France Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
If studying in France has been on your mind, you are not alone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students from around the world move to France to pursue their academic goals. And if you are worried about the cost, this article is exactly what you need. There are more France scholarship opportunities available than most students realize, and many of them are fully funded.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about scholarships in France for international students in 2026. From the famous Eiffel Excellence Scholarship to university-based awards at Sciences Po and Paris-Saclay, you will find detailed information on eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply. Whether you are planning to study at the bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD level, there is something in this list for you.
Why Study in France?
Before diving into the scholarships, it is worth understanding why France is such a popular destination for international students. France is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and Grandes Ecoles. Institutions like Sciences Po, Ecole Polytechnique, Sorbonne University, Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS), and Universite Paris-Saclay are globally respected and produce graduates who go on to lead major organizations across both the public and private sectors.
France also has one of the lowest tuition fee structures among developed countries. At public universities, annual tuition fees typically range from around 200 euros to 600 euros for most programs. Private universities and Grandes Ecoles charge more, sometimes up to 10,000 euros or higher per year. Living costs are estimated at around 10,000 euros annually, which is manageable when you factor in scholarship support.
Beyond academics, France offers a rich cultural experience, strong research infrastructure, and access to a large network of industries and career opportunities. A French degree is recognized and respected worldwide, and graduates often find strong employment prospects both in France and internationally.
According to Campus France, over 443,500 international students were enrolled in French universities in the 2024 to 2025 academic year, a record high. This shows just how attractive France has become as a study destination.
Types of Scholarships Available in France
When people search for a France scholarship, they usually have fully funded programs in mind. But the scholarship landscape in France is much broader than that. Understanding the different types of funding available can help you identify the best opportunities for your specific situation.
The main categories of scholarships in France include government-funded scholarships managed through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Campus France, university-based scholarships offered directly by institutions like Sciences Po and Paris-Saclay, research and doctoral funding available through organizations like the CNRS and doctoral schools, Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programs that cover study in multiple countries including France, and bilateral scholarships offered through agreements between France and specific countries.
Some scholarships are labeled as grants, bursaries, fellowships, or mobility awards rather than traditional scholarships. If you only search for one type of funding, you may miss important opportunities. Looking at all of these categories gives you the best chance of securing financial support for your studies.
Top France Scholarships for International Students in 2026
Here is a detailed breakdown of the most well-known and most accessible scholarships available for international students who want to study in France.
1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is probably the most well-known French government scholarship available to international students. It was established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs with the goal of attracting outstanding international students to enroll in master’s and doctoral programs at French higher education institutions.
The primary purpose of the program is to train future decision-makers in the private and public sectors, particularly from developing countries. It focuses on students who show strong academic potential and are likely to go on to hold leadership positions in their home countries or internationally.
Eiffel Scholarship Benefits
For master’s level students, the Eiffel Scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 1,200 euros (from January 2026). For doctoral students, the monthly allowance is 2,100 euros. In addition to the monthly stipend, the scholarship covers international transportation with one round-trip flight, national transportation assistance within France upon arrival, comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the stay, assistance with finding accommodation, and access to cultural activities and networking events.
It is important to note that the Eiffel Scholarship does not directly cover tuition fees. However, recipients of French government scholarships are often exempt from tuition charges for programs leading to a national diploma, such as a master’s or doctorate, at public institutions overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Eiffel Scholarship Eligibility
The scholarship is open exclusively to non-French citizens. Candidates who hold dual nationality where one of the nationalities is French are not eligible. For the master’s level, applicants must be 29 years old or younger (born after March 31, 1996). For the doctoral level, applicants must be 35 years old or younger (born after March 31, 1990). Candidates must not already be receiving another French government scholarship, and those currently living and studying in France are generally not eligible.
The scholarship focuses on seven priority areas of study: law and political science, economics and management, French history, language and civilization, engineering sciences, exact sciences, information and communication sciences, and life and earth sciences and ecology.
How to Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship
One of the most important things to know about the Eiffel Scholarship is that students cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted through a French higher education institution. So your first step is to identify a participating French university or Grande Ecole, apply for admission to your chosen program, and then inform the institution’s international relations office or scholarship coordinator that you wish to be considered for the Eiffel program. The institution then reviews applications internally and submits selected candidates to Campus France by the January 8, 2026 deadline. Results are typically published from March 30 onward.
Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship on the official Campus France website
2. Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Sciences Po is one of the most prestigious social science universities in the world, and the Emile Boutmy Scholarship is its flagship financial aid program for international students. Named after the founder of Sciences Po, Emile Boutmy, this award was created to attract the brightest international students from outside the European Union.
The scholarship is supported by a range of private sponsors including the Chalhoub Group, Fondation Genevieve McMillan-Reba Stewart, L’Oreal, and Michel David-Weill. These private sponsors sometimes get the opportunity to meet scholarship holders at official events organized by the university.
Emile Boutmy Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship works as a tuition fee grant. At the undergraduate level, it provides either a full tuition exemption or a partial exemption of up to 9,500 euros per year. This award is automatically renewed if the student continues into a master’s program at Sciences Po. At the master’s level, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship provides 18,500 euros per year toward tuition fees for each of the two years of the master’s program. This is one of the most generous university scholarships available in France.
