French Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Eiffel Excellence Scholarships for Master degrees

France Excellence Eiffel scholarship (Master's level)

You will receive 1,200 EUR per month to undertake a Master’s or engineering degree programme in France. In addition, various costs will be covered directly for you: a return economy-class flight, a second-class train journey from the airport to your place of study, health insurance, and support in finding student accommodation. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs runs the programme through Campus France to attract top international students. Funding is available for up to 12 months if you are joining in the second year of a Master’s programme, up to 24 months from the first year of a Master’s programme, and up to 36 months for an engineering degree. Tuition fees and enrolment fees are not covered. Furthermore, you cannot combine this scholarship with any other French government scholarship, an Erasmus+ grant or an AUF scholarship.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are an international student. French nationals are not eligible to apply, and if you hold dual French nationality, you are not eligible to take part.
• Where you live now: You live outside France. If you are already studying in France at the time of application, you are not eligible to apply unless you have previously been awarded a French government scholarship for postgraduate students.
• Age: At the time of applying, you are 29 years old or younger.
• Level: You are starting a Master’s degree or an engineering diploma (Diplôme d’ingénieur).
• Programme: Your degree programme must be a state-recognised degree programme in French. Degree programmes undertaken as part of an apprenticeship contract, as well as non-recognised degree programmes, will not be considered.
• Field of study: Your subject must fall 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.
• Grades: You must have an excellent academic record. Priority will be given to students from developing countries.

How to apply

You do not apply directly to Campus France. Choose a French higher education institution that suits your study plan and contact its international relations department. They will review the applications and submit your application on your behalf. Higher education institutions must submit applications by 8 January; results will be announced by email from 30 March onwards.

How realistic are your chances?

Around 400 Eiffel Scholarships are awarded each year, but as the programme is renowned worldwide and attracts applicants from over 100 countries, competition is fierce. The real challenge lies in persuading a French institution to select you as their candidate, as only they can submit your application. Your chances are improved if you have an excellent academic record, specialise in one of the listed fields and come from a developing country.