Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers fully funded two-year master’s study in France for talented students from African countries. The programme covers tuition and living expenses while providing strong academic and career support in Paris.

Overview of Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Sciences Po partners with the Mastercard Foundation to support African leaders. Scholars pursue full-time in-person two-year master’s degrees in Paris. One-year programmes and dual degrees do not qualify for this specific award.

In addition, the selection process considers academic merit, leadership potential and commitment to impact in Africa. Results come in April 2027 regardless of application date. This gives all candidates the same timeline for final outcomes.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees covered for the two-year master’s
• Living expenses in France throughout the programme
• Reserved housing support in Paris
• Pre-departure guidance, orientation and mentoring
• Career support, internships and alumni network access

The package aims to remove financial barriers so scholars can focus on studies and leadership development. Comprehensive support continues after arrival.

Eligibility

• Citizenship of an African country (dual citizenship with non-African countries is not allowed)
• Under 35 years of age on 1 September of the application year
• Completing or holding a bachelor’s degree through an approved university, bridge programme or UNHCR refugee status
• No existing or ongoing master’s degree
• First-time applicant to the programme

Applicants must also meet Sciences Po academic requirements for their chosen master’s. Review the official approved institution list carefully before applying.

If you are not sure which scholarships you qualify for, the Eligibility checker compares your nationality, study level, grades and English score with each scholarship's published rules.

Deadline and How to Apply

Two deadlines exist for the programme:

• 23 November 2026 for an earlier master’s admission decision by 11 February 2027
• 14 December 2026 for a decision by 1 April 2027

Apply simultaneously on the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars platform and the Sciences Po master’s admissions portal. Request a fee waiver if you meet the criteria. Prepare transcripts, motivation materials and eligibility proof in advance.

Official page: Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Therefore review the approved institution list carefully and prepare strong supporting documents. Check other France scholarships listed on this site for more choices.

Before you commit, the Cost calculator adds up tuition, living costs, insurance and flights for your whole study period, and shows how much a scholarship would still leave you to fund.