.

1. Overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is a scholarship initiative designed to support students from the African continent who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po in France.

The programme seeks to expand access to quality higher education for talented African students by providing financial assistance and comprehensive support throughout their studies.

Unlike scholarships that provide only partial tuition assistance, the Sciences Po programme is designed to cover the full financial needs of selected scholars during their two years of study. This support is intended to help scholars concentrate on their academic development and successfully integrate into the university community.

The programme also has an important selection process. Meeting the scholarship eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an award. Applicants must satisfy Sciences Po’s academic requirements, gain admission to an eligible Master’s programme, and be selected by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Selection Committee.

Key details at a glance

Opportunity detail	Information
Opportunity name	Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po
Host institution	Sciences Po
Scholarship partner	Mastercard Foundation
Opportunity type	Master’s scholarship
Study level	Postgraduate / Master’s degree
Programme duration	Two years
Study location	France
Eligible applicants	Citizens of African countries who meet the programme requirements
Eligible degree programmes	Eligible two-year Master’s programmes at Sciences Po
Scholarship coverage	Full financial needs of selected scholars
Academic requirement	Must meet Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements
Age requirement	Under 35 years on 1 September of the year of application
Nationality requirement	Citizenship of an African country
Application pathway	Dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform and International Graduate Admissions Procedure
Selection	Admission assessment followed by scholarship selection
Contact email	info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr

2. What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an educational initiative that supports talented young people from Africa in accessing higher education and developing the knowledge and skills to contribute to their communities and societies.

At Sciences Po, the programme provides an opportunity for eligible African students to undertake postgraduate studies in France.

The scholarship is designed around the belief that access to higher education can help develop future leaders, professionals, researchers, and change-makers. By supporting students through their Master’s education, the programme seeks to enable them to acquire advanced knowledge and develop their capacity to contribute to Africa’s development.

The Sciences Po partnership focuses specifically on students from African countries who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree.

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support and assistance throughout their studies. The programme also provides support during the transition to France, including online information sessions to help incoming scholars prepare for their arrival and integration into Sciences Po.

Why the programme matters for African students

Access to postgraduate education abroad can be challenging because of tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, travel arrangements, and other financial responsibilities.

For many talented African graduates, these costs can create barriers to pursuing advanced education at international institutions.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po seeks to address these barriers by covering the full financial needs of selected scholars.

The programme is therefore particularly relevant to academically qualified African students who may have the ability and ambition to pursue postgraduate education but require substantial financial assistance to make it possible.

3. Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support

One of the most important features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is its commitment to covering the full financial needs of selected scholars throughout their two years of study.

The official programme information describes the scholarship as providing comprehensive financial support. However, the supplied information does not provide a detailed item-by-item breakdown or individual monetary amounts for every expense.

Applicants should therefore consult the official scholarship information and frequently asked questions for the precise coverage applicable to their cohort.

A. Full financial support throughout the two-year Master’s programme

Selected scholars receive financial support designed to cover their full financial needs during their two years at Sciences Po.

This is particularly important for students who may otherwise struggle to finance international postgraduate education.

The support is intended to enable scholars to concentrate on their academic work and participate in university life without having to independently meet the full financial burden of their studies.

B. Opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in France

Successful applicants can pursue an eligible two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po.

Studying in France provides an opportunity to experience an international academic environment and engage with students and scholars from different countries and professional backgrounds.

Sciences Po offers Master’s programmes across several fields, including areas connected to international affairs, public policy, economics, law, management, and social sciences.

Applicants must ensure that the Master’s programme they select is eligible for the scholarship. Dual-degree programmes and one-year Master’s programmes are not eligible under the stated scholarship requirements.

C. Comprehensive support throughout the academic journey

The programme provides support beyond the initial scholarship selection.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Sciences Po begins supporting incoming scholars after they accept their offer of admission to the programme.

This support includes online information sessions intended to help incoming scholars prepare for their arrival in France and their integration into Sciences Po.

These sessions are strongly encouraged because they can help scholars understand the transition to a new academic and social environment.

D. Preparation for arrival and integration in France

Moving to another country for postgraduate education involves several adjustments.

Incoming scholars may need to prepare for a different academic system, living arrangements, administrative procedures, and a new cultural environment.

Sciences Po organises online information sessions to help scholars prepare for their arrival and successful integration into the institution.

