Hey future global changemakers! Dream of studying your Master’s in France at a world-class institution, fully funded? Well, get ready, because the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Bursary 2026 is here to make that dream a reality for talented African students, including those right here in South Africa!
This incredible program is designed to empower the next generation of leaders from Africa by providing comprehensive financial and academic support for a Master’s degree at Sciences Po in France. If you’re passionate about making a positive change in public policy or tackling major political, environmental, and societal transitions in Africa, this bursary could be your golden ticket!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this life-changing opportunity, you’ll need to tick a few boxes:
- You must hold citizenship from a country within Africa. Unfortunately, if you have a second citizenship from outside the African continent, you won’t be eligible.
- You need to have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at one of Sciences Po’s partner institutions, OR a bridging program organisation that partners with the Mastercard Foundation (check their official list!).
- Demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance for your higher education. You’ll need to provide documents to prove your financial situation.
- Show a strong commitment to driving change in Africa, especially in areas like public policy and crucial political, environmental, and societal shifts.
- You must be under 35 years old when your Master’s program begins.
- You should not already hold a Master’s degree.
What Does It Cover?
This isn’t just a partial bursary; it’s a game-changer! The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is fully comprehensive:
- It covers the **full cost of tuition** at Sciences Po.
- You’ll also receive support for your **living expenses in France** for the entire duration of your Master’s program.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond the financial aid, you’ll get tailored support to help you thrive:
- **Pre-departure and arrival support:** Assistance before you leave, a warm welcome when you land, and an official program to help you settle in.
- **Housing in Paris:** Dedicated accommodation reserved just for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
- **Personalised academic support:** Guidance throughout your studies to ensure you have the best possible experience.
- **Robust careers support:** Help identifying your career goals, access to a special careers fair focused on opportunities in Africa, entry to the entrepreneurship track and Sciences Po’s business incubator, and a network of employers and alumni working across Africa. Plus, workshops and conferences to boost your professional development.
- **Mentoring program:** Connect with experienced professionals through the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni.
- **Full access** to Sciences Po’s wide range of student services and resources.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Here’s the most important tip: you first need to be admitted to a Master’s program at Sciences Po to be considered for this scholarship!
Here’s a quick timeline to keep you on track:
- **Application platform opens:** Early October 2025.
- **Application deadline for Master’s programmes AND the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:** 4 January 2026.
- **Sciences Po admissions decisions:** These roll out at various times: mid-December 2025, mid-February 2026, or early April 2026, depending on when you applied.
- **Scholarship allocation decisions released:** Early May 2026.
- **Master’s programmes begin:** End of August 2026.
We strongly advise you to start gathering all your supporting documents well in advance, as some can take a while to obtain!
For more detailed information and to kickstart your application, head over to the official webpage:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This is an incredible opportunity to shape your future and make a real impact in Africa. If you meet the criteria and dream of a fully funded Master’s in France, don’t let this slip away! Apply now before the **4 January 2026** deadline. Want to explore more life-changing opportunities? Head over to Bursaries Room for more incredible bursaries!
