MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO: 7 POWERFUL FACTS AND HOW TO APPLY

Are you an African graduate who dreams of pursuing a master’s degree in Europe but worries about the cost of tuition, accommodation and living expenses?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Sciences Po could be an opportunity worth exploring.

The programme supports eligible African students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support throughout their two-year master’s studies at Sciences Po in France.

However, this is a competitive scholarship, not an automatic funding opportunity for every African graduate. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, satisfy Sciences Po’s academic admission standards and complete the required application procedures.

There are two important application deadlines: 23 November 2026 and 14 December 2026. Your choice determines when you can expect to receive your master’s admission decision. Scholarship selection results are expected in April 2027.

If you are interested, read this guide carefully. It explains the eligibility requirements, financial support, documents, application fees, deadlines and exact links you need to begin your application.

OFFICIAL STARTING POINT: Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Sciences Po official page.

WHAT IS THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is a partnership designed to expand access to quality higher education for talented African students who face significant barriers to education.

Sciences Po is a university in France known for its programmes in the social sciences, public affairs, international relations and related fields.

Through this partnership, eligible scholars can pursue a qualifying two-year, in-person master’s degree while receiving comprehensive financial support.

The programme also seeks to develop future leaders who can contribute to positive and sustainable change in their communities and across Africa.

Important: The scholarship is not available for every course at Sciences Po. Only eligible two-year master’s programmes qualify. One-year master’s programmes and dual-degree programmes are excluded from this scholarship route.

To confirm the official programme details, visit the Sciences Po scholarship information page.

7 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO

1. THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

One of the main attractions of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Sciences Po is its commitment to covering the full financial needs of selected scholars throughout their two years of study.

The programme provides comprehensive support designed to help selected students pursue their education in France.

The scholarship team also supports incoming scholars as they prepare for their arrival and integration into university life.

However, applicants should read the official scholarship terms carefully rather than assume that every possible personal expense, family cost or dependent’s expense will be covered.

The scholarship is awarded to the selected scholar. It does not extend to family members or dependants.

For confirmed details, consult the official scholarship information and benefits and the official scholarship FAQ.

2. THE OPPORTUNITY IS FOR ELIGIBLE AFRICAN GRADUATES

The programme is designed for applicants who hold citizenship in an African country.

Applicants with dual citizenship that includes a country outside Africa are not eligible under the published criteria.

Candidates must also satisfy the programme’s educational background requirements.

The standard route requires applicants to hold, or be completing, a bachelor’s degree at an institution included on Sciences Po’s reference list.

Alternative eligibility pathways exist for candidates who have completed or are completing a bachelor’s degree and have participated in a recognised bridge or mentoring programme offered by an approved organisation.

Candidates who currently hold or have previously held UNHCR refugee status may also qualify through the recognised refugee pathway, subject to the programme’s requirements.

Do not assume that being an African citizen automatically makes you eligible. Your educational background and other conditions must also meet the published requirements.

Check the official eligibility criteria and reference institutions before starting your application.

3. APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE AGE REQUIREMENT

Applicants must be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026 for the current application cycle.

If you are close to the age limit, check your eligibility carefully before spending time and money preparing your documents.

The official scholarship page is the authority on this requirement.

4. ONLY ELIGIBLE TWO-YEAR MASTER’S PROGRAMMES QUALIFY

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Sciences Po is intended for graduate study.

It is not an undergraduate scholarship, and it does not cover every master’s programme offered by the university.

Eligible candidates must apply for a qualifying two-year master’s degree. One-year master’s programmes and dual-degree programmes are not eligible through this scholarship route.

Applicants must also meet the academic admission requirements for their chosen programme.

Before choosing a course, explore the official Sciences Po master’s programmes and admissions information.

5. LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT MATTER

The programme seeks candidates who have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to Africa’s development.

Selection criteria include the barriers applicants have faced in accessing education, their commitment to advancing the continent’s development, and their potential for transformative leadership.

Applicants should be prepared to explain how their educational background, personal experiences and chosen master’s programme connect with their future goals.

The programme gives particular consideration to applications from young women, refugees and displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

These priorities do not guarantee selection. All applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility and selection requirements.

6. YOU MUST COMPLETE TWO CONNECTED APPLICATION STEPS

This is one of the most important details in the application process.

Applicants must submit a request to verify their eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and create an application for a master’s programme through the Sciences Po admissions platform.

Completing only the scholarship eligibility request is not enough.