Emile Boutmy Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a first-time applicant to Sciences Po, from a non-European Union country, and from a household that does not file taxes within the EU. You must also be admitted to an eligible undergraduate or master’s program at the university. The scholarship is not available for PhD programs, one-year master’s programs, or most dual-degree programs. It also cannot be combined with other Sciences Po scholarships such as the Eiffel Scholarship, though in certain exceptional cases the jury may decide otherwise.
How to Apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship
You do not apply for the Boutmy Scholarship separately. Instead, you indicate your interest in the Financial Information section of your Sciences Po admissions application. You may be asked to provide proof of income and documents explaining your family situation, such as parent income tax returns, payslips, or other relevant financial documents. The deadline for master’s programs falls in October or November, and the deadline for undergraduate programs from foreign secondary schools is January 20, 2026.
Apply for the Emile Boutmy Scholarship via Sciences Po’s official page
3. Universite Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
Paris-Saclay University is one of the top-ranked universities in France and globally, particularly strong in science, engineering, and mathematics. It offers fully funded international master’s scholarships to attract talented students from around the world.
Paris-Saclay Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship is worth 10,000 euros per academic year. An additional amount of up to 1,000 euros may also be awarded to cover travel and visa expenses, depending on the candidate’s country of origin. The scholarship is designed to cover a significant portion of living and study costs during the master’s program.
Paris-Saclay Scholarship Eligibility
The university gives priority to master’s level applicants whose most recent degree was obtained in one of several key regions including Asia and Oceania (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam), all European countries with a focus on EUGLOH Alliance partners, and Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa, and several others. This makes it a particularly strong opportunity for students from Africa and Asia.
The deadline for Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships typically falls in late March each year.
Check the Paris-Saclay scholarship page for current deadlines and application details
4. ENS de Lyon Ampere Scholarships of Excellence
The Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon offers the Ampere Scholarships of Excellence for outstanding international students who want to pursue one of the eligible master’s programs at the institution. ENS de Lyon is one of the most elite academic institutions in France, known for producing researchers, academics, and senior civil servants.
The Ampere Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 1,000 euros for the duration of the master’s program. It also includes free accommodation, which is a significant financial benefit given that housing can be one of the largest expenses for students in France. Recipients are also exempt from tuition fees.
Each year, ENS de Lyon awards around 20 of these scholarships through an international selection competition. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic records, motivation letters, and overall suitability for the chosen program. This is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships available at a French university.
Learn more and apply for the ENS de Lyon Ampere Scholarship here
5. Campus France Star Scholarship
The Campus France Star Scholarship is a partial funding scholarship offered for PhD programs in France. It is managed through Campus France, the French government agency that promotes French higher education abroad and supports international students in finding programs and funding in France.
The Star Scholarship is primarily aimed at students from specific countries and regions, and availability depends on the bilateral agreements in place between France and the applicant’s home country. Students interested in this scholarship should contact their local Campus France office or the French Embassy in their country for details on eligibility and application procedures specific to their nationality.
Visit Campus France to explore the Star Scholarship and other funding opportunities
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
Erasmus Mundus is a European Union program that funds joint master’s programs across multiple European countries. Many Erasmus Mundus programs include France as one of the partner countries, which means you can apply for a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship that includes a study period in France.
The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships to students from all over the world regardless of their field of study, as long as they enroll in an eligible joint master’s program. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, travel and installation costs, and health insurance. Students are required to study in at least two different countries participating in the program during the course of their degree.
Some Erasmus Mundus programs that include France are offered in areas like food science and innovation, engineering, environmental sciences, and international law. The FIPDes program (Food Innovation and Product Design) is one well-known example that runs across multiple European universities including institutions in France.
Browse all available Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs that include France
7. Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Sciences Po offers fully funded scholarships specifically for talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa. This scholarship is designed to support students from the African continent who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and leadership potential but may not have the financial means to pursue studies in France.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, travel costs, and health insurance. Recipients are selected not only on the basis of academic excellence but also on their commitment to return and contribute to the development of their home communities after completing their studies.
This is one of the best France scholarship opportunities available specifically for African students, and it represents a genuine pathway to a world-class education for those who might otherwise not have access to it.
Apply for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholarship here
French Embassy Scholarships
In addition to the large national programs, the French Embassy in many countries offers bilateral scholarships to students from specific nations. These are sometimes called French Embassy Excellence Scholarships or Embassy Scholarships for Master’s Students. They are fully funded in many cases and cover tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.
The availability and scope of these scholarships vary by country. The French Foreign Ministry awards many different scholarships to foreign students, with around 25 percent of these directly financed by the Ministry through programs like France Excellence Eiffel and the France Excellence Major program for graduates of French high schools abroad.
To find out which embassy scholarships are available in your country, you should contact the Campus France office in your home country or visit the French Embassy’s official website. The Embassy’s Cultural and Cooperation Department can guide you on available programs, eligibility, and how to apply.
