Best 7 Fully Funded Scholarships in France 2025

Are you dreaming of studying in France but worried about the costs? Good news! Many amazing Fully Funded Scholarships in France 2025 are available for international students, helping them achieve their academic goals without financial stress. These scholarships can cover everything from your tuition fees to your living expenses, making it easier to experience France’s world-class education and rich culture. This guide will help you understand how to find and apply for these fantastic opportunities, making your dream of studying in France a reality.

What is the Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
• Origin or background of the scholarship: This scholarship was started by the French government. It helps bright students from other countries come to France to study.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best students for this scholarship are very smart. They want to study at a master’s or PhD level in France.
• Total value of the scholarship: This scholarship gives money every month. It also pays for travel, health insurance, and cultural things.
• Number of seats available: The number of scholarships changes each year, but many students get them.
• Start date of the scholarship: The scholarship usually starts in September or October.
• Application deadline: The deadline is usually in January.
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, the scholarship is currently active for the next academic year.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications usually open in October.

Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This is a full scholarship. It covers everything.
• Tuition fees: The scholarship does not pay tuition fees, but public universities in France have very low or no tuition fees for scholarship holders.
• Living expenses: Yes, it gives a monthly allowance for living costs.
• Books and study material: It helps with these costs.
• Travel expenses: Yes, it pays for your trip to France and back home.
• Any other benefits: It also covers health insurance and activities to learn about French culture.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international students, not U.S. students.
• Eligible countries: Students from all countries outside of France can apply.
• Minimum qualification needed: You need a good university degree to apply for a master’s or PhD program.
• Required certifications: You might need proof of your English or French language skills.
• Required documents: You will need your school records, a letter from a professor, and your study plan.
• Whether the application is online or offline: The application is usually done by the French universities you apply to, which then nominate you online.

How to Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

• How to apply: You do not apply directly for this scholarship. You must apply to a French university first. If the university thinks you are a good fit for the Eiffel Scholarship, they will apply for you.
• How to create an account (if needed): You do not need to create an account for the scholarship itself. You will create an account with the French university you apply to.
• Additional steps, if any: Make sure to tell the university you want to be considered for the Eiffel Scholarship when you apply.
• Link to the official website: Campus France

What are Ampère Excellence Scholarships for International Students?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon)
• Origin or background of the scholarship: ENS de Lyon offers this scholarship to attract excellent international students to their master’s programs.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best candidates are very smart international students. They want to study science or humanities at a master’s level in France.
• Total value of the scholarship: It gives a monthly payment of 1,000 Euros for the duration of the scholarship.
• Number of seats available: A limited number of scholarships are available each year.
• Start date of the scholarship: The scholarship usually starts in September.
• Application deadline: The deadline is usually in January.
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, the scholarship is currently active for the upcoming academic year.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications usually open in November.

Ampère Excellence Scholarships for International Students Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This is a full scholarship for living expenses.
• Tuition fees: Tuition fees are generally low or waived at ENS de Lyon for scholarship holders.
• Living expenses: Yes, it gives 1,000 Euros each month for living costs.
• Books and study material: This is covered by the monthly allowance.
• Travel expenses: Travel expenses are generally not covered directly by the scholarship.
• Any other benefits: None explicitly stated beyond the monthly stipend.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international students.
• Eligible countries: Students from all countries outside of France can apply.
• Minimum qualification needed: You need a bachelor’s degree that lets you enroll in a master’s program.
• Required certifications: Proof of English or French language skills may be required, depending on the program.
• Required documents: You will need your academic transcripts, a CV, and letters of recommendation.
• Whether the application is online or offline: The application is online.

How to Apply for the Ampère Excellence Scholarships for International Students

• How to apply: You apply directly on the ENS de Lyon website. You need to choose a master’s program first.
• How to create an account (if needed): You will need to create an account on the ENS de Lyon application platform.
• Additional steps, if any: Make sure to submit all required documents before the deadline.
• Link to the official website: ENS de Lyon

What are the France Excellence Scholarships for Climate Change?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: French Embassies in various countries, in partnership with Campus France.
• Origin or background of the scholarship: These scholarships are offered by the French government to support students who want to work on climate change solutions.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best candidates are students who care about climate change. They want to study topics like environmental science, sustainable development, or renewable energy in France.
• Total value of the scholarship: The scholarship often provides a monthly allowance, covers travel, and may include tuition fees for specific programs.
• Number of seats available: The number of scholarships depends on each country and the French Embassy’s budget.
• Start date of the scholarship: The scholarship usually starts in September.
• Application deadline: The deadline varies by country, but it is often in the spring (March-April).
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, these scholarships are offered annually.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications usually open in January or February.

