Because of its low-cost educational system, rich cultural heritage, and well-respected universities, France has become one of the most desirable programs and places for international students to study. France is even more appealing because there are so many scholarships available, including fully funded ones that pay for tuition, living expenses, travel, and more.
This complete guide will show you the most competitive scholarships in France for international students. This includes those paid for by the government, universities, and organisations. You will also learn how they work, who can apply, and how to do it well.
Why get a scholarship to study in France?
France has an excellent mix of high-quality schools and low prices. France’s public universities are pretty cheap. Scholarships make them even easier to get into.
Some of the main benefits are:
- Tuition fees lower than US and UK
- Access to top-notch universities and research centres
- Possibilities to learn in English or French
- There are a lot of job opportunities from around the world
- Getting a job in Europe
Scholarships are also provided by the French government and international programmes, making them reliable and generous in the long run.
Different kinds of scholarships in France
Knowing what kinds of scholarships are out there will help you apply smartly.
1. Scholarships that cover all costs
These pay for travel, living expenses, tuition, and sometimes housing.
2. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
Students get free tuition or money from these programmes.
3. scholarships from the government
The French government pays for it, and it’s usually very competitive.
4. Scholarships for college
Each university awards scholarships based on merit or need.
5. Scholarships in Europe
For example, Erasmus programmes let students study in more than one country.
The Best Fully Funded Scholarships in France
These are the most well-known scholarships for international students.
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
One of the most popular fully funded scholarships in France.
What it talks about:
- Monthly payment
- Travel costs
- Insurance for health
- Extra allowances
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays for this scholarship for master’s and PhD students.
2. Scholarships from the French government
The government pays for these broad scholarship programmes.
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
- Money for living
- Travel costs
Every year, thousands of scholarships are available to international students at all levels.
3. Joint Master’s Degrees from Erasmus Mundus
A well-known scholarship programme in Europe.
What It Talks About:
- Full school cost
- Monthly payment
- Travel costs
- Learned in more than one European country
Erasmus programmes often have French universities.
4. The Chateaubriand Fellowship
A research fellowship that pays for everything.
What It Talks About:
- Monthly payment
- Travel costs
- Insurance for health
Suitable for students who want to work on research projects with others.
5. MOPGA Visiting Fellowship
Studies the environment and the climate.
What It Talks About:
- Full funding for research
- Living and travelling costs
Best university scholarships in France
A lot of French universities give big scholarships.
6. Sciences Po Emile Boutmey Scholarship
A very well-known scholarship for college students.
What talks about About:
- Up to €19,000 a year
- For bachelor’s and master’s degrees
It is designed for outstanding students from outside the EU.
7. Scholarships for International Master’s Students at Université Paris-Saclay
What It Talks About:
- Up to €10,000 a year
- Cost of travel and visas
Very competitive and based on merit.
8. Scholarship for International Selection by ENS
This is offered by École Normale Supérieure.
What It Talks About:
- Monthly payment
- Help with housing
Open to master’s degree programmes.
9. Ampère Excellence Scholarships from ENS de Lyon
What It Talks About:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
Perfect for people who want a master’s degree.
10. Scholarships from HEC Paris
Scholarships for international students to attend business school.
What It Talks About:
- Funding of €6,000 to €24,000
Available for master’s and MBA programmes.
African Students Can Get Scholarships
France sponsors African students who meet certain criteria.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme in France
- Fully paid for
- Covers living costs, tuition, and housing.
- Includes leader training
The UNIV’R Programme
- Made for students who are refugees or in need
- Master’s programmes that are fully funded
The Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarship
- For women from countries that are still developing
- Helps with MBA studies
The goal of these scholarships is to support students from developing areas and encourage diversity.
Grants for PhD and research students
France is a great place to do research.
Government Funding and Doctoral Contracts
- Monthly payment
- Funding for research
- Paying for school
Scholarships for PSL University
- Different ways for graduate students to get money
- Includes fellowships that the government pays for
Requirements for eligibility
Most scholarships require the following, but the requirements vary:
- Good grades in school
- Ability to speak English or French
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
Some programmes also need:
- Experience in the workplace
- Proposal for a PhD research project
How to Get Scholarships in France
You need to plan ahead when you apply for scholarships.
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Choose a course that fits with your career goals.
Step 2: Send in an application to a college
Before you can get most scholarships, you need to get an offer of admission.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Common requirements include:
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport
Step 4: Apply for scholarships.
You can send in your scholarship application through the university or the scholarship platform.
Step 5: Go to the interviews
You may have to interview for some scholarships.
Sample Checklist for Scholarship Applications
- Passport that is still good
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Results of the language test
- Letter of acceptance
France offers scholarships that don’t require IELTS.
Some colleges and universities will accept applications without an IELTS if:
- Their previous education was in English.
- You can prove
This makes it easy for many international students to get to France.
Ways to Improve Your Odds
1. Get Started Early
A lot of scholarships close months before the school year starts.
2. Put your mind on doing well in school
Getting good grades is very important.
3. Show that you can lead
Take part in activities that help the community or lead others.
4. Write a strong motivation letter
Make it clear what your goals are and how they will affect you.
5. Apply for
Don’t depend on just one app.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Not meeting deadlines
- Sending in applications that aren’t complete
- Writing general personal statements
- Not paying attention to eligibility requirements
Last Thoughts
France has a lot of scholarships for international students. Some are fully funded by the government, like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, and others are given by top universities, like the Emile Boutmy Scholarship.
Preparation, strategy, and consistency are the keys to success. If you do things the right way, you can get a scholarship and study in France without having to worry about money.
Start early, make a strong profile, and apply in a smart way. With hard work, you can definitely study in France on a fully funded scholarship.
