France scholarships for international students
Numerous scholarships are available for international students to assist them pay for their studies in France and Europe through public institutions in France and the Erasmus+ program.
Campus Bourses (Campus Scholarships) offers details on the financial aid available to international students. The tool includes a comprehensive list of all aid offered by French and international States, local governments, businesses, foundations, and universities. Search with a nationality, field, and level of education filter to locate the help that fits your profile.
Here are some of the most notable scholarships for international students aiming to study in France:
🎓 Government‑Funded Scholarships
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
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For top-notch international master’s and PhD candidates in engineering, economics & management, law, and political science.
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Award: €1,181/month (Master’s) or €1,400/month (PhD), plus benefits like insurance, travel, and potential housing assistance (timeshighereducation.com).
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Must be nominated by a French university—students cannot apply directly .
MOPGA Scholarship (Ministry of Higher Ed for Global Affairs)
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Supports around 40 researchers annually focusing on climate, sustainability, or energy.
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Monthly stipend: €2,500 + €500 moving allowance for 12 months (timeshighereducation.com).
Erasmus Mundus
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Provides comprehensive scholarships (tuition, subsistence, travel, insurance) for enrolment in EU joint master’s/doctoral programmes, including those hosted by French universities (timeshighereducation.com).
🏛️ University‑Specific Scholarships
Ampère Excellence Scholarship (ENS de Lyon)
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Master’s students in sciences, arts & humanities.
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Monthly stipend of €1,000 for 1–2 years (timeshighereducation.com, edarabia.com).
Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
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For non‑EU applicants at bachelor’s or master’s level.
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Undergraduates receive up to ~€13,000/year; graduates ~€12,200–13,100/year .
Université Paris‑Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
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€10,000/year plus up to €1,000 for travel/visa; must be accepted to a Master’s program and receive university invitation.
Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship
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Targeted at engineering/science Master’s students.
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€5,000 per semester (~€10,000/year) for 1–2 years (upgrad.com).
💼 Business‑School & Other Scholarships
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INSEAD MBA Scholarships: Merit, need, or region-based awards up to €40,000.
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HEC Paris MBA & L’Oréal-HEC Scholarships: L’Oréal awards €10,000; various HEC Paris scholarships may cover 50% of tuition .
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Aga Khan Foundation Graduate Scholarships: Covers postgraduate studies in France for eligible countries (scholarshipset.com).
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UNHCR / Sciences Po Refugee Programme: Supports refugees accepted into Sciences Po Master’s
📌 Additional Opportunities
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ENS International Selection Scholarships: ~€1,000/month for arts/sciences at École Normale Supérieure (renewable for 3 years) (edarabia.com).
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Jean Monnet University Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Around €10,000 for master’s via Erasmus Mundus programmes.
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Charpak & Raman‑Charpak Fellowships: For Indian students (apply via Campus France and Indian embassy).
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Jérôme Lohez 9/11 Foundation: Supports French, US, and Chinese grad students involved in Franco-US cultural exchange.
🧭 Application Tips
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Start Early – Many deadlines fall between January–March for the following academic year.
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Meet French Criteria – Check age limits, nationality requirements, and application channels.
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Apply via University – Especially for Eiffel, Saclay, ENS, or Sciences Po.
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Include Strong Materials – CV, SOP, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation.
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Check Specialized Scholarships – For refugees, developing-country students (Aga Khan, etc.).
📅 Summary Table
Scholarship | Level | Monthly Value / Award | Notes |
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Eiffel Excellence | Master’s/PhD | €1,181–1,400 | University-nominated |
MOPGA | Research | €3,000/month total | 12-month term |
Erasmus Mundus | MA/PhD | Covers tuition + living | Joint EU programmes |
Ampère (ENS Lyon) | Master’s | €1,000/month | 1–2 years |
Emile Boutmy | B/M | €12k–19k/year | Sciences Po |
Paris‑Saclay | Master’s | €10k + €1k travel | Upon invite |
Grenoble INP | Master’s | €10k/year | Science/engineering |
INSEAD, HEC, Aga Khan | MBA/MA | Up to €40k etc. | Varies |
✅ What to Do Next
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Identify your target university/program (e.g. ENS Lyon, Sciences Po, Paris‑Saclay).
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Ask their international office about scholarship nomination procedures.
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Prepare application documents early and track deadlines (most before March–April).
Feel free to ask for help with a specific university or how to apply!
SCHOLARSHIPS OF THE FOREIGN MINISTRY
Numerous scholarships are given to international students by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 25% of these scholarships are directly funded by the Ministry through the Major or Eiffel programs (for Master's or Doctoral level study) (for the best foreign students who have graduated from French high schools abroad). France's embassies abroad offer the remaining items.
To find out which scholarship programs you qualify for, speak with the Campus France office there immediately.
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Some international students are also given scholarships by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research depending on social factors. Students who have lived in France for at least two years and who pay French taxes are eligible. Additionally, the Ministry provides funding for doctorate contracts overseen by doctoral schools.
The National Center for Scientific Study (CNRS), which covers all fields of research, the Institute for Research and Development (IRD), the Environmental and Energy Control Agency (ADEME), and the IFREMER are a few examples of public organizations that do public research in France (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea). These public organizations fund research budgets for PhD and post-doctoral students in collaboration with the regions.
Finally, several higher education institutions provide scholarship programs to admitted international students. Contact their department of foreign affairs for additional information.
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