Top France scholarships for international students
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Top France scholarships for international students
France is one of the world’s most inspiring destinations for international students — a place where world-class education, cultural richness, and career opportunities come together. Each year, thousands of students choose France not only for its prestigious universities but also for its generous scholarships that make high-quality education more accessible.
Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program, France offers a wide range of fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships designed to support ambitious students from around the globe.
Why Study in France with a Scholarship?
Beyond academics, France provides a vibrant cultural and social environment, world-class public transportation, and affordable student services. Unlock exceptional academic and lifestyle advantages:
- Access to globally ranked universities and research centers
- Reduced or fully covered tuition fees
- Monthly living allowances for many programs
- Wide range of English-taught degrees
- Safe, multicultural, and student-friendly environment
- Excellent career pathways across Europe
Types of France Scholarships for International Students
France offers several categories of scholarships designed to support different academic goals and financial needs:
- Fully Funded Scholarships: Cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, insurance, and sometimes travel. Ideal for high-achieving students.
- Partially Funded Scholarships: Reduce tuition fees and may include small allowances for living expenses or academic costs.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: Sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs or international partnerships; include prestigious options like the Eiffel Scholarship.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Offered directly by French universities to attract talented international students in selected programs.
- Program-Specific Scholarships: Designed for particular fields such as MBA, Engineering, Fashion, Arts, Public Policy, or PhD research.
Top Scholarships in France for International Students 2025
Below is a curated selection of the most prestigious France scholarships, each offering unique benefits, strong academic opportunities, and life-changing cultural experiences:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
Designed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the France Excellence Eiffel scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for international students. It targets top-performing candidates who aim to pursue advanced studies in engineering, science, economics, political science, and law.
Key Details:
- Institution: French Ministry + participating universities
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Funding: Monthly stipend, full living costs, international travel, health insurance
- Eligibility: Strong academic background, non-French nationals, nominated by a French institution
Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is created by Sciences Po to attract exceptional international students who demonstrate academic strength and strong global potential. It reduces a large part of tuition fees and supports students throughout their studies.
Key Details:
- Institution: Sciences Po
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Eligibility: Non-EU students with excellent academic records
Ampère Excellence Scholarship (ENS Lyon)
The Ampère Scholarship supports talented master’s students pursuing advanced studies in sciences, humanities, and social sciences at ENS Lyon. It’s ideal for students aiming for a research-oriented academic path.
Key Details:
- Institution: ENS de Lyon
- Level: Master’s
- Eligibility: Strong academic background; international applicants
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
Paris-Saclay offers generous financial support to attract top international students in science, engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. It is one of the most popular master’s scholarships in France.
Key Details:
- Institution: Université Paris-Saclay
- Level: Master’s
- Eligibility: International students accepted into a Paris-Saclay master’s
France Excellence Scholarship (Climate Change)
A fully funded scholarship dedicated to climate-focused master’s programs, mainly targeting students from developing countries.
Key Details:
- Institutions: IMT Atlantique, INP Pagora, Avignon University, ONIRIS
- Level: Master’s
- Funding: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, visa, insurance
- Eligibility: Strong academic background; under 28; climate-related field
Chalhoub Scholarship (Sciences Po)
A competitive scholarship supporting talented students in humanities, social sciences, and international affairs.
Key Details:
- Institution: Sciences Po
- Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Eligibility: Non-European high-achieving students
Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)
A fully funded program supporting future leaders committed to positive social change.
Key Details:
- Institution: Partner French universities
- Level: Master’s
- Funding: Full tuition, stipend, travel, living costs
- Eligibility: Leadership potential, community involvement
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
A prestigious global award supporting master’s studies related to development.
Key Details:
- Institution: Partner universities (programs offered in France)
- Level: Master’s
- Funding: Full tuition, airfare, monthly allowance
- Eligibility: Applicants from developing countries
IDEX Scholarship (Université Grenoble Alpes)
A merit-based program supporting talented master’s students in science and engineering.
Key Details:
- Institution: Université Grenoble Alpes
- Level: Master’s
- Eligibility: International students with strong academics
IFA Paris Scholarship
Ideal for students pursuing fashion, luxury, and design studies.
Key Details:
- Institution: IFA Paris
- Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Eligibility: Portfolio, strong academic/artistic profile
Fulbright Scholarship (France)
A well-known international program supporting U.S. and global students for advanced study and research.
Key Details:
- Institution: French & U.S. institutions
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Funding: Tuition support, stipend, research funding
- Eligibility: Strong academic profile
IIE-SRF Fellowship
A fellowship supporting threatened or displaced PhD researchers.
Key Details:
- Institution: IIE-SRF
- Level: PhD (research/visiting scholar)
- Eligibility: Scholars facing danger or academic restrictions
Facebook (Meta) PhD Fellowship
A competitive global fellowship for outstanding researchers in technology fields.
Key Details:
- Institution: Global universities (including France)
- Level: PhD
- Funding: Annual stipend, tuition, conference travel
- Eligibility: Strong research background in tech
TIGER Master’s Scholarship (Aix-Marseille University)
A scholarship supporting innovative and high-potential master’s students.
Key Details:
- Institution: Aix-Marseille University
- Level: Master’s
- Eligibility: International new master’s applicants
Robert S. McNamara Fellowship (World Bank)
A research-focused fellowship for aspiring PhD scholars specializing in development policy or economics.
Key Details:
- Institution: World Bank
- Level: PhD
- Eligibility: Strong research proposal; developing-country applicants
Eligibility Requirements for France Scholarships
Most scholarships in France are designed for talented, motivated, and academically strong international students. While each program has its own criteria, the following requirements are commonly seen across major scholarship opportunities.
France scholarship requirements
- Strong academic performance and high GPA
- Non-French or non-EU nationality (depending on the program)
- Admission or pre-admission to a French university
- Relevant academic background for the chosen field
- Proof of motivation (SOP, essays, interviews)
- Language proficiency (English or French, depending on program)
- Age limits for some scholarships (often under 28 for master’s)
- No simultaneous funding from other major scholarship sources
How to Apply for France Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
Applying for scholarships in France becomes much easier when you follow a clear, organized plan. Here is a simple, effective step-by-step guide to help you navigate the entire process with confidence:
- Choose your academic program
- Check scholarship options & deadlines
- Prepare documents (CV, SOP, transcripts, recommendation letters)
- Apply to the university / Campus France
- Submit scholarship applications
- Complete interviews if required
- Finalize admission
- Apply for a French student visa
Common Mistakes to Avoid in France Scholarship Applications
- Submitting incomplete or poorly organized documents
- Ignoring eligibility criteria or applying to irrelevant programs
- Weak or generic Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Missing deadlines or applying too late
- Not customizing applications for each scholarship
- Providing inconsistent information across forms and CV
- Overlooking language requirements (English/French)
- Using unprofessional email communication
- Failing to prepare for interviews
- Not checking university-specific instructions carefully
Conclusion
France remains one of the most rewarding study destinations for international students—offering world-class education, generous funding opportunities, high global employability, and an enriching cultural experience.
With so many competitive scholarships available each year, your chances of studying in France with significant financial support are stronger than ever.
If you want personalized support to strengthen your documents, refine your motivation letter, or increase your chances of securing a scholarship, our expert team at EuroGlobe is here to help you every step of the way. Start your journey today and get closer to a fully funded future in France.