France is a country with a long history, a unique culture, and a high level of academic achievement. Its world-famous universities, cutting-edge research possibilities, and lively cities make it a great place for international students to study. The French Republic offers an immersive educational experience that combines academic rigour with cultural enrichment. From the famous boulevards of Paris to the beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux, students can learn in a variety of settings. While public universities in France usually charge less for tuition than many other Western countries, scholarships are still a very important way for many international students, especially those from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), to make their dream of studying in France come true.
This complete guide will show you all the scholarships that are available to international students in France. It will give you detailed information about the main funding bodies, strategic application tips, and other important information that will help you on your way to academic success in France in 2025 and beyond.
Why should you study in France?
There are many reasons to study in France besides its romantic image:
Academic Excellence: France has a higher education system that is known around the world. It is home to prominent universities and Grandes Écoles (elite professional schools) that are always ranked among the best in the world. Employers all throughout the world place a great value on their degrees.
Research and Innovation: France is a leader in new ideas and technologies. Students can use state-of-the-art research facilities and work with top specialists in several subjects.
Cultural Immersion: Studying in France is a great way to really get to know the culture. You will get to see French art, food, history, and way of life up close, which will help you see the world from a different point of view and learn how to talk to people from other cultures.
Programs taught in English: French is the official language of France, but more and more colleges and Grandes Écoles are offering programs taught only in English. This means that even if you do not speak French fluently, you can still study in France.
Affordable Public University Tuition: Public university tuition prices in France are far lower than in the UK or the USA, especially for Master’s and PhD programs. This is true even for students from outside the EU/EEA (though these fees have been going up in recent years).
Post-Study Opportunities: France has great job opportunities for overseas graduates after they finish their studies, which helps them get valuable work experience. The “Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour” (APS) visa lets graduates from outside the EU/EEA stay in France for 12 months (or 24 months for Master’s and PhD graduates from some schools) to look for work.
Getting to Know the French Scholarship Scene
Public university fees are not too high (around €2,770 per year for a Bachelor’s degree and €3,770 per year for a Master’s or PhD for non-EU/EEA students), but scholarships are very important because they cover not only tuition but also living costs.
There are usually a few different types of French scholarships:
Government-sponsored Scholarships: These are usually the most prestigious and completely sponsored. They are meant to bring in the best foreign talent and encourage collaboration between countries.
Embassy and Bilateral Scholarships: These are given by French embassies in other countries or as part of agreements between France and a certain country.
University and Grande École Specific Scholarships: These are given directly by the schools to get high-achieving overseas students to come.
External Organisation and Foundation Scholarships: These are given by private groups, charities, and foundations, and they usually have certain requirements for who can apply based on their topic area, country, or research interest.
How to Apply for Major Scholarships
Getting a scholarship in France takes a lot of organisation, study, and a strong application. Here are some of the most prominent scholarship sources for overseas students in France:
1. Scholarships from the government
These are some of the most popular scholarships because they often cover all of your costs.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program:
The French Ministry for Europe and overseas Affairs set up the Eiffel Scholarship to help French colleges and universities get the best overseas students to enrol in their Master’s and PhD programs. It is for those who will make decisions in the future in both the public and private sectors, and it focusses on certain areas of study.
This is a very prominent scholarship that pays for everything. As of 2025, it gives Master’s students a monthly salary of €1,181, help with housing, round-trip international travel, local transportation, health insurance, and access to cultural activities. The monthly compensation for PhD students is €1,800.
Requirements for being eligible (for the 2025/2026 intake):
People who want to apply must not be French nationals.
Master’s Level: 25 years old or under (born after March 31, 1999 for 2025 intake). Must not have studied at the same level in France before.
For the 2025 intake, you must be 30 years old or younger (born after March 31, 1994).
A French higher education institution must put your name forward. We do not accept individual applications.
How to Apply:
The Eiffel scholarship application process is different because only French colleges and universities can submit applications for their students.
Your job as a student is to choose the French university or Grande École where you want to study and the Master’s or PhD program you want to take. Get in touch with the foreign relations department or the appropriate faculty/department at the school you want to attend. Tell them how interested you are in the Eiffel Scholarship and ask about their internal selection procedure and deadline for nominations.
The university’s job is to prepare and send your application to Campus France if they choose you.
Timeline (for the 2025 intake, probably the same for the 2026 intake):
For schools, the call for applications starts in October 2024.
The date for universities to get applications from students (internal deadline) is different for each school, however it usually falls between November and early December 2024.
Early January 2025 is the last day for institutions to send applications to Campus France.
Results will be published in the middle of April 2025.
Documents that are frequently sent to the institution include academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement or motivation letter, evidence of age or nationality, possibly a research proposal for a PhD, and language certificates.