Participation is strongly encouraged.

E. Access to an international academic environment

Selected scholars become part of the Sciences Po academic community.

They will have the opportunity to study alongside students from different countries and backgrounds, engage with international perspectives, and develop knowledge in their chosen fields.

This academic environment can contribute to their personal, intellectual, and professional development.

Important: The scholarship page describes comprehensive support covering scholars’ full financial needs. Applicants should consult the official programme documentation to confirm the exact components, conditions, and arrangements applicable to the relevant application cycle.

4. Who Can Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po?

The scholarship is specifically designed for students from African countries who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po.

However, applicants must meet several conditions before they can be considered.

The eligibility requirements cover nationality, educational background, age, previous Master’s-level study, and previous participation in the scholarship programme.

Applicants must also meet Sciences Po’s academic requirements and gain admission to an eligible Master’s programme.

Requirement 1: Citizenship of an African country

Applicants must hold citizenship of an African country.

The programme is intended for students from the African continent, and applicants must be able to demonstrate the required African nationality.

Important dual citizenship restriction: Applicants who hold dual citizenship that includes citizenship of a country outside the African continent are not eligible.

For example, an applicant who holds citizenship of an African country and also holds citizenship of a European, North American, Asian, or other non-African country does not meet this stated nationality requirement.

Applicants should carefully review this condition before starting their applications.

Requirement 2: A Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution or an eligible alternative pathway

Applicants must currently be completing or already hold a Bachelor’s degree.

The programme provides three educational pathways through which applicants may meet this requirement.

Pathway A: Bachelor’s degree from an approved university

Applicants may qualify if they are currently completing or have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree from one of the universities included on Sciences Po’s approved list of institutions.

The approved university list is an important part of the eligibility process. Applicants should consult the official list to confirm whether their institution qualifies.

Having a Bachelor’s degree alone does not automatically establish eligibility under this pathway. The institution must meet the programme’s stated requirements.

Pathway B: Bachelor’s degree and participation in an approved bridge or mentoring programme

Applicants may also qualify if they are currently completing or already hold a Bachelor’s degree and have participated in a recognised bridge programme or mentoring programme offered by one of the approved organisations.

This pathway provides an alternative route for eligible graduates whose educational background includes participation in one of the recognised programmes.

Applicants must confirm that the organisation or programme they attended appears on Sciences Po’s approved list.

Pathway C: Bachelor’s degree and UNHCR refugee status

A third pathway is available to applicants who are currently completing or already hold a Bachelor’s degree and currently hold, or previously held, refugee status recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

This pathway recognises eligible applicants with refugee backgrounds.

Applicants should ensure that they can provide the relevant information or documentation required to establish their status.

Requirement 3: Be under 35 years of age

Applicants must be under 35 years old on 1 September of the year in which the scholarship application is submitted.

This is a specific age requirement and should be checked carefully.

For example, if an applicant submits an application during a cycle in which the relevant reference date is 1 September 2027, the applicant must be younger than 35 on that date.

Applicants should use the reference date specified for their actual application year rather than calculating eligibility based only on their age when they begin preparing their application.

Requirement 4: Must not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree

The scholarship is intended for eligible applicants seeking to undertake a Master’s degree at Sciences Po.

Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible.

Similarly, individuals who are currently pursuing a Master’s degree do not meet this requirement.

Applicants should therefore consider their existing educational qualifications and current enrolment status before applying.

Requirement 5: Must be applying to the programme for the first time

Applicants must be first-time applicants to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po.

Individuals who have previously applied to the programme do not meet the stated first-time application requirement.

Requirement 6: Must meet Sciences Po’s academic requirements

In addition to the scholarship-specific eligibility requirements, applicants must meet Sciences Po’s academic admission requirements.

Sciences Po publishes minimum academic results required according to the country of the applicant’s home university.

Applicants must consult the relevant academic requirements table before beginning the application.

This is a mandatory step because eligibility for the scholarship is conditional upon admission to Sciences Po.

Applicants who do not meet the required academic threshold should not submit a scholarship application.

Requirement 7: Must secure admission to an eligible two-year Master’s programme

Applicants must apply to and be admitted to a two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po.

The scholarship does not cover every postgraduate programme offered by the institution.

