Government of France-Embassy of France in Russia - Study and Social Coverage Grants

Benefit

From October, you will receive a monthly grant of 767 EUR for 9 months to study for a Master’s degree in France. The scholarship is awarded by the French Embassy in Russia. In addition to the funding, you will be granted the official status of a French government scholarship holder, free enrolment at your French higher education institution, assistance with applying for a long-stay visa (with no fees payable to the visa centre), and statutory health insurance, provided you fall under the 28 category. You will be given priority when it comes to allocating places in halls of residence, though this is not guaranteed, particularly in Paris. There is also a non-monetary option, known as the social security allowance. It offers the same benefits for a period of 9 months, but does not provide a monthly allowance and mainly exempts you from enrolment fees.

Eligibility

• Nationality: You are a Russian national. If you also hold French nationality, you are not eligible to apply.
• Degree level: You already hold a bachelor’s degree or are due to complete one this year.
• Where you study: You will be enrolling on a Master’s programme at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in France. Priority will be given to students in their second year of a Master’s degree (Master 2). This scholarship cannot be used for PhD or postdoctoral programmes.
• Language: You have a good command of French or English and can provide evidence of this in the form of a certificate. Without such a certificate, your application will not be considered.
• Field of study: Applicants from all disciplines are welcome to apply, although particular consideration will be given to those from the natural sciences, technical disciplines and engineering.
• No double funding: This scholarship cannot be combined with an apprenticeship contract, Erasmus+, an AUF scholarship or any other scholarship awarded by a French ministry.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Embassy’s scholarship website. The application period begins on 1 December and ends on 28 February. The results will be announced in the first half of April. An adviser from the embassy and independent experts will select candidates on the basis of their academic achievements, the quality of their studies to date and the coherence of their study and career plans.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is awarded on a competitive basis. It is open to all Russian citizens in almost all fields of study, although only the grants are accompanied by a cash award of 767 EUR. Outstanding academic achievement and a clear, well-reasoned study plan are the criteria that set applicants apart from the rest, with particular consideration given to candidates from the fields of natural sciences and engineering. If your marks result in a high ranking, you will receive a cash grant. Those who are ranked lower may still be offered a social grant without the financial allowance.