Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

A fully funded master’s scholarship opportunity in France for eligible young Africans.

The key detail for applicants is that this scholarship is for eligible two-year master’s programmes, and applicants must be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026. The programme also has specific requirements concerning the university where you earned your bachelor’s degree, or an approved alternative eligibility pathway.

Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 in France: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity for Africans

Are you a young African graduate dreaming of studying in France? The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers eligible African students an opportunity to pursue a fully funded two-year master's degree at Sciences Po, one of Europe's leading universities for political science, international affairs, public policy, and social sciences.

The programme aims to support talented young Africans who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to transforming their communities, but who face significant barriers to accessing higher education.

For eligible Tanzanian applicants, this is an opportunity worth exploring now because the 2027 application deadlines are approaching.

1. Scholarship Overview

Detail	Information
Scholarship	Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Intake	2027
Host country	France
University	Sciences Po, Paris
Study level	Master's degree
Duration	Two years
Funding	Comprehensive scholarship covering tuition and living expenses
Eligible nationalities	Citizens of African countries, subject to programme rules
Age requirement	Under 35 on 1 September 2026
First deadline	23 November 2026
Final listed deadline	14 December 2026
Official application information	https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/mastercard-foundation-scholarships/graduate-study/

Important: The two deadlines correspond to different admission-result timelines. The first is for applicants seeking a master's admission decision by 11 February 2027, while the second is for applicants seeking a decision by 1 April 2027. Scholarship decisions are expected in April 2027.

2. What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers comprehensive financial and personal support throughout the scholar's two-year programme.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees: Coverage of tuition costs for the eligible master's programme.

• Living expenses: Financial support for living in France throughout the programme.

• Accommodation: Reserved housing arrangements for Mastercard Foundation Scholars in Paris.

• Pre-departure assistance: Guidance to prepare for relocation to France.

• Arrival support: Assistance with settling into university life.

• Academic support: Personalised support throughout the degree.

• Career development: Career guidance, professional networking, and opportunities to connect with employers and alumni.

• Mentoring: Access to mentoring and entrepreneurship-related opportunities.

The programme aims to help scholars succeed academically and transition into meaningful employment after graduation.

Confirm the precise financial arrangements and coverage with Sciences Po before making plans. The scholarship supports the scholar and does not extend to family members or dependants.

3. Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must satisfy all the scholarship eligibility requirements and qualify for admission to an eligible two-year master's programme.

Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an African country. Applicants with dual citizenship that includes a country outside Africa are not eligible.

Age: Applicants must be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026 for the 2027 scholarship application cycle.

Academic qualification: Applicants must hold or be completing a bachelor's degree through one of the recognised eligibility pathways.

These pathways include:

• Holding or completing a bachelor's degree from a university on Sciences Po's recognised reference-institution list.

• Holding or completing a bachelor's degree and having participated in an approved bridging or mentoring programme.

• Holding or completing a bachelor's degree and currently holding, or having previously held, UNHCR refugee status.

Applicants must also meet Sciences Po's minimum academic requirements.

Previous master's degree: Applicants who already hold a master's degree or are currently pursuing one are not eligible.

Previous scholarship application: The programme is open to first-time applicants only. Applicants who previously applied to this particular Scholars Program cannot apply again.

Students already enrolled at Sciences Po and individuals currently studying at, or graduated from, a French higher education institution are also excluded under the programme rules.

4. Which Courses Can You Study?

The programme supports eligible two-year master's degrees at Sciences Po. One-year master's programmes and dual-degree programmes are not eligible.

Relevant academic areas may include:

• International Affairs

• Public Policy

• International Development

• Political Science

• Human Rights and Humanitarian Action

• Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development

• Economics and Public Administration

• Urban and Regional Governance

The exact programme options depend on Sciences Po's eligible master's programmes and the admission requirements for each course.

Applicants should select a programme that aligns with their previous education, professional experience, and plans for contributing to Africa's development.

5. Application Deadlines for 2027

There are two important deadlines for the current application cycle.

Deadline	Purpose
23 November 2026	For applicants seeking a master's admission decision by 11 February 2027
14 December 2026	For applicants seeking a master's admission decision by 1 April 2027
April 2027	Expected announcement of scholarship selection results

My advice: Start preparing your documents immediately. If you are aiming for the November deadline, you have very little time to organise a complete application.

6. How to Apply

Applicants must complete the scholarship eligibility process and create an application for a master's programme at Sciences Po.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Read the official scholarship requirements, including the age limit, recognised university list, academic thresholds, and alternative eligibility pathways.