The following are explicitly excluded:

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

Applicants must therefore identify an eligible two-year Master’s programme and follow the appropriate admission procedure.

Requirement 8: Must be selected by the scholarship committee

Meeting the eligibility requirements and receiving admission to Sciences Po are necessary, but they do not automatically guarantee a scholarship.

Eligible applicants who gain admission to a Master’s programme will have their applications considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The final scholarship decision is made through the programme’s selection process and Selection Committee.

5. Who Is Not Eligible for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The official eligibility information specifically identifies certain groups who cannot apply.

The following individuals are not eligible:

1. Applicants who hold dual citizenship involving a non-African country. A person with citizenship of an African country and a country outside Africa does not meet the stated nationality requirement.
2. Applicants aged 35 or older on 1 September of the application year. The programme requires applicants to be under 35 on the specified date.
3. Individuals who already hold a Master’s degree. Applicants must not already have completed a Master’s qualification.
4. Individuals currently pursuing a Master’s degree. Applicants who are already enrolled in a Master’s programme are not eligible.
5. Previous applicants to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po. The programme requires applicants to be applying for the first time.
6. Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po. Existing Sciences Po students cannot apply through this scholarship pathway.
7. Students currently enrolled in a French higher education institution. Applicants who are currently studying at another French higher education institution are excluded.
8. Individuals who have graduated from a French higher education institution. Applicants who have already graduated from a French higher education institution are also excluded.
9. Applicants who do not meet Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements. Academic eligibility is mandatory and is linked to admission to the Master’s programme.
10. Applicants seeking admission to an excluded programme. Dual-degree programmes and one-year Master’s programmes are not eligible.

Applicants should carefully assess these restrictions before investing time in the application process.

6. Which Master’s Programmes Are Eligible?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po supports eligible two-year Master’s programmes.

Applicants must apply through the appropriate graduate admissions pathway and secure admission to a qualifying programme.

Sciences Po offers postgraduate programmes across different academic disciplines, allowing students to pursue specialised education in areas connected to public affairs, international relations, economics, law, management, and other social science fields.

However, applicants should not assume that every programme listed by Sciences Po is automatically eligible for the scholarship.

Important programme restrictions

The following programme types are excluded:

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

Applicants should confirm the duration and scholarship eligibility of their preferred programme before submitting an application.

How to identify an eligible Master’s programme

Prospective scholars should:

1. Visit the official Sciences Po academic programmes website.
2. Explore the available Master’s programmes.
3. Identify programmes that run for two years.
4. Check the admission requirements for the selected programme.
5. Confirm that the programme is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
6. Review the International Graduate Admissions Procedure.
7. Ensure that the application is submitted through the correct admissions pathway.

The official graduate programme information is available through the Sciences Po website.

7. Understanding the Sciences Po Academic Requirements

One of the most important parts of the scholarship application is meeting Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program requires applicants to satisfy the institution’s academic admission standards.

Sciences Po provides a table of minimum academic results based on the country of the applicant’s home university.

This means that applicants from different African countries may need to consult different academic thresholds depending on their educational system and university background.

Why the academic requirements matter

The scholarship is conditional upon admission to Sciences Po.

Therefore, an applicant who meets the Mastercard Foundation’s nationality, age, and educational eligibility conditions but fails to meet Sciences Po’s academic requirements cannot proceed successfully through the scholarship process.

The university explicitly advises applicants to consult the minimum academic results table before starting their applications.

Applicants who do not meet the required academic threshold should not submit an application for the scholarship.

What applicants should do

Before beginning the scholarship application:

• Identify the country of the university where the Bachelor’s degree was obtained or is being completed.
• Consult the relevant section of the minimum academic results table.
• Compare the applicant’s academic results with the required threshold.
• Confirm that the academic qualification meets the relevant admission requirements.
• Review any additional requirements for the chosen Master’s programme.

The academic requirements table is available through the official Sciences Po scholarship information page.

Applicants should also review the International Graduate Admissions website for further information about Master’s admission requirements and timelines.

8. How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po

The application process involves several important stages.

Applicants must first confirm their eligibility, check the academic requirements, submit an application through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program platform, and complete the relevant Sciences Po Master’s admission process.

The process is competitive, and applicants must ensure that their applications are complete and submitted according to the official instructions.

