The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 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. Over six years (2017 - 2022), the Scholars Program will fund:
20 scholarships to complete the Sciences Po Bachelor of Arts programme, Africa specialisation
46 scholarships to complete a Master's programme at one of our seven graduate schools
60 scholarships reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars studying at other partner universities and who would like to attend Sciences Po Summer School
The Mastercard Foundation created this merit-based scholarship program to give the most talented African students the chance to benefit from a quality education and pursue their ambitions, whatever their background. At Sciences Po, the scholars are supported throughout their university education in the social sciences so they can go on to become changemakers in their home countries.
FINANCIAL AID
The scholarships are awarded to students from sub-Saharan African countries with an outstanding academic record and strong leadership potential, but who face financial and other barriers to higher education.
The scholarships are awarded for a period of three years for the Bachelor's degree, two years for the Master's degree and one month for the Summer School. They cover the full cost of tuition fees at Sciences Po and living costs in France during the study period.
HOW TO APPLY
Scholarships for the 2020/2021 academic year are awarded in collaboration with a network of partner institutions accepting the terms and conditions of the nomination framework. To apply to the scholarship, go to www.sciencespo.fr/students, “Fees & Funding” then “Bursaries and Financial Aid”.Candidates who are currently studying in an institution which is not listed as a partner should encourage their institution to contact us by email. The person signing the nomination letter should be a member of the faculty or the administration qualified to attest to both the candidate’s academic qualifications and financial needs. They will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions of the nomination framework, which will be necessary for an application to be considered. For assistance and more information, please contact: info.mcfsp@sciencespo.fr.
Bachelor’s Degree Candidates - The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the Science Po Bachelor of Arts programme (three years) and only for the Europe-Africa specialization (dual-degree programmes excluded) taught on the Reims campus. Nominators for Eswatini for these scholars are: Waterford Kamhlaba, Yale Young African Scholars, HALI Network (The Knowledge Institute is a member) and Enko Education.
Masters Degree Candidates - The scholarship is awarded for the duration of a Master's programme (two years). All the Master's programmes offered at Sciences Po’s seven graduate schools are compatible with the scholarship, except for one-year Master's programmes and dual-degree programmes. Most of the Master's programmes are taught in English and do not require prior knowledge of French.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications for the scholarship take place between the months of October and January. Applications for eligibility must be received no later than midnight (Paris time) on January 29, 2020.
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
You must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country;
You must be in your final year of high school and not yet have started a post-secondary education;
You must have a very good level of French and English - minimum level B2 (see language requirements) for Bachelors programs
Minimum C1 level in English or French depending on the programme you are applying to (see language requirements) for Masters programs
You must be able to show that you lack the financial means to pursue higher education.
Candidates must apply online on the dedicated website.
Candidates eligible for the scholarship should then submit their application to Sciences Po according to international undergraduate admissions procedure.
Please note: complete applications (references included) must be submitted at least 6 weeks before the interview session you have chosen. The time limit for admissions is between January and April, according to the interview session.
Application deadlines for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships are:
● Bachelor: January 29, 2020
● Master: December 5, 2019