France is a popular destination for international students who want to earn a respected degree in Europe while experiencing a diverse cultural and academic environment. From business and engineering to arts, science, medicine, and social sciences, French institutions offer programs for students with a wide range of academic interests.
For many international students, the cost of studying abroad can be a major concern. Fortunately, there are several scholarships to study in France that can help reduce education and living expenses. Funding is available through the French government, universities, research organizations, foundations, European programs, and French diplomatic missions.
The most recognized opportunity is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, but it is not the only option. Students can also explore university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus funding, doctoral contracts, research grants, and country-specific awards.
This guide explains how to get a scholarship to study in France, including eligibility requirements, documents, benefits, application steps, and practical tips for preparing a competitive application.
Why Study in France With a Scholarship?
France combines internationally recognized higher education with a strong research and innovation environment. It is particularly well known for fields such as business, engineering, mathematics, science, fashion, arts, politics, economics, and technology.
A scholarship can make studying in France more affordable by helping students manage expenses such as:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Travel
- Study materials
- Tuition or university-related costs where applicable
The amount of financial support depends on the scholarship. Some programs provide a monthly allowance, while others may cover specific academic or living expenses.
Students should therefore examine the complete funding package before deciding whether an opportunity meets their financial needs.
Types of Scholarships Available in France
Before applying, it is important to understand the major categories of scholarships available to international students.
Government Scholarships
The French government supports international students through several programs. The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the best-known examples.
University Scholarships
French universities and higher education institutions may provide scholarships based on academic excellence, international status, financial circumstances, or specific academic fields.
Research Scholarships
Doctoral candidates and researchers may find funding through universities, laboratories, research organizations, and international research programs.
European Scholarships
Programs such as Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus provide funding opportunities for students participating in European mobility and joint degree programs.
Foundation Scholarships
Private and academic foundations may provide financial assistance based on academic performance, leadership, social engagement, research interests, or other criteria.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs for international students in France.
It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and is designed to help French higher education institutions attract outstanding international students to master’s and doctoral programs.
Eligible academic areas include:
- Biology and health
- Ecological transition
- Mathematics and digital sciences
- Engineering and engineering sciences
- History, French language and civilization
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
The scholarship has specific age, nationality, academic, and program requirements. For the 2026 campaign, the age limit was up to 29 for master’s candidates and 35 for doctoral candidates, subject to the official program rules.
An important detail is that students do not apply directly to the Eiffel program themselves. A French higher education institution submits the application on behalf of the candidate.
This makes it important to identify an eligible university and communicate with its international or admissions office early.
What Benefits Can Scholarships Provide?
Scholarship benefits depend on the specific program.
Potential benefits may include:
- Monthly financial allowance
- Travel assistance
- Health and insurance coverage
- Transportation support
- Accommodation assistance
- Research funding
- Cultural activities
- Tuition-related assistance where applicable
For example, under the 2026 Eiffel program, the monthly allowance is €1,200 for master’s students and €2,000 for doctoral students.
However, students should not automatically assume that a scholarship covers every expense. Some costs may remain the responsibility of the student.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in France
There is no universal eligibility requirement because every scholarship has its own rules. However, several criteria are commonly considered.
Academic Excellence
Many competitive scholarships look for students with strong academic results. Excellent grades can strengthen an application, particularly for prestigious government scholarships.
Appropriate Academic Background
Your previous degree or education should normally be relevant to the program you intend to study.
For example, an applicant applying for an engineering master’s program should normally have an academic background that meets the university’s requirements.
Language Proficiency
Depending on the program, students may need French or English language proficiency.
An English-taught program may require an English language test, while a French-taught program may require evidence of French-language ability.
Age Requirements
Certain scholarships have strict age limits. Applicants should carefully check the current rules before preparing an application.
Professional Experience
Some scholarships, especially development-focused postgraduate programs, may require relevant professional experience.
Research Potential
For doctoral and research scholarships, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research can be an important part of the selection process.
Documents You May Need
Scholarship requirements vary, but international students should generally prepare a complete academic application package.
Common documents include:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Language certificate
- Passport or identification
- Study plan
- Research proposal for PhD applicants
- University admission information
- Professional experience documents where applicable
Make sure your documents are accurate, well organized, and consistent with the information in your application.
How to Get a Scholarship to Study in France
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Study
Start by selecting your academic level, subject, and preferred type of program.
Determine whether you are looking for a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or research opportunity.
Step 2: Find Suitable French Universities
Research universities and higher education institutions offering programs that match your academic background and career goals.