Step 1: Verify your eligibility

Before beginning the application, confirm that you meet all the scholarship eligibility requirements.

Check that you:

• Hold citizenship of an African country.
• Do not hold dual citizenship involving a non-African country.
• Are under 35 years of age on 1 September of the application year.
• Are completing or already hold a Bachelor’s degree through one of the approved educational pathways.
• Do not already hold or currently pursue a Master’s degree.
• Have not previously applied to the programme.
• Are not currently enrolled in or a graduate of a French higher education institution.
• Meet the academic requirements of Sciences Po.

Do not proceed until you have carefully checked the requirements.

Step 2: Consult the minimum academic results table

The next step is to confirm that your academic background meets Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements.

This table is organised according to the country of the applicant’s home university.

It is important to complete this check before starting the application because applicants who do not meet the academic threshold are automatically considered ineligible.

Step 3: Identify an eligible two-year Master’s programme

Choose a two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po that is eligible for the scholarship.

Remember that dual-degree and one-year Master’s programmes are excluded.

Applicants should review the programme curriculum, admission requirements, and application timeline before making a decision.

Step 4: Apply through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program platform

Applicants who meet both the scholarship eligibility requirements and the academic requirements for Master’s admission may submit an application through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform.

The scholarship application is separate from simply expressing interest in studying at Sciences Po.

Applicants must follow the instructions on the dedicated platform and provide the required supporting documents.

The programme also allows eligible applicants to request an application fee waiver for the two-year Master’s application.

Step 5: Request an application fee waiver

Eligible applicants can request an application fee waiver when applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

This is an important part of the process for students who meet the scholarship criteria.

Applicants should follow the instructions provided through the dedicated scholarship application platform to request the waiver.

Step 6: Complete the International Graduate Admissions Procedure

The International Graduate Admissions Procedure is the only admissions pathway to a two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po that allows applicants to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

This means applicants must complete the correct international graduate admissions process.

Submitting an application through an alternative admission route may prevent an applicant from being considered for the scholarship.

Applicants should carefully read the instructions on the Sciences Po Admissions website.

Step 7: Submit all required supporting documents

Sciences Po emphasises that applications must be complete.

Missing or non-compliant documents can render an application incomplete and therefore ineligible.

Examples of documents that may cause problems if missing or submitted incorrectly include:

• Academic transcripts.
• Language test results.
• Required academic recommendations.
• Other supporting documents specified by the application procedure.

The university specifically warns that academic recommendations submitted from a personal email address may be considered non-compliant.

Applicants should therefore pay particular attention to the requirements for recommendation letters and ensure that referees submit them correctly.

Obtaining academic recommendations may take time, so applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare these documents early.

Step 8: Submit before the applicable deadline

Applicants must follow the official application timeline for the relevant scholarship and Master’s admissions cycle.

The supplied programme information does not state a specific current application deadline.

Applicants should therefore consult the official Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page and the graduate admissions website for the latest dates.

If an applicant wishes to apply for more than one scholarship, Sciences Po advises submitting the application by the earliest applicable deadline.

Step 9: Wait for the admission decision

After submitting the Master’s application, applicants must wait for Sciences Po’s admission decision.

Admission to an eligible Master’s programme is a necessary condition for scholarship consideration.

However, receiving an offer of admission does not automatically mean that the applicant has been awarded the Mastercard Foundation scholarship.

Step 10: Participate in the scholarship selection process

Applicants who have been admitted to a Master’s programme and declared eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will have their scholarship applications considered.

The scholarship selection process includes:

1. Application review.
2. Interviews.
3. Scholarship decision.

Successful applicants will receive a scholarship decision through the programme’s official communication channels.

9. Understanding the Scholarship Selection Process

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po has a selection process that takes place after the relevant admission and eligibility requirements have been assessed.

Applicants should understand that the scholarship decision may not arrive at the same time as the Master’s admission decision.

Stage 1: Application review

Once an applicant has been admitted to a Master’s programme and declared eligible for the scholarship, the application is considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The programme reviews eligible applications as part of its selection process.

Applicants should ensure that the information they provide is accurate and that all required supporting materials have been submitted.

Stage 2: Interviews

The selection process includes interviews.

Applicants who progress to this stage may be invited to discuss their background, academic interests, motivation, and suitability for the programme.