Sciences Po warns that applicants who fail to create their master’s application at this stage may lose the opportunity to benefit from the scholarship-related application-fee waiver later.

The exact application links are provided in the step-by-step guide below.

7. ADMISSION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship is competitive.

Applicants must satisfy the relevant eligibility requirements and gain admission to an eligible master’s programme at Sciences Po.

Their applications are then considered through the scholarship selection process.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview through Zoom. The official programme guidance states that these interviews last approximately 25 minutes.

Neither eligibility nor admission guarantees an interview or a scholarship award.

Applicants should wait for an official scholarship decision before assuming their studies are funded.

MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO: WHO CAN APPLY?

Before beginning the application, check each of the following requirements.

Nationality

You must hold citizenship in an African country.

Dual citizenship that includes a non-African country makes an applicant ineligible under the published criteria.

Age

You must be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026.

Academic background

You must hold, or be completing, a bachelor’s degree through one of the recognised pathways:

• A qualifying bachelor’s degree from an institution on the programme’s reference list.
• A bachelor’s degree combined with participation in a recognised bridge or mentoring programme offered by an approved organisation.
• A bachelor’s degree combined with current or previous UNHCR refugee status, subject to the programme’s requirements.

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Previous master’s studies

You must not already hold a master’s degree or currently be pursuing one.

Previous scholarship applications

You must be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po for the first time.

The programme does not accept repeat applications from candidates who applied previously and were not selected.

Current or previous study in France

Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po are not eligible.

Students currently enrolled in, or who have graduated from, a French higher education institution are also excluded under the published criteria.

Academic performance

You must meet Sciences Po’s minimum academic requirements for the country and institution where you completed your undergraduate studies.

This is a mandatory requirement. Applicants who do not meet the relevant academic threshold are not eligible for this scholarship route.

Check the requirements before applying: Open the official scholarship page and consult the minimum academic results table.

Language requirements

There is no separate language requirement simply to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

However, applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen master’s programme. Depending on the programme, evidence of English or French proficiency may be required.

Check the requirements for your intended course through the official Sciences Po admissions website.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO?

Prepare your documents early. Obtaining official academic records and recommendation letters can take time.

Documents for scholarship eligibility verification

According to the official scholarship guidance, you must provide the following relevant documents:

1. Proof of identity

You may use an accepted identity document, such as a passport, national identity card, UNHCR card or travel document.

2. Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of current undergraduate studies

If your university is included on the programme’s reference list, prepare your bachelor’s degree certificate or proof that you are currently completing your undergraduate studies there.

3. Additional documents for alternative eligibility pathways

If your university is not on the reference list and you are applying through a recognised bridge or mentoring programme, prepare evidence of your bachelor’s degree or current undergraduate studies and a certificate confirming successful completion of the recognised programme.

4. Refugee-status documentation, where applicable

Candidates using the recognised refugee pathway should provide evidence of their bachelor’s degree or ongoing undergraduate studies together with the required documentation confirming their refugee status.

Documents for the Sciences Po master’s application

The university application has additional supporting-document requirements.

Depending on your chosen programme and circumstances, these may include:

• Academic transcripts.
• Degree certificates or proof of ongoing studies.
• Academic recommendation letters.
• Language-proficiency results, where required.
• A CV or résumé, if required by your programme.
• Personal statements and other programme-specific written responses.
• Any additional documents specified by the admissions platform.

This is a preparation checklist, not a claim that every document is required in every case. Follow the requirements for your selected master’s programme.

Read the official admissions instructions here: Sciences Po international graduate admissions.

Important warning about written assignments

Sciences Po specifically advises applicants to write authentically and draw on their own personal experiences.

The scholarship’s written assignments are intended to assess independent thinking and personal reflection. The university warns that relying on artificial intelligence to generate standardised responses may result in a lower evaluation.

Applicants should therefore write their own responses and ensure that their experiences, ideas and ambitions are represented honestly.

MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO: APPLICATION FEES

One major concern for applicants is the cost of applying to a university abroad.

Sciences Po allows eligible Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applicants to request an application-fee waiver for qualifying two-year master’s programmes.

However, the fee waiver is conditional on meeting the scholarship eligibility criteria and following the prescribed application process.

You must submit the scholarship eligibility-verification request and create your Sciences Po master’s application as instructed.

If you are found eligible, the Admissions Office will email you with instructions for completing and submitting your master’s application without paying the application fee.

