If you're an ambitious African student with a strong academic record and leadership potential, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2025 offers a transformative opportunity. Applications for the 2025 intake open are now open, providing access to a world-class education in France.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po Summary
Location: France
Host University: Sciences Po
Study Level: Master's
Target Group: African students facing financial barriers from eligible countries
Fields of Study: Various Master's programs offered at Sciences Po's Graduate Schools
Funding Type: Fully Funded scholarship
Award Duration: Duration of the Master's program (typically two years)
Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2025
Eligible To: Citizens of African countries who meet specific eligibility criteria (See below)
Scholarship Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po aims to support African students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential but face financial constraints. The program provides access to various Master's degree programs across Sciences Po's Graduate Schools. Scholars receive comprehensive support, including funding and tailored resources, to ensure a successful academic journey.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Arrangements
1. Financial Support: The scholarship covers the following:
Application fees
Tuition
Monthly stipend (e.g. food allowance)
Housing
Health insurance
Mentoring or psycho-social support
Travel costs to the third country
Visa
Settling in
2. Career Support:
Access to career guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities.
3. Mentoring:
Participation in a mentoring program co-run with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni.
Eligibility Countries
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo - Brazzaville, Congo - Kinshasa, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, São Tomé & Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the scholarship:
Citizenship: Hold citizenship in an African country (candidates with dual citizenship from the European Economic Area are not eligible).
Academic Background: Completed or currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program at one of Sciences Po’s partner institutions or a Mastercard Foundation partner organization.
Financial Need: Demonstrate genuine financial need for higher education funding.
Commitment: Show a commitment to effecting change in Africa, particularly in public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.
Age Limit: Be under 35 years old at the start of the Master's program.
Educational Level: Not already hold or be completing a Master's degree.
Program Application: Apply for a two-year Master's program at one of Sciences Po's Graduate Schools (one-year Master's, dual degrees, joint Master's programs, and programs at the School of Journalism are not eligible).
Application Procedure
1. Prepare Supporting Documents:
Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of income, and identification.
2. Online Application:
Apply for your chosen Master's program and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through Sciences Po's international graduate admissions platform.
3. Selection Process:
Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to Africa's development. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
📂 Documents Required
Academic Transcripts: Official records from previous educational institutions.
Proof of Income: Documents demonstrating financial circumstances (e.g., tax documents, income statements).
Identification: Valid photo ID.
Proof of Enrollment: Evidence of current or past enrollment at a partner institution.
ℹ️ For more detailed information and to access the application platform, please visit the official call for applications webpage on UNHCR website.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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