Every year, France offers an abundance of scholarships to international students. Among those scholarships, a two-year Master’s degree at SciencesPo, one of the leading fully funded scholarships, is announced each year for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. This degree aims to improve the educational prospects of Africans in the challenging fields of governance, policy, innovation, and sustainable development.
This scholarship aims to produce effective African leaders through quality education, leadership, academic integrity, and improving professional networks. Along with highly demanding knowledge gain in Paris, the scholars will also receive proper guidance for personal and professional growth with the Science Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program. This will enable them during and after the studies to tackle any concerns through knowledge. The scholarship not only improves the academic journey of students but also improves their overall professional career ahead, so that they can serve better in their home countries after the completion of such practical knowledge at a prestigious institute in Paris.
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Selected students will gain professional knowledge and other benefits during the studies. This scholarship will cover full tuition fees, along with living expenses in France throughout the duration of the studies. Specialized educational resources will be offered to selected students, which will help them transition to the workforce. In addition to these benefits, students will get career support, a mentoring program, and access to an extensive general materials library during their studies. Each year, several exceptional and talented students are selected purely on outstanding academic achievements, demonstrative leadership qualities, and strong commitment to giving back to their communities through the Science Po MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
If you want to check the eligibility criteria for this fully funded scholarship. You need to know the details before applying for this prestigious master level scholarship.
- The applicant must hold a passport from any African country. In case of dual citizenship with any other country around the world, it will make you ineligible.
- Applicant’s age must be under 35 years while applying.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s level degree from among SciencesPo’s partner universities.
- Here is the list of those universities. You can check the list of institutions that are partnered with Science Po’s foundation.
- Applicants must show the need for funding to continue studies in France.
- Applicants must have clear intentions to bring change in Africa, especially in the fields of public policy, politics, environmental changes, and social transitions.
- Applicants must have clear intentions to bring change in Africa, especially in the fields of public policy, politics, environmental changes, and social transitions.
- Applicants should not hold any prior master’s degree while applying to this scholarship.
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SciencesPo Master’s Program Benefits
This fully funded program offers these benefits to admitted African students:
- There will be no tuition fee for the rest of the course.
- An accommodation in Paris reserved for Master Foundation schools will be available.
- You may have a chance to visit nearby European countries free of cost.
SciencesPo Scholarship Requirements
- Valid photo ID (Passport, National ID, or residence permit only)
- CV / Resume
- Academic transcript(s)
- Copy of the diploma
- Language test scores (if applicable)
- Proof of current or past enrolment at one of Sciences Po’s institutions
- Proof of income
Application Process
The SciencesPo Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 can be applied online. How?
- Use the Apply Now button below to access the official Sciences Po website.
- Register on the official website.
- Register on the official website.
- Use the online application form with accurate information.
- Please upload all necessary documents.
- You have to submit an online application before the deadline.
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Step-by-Step Application Overview for International Students:
Initial Steps
- Accept your offer and access your online student account.
- Complete administrative and course registration.
- Sign up for orientation.
- Start visa formalities (if international).
- Validate learning agreement with Sciences Po contacts by region.
Administrative documents, visa, and residence permit
- Need a student visa and online validation for a residence permit.
- Provide required supporting documents.
- Foreign-language official documents must be translated into French.
When should I come?
- Recommended arrival: ≥ 2 weeks before classes.
- Time needed to set up accommodation, banking, and admin tasks.
- Orientation/welcome programs occur before the semester starts.
Arriving in France
- Main arrival by plane via Paris airports (CDG, ORY) or Nice for Menton.
- No pickup service from SciencesPo.
- Customs: declare cash/valuables ≥ €10,000.
- Train routes to regional campuses are listed.
Getting settled on your campus
- Find long-term housing, open a bank account, and get mobile/internet.
- Cost of living varies (Paris is more expensive).
- First, you need a temporary accommodation in Paris.
Health & Disability
- French social security offers free student health insurance.
- On-campus health centers are available.
- Disability Support Service arranges assistance.
Security
- Violent crime is rare; petty crime (theft) is common.
- Safety tips: avoid carrying cash, don’t leave belongings unattended, copy IDs/cards, be cautious at night, etc.
- Report theft to the police for insurance.
In case of emergency
- Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 15 (ambulance), 18 (fire/first aid).
- Hospitals covered by insurance.
- Info on night pharmacies and doctor services.
- Support for gender-based violence is available.
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Important Deadline
The due date for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is January 04, 2026