The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po aims to support 120 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
- 40 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.
Eligibility criteria
Undergraduate
- 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)
- You must be nominated by one of the institutions partnered with Sciences Po for the programme (see list of registered partners below)
- You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community
- You must be able to show that you lack financial means to pursue higher education
Graduate Candidates
- You must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- You must have completed your undergraduate studies at a foreign higher education institution and have at least a Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum C1 level in English or French depending on the programme you are applying to (see language requirements)
- You must be supported by one of the institutions partnered with Sciences Po for the programme (see list of registered partners below)
- You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community
- You must be able to show that you lack financial means to pursue higher education
Summer School Candidates
12 full scholarships are offered for 2018 to cover all tuition fees and living costs. These scholarships are reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars studying at another of the Foundation’s partner universities (undergraduate or graduate level).
The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the Summer School’s June session (one month).
The Summer School offers two programmes, one in social sciences and the other in French. Scholarship winners choose one of the two programmes and also get to take a specific 24-hour course focused on transformative leadership in the African context.
Eligibility criteria
- You must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- You must currently be a Mastercard Foundation scholar at a Mastercard Foundation partner institution
- You must be supported by an institution partnered with Sciences Po under the programme (see list of authorised partners below)
- You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and/or service within your community
Benefits:
- 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.
- As well as funding their studies, Sciences Po will offer scholars a specific suite of resources to ensure they have appropriate academic support and to facilitate their transition from education to employment:
- An orientation programme and individualised academic advising throughout their studies at Sciences Po
- A mentor programme 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.
Application Procedure:
Scholarships are awarded in collaboration with a network of partner institutions authorized to nominate candidates. There are two steps to the application:
- First, candidates provide personal information and a letter of recommendation from the Sciences Po partner institution which is supporting their application through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- After this first step to assess eligibility, applicants receive an email inviting them to complete the rest of the application: information on their financial situation, their educational background and extra-curricular experiences, and their plans for the future.
- Candidates who are eligible for the scholarship must then apply to Sciences Po by 31 March 2018. Please note: the application must be submitted at least six weeks before the chosen interview date.
Notification of award
Candidates will be informed of the results of their scholarship application in the first half of June 2018.
Apply Now for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2018/2019
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