The University of Cape Town (UCT) in collaboration with French university Sciences Po have launched the first dual degree programme in Africa, marking a significant milestone in academic cooperation between Africa and Europe.

The agreement signed during a visit by UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela to Sciences Po last Friday, aims to train experts capable of meeting global challenges in governance, public policy and sustainable urban development

The launch of the programme comes with the recent awarding of a €120 000 grant by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims to support the broader strategic goal of developing academic collaborations between France and Africa.

UCT said the partnership will provide students with a unique opportunity to earn two Master’s degrees – one from UCT and one from Sciences Po – in an internationally recognised and prestigious dual-degree programme.

The dual collaborative degree covers Masters programmes in Governance and International Relations, a partnership between the Paris School of International Affairs and UCT’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance.

Also, it covers Urban Studies, with a partnership between Sciences Po’s Urban School and UCT’s African Centre for Cities.

The joint admissions process for the programme will open in September, with the first cohort of students set to begin in February 2027.

The universities aim to enrol 20 students a year from diverse socio-cultural and geographical backgrounds, with three full-time scholarships available through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.

Moshabela noted that the programme would span two years, with students completing one year of study at each institution.

“The first year will take place at UCT, followed by a year at Sciences Po in France, with students returning to UCT to complete their final semester,” he said.

UCT noted that the new programme is a result of years of collaboration between UCT and Sciences Po, which dates back to 1997 when the first memorandum of understanding was signed.

“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,” he explained.

Moshabela pointed out that this had been a long journey, with teams working on the programme since 2023.

Sciences Po President Luis Vassy said with the signing of the dual degree, the University had taken a “decisive step” forward, giving the collaboration a new dimension through a programme of excellence in social sciences, at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.