The Fully Funded Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship in France works to provide access to inclusive and quality education to young people in Sub-Saharan Africa and to enable as many of them as possible to secure dignified and fulfilling employment.

As part of an ambitious new strategy (Young Africa Works), the Foundation aims to enable 30 million young people in Africa to enter employment and entrepreneurship by 2030. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, of which Sciences Po is a partner, is to play a central role in this strategy through university partnerships that give young people in Africa access to a top education.

These are designed for students who demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership potential but who face difficulties or do not have the funds to access higher education. They are particularly aimed at students who aspire to make a real and lasting impact in tackling some of the continent's foremost issues, particularly in public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.

The Fully Funded Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship in France covers the full tuition and living expenses in France throughout the study at Sciences Po.

SPECIALISED SUPPORT

In addition to funding scholars’ studies, Sciences Po provides a range of specialized resources to support them during the process and to facilitate their transition into the working world. In particular, scholarship students have access to:

1. Support in the run-up to their departure, specialist support on arrival, and an official welcome program.

2. Housing in Paris is reserved for scholarship holders.

3. Personalised support throughout their studies, ensuring that every student has the best possible experience at Sciences Po.

4. Careers support guidance to help students identify their professional aspirations; a career fair focusing on employment and internship opportunities in Africa; access to the university’s business incubator (FR) and its network of employers and alumni working in Africa; careers support workshops; participation in conferences, etc.

5. A mentoring program co-run with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni.

6. Access the wide range of general resources that Sciences Po provides to guide students through every step of their studies.

The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship in France are stated below:

1. Be a citizen of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

2. Show a willingness to commit to bringing about change in Africa and genuinely impact the region in public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.

3. Need higher education funding (please note that proof of your financial circumstances will be required as part of your application).

4. Provide a recommendation from your university.

5. Have obtained a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) by the following academic year. 

6. Be applying for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. Applicants to one-year Master’s programs, dual degree programs, or joint Master’s programs are not eligible for the scholarship.

7. Have attained a minimum C1 level in French or English, depending on the program you are applying for (see the language requirements for each program). Please note that programs are either taught in French, English, or both languages.

8. Not have obtained or worked towards a prior Master’s degree.

9. Be under 35 at the start of the graduate academic year.