Apply Now: TIGER Master's Excellence Scholarship France 2026

If you are an international student with a strong academic record and you are looking for a scholarship to fund a Master’s degree in France, the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship at Aix Marseille Université deserve your serious attention. This programme provides up to €10,000 per academic year, guaranteed accommodation in a CROUS university residence, and a personalised welcome and support service from the moment you arrive in France. It is open to outstanding students from all over the world, and the application process is simpler than most scholarships you have probably come across.

What makes the TIGER scholarship particularly appealing is that there is no separate application. You apply for your chosen Master’s programme, and if your academic profile is strong enough, the scholarship consideration is built right in. No extra forms, no additional deadlines to track alongside your programme application.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what TIGER stands for and why it was created, what Aix Marseille Université is really like as a place to study, the full details of what the scholarship provides, which programmes are eligible, who qualifies, how the application process works, key deadlines, and how to get started today.

About Aix Marseille Université

Before getting into the scholarship itself, it helps to understand where you would be studying. Aix Marseille Université (AMU) is one of the largest universities in the French-speaking world. It was established in its current form in 2012 following the merger of three pre-existing universities in the Provence region of southern France. Today it is home to over 80,000 students and nearly 8,000 academic and administrative staff.

The university operates across five campuses spread across Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, two of the most historically rich and culturally vibrant cities in southern France. It encompasses 19 faculties and schools, 12 doctoral schools, and more than 130 recognised research units. It offers over 590 degree courses covering every major discipline: arts, literature, languages, social sciences, economics, management, law, political science, health and medical sciences, science, and technology.

AMU is one of the most internationally connected universities in France. It has over 500 international agreements, 407 Erasmus partner institutions, 298 international cooperation agreements, 88 degrees with international partnerships, and 10 Erasmus Mundus programmes. More than 10,000 international students study at AMU at any given time.

The university’s research reputation is also significant. In the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, also known as the Shanghai Rankings), AMU ranked joint 151st to 200th globally. In specific disciplines, the rankings are stronger: joint 51st to 75th globally in Physics and Oceanography, joint 76th to 100th in Public Health and Mathematics, and joint 101st to 150th in fields including Ecology, Mechanical Engineering, Clinical Medicine, and Dentistry. It works in close collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), and INSERM.

AMU is also the coordinator of A*Midex, one of only eight French Excellence Initiatives selected by an international jury under the French government’s Investissements d’Avenir (Investments for the Future) programme. This designation recognises AMU’s strategic potential as a world-class centre for research and higher education in France. The TIGER scholarship itself flows directly from this Excellence Initiative framework.

Notable alumni of AMU include four Nobel Prize laureates, six César Award winners, four Olympic medalists, former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, and Christine Lagarde, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and current President of the European Central Bank, who studied law at Aix-Marseille.

What Is the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship?

TIGER stands for Transformer et Innover dans la formation Graduate via la Recherche, which translates in English as Transforming and Innovating in Graduate Education via Research. This is the name of the broader project at Aix Marseille Université that frames the scholarship initiative.

The TIGER project is funded by the Plan d’Investissement d’Avenir, the French Government’s Investment Plan for the Future of the State. Through this initiative, the French government invests in a select group of universities with the aim of strengthening research-driven education, promoting international mobility, and integrating France’s top institutions into the global higher education landscape.

As part of its implementation of the TIGER project, Aix Marseille Université created the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship to finance outstanding international students and bring them into the university’s community of institutions that combine teaching, innovation, and high-level research. The scholarship has been running since the 2022-2023 academic year and was expanded from the start of the 2025-2026 academic year to cover 16 selected Master’s programmes.

The core purpose of the TIGER scholarship is to attract the best students from around the world to AMU’s graduate programmes and to make France an accessible and attractive destination for international academic talent. It is a merit-based programme. Selection is based purely on academic excellence, with no financial need assessment involved.

What Does the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship Provide?

The TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship is structured around three main components, which together create a genuinely comprehensive support package for international students arriving in France.

Financial Support: Up to €10,000 Per Year

Aix Marseille Université finances each TIGER scholar up to €10,000 for one academic year. This amount is designed to cover living costs, educational expenses, and day-to-day student needs throughout the academic year. Some sources indicate the scholarship can be renewed for a second year, subject to the student meeting renewal criteria, which could mean a total award of up to €20,000 across a two-year Master’s programme.

One important thing to note is that being awarded a TIGER scholarship does not automatically exempt students from paying university tuition fees. Non-EU international students who are subject to differentiated tuition fees (the higher fees introduced under the Bienvenue en France initiative) must still pay those fees to enrol. The scholarship is a financial support grant intended to offset living and study costs rather than a full tuition waiver. Students should check AMU’s official tuition fee information before applying to understand what additional costs they may need to cover.