The supplied information does not specify the exact interview format or questions. Candidates should therefore follow the instructions provided by the selection team if invited.

Stage 3: Scholarship decision

Following the application review and interviews, the scholarship decision is made.

The selection committee determines which eligible candidates will receive the scholarship.

It is important to remember that admission to Sciences Po and scholarship selection are separate decisions.

Important note about decision timelines

Sciences Po warns that several months may elapse between receiving an offer of admission to the university and receiving a scholarship decision.

Applicants should therefore be prepared for a waiting period and monitor official communications from both Sciences Po and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.

10. Support for Incoming Mastercard Foundation Scholars

The programme’s support does not end when a candidate receives a scholarship offer.

Sciences Po provides additional assistance to incoming scholars to help them prepare for their studies and transition to France.

According to the official programme information, support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team begins as soon as an incoming scholar accepts their offer of admission to the programme.

Online information sessions

Several online information sessions are organised for incoming scholars.

These sessions are intended to help successful candidates prepare for their arrival in France and their integration into Sciences Po.

Participation is strongly encouraged.

The sessions provide an opportunity for incoming scholars to receive relevant information before beginning their studies.

Preparing for life in France

Moving to France for postgraduate education involves preparation beyond academic admission.

Incoming scholars should pay attention to official guidance about their arrival, university integration, and any relevant administrative arrangements.

The programme’s online sessions are intended to support this transition.

Scholars should follow the information and instructions communicated by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team after accepting their offers.

11. Important Application Mistakes to Avoid

The Sciences Po application instructions highlight several issues that applicants should take seriously.

Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that an application is considered through the correct process.

Mistake 1: Applying without checking the academic threshold

Applicants must consult the minimum academic results table before beginning the application.

Failure to meet the academic requirements makes an applicant ineligible.

Mistake 2: Choosing an ineligible Master’s programme

The scholarship is for eligible two-year Master’s programmes.

Dual-degree and one-year Master’s programmes are excluded.

Applicants should confirm programme eligibility before applying.

Mistake 3: Using the wrong admissions pathway

The International Graduate Admissions Procedure is the only route to a two-year Master’s programme that allows applicants to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Applicants should not use an alternative admission route.

Mistake 4: Submitting an incomplete application

Sciences Po states that an application will only be reviewed if it is complete.

Missing transcripts, language test results, or other required documents can make an application incomplete and ineligible.

Mistake 5: Incorrect academic recommendations

Particular attention should be paid to recommendation letters.

The university warns that academic recommendations submitted from personal email addresses may be considered non-compliant.

Applicants should communicate the official requirements to their referees well in advance.

Mistake 6: Waiting until the deadline to request supporting documents

Recommendation letters and other supporting materials may take time to obtain.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents early.

Mistake 7: Assuming admission guarantees a scholarship

Admission to Sciences Po is necessary for scholarship consideration, but it does not guarantee selection.

Applicants must also pass the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program selection process.

Mistake 8: Ignoring the earliest applicable deadline

Applicants interested in more than one scholarship must submit their application by the earliest applicable deadline.

They should review all relevant application dates before planning their submission.

12. Application Deadline and Important Dates

The supplied Sciences Po programme information includes a section titled “Deadlines for applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program”, but it does not provide specific dates in the material available here.

For this reason, applicants should not rely on an assumed deadline.

The application dates may depend on the relevant admission cycle and scholarship application timetable.

Prospective applicants should check:

• The dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform.
• The Sciences Po scholarship application page.
• The International Graduate Admissions Procedure.
• The official Master’s admissions calendar.

Important: If you are applying for more than one scholarship, Sciences Po advises submitting your application by the earliest applicable deadline.

Applicants should also allow sufficient time to obtain academic recommendations, transcripts, language test results, and other supporting documents.

13. Frequently Asked Questions About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po

What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po?

It is a scholarship programme designed for eligible students from African countries who wish to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po in France. The programme covers the full financial needs of selected scholars and provides support throughout their studies.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

The official programme information states that it covers the full financial needs of selected scholars throughout their two years of study. Applicants should consult the official programme documentation for the exact financial arrangements and coverage.

Who can apply?

Citizens of African countries who meet the programme’s age, educational, academic, and other eligibility requirements may apply.

Can applicants with dual citizenship apply?