Erasmus+ Program:
Erasmus+ is a major program of the European Union that helps students move around Europe so they can study or do internships there. It especially gives out full scholarships for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMDs). These are study programs that are put together by a group of higher education institutions from around the world.
Benefits: Most EMJMD scholarships pay for everything, including tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly living stipend for the length of the program (1–2 years).
Anyone in the globe can apply. You need to apply to the consortium that is delivering the EMJMD, not to each university on its own.
Look through the Erasmus+ catalogue for EMJMDs that involve French universities. Go to the website of the specific EMJMD consortium and apply there. Deadlines are different, but they usually fall in the fall or winter for the next school year.
2. Scholarships from the embassy and bilateral agreements
These scholarships are generally the consequence of agreements between the French government and the government of your home country.
French Embassy Scholarships Available in Your Country:
Summary: The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also gives money for scholarships directly through French embassies and consulates in other countries. These are quite distinctive to each country and often focus on issues that are important for strategy or development cooperation.
Benefits: A lot of different things. Can be full or partial, and it can cover tuition, living expenses, or both.
Eligibility: Depends on your nationality. Usually goes for Master’s and PhD students.
How to Apply: You need to get in touch with the Cultural Services or Campus France office at the French Embassy in the country where you live. They will tell you about the programs that are offered, who may apply, and how to apply based on your nationality. Deadlines are different, but they are usually early in the year.
Bilateral Government Programs: France works with some nations to offer joint scholarship programs, such as the Charpak Scholarship for Indian students or programs for students from Southeast Asian countries. Look on the website of your native country’s Ministry of Education or Foreign Affairs for these kinds of chances.
3. Scholarships for certain universities and grandes écoles
To attract and help bright overseas students, several French colleges and universities provide their own scholarships. These have quite different values and requirements.
Grandes Écoles: These prestigious schools (such Sciences Po, École Normale Supérieure (ENS), HEC Paris, ESSEC, CentraleSupélec, and INSEAD) often offer strong scholarship programs, including ones that reward good work and ones that promote diversity.
For example:
Sciences Po (Emile Boutmy award): A highly regarded award for outstanding non-EU/EEA students who are accepted into Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. Some of the benefits are full scholarships and partial tuition price waivers. Most of the time, deadlines are in the beginning of the year (for example, December for a Master’s degree and March for a Bachelor’s degree).
ENS International Selection Scholarship: For exceptional international students who want to study for a Master’s degree in the Sciences or Arts & Humanities at ENS. Provides a €1,000 monthly payment for three years and free housing.
IDEX at Université Paris-Saclay: This program gives international students fully supported Master’s scholarships.
For their very competitive MBA and Master’s programs, HEC Paris, ESSEC, and INSEAD (business schools) all provide a variety of merit-based and diversity scholarships.
Public Universities: Many public universities also give out scholarships, however these are more prevalent for Master’s and PhD students or for certain departments or research initiatives.
How to Look for Them:
University Websites: Always look at the “International Students,” “Admissions,” “Fees & Funding,” or “Scholarships” pages of the school you want to go to.
Departmental Websites: Some scholarships are only for certain faculty or departments.
Contact the International Office: A smart way to find out about funding for international students is to email the international admissions office directly.
How to Apply: Most of the time, you apply to the university first. If you are accepted, you can then apply for a specific university scholarship, or in some situations, you will be automatically considered based on your admission application. The deadlines for university scholarships can be the same as the deadlines for applying to the school or they can be different.
4. Foundations and Organisations Outside of the Company
Many private foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and research groups give out scholarships.
Campus Bourses (Campus France Database): This is a must-have tool! Campus France, the national organisation that promotes French higher education, has a full online database called “Campus Bourses.” This database covers scholarships from French and foreign governments, regional authorities, enterprises, foundations, and higher education institutions. You can narrow down your search by country, area of study, and level of education.
How to Use: Go to the Campus France website (www.campusfrance.org) and seek for the “Campus Bourses” or “Scholarships for Foreign Students in France” area.
The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) gives out scholarships and mobility awards to students from French-speaking nations or who are studying French.
Private Foundations: A lot of smaller, more specialised foundations give out scholarships based on very specific criteria, like the topic of research, country, gender, or social background. To find these, you usually have to do a lot of research and network. You can find scholarships by searching the web for “scholarships [your field] France” or using search engines like Scholarships.com or Studyportals.
Important Tips for Applying for Scholarships
In France, there is a lot of competition for scholarships. To make your application stand out, keep these important suggestions in mind:
Start Early and Do Your Research: You can apply for scholarships months or even a year before the school year starts. Start your research right away. Make a detailed spreadsheet for each scholarship that lists the due dates, required documentation, and contact information.
