Studying in France offers international students access to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. The French higher education system combines rigorous academic training with a vibrant cultural environment. This guide details the essential scholarships available for international students at all levels of study.
Scholarships in France for international students provide full or partial funding for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. These awards are funded by the French government, regional authorities, and individual universities to attract top global talent and promote international research collaboration. Recipients often receive living stipends, tuition waivers, and assistance with housing and health insurance.
Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in France
These 10 scholarship programs offer significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in France:
1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a premier award established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It targets future foreign decision-makers for master’s and PhD level programs in priority fields such as engineering, sciences, law, and economics.
For the 2026 session, master’s level recipients receive a monthly allowance of €1,200, while doctoral students receive €2,100. The scholarship also covers international travel, national transportation, and health insurance, although it does not cover university tuition fees. Also apply for Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships 2026.
2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
Sciences Po created the Émile Boutmy Scholarship to attract the best international students from outside the European Union. This merit-based award is available for both undergraduate and master’s programs at one of the world’s leading social science universities.
Undergraduate awards vary from tuition fee grants of €3,900 to €14,210 per year for three years. Master’s level students can receive a tuition grant of up to €18,500 per year, which significantly reduces the financial barrier to elite education in Paris. Also secure Study in France.
3. ENS International Selection Scholarship
The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) organizes an international selection process for 20 promising students in Sciences or Humanities. Winners follow a three-year course at ENS, which is consistently ranked as one of the top institutions in France.
Recipients receive a monthly stipend of €1,000 for three years and free on-campus accommodation. The program covers all tuition costs through state funding, allowing scholars to live and study in the heart of Paris. Aply now for ENS International Scholarships.
4. Ampère Excellence Scholarships (ENS de Lyon)
The ENS de Lyon offers the Ampère Excellence Scholarship for outstanding international students enrolling in its master’s programs. The award covers exact sciences, arts, and human and social sciences.
Selected students receive €1,000 per month for 12 months, and the scholarship is renewable for the second year of the master’s program. This funding allows students to focus on high-level research at one of France’s most prestigious “Grandes Écoles.” Click here to learn Top 7 Fully Funded Scholarships for Bachelors in France 2026.
5. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
Université Paris-Saclay offers scholarships to promote access to its nationally-certified master’s programs for highly qualified international students. The scholarship is valued at €10,000 per year for the duration of the academic program.
The award also includes a maximum of €1,000 for travel and visa expenses. To be eligible, students must be first-time arrivals in France and must be under 30 years old during the selection year.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus program is a European Union initiative that funds integrated, high-level study programs. International students take their master’s degree in at least two different countries, including France, and receive a full scholarship.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, full insurance, and a monthly subsistence allowance of €1,000 for 24 months. These programs are highly competitive and aim to foster international cooperation and academic excellence. Apply Now for Erasmus Mundas Program.
7. Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation Scholarships
The Grenoble Institute of Technology (Grenoble INP) Foundation supports international students pursuing an international master’s degree in engineering or sciences. The grant amount is typically €5,000 per semester.
Selection is based on academic excellence and the applicant’s motivation to contribute to the university’s research ecosystem. Grenoble is a major European hub for innovation and technology, making this a strategic choice for STEM students. Lewarn about Best 7 Fully Funded Scholarships in France.
8. HEC Paris MBA Scholarships
HEC Paris, one of the world’s top business schools, offers various scholarships for its MBA program. These include merit-based, need-based, and specific criteria awards such as the HEC Foundation Scholarship.
The value of these scholarships ranges from €6,000 to €24,000 per year. These awards help offset the costs of one of the most prestigious business educations in Europe and are open to candidates of all nationalities.
9. France Excellence Europa Scholarship
This program is specifically designed for students from 26 European Union countries (excluding France) to pursue a master’s degree in a French institution. It aims to strengthen the European higher education area and support academic mobility.
The scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,185, a move-in allowance of €150, and a tuition fee waiver up to €5,000. It also provides priority access to student housing and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
10. SMARTS-UP Scholarship (Université Paris Cité)
Université Paris Cité offers the SMARTS-UP program to attract international students to its various Research Master’s programs. The scholarship provides a grant of €8,000 for one academic year.
The program aims to prepare students for doctoral research by integrating them into the university’s laboratories. Applicants must not have previously studied in the French higher education system to be eligible.
Important Guide for Studying in France
Navigating the French system requires specific knowledge of administrative and linguistic requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Most French universities require proof of language proficiency. For French-taught programs, a DELF B2 or DALF C1 certificate is standard. Many institutions now offer English-taught programs, which require IELTS (typically 6.5+) or TOEFL (90+) scores.
Campus France Procedure
International students from over 65 countries must follow the “Etudes en France” (Studies in France) procedure. This online platform manages your university applications and visa requests simultaneously. You must create an account and upload your documents, such as transcripts, CV, and motivation letters, according to the national calendar.
Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Non-EU students must obtain a Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit (VLS-TS). Within three months of arrival, you must validate this visa online. This permit allows you to travel within the Schengen Area and work part-time (up to 964 hours per year) to supplement your income.
