🇫🇷 France Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships for Africans 2026 – Fully Funded Opportunity to Study in Europe!

🎓 Introduction: A Golden Opportunity for African Changemakers

Dreaming of studying at one of Europe’s top universities — fully funded? The Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 offer African students the rare chance to pursue a Master’s degree in France with zero tuition cost, monthly stipends, and housing included.

This scholarship is designed for brilliant young Africans who want to become leaders of transformation — addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges in public policy, governance, environmental sustainability, and social development.

If you’ve been searching for “fully funded scholarships in France for African students 2026” or “Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships,” this detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know — from eligibility to the step-by-step application process.

📘 Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 Summary

💡 Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships offer access to world-class education and career-building experiences in France’s most prestigious social sciences university.

🌍 Why the Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships Matter

• Many talented African graduates can’t afford graduate studies in Europe.
• Tuition, living expenses, and visa costs are major barriers.
• Lack of exposure to global research and leadership training limits growth potential.

Goals & Values:
The Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships aim to empower African leaders who will drive progress in governance, sustainability, education, and social justice.

Since 2017, this partnership between Sciences Po and the MasterCard Foundation has enabled 138 African students to pursue advanced degrees in France — shaping change across the continent.

Through this program, scholars gain:

• World-class academic training in social and political sciences.
• Direct exposure to international policy networks.
• Practical leadership development for tackling Africa’s toughest challenges.

🎯 If you want to lead Africa’s transformation, this scholarship is your launchpad.

💰 Benefits of the Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships

The Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 are fully funded, covering all academic and living expenses for the duration of your Master’s degree.

Here’s what you’ll receive:

• 🎓 Full tuition coverage – no student pays any course fees.
• 💸 Monthly living stipend – to cover food, transportation, and daily costs.
• 🏡 Accommodation in Paris – reserved housing for scholarship holders.
• ✈️ One return airfare ticket per year – travel assistance for your journey.
• 🌍 Comprehensive mentorship & career support, including:
  • Pre-departure orientation
  • Welcome program upon arrival
  • Academic guidance and personalized mentorship
  • Job placement workshops and internship opportunities
  • Access to the Africa Alumni Mentorship Program

🎓 Value: A world-class education in France, zero financial stress, and lifelong career benefits.

📚 Eligibility Requirements for Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026

To apply for the Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships, you must meet all of the following conditions:

1. ✅ Be a citizen or resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
2. ✅ Be under 35 years old at the start of the academic year.
3. ✅ Have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by 2026.
4. ✅ Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
5. ✅ Have a clear commitment to driving social or economic change in Africa.
6. ✅ Show financial need (proof of income and funding limitations required).
7. ✅ Apply for a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools (not eligible for one-year or dual degrees).
8. ✅ Meet language requirements (C1 level in either English or French, depending on your program).
9. ❌ Not hold or be pursuing another Master’s degree.

🎯 This scholarship is designed for future leaders — people who will use their education to create lasting change back home.

🧾 Documents Required for Application

To complete your Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 application, prepare the following documents carefully:

• 📄 Personal Information form (from the online portal).
• 🧑‍🏫 Letter of Recommendation from your academic advisor (use Sciences Po’s official form).
• 💵 Proof of Financial Need (income statement or family financial documents).
• 🎓 Academic Transcripts and degree certificates.
• 🌍 Statement of Purpose — explain your experiences, leadership journey, and how you plan to contribute to Africa’s development.
• 🪪 Copy of Passport or National ID.

💬 Tip: Your statement of purpose is crucial — make it personal, authentic, and impact-focused.

🧭 How to Apply for Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these three main steps carefully to ensure a successful application:

STEP 1: Request Eligibility for the Scholarship

• Go to the official Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation webpage.
• Fill out the eligibility form to confirm you meet all criteria.
• Submit your supporting documents (citizenship, financial need proof, etc.).
• Wait for Sciences Po staff to review and confirm your eligibility.
  🟢 If approved, your application processing fee will be waived.

STEP 2: Apply to Sciences Po

• Once you’re confirmed as eligible, apply for admission through the Sciences Po international graduate admissions portal.
• Choose a two-year Master’s program offered by one of the seven Graduate Schools.
• Submit your full admission application before January 4, 2026.
  ⚠️ Do not pay the application fee — it will be waived once your scholarship eligibility is approved.

STEP 3: Scholarship Allocation and Results

• Your admission results will be announced in mid-February 2026.
• Scholarship allocation results will follow in mid-March 2026.
• Successful applicants will receive official confirmation and guidance for visa, accommodation, and travel.

🗓️ Important: If you defer your admission to the following year, you will lose your scholarship offer.

👉 Click here to explore more scholarship opportunities

📅 Key Dates and Deadlines

⏰ Start early — this scholarship is highly competitive, and applications close once capacity is reached.

🌟 Why Choose Sciences Po for Your Master’s Degree

Sciences Po (Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris) is one of Europe’s most elite universities for political science, economics, and international affairs.

Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for African scholars:

• 🏛️ Top-ranked in Europe for Politics & International Studies.
• 🌐 Global Network: Partnered with Oxford, Cambridge, and the MasterCard Foundation.
• 💼 Career Development: Dedicated Africa-focused job fairs and internship support.
• 🧠 World-Class Faculty: Learn from leading professors, policymakers, and economists.
• 🤝 Inclusive Community: Over 50 nationalities represented in graduate programs.

🎓 At Sciences Po, you’ll not only gain a Master’s degree — you’ll gain the influence, skills, and global exposure to become a changemaker.

💡 Pro Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start early: Begin preparing your documents months before the January deadline.
2. Tell your story: Use your essay to show your personal connection to Africa’s challenges.
3. Demonstrate impact: Highlight leadership in community projects, NGOs, or policy advocacy.
4. Get strong references: Choose a professor or mentor who knows your values and growth.
5. Check language levels: Programs are taught in French or English — make sure you meet the required proficiency.
6. Stay professional: Use formal tone, clear formatting, and accurate details throughout your forms.

💬 Your application should reflect who you are — a young African leader ready to make real change.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can undergraduate students apply?
No. The scholarship is only open to applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Q2. Do I need to pay an application fee?
No. If you are declared eligible for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, the application fee is waived.

Q3. Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
Not necessarily. You only need proof of C1 proficiency in the program’s language of instruction (English or French).

Q4. Can I apply for a one-year or dual Master’s program?
No. Only two-year Master’s programs at Sciences Po’s Graduate Schools are eligible.

Q5. What happens if I defer admission?
Deferring to the next year means you lose your scholarship allocation.

🚀 Action Plan: Start Your Application Now

Here’s how to take action today:

1. Visit the Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarships Page.
2. Complete the eligibility request form online.
3. Prepare your documents and references early.
4. Apply for your preferred Master’s program at Sciences Po before January 4, 2026.
5. Wait for February/March 2026 results and prepare for your journey to France!

👉 Click here to explore more scholarship opportunities

🌈 Final Thoughts

The France Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 stand as one of the most life-changing opportunities for young African graduates.

Beyond financial freedom, this scholarship provides access to an environment that nurtures visionary thinkers, social innovators, and policy leaders.

If you’re driven to create meaningful change in Africa, this is your chance to gain the education, connections, and tools to make it happen.

Don’t wait — your leadership journey starts with one click.

🌍 Apply for the Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships 2026 today and turn your dreams into impact!