The scholarship can be combined with other funding schemes, including government grants, work placement bonuses, and outgoing mobility grants, up to a maximum of €2,000 per month. Students must declare all their resources in a commitment contract with the university.

Guaranteed Accommodation in a CROUS University Residence

One of the most practically valuable aspects of the TIGER scholarship is the guaranteed accommodation. Aix Marseille Université will reserve a room for every TIGER scholar in a CROUS university residence, provided the student completes all the necessary formalities within the allotted timeframe after receiving their scholarship award.

CROUS stands for Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires. CROUS is the French government’s network of student welfare organisations that manages university residences, restaurants, and social support services for students across France. CROUS housing is specifically designed for students and typically offers affordable rooms close to university campuses. For an international student arriving in a new country for the first time, having accommodation sorted before you land is a significant advantage and removes one of the most stressful parts of relocating abroad.

Personalised Welcome and Support Upon Arrival

The third component of the TIGER scholarship is the support service that AMU provides from the moment a scholar arrives in France. The university’s international relations office accompanies scholars throughout their stay, helping with administrative procedures, integration into campus life, and navigating the practical aspects of living in France for the first time.

This welcome and support service is especially valuable for students coming from countries outside the European Union, where language barriers, bureaucratic processes, and cultural adjustment can create real challenges at the start of a programme. Having a dedicated point of contact at the university who understands your situation makes a meaningful difference to how smoothly you can transition into your studies.

Which Academic Fields and Programmes Are Eligible?

The TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarships are awarded across a broad range of academic fields. The programme covers six major thematic areas, which means students from very different disciplinary backgrounds can find an eligible programme.

The six thematic areas covered by TIGER scholarships are: environmental and earth sciences, life and health sciences, advanced science and technology, energy, and humanities and social sciences. This is a deliberately wide scope, reflecting AMU’s interdisciplinary character and its strength across both scientific and non-scientific disciplines.

From the 2025-2026 academic year, 16 specific Master’s programmes were selected as eligible for the TIGER scholarship. These include programmes such as:

Master of Mathematics and Applications: Computer Science, Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics track
Master in Mathematics and Applications: Fundamental Mathematics
Master in Microbiology, Integrative and Fundamental Microbiology track
Master of Integrative Biology and Physiology (BIP)
Master in Finance: Financial Risks and Sustainable Finance (offered through Aix-Marseille School of Economics, AMSE)
Various programmes in public health, environmental sciences, and technology disciplines
M2 AI4PH (Artificial Intelligence for Public Health) in the Public Health Master’s programme at SESSTIM

The programme list is updated regularly, and new eligible programmes may be added in future cycles. Always check the official TIGER scholarship page at Aix Marseille Université for the current and complete list of eligible programmes before applying, as programmes not on that list are not covered by the scholarship.

Both M1 (first year of Master’s) and M2 (second year of Master’s) may be eligible depending on the specific programme. For example, Aix-Marseille School of Economics offers the TIGER scholarship for both the M1 and the following M2 programmes in its Finance and Economics courses.

It is also important to note that the TIGER programme finances on-site student mobility only. Distance learning arrangements are not covered under the standard TIGER scholarship terms, though some specific programmes like AI4PH may have their own hybrid arrangements. Check the details of your specific programme before applying.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship?

Eligibility for the TIGER scholarship is clean and straightforward. There are a small number of criteria, and the core requirement is academic excellence.

You Must Be an International Student

The scholarship is specifically targeted at international students. Students of French nationality or dual French nationality are not eligible. The programme exists to attract international talent to AMU and to support the university’s internationalisation goals, so it is designed for students coming from outside France to study in the country for the first time.

You Must Be Enrolling in France for the First Time

Students entering a Master’s programme who have never been enrolled in a French higher education institution before are eligible for the TIGER scholarship. If you have previously studied in France at a higher education institution, you would not qualify under standard eligibility terms.

You Must Be Admitted to an Eligible Programme

The scholarship is only available to students who are admitted to one of the 16 eligible Master’s programmes associated with the TIGER initiative. Simply wishing to study at AMU is not enough; your chosen programme must be on the current eligible list.

Selection Is Based Entirely on Academic Excellence

There is no financial need assessment for the TIGER scholarship. Selection is based on a single criterion: academic excellence. Your grades, your academic track record, the strength of your undergraduate degree, and the quality of your application to the Master’s programme are what matter. This means the scholarship is genuinely competitive among high-achieving applicants, and maintaining a strong academic profile is essential.

