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Hey, aspiring change-makers from Africa! 🌍 Ready to study at one of Europe’s top universities and bring lasting impact back home? The Sciences Po Mastercard Scholarships 2026 could be your golden ticket.
If you’re a talented young professional under 35 from Sub-Saharan Africa with a passion for public policy, social change, or sustainable development, this program is for you.
This fully funded, two-year Master’s scholarship gives you access to one of the best social sciences institutions in the world — Sciences Po Paris — while equipping you with leadership and policy skills to help shape Africa’s future.
📅 Deadline: January 4, 2026
📍 Location: Paris, France
🎯 Eligibility: Citizens or residents of Sub-Saharan Africa
Let’s dive into what makes this scholarship such a transformative opportunity for Africa’s next generation of leaders.
🌟 What Is the Sciences Po Mastercard Scholarships Program?
The Sciences Po Mastercard Scholarships were launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation in 2017. The goal is simple but powerful — to bring bright African minds to France for world-class Master’s studies in social sciences, international affairs, and public policy.
Each year, a select group of exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa is chosen to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at one of Sciences Po’s seven graduate schools.
This isn’t a short fellowship — it’s a comprehensive academic journey that blends rigorous coursework with hands-on leadership training. You’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to drive impactful change once you return to your home country.
🎯 The Program’s Core Purpose
The Mastercard Foundation aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified work or entrepreneurship opportunities by 2030. This scholarship fuels that vision by empowering scholars to:
- Design and influence public policies
- Champion social justice and sustainable development
- Drive innovation and reform in governance, economy, and education
If you’re searching for a “fully funded Master’s scholarship in France for Africans 2026,” this program tops the list.
🌍 Why It Matters: Goals and Real Impact
The Sciences Po Mastercard Program focuses on education for transformation. It aims to prepare African students to tackle key challenges facing their countries — from economic inequality to climate adaptation.
You’re not just studying abroad — you’re being trained to return home equipped to lead.
🌱 Measurable Impact So Far
Since its launch, 138 fellows have graduated, many now leading government agencies, NGOs, and startups across Africa.
Examples include:
- A Ghanaian alum advising on education policy reforms
- A Kenyan fellow pioneering green energy projects
- A South African graduate heading environmental strategy in her government
For those Googling “Sciences Po Mastercard Scholarships success stories,” these examples show how this program turns academic excellence into practical leadership.
🧾 Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
Applying is competitive but clear-cut. You’ll need to meet these basic requirements:
🧍♂️ Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a citizen or resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Age: Must be under 35 years old when the program begins.
- Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by the time of enrollment.
- Language: Strong proficiency (C1 level) in English or French depending on your chosen program.
- Financial Need: You must demonstrate inability to afford graduate school without financial aid.
- Leadership: Show leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s growth and development.
- No prior Master’s: You cannot already hold a Master’s degree.
🌍 Encouraged applicants:
Women, rural students, and candidates from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.
💸 What You Get: Fully Funded Benefits
This scholarship covers everything — so you can focus entirely on learning, networking, and personal growth.
Here’s what’s included:
🎓 Academic Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for two years
- Access to all Sciences Po resources, libraries, and academic workshops
- Tailored academic support and tutoring
🏠 Living Support
- Monthly living stipend to cover meals, transport, and essentials
- Accommodation in Paris provided or subsidized
- Visa and travel assistance, including round-trip airfare to France
💼 Career Development
- One-on-one career coaching
- Access to Sciences Po’s career services and Africa-focused job fairs
- Workshops on leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship
- Entry into the global Mastercard Scholars Alumni Network
🌐 Mentorship & Networking
- Mentoring from professors, policymakers, and industry leaders
- Opportunities to collaborate with other African changemakers
- Invitations to high-level events, forums, and conferences
In short, it’s not just a scholarship — it’s a launchpad for your professional and personal mission.
📝 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applications close January 4, 2026, so here’s how to prepare and submit a strong one.
🪜 Step 1: Check Eligibility
Go to the official Sciences Po Mastercard page and confirm your eligibility.
If you meet the criteria, the team will review your information and send you a fee waiver for the Sciences Po application portal.
🪜 Step 2: Apply to Sciences Po
Start your international graduate admissions application at Sciences Po. Choose your preferred two-year Master’s program (no one-year or joint degrees).
Wait for the fee waiver email before submitting your final application.
🪜 Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Make sure you have:
- One academic or professional recommendation letter (using their official form)
- Financial proof (bank statement or sponsor declaration)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Personal statement outlining your experiences in Africa and your vision for change
🪜 Step 4: Submit Both Applications
- Complete both your Sciences Po admission and Mastercard scholarship applications by January 4, 2026.
- Admissions decisions: Mid-February 2026
- Scholarship results: Mid-March 2026
💡 Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition is tough — but a strong, authentic story can make you stand out.
Here are expert tips to boost your chances:
- Show Your Impact:
Highlight real-life examples of how you’ve made a difference — maybe you led a youth campaign, improved a local policy, or helped a community project. - Be Genuine About Financial Need:
The foundation values honesty. Explain your financial challenges clearly but respectfully. - Get a Strong Recommendation:
Ask a mentor or supervisor who truly knows your leadership and community work. - Polish Your Personal Statement:
Make it specific. Link your past experiences to Africa’s future needs and how this Master’s will help bridge the gap. - Prepare for Language Requirements:
If your program is in English or French, aim for a C1 level proficiency. Start prepping for tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or DALF early. - Review Everything Carefully:
Proofread multiple times and have a trusted person review your application for clarity and grammar.
🗓️ Timeline for 2026
Keep these dates in mind to stay on track:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Ongoing |
| Application Deadline | January 4, 2026 |
| Admission Results | Mid-February 2026 |
| Scholarship Results | Mid-March 2026 |
| Program Starts | September 2026 |
No extensions are granted — so submit early to avoid last-minute stress.
🧑🎓 Why Choose This Program?
This isn’t just a degree — it’s a career and leadership accelerator.
Sciences Po’s approach combines world-class academics with real-world policy exposure. You’ll graduate not only as a scholar but as an agent of change who can reshape Africa’s institutions.
🌟 Alumni Success Stories
- A Senegalese alum launched a youth entrepreneurship hub that trained hundreds.
- A Nigerian graduate joined an international development agency driving clean energy policy.
- A Rwandan scholar started a nonprofit for girls’ education.
Every alum proves that this scholarship doesn’t end in Paris — it begins there.
🚀 Step Up and Apply: Your Future Starts Now
The Sciences Po Mastercard Scholarships 2026 is more than an academic opportunity — it’s an invitation to lead Africa’s transformation.
With full financial support, elite education, and a global network of changemakers, you’ll gain the skills and vision to make a difference where it matters most.
So, if you’re a passionate young African ready to shape policy, empower communities, or innovate for change — this is your moment.
🕓 Apply before January 4, 2026.
Your continent is calling — and the future is waiting for your leadership. 🌍
🔗 Official Application Links
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