Explore all French government scholarship programs via the official Campus France bursaries page
General Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in France
While each scholarship has its own specific requirements, there are some common eligibility factors that appear across most France scholarship programs. Understanding these in advance can help you prepare a stronger application.
Most scholarships require applicants to be non-French citizens. Some programs also restrict eligibility based on whether the applicant is currently residing or studying in France, especially at the time of application. Academic excellence is a core requirement across almost every scholarship program available in France. You will typically need strong grades, a coherent academic trajectory, and evidence of achievements such as rankings, awards, or honors from your previous institution.
Age limits are also common. The Eiffel Scholarship, for example, has a maximum age of 29 for master’s applicants and 35 for doctoral applicants. Many other university scholarships have similar age-based restrictions. Language proficiency is another key factor. Many master’s and doctoral programs at French universities are available in English, but some scholarships require French language proficiency even when the program is taught in English. Having at least a basic level of French can strengthen your application considerably.
Most scholarships also require you to be enrolled or admitted to a specific program at a French institution. Some require admission before you can apply for the scholarship, while others allow parallel applications. It is important to plan your timeline carefully to avoid being admitted to a program but missing the scholarship deadline.
What Documents Are Usually Required?
The exact documents required vary by scholarship, but there is a standard set of materials that most French scholarship programs ask for. You should start preparing these well in advance of any deadline.
A well-written curriculum vitae (CV) in either French or English is almost always required. Your academic transcripts for all years of higher education, officially translated into French or English, are essential. Copies of your degrees or certificates of completion with dates and specializations are also needed. A strong motivation letter or personal statement explaining your academic goals, professional ambitions, and why you have chosen France is critical. Letters of recommendation from professors or academic supervisors who can speak to your abilities are typically required as well.
For scholarships that consider financial need such as the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, you may also need to provide proof of income including parent tax returns, payslips, and other financial documents. Some scholarships ask for proof of your language proficiency through official tests like IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, or DALF. If you are applying for a research degree, a detailed research proposal or project description is usually required.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
Applying for a scholarship in France is competitive. These programs receive thousands of applications each year, and the selection committees are looking for students who stand out in terms of academics, motivation, and long-term potential. Here are some practical tips to improve your chances.
Start researching early. Many France scholarship deadlines fall between October and March, but the preparation process should begin months before that. Identify your target programs and scholarships at least six months before the deadline. Make sure your choice of program and institution is strategic. The Eiffel Scholarship, for example, is submitted by French institutions, so choosing a university with a strong track record in the Eiffel program and good support for international applicants can make a significant difference.
Pay close attention to the specific requirements of each scholarship. Missing one small document or requirement can get your application disqualified. Tailor your motivation letter to each scholarship, explaining clearly why you are applying, how the scholarship aligns with your goals, and what you plan to do after completing your degree. Scholarship committees want to see that you have thought carefully about your future and that you are a worthy investment.
If French language skills are not mandatory but are valued, investing time in learning basic French before applying can genuinely improve your profile. Even a basic certification shows commitment and preparation. Do not limit yourself to just one scholarship. Apply to multiple programs simultaneously, as backup options are important when dealing with highly competitive programs.
How to Use Campus Bourses to Find More Scholarships
Campus France operates a scholarship search tool called Campus Bourses, which lists all of the financial assistance available to foreign students in France. This includes scholarships from the French government, foreign governments, regional authorities, private companies, foundations, and universities. You can filter results by nationality, field of study, and level of study to find the options most relevant to your profile.
This tool is extremely useful for students who do not fit neatly into the profiles targeted by the large national scholarships like Eiffel. Regional scholarships and small foundation awards can sometimes be combined with other funding to create a comprehensive financial package that makes studying in France genuinely affordable.
Use Campus Bourses to search for scholarships tailored to your nationality and field of study
Can You Combine Multiple Scholarships?
This is a question many students have, and the answer depends on the specific scholarships involved. Most French government scholarships, including the Eiffel Scholarship, cannot be combined with other French government awards. For instance, if you are already receiving a scholarship from the French Embassy or the French Agency for Universities in the Francophonie, you are not eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship at the same time.
However, combining a university-based scholarship with a small external grant or a regional award is sometimes possible. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po, for example, may in exceptional cases be combined with external awards. It is always best to read the official regulations of each scholarship carefully and contact the awarding institution if you are uncertain whether combining awards is permitted in your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
France is genuinely one of the best countries in the world to pursue higher education, combining strong academic tradition, affordable public universities, and a remarkable quality of life. The range of France scholarship programs available to international students makes it possible for talented individuals from all backgrounds to study at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions without taking on unmanageable debt.
The key to success is starting early, doing thorough research, and putting together strong, tailored applications. Whether you are targeting the government-funded Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, a university award like the Emile Boutmy or the Ampere Scholarship at ENS de Lyon, or an Erasmus Mundus program that routes through France, the opportunities are real and worth pursuing.
Use the links in this article to visit the official pages of each scholarship, confirm the latest deadlines, and begin your application. Your journey to study in France with full financial support could start today.
