[Fully-funded] Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - Sciences Po 2024-2025

George Christian Boadi October 20, 2023 0

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarships aim to support students who exhibit academic excellence and strong leadership potential but encounter financial difficulties hindering their access to higher education. 

These scholarships are particularly targeted at students aspiring to bring about significant and lasting change, especially in addressing prominent issues in Africa, encompassing public policy and major political, environmental, and societal transitions.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program pursues three primary strategic objectives: providing specialized assistance for students, nurturing their soft skills beyond the academic realm, and establishing a robust alumni network.

Since 2017, Sciences Po has been collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, joining forces with four European universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. 

This partnership has enabled 138 students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue social science degree programs at Sciences Po, with the objective of training a new generation of change-makers in their home countries.

About Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation envisions a world where everyone, regardless of their initial circumstances, has an equal opportunity to learn and thrive. The foundation believes that access to education, financial services, and skills training can make this vision a reality.

Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - Sciences Po 2024-2025

- Full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses in France for the entire duration of the studies at Sciences Po.

In addition to funding, scholarship students receive a range of specialized resources to support them during their studies and facilitate their transition into the professional world. Some of the advantages include:

- Pre-departure support, on-arrival specialist assistance, and an official welcome program.

- Reserved housing in Paris for scholarship recipients.

- Personalized support throughout their academic journey, ensuring an exceptional experience at Sciences Po.

- Career guidance to help students define their professional goals, a career fair focused on job and internship opportunities in Africa, access to the university’s business incubator, and a network of employers and alumni working in Africa, as well as career support workshops, conference participation, and more.

- A mentoring program in collaboration with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni.

- Access to Sciences Po’s extensive general resources to guide students through every step of their academic pursuits.

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - Sciences Po 2024-2025

To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Citizenship in a Sub-Saharan African country.

- Demonstrated commitment to driving change in Africa and making a tangible impact in fields related to public policy and significant political, environmental, and societal transformations.

- A clear financial need for higher education funding, substantiated with financial documentation as part of the application.

- A recommendation from your university.

- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) achieved by the upcoming academic year.

- Application for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. The scholarship does not apply to applicants for one-year Master’s programs, dual degree programs, or joint Master’s programs.

- Attainment of a minimum of C1 level proficiency in French or English, depending on the chosen program's language of instruction. Programs are offered in French, English, or both languages. Read Language Requirements here

- No prior Master’s degree and not currently pursuing one.

- Age below 35 at the commencement of the graduate academic year.

Documents Required for Application

- Personal information

- A letter of recommendation from your university's academic advisor, endorsing your application. The advisor should complete and sign the provided form.

- Detailed information and supporting evidence regarding your financial circumstances.

- Information on your academic record and extracurricular achievements.

- A statement outlining your varied experiences and perspectives concerning issues specifically affecting Africa. Explain how you intend to effect change on the continent. The quality of this statement significantly influences the scholarship allocation.

All these steps must be completed by November 26, 2023, to determine scholarship eligibility, waive the application processing fee for Sciences Po (deadline: December 3, 2023).

The Application Deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - Sciences Po 2024-2025 is November 26, 2023.

How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - Sciences Po 2024-2025

Start by confirming your scholarship eligibility on the scholarship website. Once your application is submitted and reviewed by Sciences Po staff, you will be notified of your scholarship eligibility.

If you are deemed eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, you will be exempt from the processing fee for your Sciences Po application.

For more detailed information, visit the Mastercard Foundation website