The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 in France offers talented young Africans an opportunity to pursue a fully funded two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po, one of Europe’s leading institutions for social sciences and international affairs. The programme supports academically outstanding students who demonstrate leadership potential, financial need, and a strong commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.

Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Sciences Po provides comprehensive financial assistance covering tuition fees and living expenses throughout the Master’s programme. Selected scholars also receive reserved accommodation in Paris, personalized academic guidance, career development support, and mentorship opportunities.

The scholarship is designed to develop a new generation of African leaders and changemakers who can address important political, economic, environmental, and social challenges across the continent.

For the 2027 intake, eligible applicants can apply through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program platform and the Sciences Po international graduate admissions system. The final application deadline is December 14, 2026, for applicants seeking a Master’s admission decision by April 1, 2027.

Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Overview

• Scholarship Name: Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027
• Host Institution: Sciences Po
• Scholarship Provider: Mastercard Foundation
• Host Country: France
• Study Destination: Europe
• Study Level: Postgraduate / Master’s Degree
• Programme Duration: Two years
• Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African countries who meet the programme’s specific eligibility requirements
• Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition fees and living expenses
• Accommodation: Reserved student housing in Paris
• Additional Benefits: Mentorship, academic guidance, career support, and leadership development
• Language Requirement: Depends on the chosen Master’s programme
• Application Deadline 1: November 23, 2026
• Application Deadline 2: December 14, 2026
• Final Scholarship Selection Results: April 2027

About the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po was established to expand access to quality higher education for talented young Africans who face significant financial, social, geographical, or other barriers to education.

Since joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in 2017, Sciences Po has worked to prepare a new generation of African professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public leaders.

The partnership focuses on academic excellence, inclusion, leadership, and sustainable development. Scholars receive access to advanced education in the humanities and social sciences while developing the professional skills needed to contribute to their communities and countries.

For the 2024–2033 strategic phase, the programme aims to support 1,450 students and young professionals through its different educational opportunities.

The Master’s scholarship is intended for students who want to build careers in areas such as public policy, international relations, economics, environmental studies, governance, development, and other social science disciplines.

Available Master’s Programmes at Sciences Po

Eligible candidates can apply to a two-year Master’s programme offered by Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools.

The university offers academic opportunities across several areas, including:

• School of Public Affairs: Public policy, public administration, and international development.
• Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA): International relations, diplomacy, international security, and global development.
• School of Management and Impact: Management, finance, innovation, and organizational development.
• Urban School: Urban planning, territorial development, and environmental transitions.
• School of Research: Social science research and academic specialization.
• Law School: Legal studies and international law.
• School of Journalism: Journalism and media studies.

Important: Not every Master’s programme is eligible for the scholarship. One-year Master’s programmes, dual-degree programmes, and joint Master’s programmes are excluded. Applicants must consult the official list of eligible programmes before applying.

Eligibility Criteria for Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po:

• African Citizenship: Applicants must hold citizenship of an African country. Candidates with dual citizenship that includes a country outside the African continent are not eligible.
• Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree from a university included in Sciences Po’s approved list of reference institutions.
• Alternative Eligibility Pathway: Candidates whose universities are not on the reference list may qualify through an approved bridge or mentoring programme offered by a recognized partner organization.
• Refugee Eligibility: Applicants who hold or previously held recognized UNHCR refugee status may qualify through the programme’s alternative eligibility pathway, subject to its conditions.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 35 years old on September 1 of the year in which they submit their scholarship application.
• Previous Master’s Degree: Candidates must not already hold a Master’s degree or currently be pursuing one.
• First-Time Application: Applicants must be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po for the first time.
• Financial Need: Candidates must demonstrate significant financial barriers to accessing higher education.
• Leadership Potential: Applicants should demonstrate leadership qualities, initiative, perseverance, and a commitment to creating positive change in Africa.
• Eligible Master’s Programme: Candidates must apply for an eligible two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po.