Step 2: Select a two-year master's programme

Research programmes at Sciences Po and identify one that matches your academic background and career ambitions.

Step 3: Start the scholarship eligibility application

Use the dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application platform when available. You will need to provide proof of identity and evidence of your bachelor's degree or current undergraduate studies, as applicable.

Step 4: Create your Sciences Po master's application

You must also create an application through Sciences Po's international graduate admissions platform. Do this at the same time as your scholarship eligibility request.

Step 5: Request the application fee waiver

Eligible applicants can request an exemption from Sciences Po's application fee. You must follow the specified process; simply applying for the scholarship does not automatically guarantee a fee waiver.

Step 6: Complete all supporting documents

Prepare the documents required for the master's admission application, including academic records, recommendations, language evidence where required, and other programme-specific documents.

Step 7: Attend an interview if shortlisted

Applicants shortlisted for the scholarship may be invited to an online interview lasting approximately 25 minutes.

Admission to Sciences Po does not automatically mean that you will receive the scholarship.

7. Required Documents

Start preparing the following documents:

• Valid passport, national identity card, or another accepted identity document.

• Bachelor's degree certificate or proof of current undergraduate studies.

• Academic transcripts and other records required for master's admission.

• Academic CV.

• Motivation and scholarship application responses.

• Recommendation letters, as required by Sciences Po.

• English or French language evidence, where applicable.

• Supporting documents for an approved bridging programme or refugee status, if you are applying through one of those eligibility pathways.

Check the official admissions instructions because the scholarship eligibility application and the master's application may require different documents.

8. Does Sciences Po Require IELTS?

There is no universal language requirement imposed by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program itself. However, you must meet the language requirements of your selected master's programme.

Some programmes are taught in English, while others may have French-language requirements.

Before applying, check the specific programme's requirements and whether your previous education qualifies you for an exemption from a language test.

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Important: Sciences Po explicitly encourages applicants to write authentically and independently. Scholarship responses should reflect your personal experiences and thinking. Avoid generic statements or submitting essays that do not represent your own voice.

10. Is There an Application Fee?

Eligible applicants who follow the prescribed Mastercard Foundation scholarship and Sciences Po admissions process can receive an application fee waiver.

To qualify, you must submit your scholarship eligibility request and create your master's application through the correct process.

If you are not eligible for the scholarship or do not receive the fee waiver, you may still apply for admission to Sciences Po by paying the applicable application fee, but your application will not be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am 35 years old?

The programme requires applicants to be under 35 on 1 September 2026. Applicants who are already 35 on that date do not meet the age requirement.

Can I apply for a bachelor's degree?

No. The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program described here supports eligible two-year master's programmes.

Can I apply if I already have a master's degree?

No. Applicants who already hold or are currently pursuing a master's degree are not eligible.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

The programme describes its scholarship as covering tuition and living expenses throughout the two-year course, with accommodation and tailored academic and career support. Check the official award conditions for the complete details.

Can I apply directly to the Mastercard Foundation?

No. Applications are managed through the participating institution. For this opportunity, follow Sciences Po's dedicated scholarship and international graduate admissions procedures.

12. Official Application Links

• Scholarship details and application process: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/mastercard-foundation-scholarships/graduate-study/

• Frequently asked questions: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/mastercard-foundation-scholarships/faq/

• Mastercard Foundation scholarship partner institutions: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/

Call to Action: Apply with Madame Ritha Academic

Are you a Tanzanian graduate who wants to study in France but needs guidance on choosing a master's programme and preparing a competitive application?

Madame Ritha Academic can help you assess your eligibility, identify suitable programmes, organise your documents, review your academic CV, and plan your scholarship application.

Send us the message:

“SCIENCES PO MASTERCARD SCHOLARSHIP 2027”

Include your age, bachelor's degree, university attended, academic results, and preferred master's field so that we can help you identify the next steps.

Do not wait until the deadline. The first application deadline is 23 November 2026, and the next is 14 December 2026.

Madame Ritha Academic provides scholarship information and application guidance. Admission and scholarship decisions are made exclusively by Sciences Po and the Mastercard Foundation. No scholarship award is guaranteed.

CONTACT WHATSAPP +255718991625/madamerithaacademic@gmail.com

Official source: Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Graduate Study. The key eligibility conditions, application deadlines, funding coverage, and fee-waiver process above are based on the university's published guidance.