France Scholarships for International Students

Studying in France gives international students access to globally recognised universities, specialised programs, and strong career opportunities. The challenge is that tuition, accommodation, travel, and everyday living expenses can make studying abroad expensive.

Scholarships in France for international students could serve as ways to reduce the cost. Various scholarship programs are offered by the French government, universities, business schools, and other institutions for students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and PhD studies. Indian students can also look at scholarships like the France Excellence Charpak Master’s Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, support may include a monthly stipend, tuition assistance, travel costs, insurance, visa-related benefits, or accommodation support. Since eligibility, funding, and application deadlines differ between scholarships, it is important to compare the options before applying.

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Top Scholarships in France for International Students

There is no single scholarship that works for every student. Some are intended for academically strong international applicants, while others are limited to a particular university, degree level, nationality, or field of study.

Scholarship amounts, eligibility rules, and application dates can change between academic cycles, so always confirm the latest details on the scholarship provider’s official website before applying.

Here are some prominent scholarships to study in France:

*ENS International Selection can provide entry into the third undergraduate year in relevant cases.

1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract high-achieving international students to eligible Master’s, engineering, and doctoral programs in France.

Students cannot apply directly for this scholarship. Candidates must be nominated and their applications submitted by a participating French higher education institution. The Eiffel program provides a monthly allowance and additional benefits, but the scholarship itself does not generally cover tuition fees.

Eligibility

• Open to eligible international candidates applying for qualifying Master’s, engineering, or doctoral studies.
• Age limits apply and vary according to the level of study.
• The proposed course must fall within an eligible field.
• Applications should be made through a French higher education institution and not individually by applicants.
• Additional conditions may apply depending on the program and application cycle.

Deadline

For the 2027 campaign, the institutional submission deadline to Campus France is January 8, 2027. Universities may have earlier internal deadlines for selecting candidates.

Amount / Benefits

• Master’s: €1,200 per month
• PhD: €2,100 per month
• International and domestic transportation support
• Insurance
• Housing assistance
• Cultural activities
• Tuition fees are not generally covered by the Eiffel program itself

2. France Excellence Charpak Master’s Scholarship

The France Excellence Charpak Master’s Scholarship is an important scholarship for Indian students planning to pursue Master’s studies in France. It supports eligible students studying for one or two years at the Master’s level.

Apart from a monthly living allowance, recipients receive additional benefits associated with French government scholarship-holder status.

Eligibility

• Meet the scholarship’s nationality and residency requirements.
• Be applying for an eligible full-time Master’s program in France.
• Meet the applicable academic and age requirements.
• Complete the eligible period of study in France.
• Apply to a French institution before submitting the scholarship application.

Deadline

The 2027 application cycle has not yet been officially announced. Students applying should check the latest Campus France India announcement for the next application window.

Amount / Benefits

• €860 monthly living allowance
• Student visa fee exemption when applying from India
• Campus France procedure fee exemption
• Social security and supplementary health insurance
• Assistance in finding affordable student accommodation

3. École Normale Supérieure International Selection

The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection allows high-achieving international students to study at ENS in Paris. Opportunities are available across Sciences and Arts & Humanities.

Successful applicants become part of the ENS academic community and receive financial support for three years.

Eligibility

• Meet ENS requirements concerning previous education outside France.
• Have the academic background required for their chosen discipline.
• Satisfy the rules concerning the number of years of higher education completed after secondary school.
• Meet any additional conditions attached to their chosen selection route.

Deadline

Applications generally follow an annual admission cycle. Exact deadlines vary by selection route and academic year, so students should check the latest ENS International Selection announcement.

Amount / Benefits

• Approximately €1,000 per month
• Scholarship duration of up to three years
• Access to the ENS academic environment and associated student resources

4. Ampère Excellence Scholarship

The Ampère Excellence Scholarship is offered by ENS de Lyon to outstanding international students entering eligible Master’s programs.

It is available across selected programs in Exact Sciences, Arts, and Human and Social Sciences.

Eligibility

• International students can apply for eligible Master’s programs at ENS de Lyon.
• Applicants to Master’s Year 1 generally need a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification representing 180 ECTS.
• Applicants to Master’s Year 2 generally need the equivalent of 240 ECTS or the required M1-level academic background.
• Candidates must also meet the academic and admission requirements of their selected program.

Deadline

Applications generally take place toward the end of the calendar year or early in the following year. Exact dates should be verified for the relevant academic cycle.

Amount / Benefits

• €1,000 per month
• Awarded for 12 months
• Renewal or continuation is subject to the applicable scholarship conditions

5. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship supports academically strong international students admitted to eligible Master’s programs at Université Paris-Saclay.