Applicants holding dual citizenship that includes citizenship of a country outside Africa are not eligible.

Can Ghanaians apply?

The programme is open to citizens of African countries who satisfy all the eligibility conditions. Ghanaian citizens may therefore consider applying if they meet the other requirements, including the dual-citizenship restriction and academic criteria.

Can applicants from other African countries apply?

Yes. The programme is intended for eligible students from African countries. Applicants must still satisfy the approved educational pathway, age, academic, and other eligibility requirements.

What is the maximum age requirement?

Applicants must be under 35 years old on 1 September of the year in which they submit their scholarship application.

Do I need a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Applicants must be currently completing or already hold a Bachelor’s degree through one of the recognised educational pathways.

Must my university be on an approved list?

One eligibility pathway requires a Bachelor’s degree from an institution on Sciences Po’s approved list. Alternative pathways are available for eligible graduates who have participated in approved bridge or mentoring programmes, or who currently hold or previously held UNHCR refugee status.

Can someone who already has a Master’s degree apply?

No. Applicants must not already hold or currently be pursuing a Master’s degree.

Can current Sciences Po students apply?

No. Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po are not eligible.

Can graduates of French universities apply?

No. The stated criteria exclude individuals currently enrolled in or already graduated from a French higher education institution.

Can I apply for a one-year Master’s programme?

No. One-year Master’s programmes are not eligible.

Are dual-degree Master’s programmes eligible?

No. Dual-degree programmes are explicitly excluded.

Does meeting the eligibility criteria guarantee a scholarship?

No. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, gain admission to an eligible Master’s programme, and be selected by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Selection Committee.

Is admission to Sciences Po the same as receiving the scholarship?

No. Admission to a Master’s programme is a necessary condition for scholarship consideration. Scholarship selection is a separate process involving application review, interviews, and a final decision.

When will I receive the scholarship decision?

Sciences Po notes that several months may pass between receiving an offer of admission and receiving a scholarship decision.

Is there an application fee waiver?

Yes. Eligible applicants can request an application fee waiver for the two-year Master’s programme through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application process.

What is the application deadline?

The supplied programme information does not state a specific deadline. Applicants should check the official scholarship and Master’s admissions pages for the current application dates.

14. Official Application Links and Contact Information

Interested applicants should use Sciences Po’s official resources to verify their eligibility, explore Master’s programmes, and follow the application process.

Official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po:

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

Sciences Po graduate programmes:

https://www.sciencespo.fr/en/academics/graduate-schools/

International Graduate Admissions:

https://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/graduate/international-admissions/

Scholarship enquiries:

Email: info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr

Applicants with questions about graduate international admissions should also consult the Sciences Po Admissions website for the appropriate contact details.

Sciences Po encourages prospective applicants to consult the Frequently Asked Questions section before contacting the scholarship team.

Conclusion: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers an important opportunity for eligible African students seeking to pursue a fully supported two-year Master’s degree in France.

By covering the full financial needs of selected scholars and providing support throughout their studies, the programme aims to reduce financial barriers to international postgraduate education and enable talented African graduates to access advanced academic opportunities.

The scholarship is open to citizens of African countries who meet the specified educational, academic, age, and other eligibility requirements. Applicants must hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree through one of the recognised pathways, be under 35 years of age on 1 September of the application year, and must not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree.

Successful applicants must also secure admission to an eligible two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po through the International Graduate Admissions Procedure. Dual-degree and one-year Master’s programmes are not eligible.

Prospective scholars should pay particular attention to the approved university and bridge-programme lists, the minimum academic results table, the nationality restrictions, and the supporting-document requirements. Applications must be complete, and academic recommendations must comply with Sciences Po’s submission instructions.

The programme also has a separate scholarship selection process involving application review, interviews, and a final decision. Receiving admission to Sciences Po does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.

Although the specific application deadline is not included in the supplied programme information, interested applicants should consult the official Sciences Po scholarship page and admissions calendar for the latest dates. Early preparation is strongly recommended, especially when obtaining academic transcripts, language test results, and recommendation letters.

For eligible African graduates with the academic qualifications and ambition to pursue postgraduate education in Europe, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po represents an opportunity worth exploring.

Visit the official Sciences Po website, verify your eligibility, and prepare your application through the correct admissions pathway.

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