The deadline given in that email may be short, so prepare your documents and complete as much of the application as possible beforehand.

If you do not qualify for the scholarship-related fee waiver, you may still apply for admission to Sciences Po by paying the applicable application fee. However, that application will not be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through this route.

Do not pay an agent who promises to secure the scholarship for you. The official application process is managed by Sciences Po and the scholarship programme.

Read the official scholarship FAQ about application-fee waivers.

MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO: APPLICATION DEADLINES

The official Sciences Po scholarship page gives two deadlines for the current application cycle.

Deadline	Expected master’s admission decision
23 November 2026	By 11 February 2027
14 December 2026	By 1 April 2027

Scholarship selection results are expected to be communicated in April 2027, regardless of which of the two deadlines you choose.

The dates determine when you can expect your master’s admission decision. They do not represent two separate scholarship awards.

The first deadline is 23 November 2026, and the second is 14 December 2026. Applicants should choose the relevant deadline and ensure that all required steps are completed on time.

The exact opening date for the current application cycle was not confirmed in the official information reviewed for this article. Therefore, applicants should not rely on an unverified opening date circulating on social media.

Check the deadlines directly: Official Sciences Po scholarship deadlines and application instructions.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Follow these steps carefully. Use the official links provided rather than relying on shortened links or third-party application websites.

STEP 1: READ THE OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

Start by opening the official scholarship page.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

Read the eligibility requirements, academic conditions, application process and deadlines before beginning.

STEP 2: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Confirm that you meet the nationality and age requirements.

Check whether your bachelor’s degree institution is on the reference list or whether you qualify through an approved alternative pathway.

Make sure you have not already completed or started a master’s degree and that you have not previously applied to this particular scholarship programme.

If you are unsure whether your background qualifies, consult the official FAQ before proceeding.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE OFFICIAL ELIGIBILITY FAQ

STEP 3: CHECK THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Before submitting an application, check the minimum academic results required for your country and university.

This is a mandatory screening condition. Applicants who do not meet the relevant academic threshold are not eligible for the scholarship route.

Open the official scholarship page and locate the reference table for your academic background.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

STEP 4: CHOOSE AN ELIGIBLE TWO-YEAR MASTER’S PROGRAMME

Explore Sciences Po’s master’s programmes and identify a course that matches your academic background and career ambitions.

Confirm that the programme is a qualifying two-year master’s degree. One-year and dual-degree programmes are not eligible through this scholarship route.

Check the programme’s academic, language and supporting-document requirements.

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE SCIENCES PO MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

STEP 5: PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTS

Gather your identity document, bachelor’s degree evidence and any additional documents required for your eligibility pathway.

Request your academic transcripts and recommendation letters early.

Prepare all supporting documents required by the master’s programme. Check the format and submission instructions carefully.

Do not wait until the last day to begin requesting documents.

STEP 6: SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY-VERIFICATION REQUEST

Once you have confirmed your eligibility and academic requirements, open the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION

Follow the instructions on the platform and submit the requested information and supporting documents.

Use the platform linked from the official Sciences Po scholarship page if the application address changes.

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STEP 7: CREATE YOUR SCIENCES PO MASTER’S APPLICATION AT THE SAME TIME

This step is essential.

You must also create an application for your chosen master’s programme through the Sciences Po admissions platform while submitting your scholarship eligibility-verification request.

CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR SCIENCES PO ADMISSIONS APPLICATION

Select the appropriate international graduate admissions procedure and follow the instructions.

Do not complete only the scholarship eligibility request. Sciences Po explicitly warns that applicants who fail to create their master’s application at this stage may not be able to obtain the application-fee waiver later.

STEP 8: COMPLETE YOUR WRITTEN RESPONSES AUTHENTICALLY

Explain how your academic background, chosen master’s programme and career ambitions connect.

Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences, the challenges you have faced and the contribution you hope to make to Africa’s development.

Use specific examples from your own experiences. Sciences Po advises applicants to write authentically and warns that relying on AI to generate standardised responses may result in a lower evaluation.

STEP 9: COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR MASTER’S APPLICATION

If you meet the scholarship eligibility criteria, the Admissions Office will email you instructions for completing and submitting your master’s application without paying the application fee.

Follow the instructions and deadline stated in that email carefully.

The available time may be short, so prepare your application and supporting documents well in advance.