Additional restrictions: Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po or those currently enrolled in, or graduated from, a French higher education institution are not eligible under the programme’s stated conditions.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection. Applicants must also satisfy Sciences Po’s academic admission requirements.

Benefits of the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial assistance and personalized support to selected students throughout their two-year Master’s studies in France.

1. Financial Benefits

• Full Tuition Coverage: Scholarship recipients receive funding to cover their tuition fees.
• Living Expenses: The scholarship covers the cost of living in France throughout the eligible study period.
• Accommodation: Reserved student housing in Paris is available for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• Financial Security: The comprehensive grant is designed to allow selected students to focus on their academic and professional development.

The official scholarship information describes comprehensive funding for tuition and living expenses. Applicants should consult their individual award offer for the precise financial arrangements and any applicable conditions.

2. Pre-Departure and Arrival Support

• Guidance and assistance before travelling to France.
• Personalized support during arrival and relocation.
• An official welcome programme to help scholars settle into university life.
• Assistance with adapting to the academic and social environment.

3. Academic and Personal Support

• Personalized guidance throughout the Master’s programme.
• Access to university resources and academic support services.
• Opportunities to participate in leadership and community-building activities.
• Support in developing academic, professional, and personal skills.

4. Career Development Opportunities

• Professional guidance to identify career goals and opportunities.
• Career fairs focusing on employment and internship opportunities in Africa.
• Access to Sciences Po’s entrepreneurship programme and business incubator.
• Opportunities to connect with employers and alumni working across Africa.
• Career development workshops, conferences, and professional networking activities.

5. Mentorship Programme

Selected scholars can participate in a mentorship programme organized in collaboration with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni. This initiative connects students with experienced professionals and alumni who can provide career guidance and professional advice.

Required Documents for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before beginning the application process.

For the initial scholarship eligibility verification, the official requirements include:

• Proof of Identity: A valid passport, national identity card, UNHCR card, or travel document.
• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Evidence of a completed Bachelor’s degree or proof of current undergraduate studies at a university included in the approved reference list.
• Academic Transcripts: University transcripts showing academic progress and qualifications.
• Bridge Programme Certificate: If applying through an approved bridge or mentoring programme, provide proof of successful participation.
• Refugee Status Documentation: Applicants using the refugee eligibility pathway must provide supporting documentation confirming their recognized refugee status.

Additional documents may be required for the Sciences Po Master’s admission application, including:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Motivation letter or personal statement.
• Academic recommendation letters.
• Language proficiency results, where required by the chosen programme.
• Other programme-specific supporting documents.

Applicants should carefully review both application platforms because the scholarship eligibility verification and Master’s admission processes have separate document requirements.

How to Apply for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The application process involves two connected applications: one for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and another for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at Sciences Po.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage and confirm that you meet the citizenship, academic, age, and other eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Check the Approved University List

Review Sciences Po’s list of reference universities. If your university is not included, check whether you qualify through an approved bridge or mentoring programme or the recognized refugee-status pathway.

Step 3: Submit the Scholarship Eligibility Application

Access the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform. Complete the eligibility verification process and request an application fee waiver if you meet the requirements.

Step 4: Apply for a Master’s Programme at Sciences Po

Create an application through the Sciences Po international graduate admissions platform. Select an eligible two-year Master’s programme and complete the required application sections.

Step 5: Upload Your Supporting Documents

Submit your academic records, proof of identity, recommendation letters, CV, motivation statement, and other required documents.

Step 6: Complete Both Application Procedures

Make sure you follow the instructions for both the scholarship eligibility application and the Master’s admission application. Completing only one process is not sufficient for scholarship consideration.

Step 7: Wait for the Admission Decision

Sciences Po will assess your Master’s application. Applicants who are admitted and declared eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program may proceed to the scholarship selection stage.

Step 8: Attend an Interview if Shortlisted

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an online interview conducted through Zoom. The interview is an opportunity to explain their academic background, leadership experience, and future plans for contributing to Africa’s development.

