Government of France- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Programme de bourses d'étude en théologie du ministère français des Affaires étrangères (MAE)

France Excellence theology scholarship (French Foreign Ministry)

You will receive a monthly grant to study religious studies at a university in France. The amount depends on your level of study: 900 EUR per month for a Bachelor’s (Licence) or Master’s degree, and 1,850 EUR per month for a PhD. If you have already completed a PhD, you will receive 1,850 EUR (PhD completed within the last five years) or 2,055 EUR (PhD completed more than five years ago). The grant will run for up to 36 months, depending on your study plan. The scholarship is provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and administered by Campus France, the national agency for international students. It does not cover travel costs to and from France, nor does it cover tuition fees, enrolment fees or language courses prior to your departure.

Who can apply

• Level: A Master’s degree (M1 or M2) and a PhD take precedence. A Bachelor’s degree (Licence) is only accepted in the case of outstanding applications.
• Field of study: Theology or a subject in the humanities with a clear link to the study of religion, such as history, philosophy, sociology, law, political science or gender studies.
• Who it is for: Future religious leaders who will be taking on roles of responsibility within a religious organisation, as well as students or researchers working on a humanities project in the field of religious studies. All religions are welcome.
• Language: You speak French and can demonstrate that you have at least level B2 (DELF B2, DALF C1 or C2). The certificate must not be more than two years old.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Where you are now: If you are still studying abroad, you will be given preference over applicants who are already living in France.
• First time only: You cannot apply if you have already received this scholarship.

How to apply

Please submit your application to the Service for Cultural Cooperation (SCAC) at the French Embassy in your country, not directly to Paris or to a university. The embassy will shortlist the best applications and forward them to the MEAE, where a committee in Paris will decide on the awards. Each embassy sets its own application deadline, so this varies from country to country. The results will be announced in June.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. It is restricted to theology and closely related humanities subjects and requires a sound knowledge of French, meaning that the pool of eligible applicants is small. If you clearly meet the subject area and academic level requirements, have a specific study plan and (where applicable) are supported by your religious community, your chances are good. As the embassies carry out a pre-selection process and places are limited, you should apply early and ensure you meet the deadline set by your local embassy.