France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 to 2027

Applications are open for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 to 2027, an initiative of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs designed to attract outstanding international students to higher education institutions in France. The program supports talented students pursuing master’s degrees and doctoral studies, helping prepare future leaders and decision makers in the public and private sectors.

The Eiffel Scholarship aims to strengthen the international appeal of French higher education while encouraging academic excellence, research, and international cooperation. It is intended for high achieving students from outside France who want to pursue advanced studies in priority academic disciplines at eligible French institutions.

The program covers a broad range of subjects across science and technology, as well as the humanities and social sciences. Applicants can explore opportunities in areas such as engineering, mathematics, biology, ecological transition, economics, law, political science, history, and French language and civilization.

About the Opportunity

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is administered by Campus France on behalf of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Its primary objective is to help French institutions recruit exceptional international students for advanced academic programs and develop future international leaders.

The scholarship has two main components: the master’s level and the doctoral level. At the master’s level, support may be available for master’s year one or year two, as well as eligible engineering programs. At the doctoral level, the program supports doctoral research through arrangements that involve joint supervision or a dual degree in partnership with an institution abroad.

The program is competitive. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic potential and a clear connection between their intended studies, professional ambitions, and the academic opportunities offered by their chosen French institution.

Opportunity Benefits

Successful candidates can receive financial and practical support during their studies in France.

• Monthly allowance for master’s students: €1,200, according to the rate effective from January 2026.

• Monthly allowance for doctoral students: €2,100, according to the rate effective from January 2026.

• International transportation: Support for eligible international travel.

• National transportation: Assistance with eligible travel within France.

• Insurance services: Access to insurance related services under the program arrangements.

• Accommodation assistance: Support with finding suitable accommodation.

• Cultural activities: Opportunities to participate in cultural activities and become familiar with life in France.

• Academic and professional development: The opportunity to study at a French higher education institution and build international academic connections.

Important funding note: The Eiffel Scholarship does not cover tuition fees. Applicants should confirm tuition costs and any additional expenses with their chosen institution before accepting an offer.

Programme Areas

The scholarship covers seven academic fields grouped into two broad disciplinary areas.

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

Applicants should check that their intended course falls within an eligible field and that their selected institution offers a suitable program at the relevant study level.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is intended for international students who are nominated by French higher education institutions. Applicants should review the official program regulations and confirm their eligibility with their prospective university.

• Applicants must be foreign students seeking admission to an eligible master’s or doctoral program in France.

• Master’s applicants must meet the program’s age requirement of no more than 29 years under the applicable campaign rules.

• Doctoral applicants must meet the program’s age requirement of no more than 35 years under the applicable campaign rules.

• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability and suitability for their intended course of study.

• Candidates must identify a French higher education institution willing to support and nominate their application.

• The intended course must fall within one of the eligible academic fields.

• Doctoral candidates must pursue an eligible doctoral arrangement, such as joint supervision or a dual degree involving a partner institution abroad.

Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee selection. Universities and the scholarship program assess candidates through competitive selection procedures.

Required Application Materials

The precise documents and formats may differ according to the institution and academic program. Prospective applicants should request the current application checklist from the university they intend to attend.

Applicants should prepare the following where requested:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.

• Curriculum vitae outlining academic achievements and relevant experience.

• Statement of motivation explaining the proposed course of study and future objectives.

• Information about the intended master’s or doctoral program.

• Evidence of academic excellence and relevant research experience, where applicable.

• Supporting documents requested by the chosen French institution.

• Any additional forms or declarations required under the current Eiffel Scholarship regulations.

Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted before the university’s internal deadline.

Selection Criteria

The Eiffel Scholarship is designed to attract academically outstanding international students. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic record, a clear study or research plan, and a convincing explanation of why the proposed program in France is appropriate for their goals.

The relevance of the proposed studies to the scholarship’s priority fields is also important. Doctoral applicants should be prepared to explain their research direction and the value of the proposed academic partnership.

Because French institutions nominate candidates, their internal assessment processes are an essential part of selection. Applicants should contact their intended institution early rather than assuming that submitting documents to Campus France themselves will be sufficient.

How to Apply

1. Research suitable French institutions. Identify universities or higher education institutions offering an eligible master’s, engineering, or doctoral program in your chosen field.
2. Contact the institution. Reach out to the international relations office or relevant academic department to ask whether it participates in the Eiffel Scholarship campaign.
3. Check the university’s internal deadline. Institutions may require applications well before the official Campus France submission date.
4. Prepare the required documents. Follow the university’s instructions and ensure that your academic records, motivation statement, and other supporting materials are complete.
5. Submit your application to the institution. The university reviews candidates and decides whether to nominate them for the scholarship.
6. Allow the institution to submit the nomination. Only eligible French higher education institutions can submit applications through the designated Campus France platform. Applications sent directly by students are not accepted.
7. Monitor official updates. The 2027 campaign results are expected to be communicated during the week beginning April 12, 2027, according to the published Campus France calendar.