The Mastercard Foundation works to provide access to inclusive, quality education for young people in sub-Saharan Africa and to enable as many of them as possible to secure decent, satisfying employment.

As part of an ambitious new strategy (Young Africa Works), the Foundation aims to enable 30 million young people in Africa to enter the labour market and entrepreneurship by 2030. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, of which Sciences Po is a partner, should play a central role in this strategy through university partnerships that give young people in Africa access to a top education.

The Mastercard Foundation scholarships are aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership potential, but who face difficulties or lack the resources to access higher education. They are particularly aimed at students who aspire to make a real and lasting impact in addressing some of the major issues facing the continent, particularly in the fields of public policy and major political, environmental and social transitions.

VALUE

• The scholarships cover the total cost of tuition fees and living expenses in France for the entire period of study at Sciences Po.

In particular, scholarship students have access to:

• Support in preparing for your departure, specialised support on arrival and an official welcome programme.
• Housing in Paris reserved for scholarship holders.
• Personalised support during studies, ensuring that each student has the best possible experience at Sciences Po.
• Career support guidance to help students identify their professional aspirations; a careers fair focussing on job and internship opportunities in Africa; access to the university's business incubator (FR) and its network of employers and alumni working in Africa; career support workshops; participation in conferences, etc.
• A mentoring programme co-run with Sciences Po's African Alumni Division.
• Access to the wide range of general resources that Sciences Po provides to guide students through each stage of their studies.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship, candidates must fulfil all of the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country.
• Have a demonstrable need for higher education funding (please note that proof of your financial situation will be required as part of your application).
• Provide a recommendation from your university.
• Have obtained a minimum bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) by the following academic year.
• Be applying for a two-year master's programme at one of Sciences Po's seven graduate schools. Applicants for one-year master's programmes, double degree programmes or joint master's programmes are not eligible for the scholarship.
• Have reached a minimum level of C1 in French or English, depending on the programme you are applying for (check the language requirements for each programme). Please note that the programmes are taught entirely in French, entirely in English or in both languages.
• Not have obtained or be studying for a previous master's degree.
• Be under 35 at the start of the postgraduate academic year.

DEADLINE: 26th November 2023

To register and for more information, click here.