France Excellence Scholarships for Climate Change Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This can be full or partial funding, depending on the specific program and country.
• Tuition fees: Tuition fees may be covered for specific programs or waived in public universities.
• Living expenses: Yes, it often provides a monthly allowance for living costs.
• Books and study material: This may be covered by the living allowance.
• Travel expenses: Yes, travel to and from France is often included.
• Any other benefits: Health insurance and cultural activities may also be covered.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international students.
• Eligible countries: Eligibility depends on the specific French Embassy offering the scholarship. Check with your local French Embassy.
• Minimum qualification needed: You need a relevant university degree for the master’s or PhD program you wish to pursue.
• Required certifications: English or French language proficiency may be required.
• Required documents: You will need your academic records, a CV, letters of recommendation, and a strong motivation letter explaining your interest in climate change.
• Whether the application is online or offline: The application process can vary by country; some are online, others may involve submitting documents to the Embassy.

How to Apply for the France Excellence Scholarships for Climate Change

• How to apply: You need to check the website of the French Embassy in your country. They will have specific instructions for applying.
• How to create an account (if needed): You might need to create an account on a platform managed by the French Embassy or Campus France, depending on the country.
• Additional steps, if any: You will likely need to write a strong essay about why you want to study climate change and how you will use the knowledge.
• Link to the official website: Campus France – Climate Change

What is the Chalhoub Scholarship in Fully Funded Scholarships in France?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: Sciences Po University, France (in partnership with Chalhoub Group)
• Origin or background of the scholarship: The Chalhoub Group, a leading luxury retailer in the Middle East, created this scholarship to help students from their region study at Sciences Po, a famous university in France.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best students for this scholarship are very good at their studies and come from specific countries in the Middle East. They must be accepted into a master’s or undergraduate program at Sciences Po.
• Total value of the scholarship: The scholarship can be substantial, covering a significant part of the student’s expenses. For undergraduates, it can be around EUR 14,600 per year for three years. For master’s students, it can be around EUR 23,300 over two years.
• Number of seats available: The number of scholarships varies each year, but it is a competitive program.
• Start date of the scholarship: The scholarship typically starts with the academic year, usually in September.
• Application deadline: For master’s programs, the deadline is usually around December 1st. For undergraduate programs, it can be around March 4th. These dates are for the following academic year’s intake.
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, the scholarship is currently active for future academic years.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications for the scholarship usually open in November for undergraduate programs and at the end of September for master’s programs.

Chalhoub Scholarship Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This is generally a fully funded scholarship, but the exact coverage can depend on the program and level of study.
• Tuition fees: The scholarship can cover full tuition fees for Master’s students, and a significant amount for undergraduate students.
• Living expenses: Yes, it provides a yearly allowance for living costs.
• Books and study material: These costs are usually covered by the annual allowance.
• Travel expenses: Travel expenses are generally not explicitly mentioned as covered, but the overall value helps with relocation.
• Any other benefits: Scholarship recipients become part of the Sciences Po and Chalhoub Group networks, which can offer future career opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international students.
• Eligible countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Oman, Iran, and Iraq.
• Minimum qualification needed: You must have a strong academic record and be accepted into a bachelor’s or master’s program at Sciences Po.
• Required certifications: You need proof of English language proficiency.
• Required documents: You will need your academic transcripts, a CV, and other documents required by Sciences Po for admission. All foreign language documents must be translated into French by a certified translator.
• Whether the application is online or offline: The application for admission to Sciences Po, which is how you are considered for the scholarship, is online.

