How to get a scholarship in France?
How to Get a Scholarship in France: A Step-by-Step Europe Study Guide for International Students
France has long been one of the most attractive study destinations in the world, combining globally ranked universities and grandes écoles, rich culture, world-class research, and a strong international student community. Cities like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg, and Montpellier offer a unique mix of academic excellence, lifestyle, and career opportunities. While French public universities already charge relatively moderate tuition compared to many countries, the cost of living, especially in Paris, and tuition at top business schools and grandes écoles can still be significant. A common question students bring to Europe Study is very practical: how do I actually get a scholarship to study in France?
The good news is that France is one of the most scholarship-friendly countries in Europe for international students. From the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship to Erasmus Mundus programs, French government grants, regional scholarships, university awards, and external opportunities, there are many funding routes that can significantly reduce or fully cover your study costs. In this detailed guide, Europe Study walks you through how to get a scholarship in France step-by-step, including major scholarship types, eligibility, documents, application timelines, and practical strategies to strengthen your chances.
Why France Is a Strong Scholarship Destination
Before diving into specific scholarships, it helps to understand why France offers such strong scholarship opportunities. France is one of the largest investors in international higher education in the world. Through institutions like Campus France, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and individual universities, the country actively supports international students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, North America, and Europe.
France also has clear strategic interests in attracting global talent. Scholarships are often aligned with priorities like research excellence, innovation, sustainability, science and technology, business, social sciences, and Francophonie. For students with strong academic profiles, well-defined goals, and clear motivation, France can be a very rewarding scholarship destination.
Categories of Scholarships in France
To plan effectively, it is important to understand the main categories of scholarships available in France.
Government Scholarships
These are scholarships funded by the French government, often coordinated through the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, French embassies abroad, and Campus France. They include flagship programs like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and various country-specific scholarships managed by French embassies.
University Scholarships
Many French universities and grandes écoles offer their own scholarships, fee waivers, and merit-based awards, especially for international students at master's and PhD levels. Top business schools, engineering grandes écoles, and Sciences Po also offer significant aid programs to attract global talent.
Regional and Local Scholarships
Some French regions, cities, and local authorities offer scholarships for international students studying in their territory, especially for specific sectors like engineering, science, or culture.
European and Multilateral Scholarships
EU-funded programs like Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees and Erasmus+ exchanges often include French universities, providing fully or partially funded opportunities.
External and Private Scholarships
Various international organisations, private foundations, NGOs, and corporate sponsors offer scholarships for studies in France, often targeted at specific countries, fields, or social impact goals.
Top Scholarships to Study in France
While there are many scholarships available, certain programs stand out for their reputation, generosity, and impact. Europe Study highlights some of the most important.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It targets outstanding international students for master's and PhD programs in selected fields, such as engineering, sciences, economics, management, law, and political science.
Eiffel typically covers a generous monthly allowance for living expenses, and may include international travel, health insurance, cultural activities, and a partial contribution to accommodation costs. Tuition fees are not always covered, but many host universities waive or significantly reduce tuition for Eiffel laureates. Applications are made through the host university, not directly by the student. This means the student must first apply to an Eiffel-eligible French institution, which then nominates strong candidates to the program.
French Government Scholarships via Embassies (Bourses du Gouvernement Français)
French embassies around the world offer country-specific government scholarships for international students, often in cooperation with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. These scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel.
Each embassy may have its own eligible programs, fields, and application processes, so it is critical to check the official website of the French embassy in your home country. Some embassies also run national-level programs in cooperation with local ministries, foundations, or universities.
Make Our Planet Great Again Scholarships
This program supports research on climate change, sustainability, and Earth system science. It targets international students and researchers at master's, PhD, and postdoctoral levels, in cooperation with leading French universities and research institutions.
These scholarships are especially attractive for students in environmental sciences, energy, climate policy, and related fields.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees with French Universities
Erasmus Mundus is an EU-funded program that supports prestigious international master's programs offered by consortia of universities, often including at least one French institution. Students typically study in two or more countries during the program.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are fully funded and cover tuition, monthly living allowance, travel, and insurance. They are highly competitive but available for a wide range of fields, from data science and engineering to public health, sustainability, and humanities.
Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
For students already enrolled in a university in their home country (especially in Europe), Erasmus+ provides funding to spend a study or internship period at a partner French university. While these are not full-degree scholarships, they support international study experiences and can be a great gateway to studying in France.
Charpak Scholarship Program
The Charpak Scholarship Program is offered by the French Embassy in India to support Indian students pursuing studies in France. It includes Charpak Master's Scholarships, Charpak Research Internship, and Charpak Exchange Scholarships, helping cover tuition, living costs, and other benefits, depending on the category.
Similar country-specific scholarship programs are offered by French embassies in other countries as well, designed to support bilateral educational cooperation.
Region-Specific and City-Level Scholarships
Some French regions (such as Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and others) offer scholarships for international master's and PhD students. Cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse may also offer support through specific programs, especially for research-based studies.
University and Grandes Écoles Scholarships
Top universities and grandes écoles in France often have their own scholarship programs, fee waivers, and excellence awards. Notable examples include scholarships at HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, INSEAD, Sciences Po, Sorbonne University, Université Paris-Saclay, École normale supérieure, École Polytechnique, ENS Lyon, and various business and engineering schools.
These scholarships may target specific nationalities, regions, fields, or profiles, including women in STEM, students from emerging economies, refugees, and applicants with strong leadership profiles.
Eligibility Criteria for French Scholarships
While exact eligibility varies, most scholarships in France share several common requirements.
Strong academic performance is the foundation. Most scholarships require excellent grades, relevant background, and clear potential for higher study or research. Standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and DELF/DALF may be required, depending on the program.
A clear motivation and career plan are equally important. Scholarship committees want to see students with well-defined goals, alignment with the host country, and a clear understanding of how the scholarship will support their long-term contribution to society or their home country.
Nationality, age, course level, and chosen field of study often play a role. Some scholarships are restricted to specific countries or regions, certain master's or PhD programs, or applicants under a specific age limit. Europe Study strongly recommends checking the latest official eligibility criteria of each scholarship carefully.
Documents Typically Required
While document checklists vary, most French scholarship applications include a fairly common set of documents.
These typically include academic transcripts and degrees, CV, motivation letter or statement of purpose, research proposal (for PhD or research-based programs), recommendation letters, English and/or French language test scores, passport copy, photographs, proof of admission or pre-admission to a French institution, and any specific forms required by the scholarship program.
For some scholarships, you may also need to submit a project description, work plan, publications, awards, or proof of community involvement and leadership. Quality of documents matters as much as quantity — well-prepared, customised, and clearly written documents make a strong impression.
How to Apply for Scholarships in France Step-by-Step
To increase your chances of success, Europe Study suggests following a structured, step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Define Your Profile and Goals
Begin by clearly defining your academic background, career goals, field of interest, and the level of study (bachelor's, master's, MBA, PhD). Identify what makes your profile unique — academic excellence, work experience, research, leadership, or community impact. This clarity will help you target the most relevant scholarships.
Step 2: Research Suitable Scholarships
Use trusted official sources like Campus France, French embassy websites, university scholarship pages, Erasmus Mundus catalogue, and reputable scholarship databases. Look for scholarships that match your nationality, field, level of study, and host institution preferences.
Step 3: Choose the Right Universities and Programs
Many French scholarships, including Eiffel and several university awards, are tied to specific programs and institutions. Choose universities and grandes écoles that fit your profile, career goals, and scholarship targets. Apply to a balanced mix of ambitious, realistic, and safer options.
Step 4: Plan Your Timeline
Most scholarship deadlines fall well before academic intakes. Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, and similar programs usually have application windows several months before the start of the academic year. Embassy and university scholarships may have different timelines. Build a clear calendar of deadlines for tests, university applications, and scholarship submissions.
Step 5: Prepare Strong Applications
Tailor each motivation letter, CV, and research proposal to the specific scholarship and university. Avoid generic content. Highlight your academic achievements, professional experience, leadership, research interests, and clear career plan. Strong, story-driven applications stand out from large pools of applicants.
