CY Cergy Paris University - Master 2 Research Excellence Scholarships

Master 2 Research Excellence Scholarship (CY Cergy Paris University)

You will receive 700 EUR per month for 10 months, totalling 7,000 EUR, as well as an exemption from enrolment fees. The University of CY Cergy Paris awards this scholarship to high-achieving students in the second year of a research-based Master’s programme (M2 Recherche) who wish to pursue a PhD at the university. Each year, around 9 scholarships are awarded across several faculties. Some departments set their own amounts: the M2 Economic Analysis Master’s programme (in collaboration with ESSEC Business School) pays 7,800 EUR or 10,000 EUR, and the Department of Mathematics pays 7,300 EUR per year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You have completed the first year of your Master’s degree (M1) or an equivalent qualification in France or abroad, and are now enrolling for the second year of your Master’s degree (M2 Research).
• Field of study: You are studying economics, law, computer science (including AI, robotics, telecommunications, data science or machine learning), engineering and materials science, chemistry, physics or mathematics.
• University: You are studying for your M2 at CY Cergy Paris University (formerly Université de Cergy-Pontoise).
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, including both French and international students.
• Outside applicants: You don’t have to be studying here yet. Students from other universities can also apply.
• Your goal: You are planning to do a PhD after completing your Master’s degree at university.
• Grades: You have excellent grades on your academic transcripts and a compelling research proposal.

How to apply

You must submit an application pack containing your CV, your academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining your research and career plans, and letters of recommendation from your supervisors during your Bachelor’s and M1 programmes. A university committee selects the successful applicants and notifies them by email. The general application deadline is in April. For the M2 programme in ‘Economic Analysis’, the current application round closes on 22 March 2026 for non-EU applicants and on 2 June 2026 for EU applicants.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is very limited: only around 9 places are available each year, spread across many faculties, meaning that each subject area offers just a handful of places. If you have very good M1 results, a clearly defined research project and a concrete plan to pursue a PhD here, your chances are good. Students from other universities may also apply. Prepare your academic transcripts and references from your supervisors carefully, as academic performance is the most important factor.