Dreaming of pursuing your Master’s or PhD in the heart of Europe? Imagine immersing yourself in France’s rich culture, renowned academic excellence, and vibrant innovation. The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is your gateway to an unforgettable academic adventure, designed to attract the brightest international minds to French higher education!
This prestigious scholarship, established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to cultivate future foreign decision-makers in both the private and public sectors within priority fields of study. If you’re an ambitious student ready to make your mark, read on to discover how the Eiffel program can transform your academic journey!
What is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship Program is a highly competitive and esteemed initiative that empowers French higher education institutions to recruit top international students for their Master’s and PhD programs. It’s more than just financial aid; it’s a recognition of excellence from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Campus France, the agency dedicated to promoting French higher education, manages and oversees scholarship recipients’ studies in France.
Key Benefits You’ll Enjoy as an Eiffel Scholar
Being an Eiffel scholarship recipient comes with a wealth of advantages designed to support your academic and personal well-being in France:
• Generous Monthly Allowances:
◦ Master’s Level: You’ll receive a monthly allowance of €1,181.
◦ Doctorate Level: You’ll receive a monthly stipend of €1,800 (effective January 1, 2024).
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond the stipend, the scholarship includes several essential services such as international transportation, national transportation within France, insurance, assistance with housing searches, and access to cultural activities.
• Tuition Exemptions (Important Note!): While tuition fees are not directly covered by the Eiffel program, recipients of French government scholarships are generally exempt from tuition charges for programs leading to a national diploma (Master’s, Doctorate) or an accredited engineering degree in public institutions overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
• Health and Well-being: Campus France enrolls you in a temporary health insurance plan until your coverage by the mandatory and free French national scheme (Sécurité Sociale) takes effect. Once enrolled, you’ll also receive supplemental health insurance at no cost, ensuring optimal coverage of medical expenses.
• Housing Support: Campus France can offer you a choice of housing in student dormitories managed by CROUS or in private homes. Host institutions are also encouraged to assist scholars in finding suitable accommodation.
• Recreation and Cultural Immersion: Experience the “art of living à la française” with weekend outings and short getaways organized by Campus France, allowing you to discover French cities, regions, European capitals, and enjoy sporting events, shows, and exhibits at attractive, student-friendly prices.
Who is Eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel program seeks top foreign students who meet specific criteria:
• Nationality: The scholarship is open to foreign students.
• Age Limits:
◦ For Master’s level applicants: You must be up to 27 years old.
◦ For PhD level applicants: You must be up to 32 years old.
Priority Areas of Study
The Eiffel program focuses on two main disciplinary fields, covering seven specific areas for both Master’s and Doctorate levels:
• Science and Technology:
◦ Biology and Health
◦ Ecological Transition
◦ Mathematics and Digital Sciences
◦ Engineering Sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences:
◦ History, French language and civilization
◦ Law and political science
◦ Economics and management
What Levels of Study Does it Support?
French higher education institutions nominating candidates for the Eiffel program commit to enrolling them in:
• Courses leading to a Master’s degree (or equivalent) accredited by the French government.
• An engineering program that is nationally accredited.
• A doctoral program, specifically a joint doctoral program (joint supervision of dissertation and/or dual degree), in partnership with an institution abroad.
Understanding Scholarship Duration
The duration of your scholarship depends on your level of study and enrollment year:
• Master’s Level:
◦ A maximum of 12 months for enrollment in an M2 (second year of Master’s).
◦ A maximum of 24 months for enrollment in an M1 (first year of Master’s).
◦ A maximum of 36 months for the completion of an engineering degree.
• Doctorate Level:
◦ Scholarships are awarded for a period of 12, 18, or 36 months, starting on September 1 of the award year.
◦ A 36-month scholarship is exclusively available to new candidates enrolling in the first year of a doctoral program and cannot be converted to a dual-degree program. This aims to attract new students to France for their entire doctoral study.
◦ Scholarships of 12 or 18 months are open to all candidates, including those already enrolled in a doctoral program (joint supervision or dual degree).
How to Apply for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship: The Critical Steps!