How to Apply for the Chalhoub Scholarship

• How to apply: You do not apply directly for the Chalhoub Scholarship. Instead, you must first apply for admission to an undergraduate program (Menton campus) or a master’s program at Sciences Po. If you are accepted and meet the scholarship’s criteria, you will be considered for the Chalhoub Scholarship automatically.
• How to create an account (if needed): You will need to create an account on the Sciences Po application platform.
• Additional steps, if any: Ensure your application to Sciences Po is complete and strong, with all required documents uploaded. No separate application is needed for the Chalhoub Scholarship.
• Link to the official website: Sciences Po University

What are Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: Open Society Foundations (OSF)
• Origin or background of the scholarship: The Open Society Foundations created CSLA to support people who want to lead positive social change in their communities. It helps them get master’s degrees.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best candidates are individuals from specific countries who have good grades and work experience. They must want to make their communities better.
• Total value of the scholarship: This is a fully funded scholarship. It covers many costs associated with a master’s degree.
• Number of seats available: The number of awards is not specified, but it’s competitive.
• Start date of the scholarship: Scholarship programs typically start in August or September, following a pre-academic summer school.
• Application deadline: The deadline is usually in May (around May 15th).
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, the scholarship is offered annually.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications usually open in late winter or early spring.

Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This is a fully funded master’s degree scholarship.
• Tuition fees: Yes, all tuition and mandatory university fees are covered.
• Living expenses: Yes, it provides a monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses.
• Books and study material: Funds for these are usually included within the stipend.
• Travel expenses: Yes, it covers program-related travel, including travel for an annual student conference.
• Any other benefits: It also covers accident and sickness insurance and costs for an intensive pre-academic summer school.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international students.
• Eligible countries: Citizens of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Laos, Libya, Myanmar/Burma, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Minimum qualification needed: You need a bachelor’s degree awarded before the application deadline and an excellent academic record.
• Required certifications: You must be good at the language of instruction (English, German, or French) as required by the host universities.
• Required documents: You will need an online or paper application, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
• Whether the application is online or offline: Applications can be submitted online or via paper. Online is strongly encouraged.

How to Apply for the Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)

• How to apply: You need to complete an online or paper application through the Open Society Foundations grant portal.
• How to create an account (if needed): If applying online, you will need to register on the Open Society Foundations grant portal to create an account.
• Additional steps, if any: Read the CSLA Guidelines very carefully on the official website. You will need to select a general field of study and specific programs from their Host University Guide. Interviews are often part of the selection process for semi-finalists.
• Link to the official website: Open Society Foundations

What is the IIE-SRF Fellowship?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)
• Origin or background of the scholarship: The IIE-SRF was created to help professors, researchers, and public intellectuals who face serious threats to their lives or careers in their home countries. It provides them with safe places to continue their academic work.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best candidates are scholars who have a PhD or the highest degree in their field, have a good record of published research, and are in danger in their home countries.
• Total value of the scholarship: Fellowships can be up to US$25,000, plus individual health insurance, and funds for relocation.
• Number of seats available: IIE-SRF accepts applications on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly.
• Start date of the scholarship: The start date varies as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, for consideration in a specific quarterly selection committee meeting (e.g., September), materials usually need to be submitted by July 27th.
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, the IIE-SRF Fellowship is continuously active.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications are accepted at any time, on a rolling basis.

IIE-SRF Fellowship Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This is a fully funded fellowship.
• Tuition fees: Not applicable, as it’s a fellowship for scholars, not typically for pursuing new degrees. Host institutions often provide additional support that makes the appointment comparable to a visiting academic position.
• Living expenses: Yes, the award provides financial support (up to US$25,000). Host institutions often provide additional stipend support.
• Books and study material: These are generally covered by the overall financial support.
• Travel expenses: Yes, funding for relocation to the host country is provided.
• Any other benefits: Individual health insurance coverage, professional development resources, and dedicated support from IIE-SRF are included.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international scholars.
• Eligible countries: Scholars from any country can apply, but they must be facing threats in their home countries or countries of residence.
• Minimum qualification needed: Hold a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their field. Must have significant teaching and/or research experience at a university or higher education institution.
• Required certifications: Not specified, but academic excellence and a record of published research are key.
• Required documents: Application Form, current CV, academic statement, personal statement explaining the threats faced, at least three reference letters (academic/professional and personal), a copy of your highest degree, and samples of your research publications.
• Whether the application is online or offline: Applications are submitted via email.

How to Apply for the IIE-SRF Fellowship

• How to apply: Scholars can apply by sending all required application materials directly to IIE-SRF via email. A third party can also submit materials on a scholar’s behalf if the scholar is unable.
• How to create an account (if needed): No account creation is needed; applications are submitted via email.
• Additional steps, if any: Carefully review the “Instructions and Application” on the IIE-SRF website to ensure all required documents are prepared correctly. Preference is given to scholars who will benefit their home and/or host academic communities.
• Link to the official website: IIE Scholar Rescue Fund

What is the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program?

