Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po 2020/21

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po aims to support 126 talented African students through their studies and to offer the next generation of leaders a world-class social science education, so they can go on to become changemakers in their home countries. The scholarships are awarded for a period of three years for the Bachelor’s degree, two years for the Master’s degree and one month for the Summer School.

Over six years (2017 – 2022), the Scholars Program will fund:

• 20 scholarships to complete the Sciences Po Bachelor of Arts programme, Africa specialisation
• 46 scholarships to complete a Master’s programme at one of their seven graduate schools
• 60 scholarships reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars studying at other partner universities and who would like to attend Sciences Po Summer School.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po Eligibility.

• Undergraduate Candidates:
  • You must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
  • You must be in your final year of high school and not yet have started a post-secondary education
  • You must have a very good level of French and English – minimum level B2
  • You must study in one of the institutions partnered with Sciences Po for the programme and provide a letter of recommendation from this institution
  • You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community
  • You must be able to show that you lack financial means to pursue higher education
• Graduate Candidates:
  • You must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
  • You must have completed your undergraduate studies at a foreign higher education institution and have at least a Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum C1 level in English or French depending on the program you are applying to
  • You must study in one of the institutions partnered with Sciences Po for the program and provide a letter of recommendation from this institution (see list of registered partners below)
  • You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community
  • You must be able to show that you lack financial means to pursue higher education
• Summer School Candidates:
  • You must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
  • You must currently be a Mastercard Foundation scholar at a Mastercard Foundation partner institution
  • You must be supported by an institution partnered with Sciences Po under the program
  • You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po Benefits.

The scholarships are awarded to students from sub-Saharan African countries with an outstanding academic record and strong leadership potential, but who face financial and other barriers to higher education.  

The scholarships are awarded for a period of three years for the Bachelor’s degree, two years for the Master’s degree and one month for the Summer School. They cover the full cost of tuition fees at Sciences Po and living costs in France during the study period.

As well as funding their studies, Sciences Po will offer scholars a specific suite of resources to ensure they have appropriate academic support and to facilitate their transition from education to employment:

• An orientation programme and individualised academic advising throughout their studies at Sciences Po
• A mentor programme offered in collaboration with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni
• Career guidance and support: an online job platform dedicated to professional opportunities in Africa (internships and first jobs), access to our business incubator and the network of employers and alumni working in Africa, and specific career workshops.

How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po.

Candidates must apply online on the dedicated website. There are two steps to the application:

• First, candidates provide personal information and a letter of recommendation from the Sciences Po partner institution which is supporting their application through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
• After this first step to assess eligibility, applicants receive an email inviting them to complete the rest of the application: information on their financial situation, their educational background and extra-curricular experiences, and their plans for the future.