Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Graduate Level 2026 (Sciences Po) [Study In France]

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers a life-changing opportunity for exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a fully funded two-year Master’s degree and develop leadership skills to drive positive change in Africa – here’s everything you need to know to apply for the 2026 scholarship.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is a prestigious initiative designed to empower and support exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa. This fully funded scholarship provides talented young individuals with the opportunity to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at one of Sciences Po’s seven renowned Graduate Schools. It is aimed at students who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also a deep commitment to driving positive change in Africa, particularly in areas like public policy, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

The program offers comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, living expenses, and mentoring throughout the duration of the Master’s program. Scholars will also gain access to a vibrant network of professionals and mentors, helping them develop the leadership skills needed to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026—eligibility criteria, the admissions timeline, benefits of the scholarship, and tips on how to prepare your application. If you’re a passionate student looking to shape Africa’s future, this could be the opportunity that changes your life!

SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:

Fact About The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

1. Life-Changing Investment: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has committed over $700 million to educate and empower next-generation leaders from Africa!
2. Global Reach: Since its inception, the program has supported over 37,000 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to access education and transformative opportunities.
3. Pan-African Impact: Scholars from 49 African countries have benefited from the program, fostering a network of change-makers across the continent.
4. Academic Excellence: The program partners with top-tier universities worldwide, including Sciences Po, University of California, Berkeley, and Cambridge University.
5. Full-Ride Scholarship: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers 100% of tuition fees, living expenses, and mentoring support for the entire two-year Master’s program.
6. Leadership Development: Scholars receive training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to equip them with skills to drive positive change.
7. Diverse Fields: Scholars can pursue Master’s degrees in various fields, including public policy, social justice, environmental sustainability, and more.
8. Alumni Network: The program boasts an impressive alumni network of over 15,000 scholars, providing lifelong connections and opportunities.
9. Selection Rate: Only 2-3% of applicants are selected for the program, making it one of the most competitive scholarships globally.
10. Transformative Impact: Mastercard Foundation Scholars have gone on to become influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, driving meaningful change in Africa and beyond.

Rewards For Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Graduate Level 2026 (Sciences Po)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers full tuition fees and living expenses for the entire two-year Master’s program. Scholars also receive mentoring and professional development support, aimed at helping them build a successful career in service to their home country and Africa as a whole.

Eligibility Criteria For Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Graduate Level 2026 (Sciences Po)

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, candidates must meet all of the following conditions:

• Hold citizenship in a Sub-Saharan African country. Candidates with dual citizenship from the European Economic Area are not eligible.
• Have completed or be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree from one of Sciences Po’s recognized institutions or a foundation program partnered with the Mastercard Foundation.
• Be under 35 years of age at the time of starting the Master’s program.
• Have not previously completed a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrate a genuine need for financial support, with relevant documentation required.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to making impactful changes in Africa, particularly in public policy, political, environmental, or societal issues.
• Apply for a two-year Master’s degree at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. Please note: One-year, dual, or joint Master’s programs are not eligible.

How To Apply For Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Graduate Level 2026 (Sciences Po)

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, candidates must first secure admission to a Master’s program at Sciences Po. The application for the program and the scholarship is unified under a single procedure, which opens in September 2024. You will need to apply via the international graduate admissions platform, which will be free of charge for eligible applicants.

Your overall application will undergo evaluation through Sciences Po’s international admissions process. Once accepted, your application will be reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee, which will assess candidates based on their academic background, critical thinking skills, and demonstrated commitment to Africa’s development. In some cases, applicants may be invited for a remote interview.

Source: https://www.sciencespo.fr/