• Name of the institution offering the scholarship: The World Bank
• Origin or background of the scholarship: The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) is offered by the World Bank. It helps aspiring researchers from developing countries work on important development research with World Bank economists.
• Who is the ideal candidate? The best candidates are young researchers (under 35) from developing countries. They should be fluent in English, have a master’s degree, or be studying for a PhD in economics or related fields. They want to do research at the World Bank.
• Total value of the scholarship: It provides a competitive salary of $42,750 for an 8-month fellowship.
• Number of seats available: The number of fellowships awarded varies each year.
• Start date of the scholarship: The fellowship is for 8 months, typically from September to May.
• Application deadline: The deadline is usually in April (e.g., April 3rd).
• Is the scholarship currently active? Yes, the program is offered annually.
• The month when applications usually open: Applications typically open earlier in the year, usually around January or February.

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program Coverage

• Full or partial funding: This is a fully funded fellowship.
• Tuition fees: Not applicable, as it is a research fellowship, not for degree programs.
• Living expenses: Yes, it provides a competitive salary for living costs in Washington, D.C.
• Books and study material: These costs are expected to be covered by the fellowship salary.
• Travel expenses: The fellowship generally does not cover travel expenses to Washington, D.C.
• Any other benefits: Fellows gain professional experience, build capacity, and have opportunities to disseminate their research and network with leading researchers at the World Bank. They also receive assistance with G4 visa applications.

Eligibility Criteria

• Is it for U.S. or international students? It is for international researchers.
• Eligible countries: Nationals of World Bank Group member countries, with a preference for nationals of developing countries.
• Minimum qualification needed: Graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field. No more than 35 years of age by June 30th of the fellowship start year.
• Required certifications: Must be fluent in English.
• Required documents: An updated CV, a statement of purpose explaining research interests and qualifications, contact details for a reference (letters are only requested for shortlisted candidates), an optional writing sample, and an optional code sample.
• Whether the application is online or offline: The application is online.

How to Apply for the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

• How to apply: You must apply online at the official World Bank Scholarships Program website during the application window.
• How to create an account (if needed): You will likely need to create an account on the World Bank’s online application portal.
• Additional steps, if any: Be ready to clearly describe your research interests and professional goals in your statement of purpose. Your application should also show your knowledge of economic methods and skills in statistical software.
• Link to the official website: World Bank Scholarships Program

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing higher education in France is a wonderful opportunity, and these fully funded scholarships can make it much more accessible. We have looked at various options that can cover your studies, living, and travel costs. Remember to check each scholarship’s specific requirements, gather all your documents, and apply early. Don’t let financial worries stop you from experiencing a great education in France. Start planning today, and take the first step towards an exciting academic adventure!

FAQs

Is the Eiffel Scholarship open to all international students?

No, the Eiffel Scholarship is for international students. It is not for French citizens, even if they have dual nationality.

What does the Eiffel Scholarship cover?

The scholarship gives you money each month for living costs. It also pays for travel, health insurance, and fun cultural activities in France.

What is the Ampère Excellence Scholarship?

The Ampère Excellence Scholarship helps smart international students study Master’s degrees at ENS de Lyon in France. It covers science, arts, and humanities.

How much money does the Ampère Excellence Scholarship give?

The scholarship gives 1,000 Euros each month. This money helps with living costs for one academic year.

Who can get the France Excellence Scholarships for Climate Change?

These scholarships are for international students who want to study climate change. Eligibility can depend on your home country.

Does the France Excellence Scholarship cover all study costs?

It can cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel. What it covers fully depends on the specific program and country.

What is the Chalhoub Scholarship?

The Chalhoub Scholarship helps students from the Middle East study at Sciences Po University in France. It is for both undergraduate and master’s programs.

How do you apply for the Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)?

You can apply online or by paper through the Open Society Foundations. You need to show that you want to make your community better.

Who can apply for the IIE-SRF Fellowship?

This fellowship is for scholars (like professors) who are in danger in their home countries. They must have a PhD and research experience.

What is the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program?

This program lets young researchers from developing countries work with experts at the World Bank. They do research on how to make countries better.