Top Scholarships in France for International Students. France is one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe for international students. It offers internationally recognized universities, research institutions, affordable public higher education compared with many other countries, and a wide range of scholarship opportunities.
International students can find funding from the French government, universities, research institutions, regional authorities, European programs, foundations, and other organizations. Campus France also provides Campus Bourses, a scholarship search tool that allows students to filter opportunities according to nationality, study level, field, and type of funding.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, non-EU students at French public institutions may normally face differentiated tuition fees of €2,902 for Bachelor’s programs and €3,950 for Master’s programs, while doctoral programs have a €398 registration fee. However, some international students—including recipients of French government scholarships—can receive tuition-fee exemptions.
This guide covers some of the major scholarships that international students should consider when planning to study in France. Apply For More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.
1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the major French government scholarship programs for international students. It is designed for high-level international students applying to eligible Master’s and doctoral programs in France.
The program covers priority fields including:
- Biology and health
- Ecological transition
- Mathematics and digital technology
- Engineering sciences
- History, French language and civilization
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
For the 2026 scheme, the Master’s allowance is €1,200 per month, while the doctoral allowance is €2,100 per month according to the current English-language Campus France information. Additional services can include international and national transportation, insurance, housing assistance and cultural activities.
One important point is that students cannot submit an Eiffel application directly to Campus France. A French higher education institution must support and submit the application.
Official website: Campus France – Eiffel Scholarship
2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po
The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is offered by Sciences Po to international students from outside the European Union.
It is available to first-time applicants who are admitted to eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programs and meet the scholarship’s requirements. The scholarship is awarded based on merit and the applicant’s profile.
For Bachelor’s students, the award can provide either a full tuition exemption or an exemption of €9,500 from tuition fees, depending on the applicable arrangement.
Students must first apply to a Sciences Po degree program. It is not possible to apply for the scholarship separately without applying for admission.
Official website: Sciences Po – Émile Boutmy Scholarship
3. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship Program supports outstanding international students admitted to eligible Master’s programs.
Applicants generally need to:
- Hold foreign nationality.
- Be admitted to an eligible Master’s program.
- Be enrolling in France for the first time, subject to the program’s rules.
- Be under 30 years of age during the application year.
The scholarship is particularly relevant for students considering further doctoral study.
The program covers Master’s programs offered through participating institutions within the Paris-Saclay system. Students should check the university’s current call for eligible programs and deadlines.
Official website: Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
4. ENS de Lyon Scholarships
ENS de Lyon offers scholarship opportunities for international students through its excellence scholarship schemes.
For example, ENS de Lyon’s published scholarship information has included the Ampère Scholarship, covering eligible Master’s programs, with a published award of €1,000 per month for up to 12 months in the referenced scholarship cycle.
Because individual Master’s programs and scholarship calls can change from one year to another, applicants should check the latest ENS de Lyon announcement before applying.
Official website: ENS de Lyon
The France Government High School Scholarships for International Students
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
International students who want to study in France can also consider Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs.
These programs are organized by international university consortia and may involve studying in more than one European country. Some programs include French universities among their participating institutions.
Campus France identifies Erasmus Mundus among the major European funding opportunities available to students undertaking international study.
The eligibility requirements, participating universities, scholarship amount and application deadline depend on the specific Erasmus Mundus Master’s program.
Official website: Erasmus+ – Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
6. French Embassy and Government Scholarships
Another important source of funding is the French Embassy in your home country.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs supports various scholarship programs through French embassies and other channels. These may differ according to the applicant’s nationality, academic level, field of study and bilateral cooperation arrangements.
Therefore, students should check the website of the French Embassy in their country and their local Campus France office for scholarships specifically available to them.
For students from countries such as Pakistan, this can be particularly useful because country-specific calls may have requirements and deadlines that differ from international university scholarships.
Official website: Campus France Pakistan
Two-Column Summary Table
| Scholarship | Main Details |
|---|---|
| France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship | Government scholarship for eligible international Master’s and doctoral students; applications are submitted by French institutions. |
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship | Sciences Po scholarship for eligible non-EU international Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants. |
| Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship for outstanding international students admitted to eligible Master’s programs. |
| ENS de Lyon Scholarships | Excellence funding for eligible international Master’s students; programs and amounts depend on the current call. |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s | European joint Master’s scholarships that may include study at French universities. |
| French Embassy Scholarships | Country-specific opportunities administered through French diplomatic and cooperation channels. |
Advantages of Studying in France With a Scholarship
1. Reduced Financial Pressure
Scholarships can help students manage tuition, living expenses, transportation and other study-related costs.
2. Internationally Recognized Education
French universities and higher education institutions offer programs across fields such as engineering, business, science, humanities, medicine and social sciences.
3. Research Opportunities
France has a strong research environment, particularly at the Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral levels.
4. European Experience
Students studying in France can experience European academic and cultural environments and may have opportunities for mobility through European programs.
5. Career Development
Studying in an international environment can help students build academic, professional and international networks.
6. Tuition Support
Depending on the scholarship and student’s status, financial support may include tuition reductions or exemptions. French government scholarship recipients can benefit from specific tuition-fee exemptions under applicable rules.
General Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility varies considerably from one scholarship to another. However, international applicants commonly need:
- A valid international passport.
- An appropriate previous academic qualification.
- Strong academic performance.
- Admission or an application to an eligible French university/program.
- Proof of language proficiency where required.
- A suitable academic or research project for Master’s and PhD applications.
- Letters of recommendation where requested.
- A convincing motivation or statement of purpose.
- Compliance with age requirements where applicable.
- Foreign nationality or non-EU status where required.
For example, the Eiffel program has specific age requirements, with the 2026 program targeting foreign applicants up to 29 years old for Master’s study and up to 35 for doctoral study.
Always check the scholarship’s official rules because eligibility requirements are not identical for all programs.
Required Documents
Students should normally prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree or Graduation Certificate
- Updated CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- Admission Letter, when required
- Research Proposal, for many PhD/research applications
- Proof of Work or Research Experience, if applicable
- Portfolio, for selected creative or design programs
- Financial Documents, if requested
- Additional Scholarship Form or University Application Form
Some scholarships may require certified translations or specific document formats, so applicants should carefully follow the instructions of the university and scholarship provider.
Application Process for French Scholarships
Step 1: Choose Your Study Program
First, decide what you want to study and at which French university or institution.
Search for programs that match your academic background, career goals and language requirements.
Step 2: Find Suitable Scholarships
Use official scholarship websites and the Campus Bourses database to search for opportunities. Campus France says its scholarship directory includes funding from governments, regional authorities, companies, foundations and higher education institutions.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Read the official eligibility requirements carefully. Pay attention to:
- Nationality
- Age
- Degree level
- Academic requirements
- Field of study
- Language requirements
- Previous study in France
- Application deadlines
Step 4: Apply for University Admission
Many scholarships require students to apply for admission first.
For example, applicants for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship must apply to an eligible Sciences Po Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
Step 5: Prepare Your Scholarship Application
Prepare your documents well in advance. Your motivation letter should clearly explain your academic background, study objectives and future plans.
For research scholarships, your research proposal should explain the research question, methodology and expected contribution.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Scholarship deadlines may be earlier than university admission deadlines.
For example, the 2026 Eiffel application had to be submitted by the French higher education institution to Campus France by 8 January 2026, while the university may establish an earlier internal deadline for students.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Results
Selection procedures differ by scholarship. Universities, scholarship committees or government bodies may evaluate academic performance, motivation, research potential and other criteria.
Fully Funded Scholarships at AUST Free Study in China
Important Tips for International Students
Start Early
Do not wait until the final weeks. Some scholarships require university nomination, recommendation letters or several application stages.
Check Official Websites
Scholarship rules can change each year. Always verify the current deadline, amount and eligibility requirements on the official website.
Apply for Multiple Opportunities
Do not depend on only one scholarship. Consider government, university, Erasmus Mundus, embassy and regional opportunities.
Keep Your Documents Ready
Prepare transcripts, passport, CV, recommendation letters and language certificates before applications open.
Pay Attention to University Deadlines
For scholarships such as Eiffel, the university—not the student—submits the final scholarship application to Campus France.
Kingston University London Scholarships Fully Funded
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in France?
Yes. Some scholarships provide substantial financial support, while others cover tuition partially or provide a monthly allowance. The exact benefits depend on the scholarship.
The Eiffel program, for example, provides monthly financial support and additional services, but its scholarship regulations distinguish the scholarship allowance from tuition coverage.
Can I study in France without IELTS?
Some French universities and programs may accept alternative evidence of language proficiency or previous education in English/French. However, this is not universal. Students should check the specific requirements of their chosen university and program.
Is the Eiffel Scholarship available for Bachelor’s students?
The France Excellence Eiffel program is designed for Master’s and doctoral-level study, not ordinary Bachelor’s admission.
Can I apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship?
No. A French higher education institution must support and submit the Eiffel application. Direct applications from students are not accepted.
Do French scholarships cover living expenses?
Some do. The amount and type of support vary. Eiffel, for example, provides a monthly allowance along with certain additional services. Other scholarships may focus mainly on tuition fees.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
In many cases, students can apply for several scholarships, but individual programs may have restrictions concerning simultaneous funding. Always read the terms of each scholarship.
Where can I find more scholarships?
The Campus Bourses database is one of the most useful official starting points. It allows international students to search funding opportunities using criteria such as nationality, academic level and field of study.
Official scholarship search: Campus France – Campus Bourses
Final Thoughts
France offers a broad range of scholarship opportunities for international students at Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels, although the availability and eligibility requirements vary significantly. Major options include the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, Émile Boutmy Scholarship, Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships, ENS de Lyon scholarships, Erasmus Mundus programs and country-specific French Embassy scholarships.
The most important step is to begin your research early and rely on official university, government and Campus France information. Since scholarship amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules can change each academic year, students should verify all details before submitting an application.
For the intake, students should pay particular attention to university-specific deadlines and the official scholarship pages rather than relying on older scholarship articles.
More Scholarships:
University of Warwick Scholarships for International Students | UK
Fully Funded Scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD Students
