French Ministry of Higher Education and Research/CNOUS - Scholarships for Higher Education

What you get

You will receive a monthly grant to enable you to study in France if your family is unable to cover the costs. The amount depends on your family’s income and is based on a scale with 8 bands (bands 0 to 7). At the highest band, it amounts to up to around 550 EUR per month. This corresponds to approximately 1,454 EUR per year at the lowest level and 6,335 EUR per year at the highest level for 2026–2027. The money is paid out in 10 monthly instalments from September to June. You can receive funding for up to 7 academic years in total, although these years do not have to be consecutive. If you are studying in a French overseas territory (Outre-mer), you will receive an additional 300 EUR per year. As a scholarship holder, you are also exempt from the compulsory CVEC student fee. The scholarship is awarded by the French government and administered locally by the CROUS student services.

Who can apply

• Level of study: You are enrolled on a recognised higher education programme, such as a BTS, a preparatory class (CPGE), a Bachelor’s degree programme, a Master’s degree programme or an engineering diploma. PhDs are not eligible for funding.
• Where you study: Full-time study at a recognised higher education institution in France or in another country within the European Economic Area.
• School-leaving qualification: You hold the French ‘Baccalauréat’ or a recognised equivalent qualification that entitles you to enrol in the first year of a degree programme at a higher education institution.
• Age: On 1 September of the year in which you first submit your application, you are subject to the upper limit of 28. This upper limit is increased to up to 40 in the case of military or civilian service, for each child in your care, and in the case of a recognised disability.
• Financial need: Your family’s total taxable income is below the threshold for a particular support band. For 2026–2027, this is determined by your 2024 income. An online simulator will show you which band you fall into.
• Nationality: French nationals meet the eligibility criteria without any further requirements. Citizens of the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Andorra must provide proof of earned income in France (either their own or that of a parent). Non-EU citizens must hold a valid residence permit and have been resident and tax-resident in France for at least 2 years. Refugees and persons granted subsidiary protection are also eligible.

How to apply

You apply online via the ‘Dossier social étudiant’ (DSE) at messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr. With this single application, you apply for both the grant and student accommodation. For 2026-2027, you can apply between 1 March and 31 May 2026; early application is recommended. You do not yet need to have chosen your exact degree programme. Your regional CROUS will review your application and notify you of a provisional decision by July.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a means-tested grant, but a needs-based entitlement. If your family income is below the threshold and you meet the study and nationality requirements, you will receive the grant. The key question is not whether you will be awarded the grant, but which income bracket you fall into, as this determines the amount of the grant. Use the simulator to work out your income bracket and apply for the grant in the spring so that the funds are available at the start of the year.