The scholarship combines an annual financial award with possible support toward travel and France student visa related expenses.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to an eligible Université Paris-Saclay Master’s program
• Meet the scholarship’s international student requirements
• Be under 30 during the relevant application year
• Be entering French higher education for the first time, subject to the scholarship’s specific exceptions and conditions.
• Meet the university’s selection requirements.

Deadline

For the 2027 cycle, selected candidates have until March 31, 2027, to complete the scholarship application and recommendation process.

Amount / Benefits

• €10,000 per academic year
• Up to €900 toward travel and visa expenses, depending on country of origin
• M1 recipients may be eligible for continuation in M2 subject to academic and scholarship conditions

6. Émile Boutmy Scholarship

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is offered by Sciences Po to eligible international students applying for undergraduate or Master’s studies.

The scholarship is designed primarily for talented students whose tax residence is outside the European Economic Area and is awarded according to Sciences Po’s eligibility and selection criteria.

Eligibility

• Meet Sciences Po’s international applicant requirements.
• Have tax residence outside the European Economic Area.
• Apply to an eligible undergraduate or Master’s program.
• Meet the admission requirements for their chosen program.
• Satisfy the specific conditions of the Émile Boutmy Scholarship.

Deadline

Deadlines vary between undergraduate and Master’s admissions and by application cycle. Students should check the current Sciences Po admissions calendar before applying.

Amount / Benefits

• Primarily offered as a tuition grant
• Scholarship amount varies according to degree level and applicable award
• Final funding is determined according to Sciences Po’s scholarship conditions

7. HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence

The HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence supports high-performing candidates admitted to the HEC Paris MBA.

Scholarship decisions consider the overall quality of an applicant’s profile, including academic performance, professional achievements, application strength, and admissions performance.

Eligibility

• Apply for and be admitted to the HEC Paris MBA.
• Present a strong academic and professional profile.
• Demonstrate achievements and qualities that strengthen their overall MBA application.
• Meet the applicable admissions and scholarship requirements.

Deadline

Eligible candidates are generally considered during the MBA admissions process. Applicants should follow the deadline for their relevant HEC Paris MBA admission round.

Amount / Benefits

• Scholarship may cover up to 50% of tuition fees
• Final scholarship amount depends on the candidate’s profile and applicable award conditions

8. Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship

The Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship supports eligible international students entering selected Master’s and engineering programs at Grenoble INP – UGA.

Scholarship availability, eligible programs, and funding can vary between academic cycles.

Eligibility

• Be applying as an international student.
• Apply to an eligible Grenoble INP – UGA program.
• Hold the academic qualifications required for admission.
• Meet the conditions of the scholarship available for their program and intake.

Deadline

Application deadlines depend on the relevant program and scholarship cycle. Students should check the latest Grenoble INP – UGA scholarship announcement before applying.

Amount / Benefits

• Financial assistance may be available for eligible students
• Award amount can vary by scholarship call and program
• Students should verify the applicable amount for their intended intake

9. Université Paris Cité SMARTS-UP Scholarship

The SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools Scholarship is offered through Université Paris Cité to attract international students to eligible Master’s programs.

The scholarship generally provides funding for one academic year and has more specific eligibility conditions than simply holding a Bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility

• Meet the scholarship’s international applicant requirements.
• Apply for an eligible Master’s program.
• Meet the academic requirements of their selected program.
• Satisfy the conditions relating to previous enrolment in French higher education.
• Meet any additional requirements set for the relevant scholarship cycle.

Deadline

The application period varies by academic year. Students should check the latest SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools call for exact application dates.

Amount / Benefits

• €10,000 for one academic year
• Award is subject to the conditions of the applicable SMARTS-UP scholarship cycle

10. TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship

The TIGER Master’s Excellence Scholarship is associated with selected Master’s programs at Aix-Marseille University and aims to attract high-performing students to eligible international study pathways.

Depending on the program and academic cycle, recipients may receive financial assistance and additional support during their studies.

Eligibility

• Apply to an eligible TIGER Master’s program.
• Hold the academic qualification required for admission to that program.
• Have a strong academic profile.
• Meet the selection criteria of their chosen Master’s.
• Satisfy any additional conditions specified for the relevant academic intake.

Deadline

Application and scholarship consideration timelines vary by program and academic year. Students should check the requirements of their selected TIGER Master’s program.

Amount / Benefits

• Financial support may be available to selected students
• Additional assistance may include accommodation or arrival-related support
• Exact benefits depend on the selected program and scholarship cycle

11. EDHEC Business School Scholarships

EDHEC Business School Scholarships offer financial aid to eligible international students enrolled in certain programs such as Master in Management Programs.