Your application must be complete. Missing transcripts, required language results, recommendation letters or other mandatory documents may make it ineligible for assessment.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE OFFICIAL GRADUATE ADMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 10: SUBMIT BEFORE THE RELEVANT DEADLINE

Choose the applicable scholarship deadline:

• 23 November 2026: Master’s admission decision expected by 11 February 2027.
• 14 December 2026: Master’s admission decision expected by 1 April 2027.

Do not wait until the final day. Make sure all required documents and application steps are complete.

STEP 11: PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE SHORTLISTING AND AN INTERVIEW

If you are admitted to an eligible master’s programme and declared eligible for the scholarship, your application may proceed to scholarship selection.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview through Zoom.

Prepare to discuss your academic choices, leadership experiences, commitment to Africa’s development and future plans.

Being invited to an interview does not guarantee a scholarship award.

STEP 12: WAIT FOR THE OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP DECISION

Scholarship selection results are expected in April 2027.

Wait for an official decision from the scholarship team before assuming that your studies are funded.

Successful applicants will receive an official offer outlining the rights and responsibilities of scholars. Read the offer carefully before accepting.

The scholarship offer applies to the academic year for which it is issued. According to the official guidance, deferring admission by one year means losing eligibility for that scholarship offer.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP LOOK FOR IN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Sciences Po considers more than academic qualifications alone.

The programme’s selection criteria include:

Overcoming barriers to education: Applicants should be able to explain the economic, social, geographical or other circumstances that have affected their access to education.

Commitment to Africa’s development: Candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in contributing to the continent’s development and addressing important political, economic, environmental or societal challenges.

Transformative leadership: The programme seeks candidates with the potential and determination to create positive, sustainable and measurable change in their communities, countries or across Africa.

A strong application should explain how the chosen master’s programme relates to the applicant’s personal background, academic experience and realistic career goals.

Avoid unsupported claims about your achievements. Specific examples, honest reflection and a clear sense of purpose are more useful than generic statements about wanting to change the world.

COMMON MISTAKES APPLICANTS SHOULD AVOID

Before submitting your application, watch out for these mistakes:

• Applying for an ineligible programme: One-year master’s and dual-degree programmes are not eligible through this scholarship route.
• Ignoring the age requirement: Applicants must meet the stated age condition on the specified date.
• Assuming citizenship alone is enough: Academic background, previous study and other eligibility conditions also matter.
• Skipping the university application: The scholarship eligibility request does not replace the Sciences Po master’s application.
• Missing the fee-waiver instructions: Eligible applicants must follow the Admissions Office’s instructions and deadline.
• Waiting until the last minute: Transcripts, recommendation letters and language-test results can take time to obtain.
• Assuming admission guarantees funding: Scholarship selection is separate and competitive.
• Submitting generic written responses: The programme expects authentic personal reflection and warns against reliance on AI-generated scholarship assignments.
• Trusting guaranteed-scholarship claims: No third-party agent can legitimately guarantee selection by the scholarship committee.

HOW TO CONTACT THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP TEAM

If you have a question that is not answered by the official guidance, contact the scholarship team directly.

Official email: info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr

Before sending an enquiry, read the official scholarship FAQ.

When writing, explain your situation clearly and include only the information needed to resolve your question.

Be cautious about sharing personal documents or making payments to unofficial contacts.

FINAL VERDICT: IS THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AT SCIENCES PO WORTH APPLYING FOR?

For eligible African graduates who want to pursue a two-year master’s degree in France, this programme is a significant opportunity.

Its comprehensive financial support and additional assistance can help selected scholars focus on their studies and prepare for future leadership roles.

However, the scholarship is competitive. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, satisfy Sciences Po’s academic standards, complete both required application steps and receive an official scholarship offer.

The first application deadline is 23 November 2026, and the second is 14 December 2026. Scholarship selection results are expected in April 2027.

If you believe you qualify, begin by checking the official requirements and then follow the application steps in this guide.

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINKS — SAVE THIS SECTION

1. Read the scholarship guidelines:
Open the official Mastercard Foundation Scholarship page

2. Check common eligibility questions:
Open the official scholarship FAQ

3. Start the scholarship eligibility application:
Open the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform

4. Create your Sciences Po master’s application:
Open the Sciences Po admissions platform

5. Check the graduate admissions procedure:
Open the official Sciences Po graduate admissions website

Remember: You must submit the scholarship eligibility-verification request and create your master’s admissions application as instructed. Do not assume that completing only one step is sufficient.

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