France offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies. These scholarships are provided by the French government, universities, and various public and private organizations to encourage academic excellence and international collaboration.
🎓 Types of Scholarships
| 🏷️ Scholarship Type | 🌐 Provided By | 🎯 Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Government Scholarships | French Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs (MEAE) | Academic merit, nationality, study level |
| Institutional Scholarships | Individual universities and Grandes Écoles | Varies by institution and program |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | European Commission | For students in exchange or joint programs |
| Regional Scholarships | Local French regions (e.g., Île-de-France, Auvergne) | Based on residence/study location |
| Private Scholarships | Corporations and foundations (e.g., L’Oréal, TotalEnergies) | Field-specific or merit-based |
🌟 Popular Scholarships for International Students
🇫🇷 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
-
Offered by: French Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs
-
Level: Master’s & PhD
-
Benefits: Monthly stipend (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,700 for PhD), tuition waiver, travel, health insurance
-
Eligibility: Non-French nationals under 25 (Master’s) or 30 (PhD)
-
Application: Through French institutions
🎓 Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
-
Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
-
Benefits: Tuition fee waiver up to €13,000/year
-
Eligibility: Non-EU international students
-
Application: Direct application to Sciences Po
🎓 Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
-
Level: Master’s
-
Benefits: €10,000 per academic year + travel allowance
-
Eligibility: Admitted to a Paris-Saclay Master’s program
-
Application: Invitation by the university
🌍 Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
-
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD (Exchange/Joint Programs)
-
Benefits: Monthly allowance + travel costs
-
Eligibility: Students in Erasmus-partner institutions
-
Application: Through home university
🏅 Charpak Scholarship Program (for Indian Students)
-
Offered by: Embassy of France in India
-
Types: Charpak Master’s, Exchange, Lab
-
Benefits: Tuition fee support, monthly stipend, student visa fee waiver
-
Eligibility: Indian nationals applying to French institutions
🔍 Additional Funding Options
-
Campus France Scholarships Database
Use the official tool at campusfrance.org to search over 1,500 scholarships by level, subject, and nationality. -
University-specific Aid
Many French institutions offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international applicants.
📌 Tips for Scholarship Applicants
✅ Start early – many deadlines are 6–12 months before intake
✅ Tailor your SOP and LORs to highlight academic excellence
✅ Apply through your chosen institution where applicable
✅ Learn basic French – it can boost your application in some cases
📩 Need Assistance Applying for Scholarships?
At Impel Overseas Consultants, we help students:
-
Identify the right scholarships
-
Prepare documents & SOPs
-
Apply through Campus France & university portals
Contact us today to boost your chances of winning a scholarship for France! 🇫🇷🎓
