What is the best scholarship to study in France?

The most prestigious scholarship to study in France is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, offering €1,181/month (Master's) or €1,700/month (PhD) + housing supplement + airfare. Eligibility: International students under 30 (Master's) or 35 (PhD) from specific countries applied through French institutions — NOT applied to directly.

How do I apply for a scholarship to study in France?

To apply for scholarships in France, start 12-18 months before your intended start date. Government scholarships like Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme require applying through official channels. Work with a verified education consultant to strengthen your application.

Scholarships to Study in France 2026 — 5 Awards Listed

Q: What scholarships are available to study in France?

There are 5+ scholarships listed for studying in France, including Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po), Fondation MERITIS Scholarship. The top award offers €1,000/month + fees.

France offers excellent scholarship opportunities, especially for Master's and PhD students. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is France's most prestigious international award. Combined with France's low public university fees (€2,770–3,770/year for non-EU), scholarships go further here than in most countries.

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5 Scholarships to Study in France

GovernmentVery High Competition

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme

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France's flagship scholarship for international Master's and PhD students. Applied through your French institution, not directly. Ask your host professor or institution to nominate you. Strong in engineering, economics, law, and political science.

💰 Amount

€1,181/month (Master's) or €1,700/month (PhD) + housing supplement + airfare

📅 Duration

1–3 years

⏰ Deadline

January (French institution applies on your behalf)

✅ Eligibility

International students under 30 (Master's) or 35 (PhD) from specific countries applied through French institutions — NOT applied to directly

UniversityHigh Competition

Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)

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Sciences Po's main scholarship for non-EU students. One of France's most prestigious social science institutions. Automatically considered when you apply for admission.

💰 Amount

€6,000–19,000/year

📅 Duration

Duration of programme

⏰ Deadline

January (undergraduate), March (graduate)

✅ Eligibility

Non-EU students admitted to Sciences Po undergraduate or graduate programmes from eligible countries

FoundationHigh Competition

Fondation MERITIS Scholarship

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Foundation scholarship targeting students from developing countries at France's top institutions. Focuses on STEM, business, and humanities.

💰 Amount

€10,000/year

📅 Duration

Duration of Master's (1–2 years)

⏰ Deadline

March–April

✅ Eligibility

Students from developing countries admitted to French grandes écoles and top universities

GovernmentMedium Competition

French Government Master's Scholarships (BGF)

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French Embassy scholarship programmes vary by country. Check with your local French Embassy or Campus France office for country-specific Master's scholarship programmes.

💰 Amount

€700–1,000/month

📅 Duration

1–2 years

⏰ Deadline

Varies by country (typically February–April)

✅ Eligibility

Students from specific countries through French Embassy scholarship programmes — apply through your local French Embassy

UniversityVery High Competition

HEC Paris Scholarships

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HEC Paris offers merit and need-based scholarships for its highly selective MBA and Grande Ecole programmes. France's top business school globally ranked.

💰 Amount

€5,000–30,000

📅 Duration

Duration of programme

⏰ Deadline

With application rounds (September, January, March)

✅ Eligibility

International students admitted to HEC Paris MBA or Master's programmes

Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarships are available to study in France for Indian students?

Indian students can apply for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po), French Government Master's Scholarships (BGF) and more. Government scholarships like Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme are most competitive. University merit scholarships are more accessible for strong academic performers.

How much can I get from a scholarship to study in France?

Scholarship amounts in France range from partial fee waivers to full funding. The top award is €1,000/month + fees (Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme). University merit scholarships typically offer €6,000–19,000/year.

When should I apply for scholarships to study in France?

Start your scholarship search 12–18 months before your intended start date. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme has a deadline of January (French institution applies on your behalf). Missing deadlines is the most common reason qualified students don't receive funding.

Do I need an education consultant to apply for scholarships in France?

You can apply independently, but an experienced education consultant significantly improves your success rate. They know which scholarships match your profile, help craft compelling statements of purpose, and ensure your application is complete before deadlines.

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