Indian students may also find specific institutional or France-India funding opportunities depending on the academic intake and available scholarship programs.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to an eligible EDHEC program.
• Meet the conditions of the specific scholarship.
• Have a competitive academic and overall application profile.
• Satisfy any nationality, program, or profile requirements attached to the award.

Deadline

Deadlines vary according to the scholarship and EDHEC admission round. Students should check scholarship availability and requirements for their intended intake.

Amount / Benefits

• Tuition fee reductions may be available
• Scholarship amount varies by award
• Some scholarships may provide substantial reductions in tuition fees
• Final funding depends on the specific scholarship and applicable intake

Which France Scholarship Should You Choose?

Students from India might begin by applying for the France Excellence Charpak Master’s Scholarship, and other international scholarships that include Eiffel, Paris-Saclay, Ampère, and specific university scholarships could be applied for based on one’s eligibility criteria.

The best scholarship depends on your nationality, degree, university, academic record, and funding requirements.

Instead of applying only to the scholarship offering the highest amount, compare eligibility requirements, covered expenses, duration, application procedures, and restrictions.

How to Apply for Scholarships in France

Application procedures for scholarships depend on the scholarship provider. Some scholarships accept applications from the student while others have to be nominated by the university.

A practical application process includes:

1. Shortlist French universities: Pick courses which align with your academic as well as professional objectives.
2. Check scholarship eligibility: Review nationality, age, academic, course, and degree requirements.
3. Check the application method: Find out whether you apply directly or through your university.
4. Prepare documents early: Scholarships may require transcripts, an SOP, CV, recommendation letters, admission documents, and proof of achievements.
5. Track separate deadlines: University admission and scholarship deadlines may not be the same.
6. Submit a tailored application: Explain why your academic record, career plans, and chosen program make you a strong candidate.

Documents Required for France Scholarships

Although there are differences in each scholarship requirement, the international student would need:

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Updated CV or résumé
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of recommendation
• University admission or application proof
• English or French language proficiency scores, where required
• Scholarship application form
• Supporting documents for academic or professional achievements

The SOP should not be repeated for all scholarships. The statement should speak about the purpose of the scholarship and how it helps you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Are There Fully Funded Scholarships in France?

Yes, some scholarships in France can cover a significant share of a student’s study and living costs, but “fully funded” does not mean the same thing for every scholarship. One award may cover tuition, while another may provide a monthly living allowance, travel support, insurance, or a combination of benefits.

For example, the Eiffel Scholarship provides a monthly allowance and additional services such as transportation, insurance, and housing assistance, but the Eiffel program itself does not cover tuition fees. This is why students should look at the individual benefits of each scholarship rather than relying only on labels such as “fully funded.”

Always calculate your total expected cost of attendance and compare it with exactly what the scholarship covers.

How to Make Studying in France More Affordable

Winning a scholarship is helpful, but it does not always mean that every expense will be covered.

Here are a few ways to manage your study costs:

• Apply for multiple eligible scholarships
• Compare tuition fees across universities
• Explore university-specific grants
• Consider public universities where suitable
• Research CROUS and other student accommodation
• Use available student discounts
• Budget for visa, travel, insurance, and deposits
• Explore permitted part-time work opportunities
• Consider an education loan for uncovered expenses

If your scholarship does not cover the full cost of studying abroad, an education loan for France can help fund eligible remaining expenses such as tuition, living costs, accommodation, travel, and other education-related expenses, depending on the lender and loan terms.

Explore France Education Loans

Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Chances

Scholarships in France can often be very competitive. Therefore, having a good academic track record might not be sufficient all the time. Here are some important things to consider:

• Start researching scholarships well before admission deadlines
• Apply only where you clearly meet the eligibility criteria
• Write a scholarship-specific SOP
• Explain your academic and career goals clearly
• Choose recommenders who know your work well
• Highlight relevant projects, internships, research, or leadership
• Proofread every application carefully
• Submit before the deadline instead of waiting until the last day

For scholarships such as Eiffel, also understand the university’s internal nomination process because its deadline may be earlier than the official Campus France deadline.

Conclusion: Plan Your Studies in France with Nomad Credit

Scholarships in France for international students can make studying abroad more affordable by helping with tuition, living costs, travel, or other expenses. Since every scholarship offers different benefits, shortlist the ones that fit your profile and apply early.

If a scholarship doesn’t cover your complete study costs, Nomad Credit can help you explore education loan options to fund your studies in France.

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