This is crucial for all prospective applicants! The application process for the Eiffel Scholarship is unique:
• IMPORTANT: Applications are submitted exclusively by French higher education institutions. Direct applications sent by students or by foreign institutions will be declared ineligible.
Here’s how you, as a student, can initiate the process:
1. First Step: Research and Contact
◦ Contact Campus France: Reach out to the Campus France office in your country of origin or the French Embassy’s Cooperation and Cultural Action Department. They can provide guidance and advice on your study plans.
◦ Identify French Institutions: Research French higher education institutions that offer programs aligning with your academic goals and are relevant to the Eiffel program’s priority areas of study.
◦ Connect with International Relations: Contact the international relations department of your chosen French institution(s) via their website, email, or telephone to inquire about their internal procedures and deadlines for submitting an Eiffel scholarship application on your behalf.
◦ Choose Wisely: Select the school or university that best fits your aspirations for studying in France.
2. Second Step: Institutional Support
◦ Secure Institutional Acceptance: Once you’ve established contact and expressed your interest, the French institution must accept and actively support your application for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarship.
◦ Institution Submits Application: The institution will then submit your application online via the dedicated Campus France website.
Key Dates for the 2026 Campaign Timeline
Plan your application process well in advance by noting these typical campaign dates:
• Opening of the call for applications: October 1, 2025
• Deadline for reception of applications by Campus France: January 8, 2026 (included)
• Publication of results: Middle of April, 2026
Important Regulations & Obligations for Scholarship Recipients
As an Eiffel scholar, you will have rights, but also specific obligations to adhere to:
• No Dual French Scholarships: An Eiffel scholarship cannot be combined with another French government scholarship, an Erasmus+ scholarship, or a scholarship from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. If awarded two, you must decline one.
• Timely Program Start: Your funded study period must begin between September 1 and November 30 of the year the scholarship is awarded, and the start date cannot be postponed.
• Academic Progress: You are expected to apply yourself to your academic program, sit for all examinations, and follow the rules of your institution. Failure to meet academic requirements and being compelled to repeat a year will result in scholarship suspension.
• Internships and Exchanges:
◦ Required (Abroad): If an internship or exchange abroad is a formal, required part of your curriculum, your scholarship benefits may continue, capped at one year, provided the time abroad does not exceed your total time in France.
◦ Optional: For optional internships or exchanges not required by your program, your scholarship benefits will be suspended for the duration.
• Gap Year: A supervised gap year is permitted, but it entails the suspension of your scholarship benefits and status. Requests must be submitted to Campus France at least two months before the proposed period. Only one gap year, lasting no less and no more than one year, is allowed.
• Doctoral Scholarship Splitting: If you have a 12 or 18-month doctoral scholarship, your stay can be split into several periods (e.g., two 6-month stays for a 12-month scholarship). Each stay must be at least 6 months. A schedule of stays must be submitted during your first stay and updated if changes occur.
• Documentation: You must submit a certificate of academic enrollment, a certificate of enrollment in the national health insurance scheme, and provide academic progress data twice yearly to Campus France.
• Communication: Keep Campus France informed about your academic status, including any internships, travel abroad, or gap years.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to observe the program’s rules may result in being required to refund your scholarship and cover the costs of services received.
Resources for Your Journey
• Campus France Website: Explore the official Campus France website for a wealth of information on studying in France, finding programs, applying, and preparing your stay.
• CampusBourses: Use this online grant search engine to discover other scholarship opportunities.
• France Alumni Network: Once selected, register on the France Alumni website to join a community of previous recipients and receive news and invitations.
• Mon Espace Boursier: As a scholarship recipient, you’ll have access to a personal online service for managing your scholarship, uploading documents, and tracking transactions.
• Contact Campus France: If you are an institution participating for the first time or need to download application files, or if you are a student interested in the program, contact Campus France directly.
Embark on Your French Academic Adventure!
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship program offers an unparalleled opportunity for bright international students to pursue advanced studies in France and become future global leaders. Start your research today, connect with French higher education institutions, and take the first step towards a rewarding academic and cultural experience in France!