Required Application Documents

While the scholarship consideration is automatic when you apply to an eligible programme, the following documents are typically required as part of your Master’s programme application and scholarship review:

Academic transcripts from the last three years of university studies, translated into English or French
A detailed and up-to-date CV (curriculum vitae)
A letter of motivation setting out clearly why you want to follow this particular programme, your educational background, and your career plans
One or two letters of recommendation from professors, directors of studies, or internship coordinators
Proof of your bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma (Bac + 3 level or higher) in a relevant field
For some programmes, proof of language proficiency in French or English depending on the language of instruction

Requirements can vary by programme, so always check the specific documentation requirements on the page for your chosen Master’s programme before submitting.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship application process has one feature that makes it stand out from nearly every other scholarship you will encounter: it is completely automatic. There is no separate scholarship application form, no additional deadline to track, and no extra paperwork to submit specifically for the scholarship. Here is how it works step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Eligible Master’s Programme

Start by reviewing the current list of Master’s programmes eligible for the TIGER scholarship on the official AMU website. Identify the programme that best matches your academic background, research interests, and career goals. Confirm that the programme falls under one of the eligible TIGER thematic areas and is delivered on-site at AMU.

Step 2: Submit Your Application to the Master’s Programme

Apply to your chosen programme through the appropriate platform. The platform you use depends on your personal situation and country of origin. For many non-European students, the application is submitted through the Études en France platform (also known as the Campus France portal), which is available from November each year for applications to the following academic year. For other students, the eCandidat platform at AMU may be the appropriate route. Check the specific programme page or contact the programme coordinator to confirm which platform applies to your situation.

When submitting your application, make sure all your supporting documents are complete, accurately translated where required, and represent the strongest possible picture of your academic profile. Because scholarship selection is based on academic merit assessed through your programme application, the quality of your application file is directly tied to your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Step 3: Programme Coordinators Review Applications and Select Scholarship Candidates

After the application deadline, the Master’s programme coordinators review all submitted applications. They assess academic qualifications and select the candidates who will be awarded the TIGER scholarship. This review process is conducted internally by the academic team responsible for each programme.

Step 4: Receive Your Admission Letter

If your application to the Master’s programme is successful, you will receive an admission letter from Aix Marseille Université.

Step 5: Receive Your TIGER Scholarship Award Letter

If you have been selected for the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship, you will receive your scholarship award letter shortly after your admission letter. The decision on scholarship awards is communicated from the beginning of June each year by the university’s international relations department, which will also inform you of the next steps.

If you do not receive a scholarship notification alongside or shortly after your admission letter, it means your application was not selected for the TIGER award in that cycle. There is no appeal process, and the university does not typically provide individual feedback on scholarship decisions.

For Specific Programmes with Their Own Interview Process

Some TIGER-eligible programmes, such as the M2 AI4PH (Artificial Intelligence for Public Health) at SESSTIM, have a slightly different process that includes a shortlisting stage and an oral interview. For AI4PH specifically, the 2026 timeline includes an application deadline of 11 May 2026 at 12:00pm, shortlisting notification around 13 May 2026, and oral interviews on 19 May 2026. If you are applying for a programme with an interview component, check the specific programme page for its detailed timeline.

Key Deadlines for the 2026 Academic Cycle

Application deadlines for the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship vary by programme. There is no single universal deadline that applies to all eligible programmes. This is important to understand because it means you need to check the deadline for your specific chosen programme rather than assuming a single date applies across the board.

As a general guide, deadlines for many programmes fall at the end of May or the beginning of June. Some programmes on the Études en France platform open for applications from November of the preceding year. For the AI4PH programme at SESSTIM, the 2026 deadline is 11 May 2026. For AMSE programmes using Études en France, the platform typically opens from November 2025.

Because missing a deadline means automatic rejection with no exceptions, the most important thing you can do is go directly to the page for your chosen programme on the AMU website, confirm its specific application deadline, and build your preparation timeline backwards from that date.

Living and Studying in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille

Understanding the city and campus environment you would be entering is an important part of making an informed decision about this scholarship.

Location and Setting

Aix Marseille Université operates across five campuses divided between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Aix-en-Provence is a charming, relatively compact city known for its 17th and 18th century architecture, vibrant market culture, and connection to the painter Paul Cézanne, who was born there. Marseille, by contrast, is France’s second largest city and its biggest Mediterranean port, a diverse, energetic, and historically layered urban environment with a strong cultural identity.

Both cities enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, making the south of France one of the most pleasant regions in Europe to live in as a student. The cost of living in Marseille is generally lower than in Paris, which stretches your scholarship further.

