Application Deadline: November 26, 2023
Empowering Change-Makers in Africa
Since 2017, Sciences Po has been a proud partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, along with prestigious institutions like the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. This collaborative effort has opened doors for 138 students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue social sciences degrees at Sciences Po. The goal? To groom a new generation of influential change-makers in their home countries.
The Path to Academic Excellence
The Sciences Po MasterCard Scholarships are tailored for individuals with exceptional academic aptitude and profound leadership potential. This initiative aims to bridge the financial gap, allowing these promising talents to access higher education.
Three Pillars of Transformation
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program revolves around three core objectives:
- Specialized Support: Beyond financial assistance, Sciences Po provides a spectrum of specialized resources to ensure scholars’ holistic development. These include pre-departure support, official welcome programs, and reserved housing in Paris.
- Career Development: Scholars benefit from comprehensive career support, from identifying professional aspirations to gaining access to a network of employers and alumni working in Africa. Workshops and conferences further enhance their career prospects.
- Building a Strong Alumni Network: The program fosters lifelong connections and collaboration through a mentoring initiative run in partnership with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni.
Eligible for Change
Eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship is open to residents or citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries. Applicants must be committed to instigating positive changes in Africa, especially in public policy and societal transitions. Financial need and a bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent) are prerequisites, as is a commitment to a two-year Master’s program at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. Language proficiency (C1 level in French or English) and a maximum age limit of 35 at the start of the academic year are also considered.
Application Process
Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation
Applicants must first ascertain their eligibility for the scholarship by providing necessary information on the scholarship website. Successful eligibility confirmation grants a waiver for the application processing fee. This step must be completed by November 26, 2023.
Step 2: Sciences Po Application
Simultaneously, applicants should initiate their application to Sciences Po as part of the international graduate admissions procedure. However, wait for confirmation of your scholarship eligibility and processing fee waiver before submitting your application to Sciences Po (deadline: December 3, 2023).
Step 3: Admission and Scholarship Allocation
The outcomes of your application to Sciences Po and scholarship application will be conveyed between February 10 and 22, 2024, and from March 8, 2024, respectively. Please note that admission to Sciences Po doesn’t guarantee scholarship allocation.
Prepare Your Application
To apply successfully, candidates must be ready to submit:
- Personal details
- A letter of recommendation from their academic advisor
- Detailed financial information
- Academic records and extracurricular achievements
- A comprehensive statement about their experiences, perspectives on African issues, and plans for effecting change on the continent.
Source: Sciences Po University MasterCard Scholarships