Pay attention to the language of instruction, admission requirements, tuition costs, location, and scholarship availability.
Step 3: Search for Scholarships
Use reliable sources such as Campus France, university websites, French embassy resources, and official European scholarship portals.
Campus France’s Campus Bourses tool can help international students search for funding opportunities based on different criteria.
Step 4: Check Eligibility Carefully
Before investing time in an application, confirm:
- Your nationality is eligible
- Your academic level matches
- Your field is eligible
- You meet the age requirement if applicable
- You satisfy language requirements
- You meet professional experience requirements where applicable
- You can meet the application deadline
Step 5: Apply to the University
Many scholarships require students to be admitted or considered by a participating university.
For Eiffel, the university plays a particularly important role because eligible French institutions submit applications on behalf of candidates.
Step 6: Prepare a Strong Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should explain why you want to study in France and why the particular program is appropriate for you.
Avoid writing a generic statement that could be submitted to any university.
Instead, connect your academic background, achievements, career objectives, and chosen French program.
Step 7: Obtain Recommendation Letters
Choose academic or professional referees who know your abilities well.
A strong recommendation should provide meaningful information about your academic potential, skills, achievements, and suitability for the scholarship.
Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline
Scholarship deadlines can differ from university admission deadlines.
Some applications must be submitted months before the beginning of the academic year, so early preparation is essential.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Motivation Letter
A motivation letter can make a significant difference in a competitive scholarship application.
Start by explaining your academic background and interests. Then discuss why you selected France and your particular degree program.
Next, describe your achievements and relevant experiences.
Finally, explain your future goals and how studying in France will help you achieve them.
A strong letter should answer three important questions:
Why you?
Explain what makes your academic or professional profile distinctive.
Why France?
Demonstrate that you have researched the French education system and your chosen program.
Why this scholarship?
Explain how the funding would support your academic plans and future goals.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Start Early
Do not wait until a few weeks before the deadline. Give yourself sufficient time to research programs, prepare documents, and revise your application.
Research the University
Learn about the university, faculty, courses, professors, research centers, and academic opportunities relevant to your field.
Make Your Application Specific
Customize your motivation letter and study plan for each scholarship.
Highlight Achievements
Include academic awards, research, internships, employment, volunteering, leadership, publications, or other relevant achievements.
Explain Your Future Plans
Scholarship committees want to understand what you intend to do with the education you receive.
Follow Every Instruction
A strong application can still be weakened by missing documents, incorrect formats, or failure to follow submission instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
International students should avoid several common scholarship mistakes.
- Applying without checking eligibility
- Missing the deadline
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Using a generic motivation letter
- Choosing a program unrelated to previous education
- Ignoring language requirements
- Assuming every scholarship is fully funded
- Depending on unofficial scholarship websites
- Waiting until the last minute to contact the university
Careful preparation can prevent many of these problems.
Can You Study in France for Free With a Scholarship?
It is possible to significantly reduce the cost of studying in France through scholarships and other forms of financial support, but students should avoid assuming that every scholarship makes education completely free.
Some French public institutions have relatively affordable tuition structures compared with universities in some other countries, while certain students and programs may be subject to different fee arrangements.
Scholarships can then provide additional assistance with living expenses and other costs.
The exact financial situation depends on your nationality, university, program, scholarship, and personal circumstances.
Scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Students
Bachelor’s Students
Undergraduate students should investigate university scholarships, country-specific funding, French embassy programs, and other international opportunities.
Master’s Students
Master’s students have access to several major opportunities, including the Eiffel Scholarship, university awards, and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs.
PhD Students
Doctoral candidates can explore Eiffel, doctoral contracts, research grants, university funding, research laboratory opportunities, and international scholarships.
PhD applicants should place particular emphasis on developing a strong research proposal and identifying an appropriate academic supervisor or research team.
Final Thoughts
Getting a scholarship to study in France requires more than simply submitting an application. The strongest candidates usually begin early, carefully select programs that match their academic background, and prepare documents that clearly demonstrate their achievements and future goals.
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the most prestigious options, but international students should also explore university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, research funding, doctoral contracts, foundation awards, and opportunities offered through French diplomatic missions.
Start by choosing your desired field and degree level, then research universities and funding programs that fit your profile. Check every eligibility requirement, prepare a compelling application, and submit all documents before the deadline.
With careful planning and a targeted approach, international students can improve their chances of securing financial support and pursuing a high-quality education in France.