Your Academic Record is the Most Important Thing: A great academic record (high GPA, good grades, relevant coursework) is frequently the most important thing that merit-based scholarships look at. Make your academic achievements stand out.
Write a strong personal statement or motivation letter:
Answer the “Why”: Make it clear why you want to pursue your chosen program in France and why you are applying for this particular scholarship.
Show Passion and Purpose: Talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your academic and career goals and how much you care about your field.
Connect to Impact: Tell us how your studies will help your home nation, your community, or your chosen field when you get back or after you graduate.
Be Specific: Instead of making general claims, give specific instances of your abilities, accomplishments, and experiences.
Make Each Letter Unique: Do not use a letter that is the same for all of them. Make sure to tailor your motivation letter to each scholarship by talking about their individual criteria and values.
Perfect Writing: Make sure your message is well-organised, makes sense, and has no mistakes in spelling or grammar. Get it checked by more than one person.
Get Strong Letters of Recommendation:
Pick referees (such professors, academic advisors, or employers) who know you well and can give specific instances of your skills, character, and potential.
Give them everything they need, like your CV, personal statement, program specifics, scholarship conditions, and the deadline. Give them plenty of time (at least two to three weeks).
Show off your French language skills (even if you are in an English program): Even though most programs are taught in English, proving that you know some French (DELF/DALF scores) can be a big plus. It shows that you want to fit in with French culture and society. A high degree of French competence is required for programs taught in French.
Show off your extracurricular activities and leadership: Many scholarships look for individuals who are well-rounded and have shown leadership qualities, community involvement, volunteer work, or major achievements outside of school.
Meet the Requirements for English Language: If you want to study in English, you will need to show that you can speak and write English well by taking standardised tests like the IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT. Try to get results that are higher than the minimum.
Write a Professional CV: Your CV should be short, well-organised, and show off your academic achievements, relevant work experience, abilities, and any research or publications you have done.
Use Campus France: As we said, Campus France is the best place to find information on French higher education, how to apply (via the “Etudes en France” website for many countries), and scholarships. Use their resources and think about contacting your local Campus France office.
Check Everything for Mistakes: A single mistake can hurt your application. Read through all of your documents carefully, and if possible, have someone else do the same.
Things to Think About Before You Go to France
Cost of Living (2025 Estimates): The cost of living in France is very different from city to city. Compared to other cities, Paris is far more expensive.
In Paris, you may expect to pay between €1,200 and €1,800 a month for rent and food.
In other big cities like Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Toulouse, rent costs between €850 and €1,200 a month, with food costs between €250 and €450.
€650 to €800 a month for smaller cities.
Main Costs:
Lodging: Usually the most expensive part. Student homes (CROUS) are cheap, although it is hard to get one. Renting from a private person is more expensive.
Food: It is cheap to cook at home. CROUS eateries give students meal certificates that can be used to buy cheap meals for €3 to €4.
Transportation: You can get monthly passes for students (like the Navigo Pass in Paris).
Health Insurance: International students must sign up for the French social security system, which pays for a large part of their medical bills.
Financial Requirements for a French Student Visa (2025):
To get a student visa for France, you need to show that you have enough money to pay for your living expenses while you are there.
The official minimum amount needed is about €615 per month, which adds up to about €7,380 per year. But organisations typically say that a more realistic amount of €1,200 per month is needed to live comfortably in places like Paris.
Proof of Funds: You can show this by:
Your bank statements that demonstrate you have enough money for at least three months.
A letter from a sponsor (such a parent, guardian, or organisation) and their bank statements.
A scholarship certificate that says how much and how long the coverage is.
A letter of approval for an education loan.
Campus France Process: If you live in a country that is not in the EU or EEA, you must use the “Etudes en France” site to apply. This tool makes it easier to apply to college and get a visa. You will have an interview to talk about your school project and how you plan to pay for it.
Partial vs. Full Funding: Be honest with yourself. Many scholarships are just partial, but fully financed ones like Eiffel are widely sought after. Even a small scholarship can help you pay for school in France and make it easier for you to study there.
International students with a long-stay student visa can work part-time (up to 964 hours per year, or roughly 20 hours per week) to help pay for their living expenses.
Final Thoughts
Studying in France is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a world-class education, experience a lively culture, and see the world in a new way. The cost can be a worry, but there are many scholarships available for overseas students that can help make this goal come true. You can greatly improve your chances of getting the money you need by starting your search early, carefully writing a strong application that highlights your academic talents and personal goals, and using the great tools that Campus France offers. Take the plunge, accept the challenge, and get ready for a wonderful trip in France, both academically and personally! Good luck!
