Fully Funded Graduate Studies with Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Sciences Po: Apply Now!

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Sciences Po, or the Paris Institute of Political Studies, is a prestigious university in France known for its programs in political science, international relations, law, economics, and other related fields. Please note that programs and offerings may have changed since my last update, so I recommend visiting the official Sciences Po website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on Master’s degree programs.
As of my last update, Sciences Po offers a wide range of Master’s degree programs across various campuses. Here are some of the key Master’s programs they typically offer:
- Master in International Affairs (PSIA): A program focused on international relations and global governance.
- Master in Public Policy (MPP): Centered around public policy analysis and development.
- Master in Economics and Business (IEP-PSME): A program that combines economics, political science, and management.
- Master in Law and Finance: A program at the intersection of law, finance, and economics.
- Master in Environmental Policy: Focusing on environmental issues and policies.
- Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action: Addressing human rights and humanitarian challenges.
- Master in Communication, Media and Creative Industries: Focusing on media and communication studies.
- Master in European Affairs: Focused on European Union studies and related topics.
- Master in Finance and Strategy: Focusing on financial markets, strategy, and decision-making.
- Master in International Energy: Focused on energy policies and issues.
- Master in Political Science: Covering various aspects of political science.
- Master in Sociology: Covering sociological theory and research methods.
Are you eager to pursue a Master’s degree and make a difference in Africa’s public policy and societal transitions? Sciences Po offers an incredible opportunity through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
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Master’s Degree Programmes at Sciences Po
At Sciences Po, you have the chance to apply for various Master’s degree programmes offered across its seven Graduate Schools. These programs encompass a wide range of disciplines, providing a platform for academic growth and societal impact.
Scholarship Eligibility: You qualify for the scholarship when your application meets the specified criteria and is complete.
Application Processing Fee Waiver: If you are deemed eligible for the scholarship, your application processing fee will be waived.
Sciences Po Admissions: Your application is submitted online and assessed by the Sciences Po Admissions Department. They will inform you of your admission status. If admitted, your application is referred to the scholarship’s allocation committee.
Scholarship Allocated: This signifies that your application has been assessed and accepted by the scholarship allocation committee. Consequently, your tuition fees are waived, and you receive a full scholarship and financial aid through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Procedure for graduate applicants
You must first check that you are eligible for the scholarship by providing the required information on the scholarship website. Once your application has been submitted and examined by our staff, you will be informed of whether or not you are eligible for the scholarship.
If you are declared eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, you will not have to pay the processing fee for your application to Sciences Po.
On the scholarship site, you will need to provide:
- Personal details
- A letter of recommendation from the academic advisor at your university to support your application. For this, you will need to ask the person to complete and sign this form (Word).
- Full information and evidence regarding your financial circumstances.
- Information regarding your academic record and extra-curricular attainments.
- A statement detailing your varied experiences of and view on issues specifically affecting Africa, and explaining how you plan to achieve change on the continent. The quality of this statement will be a deciding factor for the panel in charge of allocating the scholarships.
You must have completed this step by 26 November 2023 in order to receive your approval of eligibility for the scholarship, and to waive the processing fee for your application to Sciences Po (the deadline for which is 3 December 2023).
To apply to Sciences Po, you will need to follow the international graduate admissions procedure.
If you think you meet all of the above eligibility criteria, you should start your application to Sciences Po (step 2) at the same time as your request for eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship (step 1).
However, you must wait to receive approval of your eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, together with confirmation that your application processing fee has been waived, before submitting your application to Sciences Po (end of step 2). This will mean you can submit your application without paying the fee.
You must submit your application to Sciences Po by 3 December 2023.
Please note that if you are not eligible for the scholarship, you may still apply to Sciences Po. In this case, you will be required to pay an application processing fee at the end of the online application process.
We recommend also applying for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship.
You will be informed of the outcome of your application to Sciences Po between 10 and 22 February 2024, and of the outcome of your scholarship application from 8 March 2024.
Please note:
- Admission to Sciences Po does not guarantee allocation of the scholarship.
- If you decide to defer your admission to Sciences until the following year, you will forfeit your Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Admissions Timeline for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
For those aspiring to join Sciences Po for the academic year 2024-2025 and be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, here are the key dates to mark on your calendar:
Applications Open: Mid-October 2023
Deadline for Requesting Scholarship Eligibility: 23:59 (Paris time) on 26 November 2023
Deadline for Applying to Sciences Po: 3rd December, 2023
Admissions Outcome Released: Between 10th and 22nd February 2024
Scholarship Allocation Outcome Released: From 8th March, 2024
Eligibility Criteria
Residence or Citizenship: Reside or be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country. You must be legally resident in the region or provide evidence of temporary study or work elsewhere.
Commitment to Change: Demonstrate a commitment to driving positive change in Africa, particularly in public policy and societal transitions.
Financial Need: Exhibit a genuine need for higher education funding. Proof of financial circumstances will be required as part of your application.
University Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation from your university.
Minimum Bachelor’s Degree: Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) by the following academic year.
Master’s Programme Application: Apply for a two-year Master’s programme at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools. One-year Master’s programmes, dual degree programmes, or joint Master’s programmes are not eligible for the scholarship.
Language Proficiency: Attain a minimum of C1 level in either French or English, depending on the programme you are applying for.
Prior Master’s Degree: Have not obtained or be in the process of obtaining a prior Master’s degree.
Age Requirement: Be under 35 years old at the start of the graduate academic year.
Embarking on this academic journey at Sciences Po could be the first step towards realizing your aspirations for a better future for Africa. Prepare your application diligently and meet the criteria to be a part of this prestigious scholarship program. Find out more.