The Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Sciences Po aims to support 126 talented African students through their studies and to offer the next generation of leaders a world-class social science education, so they can go on to become changemakers in their home countries.

The Mastercard Foundation works with forward-looking organizations to provide greater access to education, training and financial services for economically disadvantaged people, primarily in Africa. As one of the world’s largest private foundations, its mission is to advance education and promote financial inclusion in order to forge an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation is based in Toronto, Canada, and has operated independently of Mastercard International since its inception in 2006.

Sciences Po is the first university in continental Europe to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Within this international network, 27 prestigious institutions in Africa, America, and Europe have a commitment to ensuring that all young people, whatever their background, have the same opportunities to get a quality education and fulfill their potential.

Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

The Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers scholarships at Sciences Po to:

• complete the Sciences Po Bachelor of Arts program, Africa specialization
• complete a two-year Master’s program at one of our seven graduate schools
• attend Sciences Po Summer School.

The recipients will receive benefits that include coverage of the full cost of tuition fees at Sciences Po. Further, the MasterCard Foundation also covers the accommodation and meals of the recipients.

Additionally, Sciences Po will offer scholars a specific suite of resources to facilitate their transition from education to employment:

• An orientation program and individualized academic advising throughout their studies at Sciences Po
• A mentor program offered in collaboration with the Africa Division of Sciences Po Alumni
• Career guidance and support: an online job platform dedicated to professional opportunities in Africa (internships and first jobs); access to our business incubator and the network of employers and alumni working in Africa, and specific career workshops.

Eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

Candidates eligible for the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarships in Undergraduate as well as Masters program if they abide by the following criteria:

• The applicants must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country;
• For Undergraduate scholarship, applicants must be in the final year of high school and not yet have started a post-secondary education;
• For Master’s degree, applicants must have graduated undergraduate studies at a foreign higher education institution and have at least a Bachelor’s degree;
• Applicants should have a very good level of French and English – minimum level B2 (for undergraduate) while minimum C1 level (for Masters)
• Also, the applicants must be able to show that you lack financial means to pursue higher education.

For the Summer School, the residents/citizens of a Sub-Saharan African Country are eligible if they are:

• Currently, be a Mastercard Foundation scholar at a Mastercard Foundation partner institution;
• Supported by an institution partnered with Sciences Po under the program
• Demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community.

How to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships?

Eligible candidates can make an application for the undergraduate, masters as well as summer school program at Sciences Po by completing and submitting the online application. Along with the application, the candidates must also submit:

• personal information;
• Likewise, attach a letter of recommendation from the partner institution supporting their application to the Mastercard Foundation scholarship program;
• Provide information and proof concerning their educational and extra-curricular experiences.

Candidates can make an application for the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for:

1. Summer School Program
2. Undergraduate Program
3. Masters Program

Deadline

Candidates can apply for the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for

1. Summer School Program until 20 February 2020
2. Undergraduate Program until 29 January 2020
3. Masters Program until 5 December 2019