Step 6: Request Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose recommenders who know your work well, such as professors, supervisors, or employers. Ask them in advance, share your CV and goals, and request that they provide specific examples of your strengths. Strong, personalised letters make a real difference in scholarship outcomes.
Step 7: Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Do not rely on a single scholarship. Apply to several programs in parallel — government, university, regional, and external scholarships. This significantly increases your chances of getting at least one offer that can fund your studies in France.
Step 8: Prepare for Interviews
Some scholarships, especially major ones, may include interviews. Prepare honest, thoughtful answers about your goals, academic background, choice of France, choice of program, and future plans. Practice but avoid sounding rehearsed.
Step 9: Accept and Plan Your Next Steps
Once you receive scholarship offers, carefully compare them, check terms and conditions, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals. Then proceed with university enrolment, accommodation, and student visa applications.
How Universities and Grandes Écoles Support Scholarships
In France, universities and grandes écoles are not just passive academic institutions — they actively contribute to scholarship decisions and student funding.
Universities may nominate students for national-level scholarships like Eiffel, recommend candidates for Erasmus Mundus programs, and offer their own merit-based scholarships, fee waivers, and need-based aid. Grandes écoles, especially top business and engineering schools, often have dedicated scholarship programs for international students, including women, applicants from emerging economies, leadership profiles, and specific fields.
Building strong communication with the international office or admission team of your chosen university can help you understand the full range of available funding and tailor your application accordingly.
Combining Multiple Funding Sources
For many students, full funding comes from combining multiple sources rather than relying on a single scholarship.
Common combinations include a partial government scholarship (such as Eiffel) plus a university tuition waiver, an Erasmus Mundus grant combined with internal university support, embassy scholarships combined with research stipends for PhD students, or a university scholarship combined with external funding from foundations and home-country programs.
Europe Study encourages students to think creatively about combining scholarships, internships, paid research opportunities, part-time work, and loans where appropriate to build a sustainable financial plan for their studies in France.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Chances
To strengthen your chances of securing a scholarship in France, Europe Study suggests these practical strategies.
Start preparing at least 12 to 18 months before your intended intake. Focus strongly on academic performance, and aim for competitive scores in tests like IELTS, TOEFL, DELF/DALF, GMAT, or GRE, depending on your program. Build a meaningful profile through internships, research, projects, leadership roles, and community involvement.
Write motivation letters and research proposals that are clear, specific, story-driven, and aligned with the scholarship's mission. Highlight your unique strengths rather than listing generic achievements. Develop a clear long-term plan that connects your studies in France with your future contributions to your home country, region, or field.
Stay organised. Maintain a spreadsheet of scholarships, deadlines, eligibility, required documents, and submission status. Apply to many scholarships, not just the most famous ones. Some smaller or specific scholarships may have fewer applicants and higher chances of success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students reduce their chances of scholarships through avoidable mistakes such as:
Applying only to one or two famous scholarships, sending the same generic motivation letter to multiple programs, ignoring smaller and specific scholarships, missing deadlines, submitting incomplete or poorly written documents, applying to programs unrelated to their background, neglecting French language skills for relevant programs, and failing to align their goals with the scholarship's mission.
A more strategic approach is to treat scholarship applications as a serious, structured project — as important as the academic application itself.
Practical Tips on Living Costs and Budgeting in France
Even with a strong scholarship, planning your overall budget in France is essential.
Cities like Paris are the most expensive, while cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Strasbourg, and Rennes offer more affordable living costs. Public transport in French cities is well-developed and student-friendly. Healthcare in France is generally good, and international students often have access to subsidised health coverage through the national social security system, subject to specific conditions.
Even with scholarships, Europe Study recommends planning a personal financial buffer for unexpected expenses, especially in your first few months in France.
Common Reasons Scholarships Are Rejected
It can also help to understand why some scholarship applications get rejected, so you can avoid the same pitfalls.
