Sciences Po Paris is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe for social sciences, political science, international relations, economics, public policy, and journalism. It has produced heads of state, Nobel laureates, European commissioners, and leading figures in global governance, media, and business. For Nigerian students interested in these fields, Sciences Po offers two distinct scholarship pathways that are genuinely open to Nigerian applicants — the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship. This guide covers both in full, with complete eligibility, what each covers, and exactly how to apply from Nigeria.
Sciences Po is located in Paris, France, and operates seven graduate schools. Its Master’s programmes are taught in English or French depending on the school and programme. Sciences Po has had a formal partnership with the Mastercard Foundation since 2017, committing to provide 1,450 scholarships to African students between 2024 and 2033 — one of the most substantial institutional commitments to African student access at any European university.
Scholarship Option 1 — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees for the complete two-year Master’s programme
- Accommodation in Paris in student housing reserved specifically for Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- A monthly living stipend to cover daily expenses in Paris
- Meals access through Sciences Po’s cafeteria system
- Health insurance for the full duration of the programme
- Visa support and round-trip flights between Nigeria and France
- A laptop and academic materials
- Pre-departure orientation, arrival support, and ongoing academic and career support
- Access to mentorship, internship opportunities, and Sciences Po’s extensive alumni network
Who can apply:
- You must hold citizenship from a country in Sub-Saharan Africa — Nigerian citizens are fully eligible. Dual citizens with a non-African nationality are not eligible
- You must be under 35 years of age at the start of your Master’s programme
- You must demonstrate genuine financial need
- You must have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree from one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference. For Nigerian students, this includes the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University, among others. Check the current list at sciencespo.fr
- You must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s development
- You must be applying for an eligible two-year Master’s programme — one-year, joint, and dual-degree programmes are not eligible
How to apply: Two simultaneous tracks must be pursued. First, check your eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship through the Sciences Po scholarship eligibility portal. Second, apply for your chosen two-year Master’s programme through Sciences Po’s international graduate admissions portal. Both must be pursued simultaneously. For the 2027 intake, the application window is expected to open in October 2026 with a January 2027 deadline.
Scholarship Option 2 — France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship at Sciences Po
What it covers: For Master’s level scholars at Sciences Po in 2026, the Eiffel scholarship provides €1,200 per month, plus international transport, national transport assistance, health insurance, housing search assistance, and cultural activities. Note that the Eiffel scholarship does not cover tuition fees directly.
Who can apply: You must be under 27 years of age for Sciences Po Master’s programmes. You must not be a French citizen. You must not currently be studying in France at the Master’s level. You must not already receive a French government scholarship.
Critical process point: You cannot apply for the Eiffel scholarship directly. Sciences Po’s international admissions team identifies strong candidates and submits their applications to Campus France. You must explicitly indicate your interest in the Eiffel scholarship in the financial information section of your Sciences Po application form.
Which Scholarship Is Better for Nigerian Students?
For most Nigerian students, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the more accessible and more comprehensive option:
- The Mastercard Foundation scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, flights, visa, health insurance, and a laptop — genuinely fully funded. The Eiffel scholarship covers a monthly allowance but not tuition
- The Mastercard Foundation scholarship has no age restriction below 35, while the Eiffel at Sciences Po requires applicants to be under 27
- The Mastercard Foundation scholarship process is more transparent — you apply for eligibility directly
If you are under 27, have an outstanding academic record from an eligible Nigerian university, and are not currently studying in France, pursue both simultaneously.
Deadline Information
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po for the 2027 intake is expected to open in October 2026 with a deadline in early January 2027. Sciences Po’s internal deadline for Eiffel candidate identification falls around October to November 2026. Apply to Sciences Po as early as possible. Visit sciencespo.fr for the most current information. Moreschooling will publish updates as soon as the 2027 application cycle opens.