French General Consulate in Hong Kong and Macao - Alexandre Yersin Excellence Scholarship

Benefit

For a one-year Master’s degree programme in France, you will receive living allowance of 860 EUR per month. The total package is worth approximately 13,000 euros per year. In addition to the money, you will receive:

• No 99 EUR visa fee
• No tuition fees at public universities (around 3,770 EUR for a Master’s degree)
• Free supplementary health insurance, as well as social security and repatriation insurance
• Help finding low-rent accommodation
• Meals in the canteen for 1 EUR
• A return flight from Hong Kong to Paris (confirmed every year)

The scholarship runs for one year (M1 or M2) and can be extended to a maximum of two years if you apply for an extension. It is funded by the French Government through the French Consulate-General in Hong Kong and Macau and has supported more than 150 students since 2000.

Eligibility

• Where you study: You are studying for a national Master’s degree (M1 or M2) at a higher education institution in France. Doctorates, MBAs, Bachelor’s degrees, short courses and exchange programmes are not taken into account.
• Type of programme: Your Master’s programme is a standard full-time degree programme and not a vocational training, dual or continuing education course.
• Residence: You are a permanent resident of Hong Kong or Macau.
• Nationality: You do not hold French nationality, nor do you hold dual nationality that includes French nationality.
• Age: In the year you apply, you will fall under 30.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Language: You don’t need to speak French. More than 1,700 degree programmes in France are taught in English, and non-French speakers are not at a disadvantage.
• Other funding: You must not be in receipt of any other public scholarship at the same time. A scholarship from your own institution is permitted, provided that the institution confirms this in writing.

How to apply

Apply online at yersin-hongkong-campusfrance.org. The application period begins in January and ends on 27 February. A panel will assess your academic achievements, your work experience, your extracurricular activities and your motivation. The results will be announced before May.

How realistic are your chances?

Competition is fierce. In a recent round, only 11 scholarships were awarded from hundreds of applications. Whilst eligibility is restricted to residents of Hong Kong and Macau, the bar is set high within this group: The selection panel expects outstanding academic results, evidence of leadership qualities and a genuine, long-term interest in France. If you clearly meet the criteria and submit a compelling application with a convincing statement of purpose, you stand a good chance, but treat this as a genuine competition.