Research and Laboratory Access

As a Master’s student at AMU, you will have access to an exceptional research infrastructure. The university supports over 130 research units and works with major national research organisations including the CNRS, CEA, and INSERM. For students interested in transitioning from a Master’s degree to doctoral research, this environment offers strong pathways and connections.

AMU is particularly well known for its research strengths in marine sciences, Mediterranean studies, cognitive sciences, oncology, physics, public health, and mathematics. If your programme overlaps with any of these areas, you will find world-class research activity happening around you throughout your studies.

Language of Instruction

Many of the TIGER-eligible Master’s programmes are taught fully or partly in English, particularly in scientific and technical fields. Some programmes are taught in French, and a few offer a bilingual environment. Before applying to any specific programme, confirm the language of instruction and any language proficiency requirements so you can prepare appropriately.

Student Life and Campus Facilities

AMU has over 100 student clubs and associations covering arts, sports, technology, volunteering, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The Mediterranean location gives students access to outdoor activities including hiking in the Calanques National Park, beach trips, and visits to historical sites across Provence. The university also has sports facilities including gyms, pools, and courts across its campuses.

CROUS accommodation, which TIGER scholars are guaranteed access to, is located close to university facilities and offers affordable living in a student community environment. This is a particularly important benefit for scholars arriving in France without existing local knowledge or connections.

How the TIGER Scholarship Compares to Other French Scholarships

If you are researching study options in France, you may have encountered other scholarship programmes alongside TIGER. Here is a brief comparison to help you understand how they relate to one another.

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is managed by Campus France and is one of France’s most well-known international scholarship programmes. It targets international Master’s and PhD students at French institutions. The Eiffel scholarship is more competitive and harder to obtain than the TIGER scholarship, involves a separate application process managed through your institution, and provides a monthly stipend along with other benefits. The Eiffel scholarship can be combined with the TIGER scholarship depending on the total monthly amount received, though you should confirm the current rules with AMU before assuming they can be stacked.

A*Midex Excellence Initiative Student Mobility Grant

AMU’s A*Midex foundation also offers the Excellence Initiative Student Mobility Grant, which is designed to increase international student mobility at the university. This grant has different eligibility parameters and is available to undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students across any field of study, with a minimum internship duration of two months. It operates alongside the TIGER scholarship and can in some cases complement it.

French Embassy and Campus France Bilateral Scholarships

The French government’s network of embassies and Campus France offices in many countries offers bilateral scholarships and grants to students from specific countries. These are often less competitive than institutional scholarships and can be explored through your local French embassy or Campus France office as a supplementary funding source.

CROUS Social Grants

CROUS also manages need-based social grants for students studying in France. While these are not merit scholarships, international students facing financial difficulty may be able to access CROUS support in addition to any merit-based funding they receive. These are worth exploring alongside the TIGER scholarship if cost of living is a concern.

How to Apply for the TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship

The path to a TIGER scholarship starts with identifying the right programme and submitting a strong application. Here is how to get started:

First, visit the official TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarships page at Aix Marseille Université to view the complete list of eligible programmes, review the scholarship details, and access the application platforms. You can do that by visiting the official TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarships page at Aix Marseille Université.

If you are interested in the TIGER scholarship through Aix-Marseille School of Economics specifically, you can find programme-level scholarship information and application details at the AMSE Scholarships for Excellence page.

For the TIGER scholarship in the M2 AI4PH (Artificial Intelligence for Public Health) programme, full application details and the 2026 timeline can be found at the SESSTIM TIGER Excellence Scholarship page for AI4PH.

Once you have identified your programme, confirm the specific application deadline and the platform you need to use (Études en France or eCandidat), gather all required documents, and submit a complete and well-prepared application before your programme’s deadline.

Final Thoughts

The TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship at Aix Marseille Université offers a genuinely attractive combination of financial support, guaranteed housing, and structured integration into one of France’s most active and diverse research universities. For international students with strong academic records who are considering a Master’s degree in France, it is one of the more accessible entry points available: no separate application, no financial need test, and a clear merit-based selection that rewards academic quality.

The key things you can do to maximise your chances are to identify the right eligible programme early, start building your application well before the deadline, prepare a compelling and detailed motivation letter, and choose referees who know your academic work well enough to write a strong, specific recommendation.

Studying in southern France at a university with over 80,000 students, 130 research units, and a Mediterranean setting that very few academic institutions in the world can match is a genuine opportunity. The TIGER scholarship makes it more financially accessible. If your academic profile is strong, this opportunity is well worth pursuing.

For more detailed guides to scholarships in France, Europe, and across the world, continue exploring this blog. We publish regular, well-researched articles on funding opportunities for international students at every level, from undergraduate to doctoral study and beyond.