The University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially joined forces with Sciences Po, a prestigious public university in Paris, France, to offer a unique dual degree programme.
This initiative not only serves as a milestone in academic cooperation between Africa and Europe but also reinforces the significance of African higher education on the global stage.
The partnership is a culmination of years of dialogue and collaboration between the two esteemed institutions, marking Sciences Po’s inaugural dual degree offering on the African continent.
The pivotal agreement is bolstered by a generous €120,000 grant from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at fostering academic collaborations between France and South Africa.
As part of this landmark programme, students will have the opportunity to earn two master’s degrees: one in governance and international relations from Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs and the other from UCT’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance; the second focuses on urban studies, a collaboration between Sciences Po’s Urban School and UCT’s Africa Centre for Cities.
The unique educational experience will span two years, with students commencing their studies at UCT for the first year, followed by a year at Sciences Po, and concluding their final semester back at UCT.
“UCT’s partnership with Sciences Po is a testament to the growing importance of African higher education on the global stage,” stated UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela.
“By establishing this programme, UCT reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of global education, advancing academic excellence, and promoting cross-cultural exchange that empowers students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.”
The journey to establishing this dual degree programme has not been swift; it has involved extensive negotiations and planning over the last two years.
Professor Moshabela further praised the collaborative efforts of the teams from both institutions, highlighting the resilience and dedication of faculty members and staff who navigated the complexities inherent in designing a dual degree framework.
The joint admission process for aspiring students is set to open in September 2025, with the inaugural cohort expected to commence their academic journey in February 2027. UCT and Sciences Po plan to enrol 20 diverse students annually and will be offering three full-time scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, aimed at broadening access to this prestigious educational opportunity.