Common reasons include weak academic profile relative to competitors, unclear or generic motivation letters, lack of alignment between the applicant's background and the chosen program, weak or generic recommendation letters, inconsistent application documents, missing eligibility criteria, late submissions, and poor performance in interviews where applicable.
Most of these issues can be avoided with careful preparation, honest self-assessment, and structured planning over several months.
Final Guidance from Europe Study
So, how do you get a scholarship in France? The answer is not about finding a single "magic" scholarship — it is about combining strong academics, a clear career plan, well-prepared applications, the right university and program choices, and persistent applications to multiple scholarship programs in parallel. Whether you aim for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, French government and embassy programs like Charpak, Erasmus Mundus, regional and city-level scholarships, or university and grandes écoles awards, France offers a rich landscape of opportunities for international students at every level — bachelor's, master's, MBA, and PhD.
Because scholarship eligibility, documents, deadlines, language requirements, visa procedures, and other rules can vary by program, university, your nationality, and the latest official guidelines, it is always wise to follow the most up-to-date information and rely on experienced education partners. Europe Study supports international students at every step of their French journey — from selecting the right university and program, to scholarship research, application strategy, document preparation, interviews, visa support, and pre-departure planning — so that your dream of studying in France becomes a confident, well-funded, and well-planned step toward a successful global future.
FAQs
Are scholarships in France available for international students?
Yes. France offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at bachelor's, master's, MBA, and PhD levels, from government programs like Eiffel and embassy scholarships to Erasmus Mundus, regional awards, and university-specific scholarships.
Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship provides a generous monthly allowance for living expenses, plus travel, health insurance, cultural activities, and some accommodation support. It does not always cover tuition fees, but many host universities provide tuition waivers or reductions for Eiffel laureates.
How do I apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
You cannot apply directly for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. Instead, you apply to an Eiffel-eligible French institution, which selects and nominates strong candidates for the scholarship. Europe Study recommends choosing universities known for participating in Eiffel and preparing strong applications.
Are there scholarships for bachelor's students in France?
Yes, although master's, MBA, and PhD scholarships are more common. Bachelor's-level support is often provided through university-specific scholarships, regional programs, embassy awards, and certain private foundations. Eligibility is often more competitive at the bachelor's level.
Do I need to speak French to get a scholarship in France?
Not always. Many scholarships cover English-taught programs in France, especially at master's and MBA levels. However, knowing French significantly improves your chances for certain scholarships, daily life, internships, and long-term career and PR plans.
Can I get a scholarship to study at a grande école in France?
Yes. Many grandes écoles, including top business and engineering schools, offer their own scholarships for international students. They may also nominate students for Eiffel and other government programs, depending on eligibility.
Are there scholarships for PhD students in France?
Yes. PhD students in France can apply for various scholarships, including Eiffel, Make Our Planet Great Again, university and laboratory-funded stipends, regional research grants, and Erasmus Mundus-related doctoral programs.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes. Europe Study strongly recommends applying to multiple scholarships in parallel — government, university, regional, and external — to maximise your chances of securing funding for your studies in France.
Do French scholarships cover living expenses?
Many major scholarships, like Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, and government programs, cover monthly living allowances along with other benefits. Some university scholarships focus mainly on tuition waivers, so combining different sources is often important for full funding.
Can I work part-time in France while on a scholarship?
In most cases, yes. International students in France are generally allowed to work part-time alongside their studies, with rules on weekly hour limits. Part-time work can supplement scholarship funds, although you should always check whether your specific scholarship has any restrictions on additional employment.
What are the chances of getting a scholarship in France?
Chances depend on the scholarship, your academic profile, country, field, and application quality. Strong students with clear goals, well-prepared applications, and multiple parallel scholarship applications generally have better outcomes. Europe Study helps students approach scholarships strategically rather than relying on luck.
How can Europe Study help me get a scholarship in France?
Europe Study helps international students identify suitable scholarships, choose the right universities and programs, prepare strong motivation letters and CVs, build research proposals where needed, and plan applications and visas. The goal is to give your scholarship journey a clear strategy, strong documents, and well-informed decisions for the best possible outcome.
