Ministry of External Affairs of France - Eiffel Scholarships

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

You will receive 1,200 EUR per month for a Master’s degree or 2,000 EUR per month for a PhD programme in France. Funding for the Master’s programme lasts for 12 months (M2), 24 months (M1) or 36 months for an engineering programme. Funding for a PhD programme runs for 12, 18 or 36 months. In addition to the monthly payments, you will receive a return flight (economy class), transport costs within France, health insurance, assistance with finding accommodation, and a leisure and cultural programme. You will also not have to pay any tuition fees at public institutions offering state-recognised qualifications. The scholarship is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered by Campus France, the national agency for international students. The costs of language courses are not covered.

Who can apply

• Level: You are starting a Master’s degree (M1 or M2), an engineering degree, or a joint or dual PhD programme in collaboration with an institution outside France.
• Field: Your subject falls within one of the following seven areas: Biology and Health, Environmental Change, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Engineering, History and French, Law and Political Science, or Economics and Management.
• Nationality: You must hold any nationality other than French. Individuals with dual nationality who also hold French nationality are not eligible to apply.
• Where you study now: You are not currently registered in France. Preference is given to applicants from abroad.
• Age: to 29 for a Master’s degree programme or up to 35 for a PhD at the time of application.
• Grades: You have achieved top marks throughout your studies so far.
• First time: You have not previously received an Eiffel scholarship at this level and are not currently in receipt of any other scholarship from the French Government.

How to apply

You cannot apply directly. Instead, please contact the International Relations Office at a French higher education institution or your local Campus France office. This organisation will carry out a preliminary selection and submit your application to Campus France by 8 January. A panel of experts will then assess the applicants on the basis of their academic achievements, and the results will be announced from the end of March.

How realistic are your chances?

A French institution must decide to support you before your application reaches the selection panel; consequently, the majority of the selection process is already decided at this initial stage. A compelling, well-rounded profile and early contact with the university are crucial. The selection process is restricted to top international students in seven subject areas who are not yet in France, which limits the pool of applicants. If your grades are outstanding and a French host institution is willing to nominate you, your prospects in the final stage are very good.