France is the world’s most visited country — and increasingly, one of its most sought-after study destinations. Home to Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, