Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025-2027 at Sciences Po: A Fully Funded Opportunity for African Students
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po offers an extraordinary chance for students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a Master’s degree at one of France’s most prestigious universities. This fully funded initiative supports students financially for the entire two-year program, while fostering professional growth and leadership development.
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If you are passionate about creating meaningful change in Africa and require financial assistance to achieve your educational goals, this program could be your gateway to success. Below is a comprehensive guide to the program, its benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
DETAILS:
- Fully Funded
- Sciences Po
- Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- France
- 12/01/2024
Why Choose the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po?
- Comprehensive Funding: The program covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs for the full duration of your Master’s studies.
- World-Class Education: Study at one of Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools, renowned for their expertise in public policy, global affairs, and social sciences.
- Leadership Development: Gain critical skills to drive social, political, and economic progress across Africa.
- Global Network: Join a vibrant community of changemakers and connect with scholars and leaders worldwide.
Program Overview
-
- Degree Level: Master’s programs at Sciences Po
- Fields of Study: Open to all Master’s programs offered by Sciences Po
- Duration: Two years
Benefits of the Program
- Fully funded tuition and living expenses
- Access to leadership training and mentorship opportunities
- Networking with a global community of leaders and changemakers
- A platform to contribute to Africa’s development
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country. Applicants with dual citizenship from the European Economic Area are ineligible.
- Educational Background:
- Have completed or are enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree at a Sciences Po partner institution.
- Alternatively, be part of a mentoring or bridging program supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate genuine financial need with appropriate documentation (e.g., tax statements or financial aid certificates).
- Commitment to Africa: Show a clear dedication to addressing Africa’s challenges through public policy, environmental efforts, or societal transformation.
- Age: Be under 35 years old at the start of the program.
- Master’s Program: Apply to a two-year Master’s program (one-year or joint/dual degree programs are not eligible).
- No Prior Master’s Degree: Applicants who have already completed a Master’s degree are not eligible.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for Admission to Sciences Po
- Select a Master’s program from Sciences Po’s seven Graduate Schools.
- Submit your application through the international graduate admissions platform (opening September 2024).
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Scholarship Documents
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of financial need (e.g., tax documents or scholarship certificates)
- Enrollment verification from a partner institution
- A motivation letter highlighting your commitment to Africa and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
Step 3: Admissions Review
Sciences Po will evaluate your application based on academic achievements, critical thinking abilities, and alignment with your chosen program.
Step 4: Scholarship Selection
If admitted, your scholarship application will be reviewed by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Selection Committee. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
Step 5: Award Confirmation
Successful candidates will receive an offer letter detailing their scholarship rights and responsibilities. Acceptance of the scholarship finalizes the funding.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: September 2024
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
- Admission Decisions: Mid-February 2025
- Scholarship Allocation: March 2025
- Program Start Date: August 2025
Crafting a Compelling Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter is a vital part of your application. To make it stand out:
- Highlight specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to solving Africa’s challenges.
- Emphasize innovative and determined approaches to creating socio-economic change.
- Share personal, authentic stories that reflect your leadership potential.
Note: Avoid over-reliance on artificial intelligence tools when writing your letter, as this may affect your application’s credibility.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Collect necessary documents, such as financial proofs and enrollment certificates, ahead of time.
- Meet Language Requirements: Ensure you fulfill the language criteria (English, French, or bilingual programs).
- Explore Alternatives: If not selected, consider other funding opportunities like the Emile Boutmy Scholarship.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po is an unparalleled opportunity for students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a transformative education, develop their leadership skills, and contribute to Africa’s future. By providing full financial support and a robust network, this program empowers scholars to turn challenges into opportunities for meaningful change.
Start preparing your application today and take a step closer to becoming a leader and changemaker in Africa.
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