Step 9: Receive the Final Scholarship Decision

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program selection team will communicate the final scholarship decisions in April 2027.

Important: Being eligible for the scholarship or receiving admission to Sciences Po does not automatically guarantee a scholarship award.

Application Deadlines for Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027

Sciences Po provides two application deadlines depending on when applicants wish to receive their Master’s admission decisions.

Application Deadline	Expected Master’s Admission Decision
November 23, 2026	February 11, 2027
December 14, 2026	April 1, 2027

Final Scholarship Selection Results: April 2027.

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Sciences Po recommends preparing the Master’s application and supporting documents before receiving the scholarship eligibility confirmation because the time available to complete the admission application may be limited.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?

The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded graduate scholarship for eligible African students who want to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at Sciences Po in France. It supports academically talented candidates who demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to Africa’s development.

2. Is the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The programme provides comprehensive financial assistance covering tuition fees and living expenses throughout the eligible period of study. Selected scholars also receive access to reserved accommodation in Paris and additional academic, personal, and career support.

3. Who can apply for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

Applicants must hold citizenship of an African country and meet the programme’s academic eligibility pathways. They must also demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.

4. Can students from Sub-Saharan Africa apply?

Yes. The programme is designed to support talented young people from the African continent, including eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan African countries. Applicants must satisfy the specific citizenship and academic eligibility requirements.

5. Can applicants from North African countries apply?

The official eligibility requirement refers to citizenship of an African country rather than limiting eligibility exclusively to Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants should review the current conditions and confirm their eligibility through the official scholarship platform.

6. What is the age limit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Sciences Po?

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

7. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

No. Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree or are currently pursuing one are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po.

8. Are one-year Master’s programmes eligible?

No. The scholarship is available for eligible two-year Master’s programmes. One-year Master’s programmes, dual-degree programmes, and joint Master’s programmes are excluded.

9. Do I need IELTS to apply for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program itself does not impose a separate universal French-language requirement. However, applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen Master’s programme. Depending on the programme, this may involve demonstrating English or French proficiency through accepted qualifications.

10. Does the scholarship provide accommodation in France?

Yes. Sciences Po provides reserved housing in Paris for Mastercard Foundation Scholars as part of its dedicated student support arrangements.

11. Does the scholarship cover airfare?

Applicants should not assume that a separate round-trip airfare allowance is automatically included in the two-year Master’s scholarship. The official graduate scholarship information confirms tuition and living expenses, reserved housing, and pre-departure and arrival assistance. Check the individual award conditions for any travel-related support.

12. What is the application deadline for the 2027 scholarship?

There are two deadlines:

• November 23, 2026, for applicants seeking a Master’s admission decision by February 11, 2027.
• December 14, 2026, for applicants seeking a Master’s admission decision by April 1, 2027.

The final scholarship selection results are expected in April 2027.

13. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship and Master’s programme?

Yes. Applicants must complete the scholarship eligibility verification through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation platform and also create an application for an eligible Master’s programme through the Sciences Po admissions platform.

14. Does receiving a scholarship eligibility confirmation guarantee admission?

No. Scholarship eligibility verification and admission to Sciences Po are separate stages. Candidates must satisfy the university’s academic admission requirements before their scholarship application can proceed to the final selection stage.

15. When will the final scholarship results be announced?

Sciences Po expects to communicate the final Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program selection results in April 2027.

16. Can I apply if I am already studying at Sciences Po?

No. Students currently enrolled at Sciences Po are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Final Words

The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027 in France provide talented African students with an opportunity to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at a leading European university. Through comprehensive financial assistance, reserved accommodation, mentorship, leadership development, and career support, the programme aims to prepare future leaders who can contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.

Eligible applicants should carefully review the approved university pathways, prepare their academic documents, and complete both the scholarship and Master’s admission applications before the relevant deadline. The final application deadline is December 14, 2026, for applicants seeking a Master’s admission decision by April 1, 2027.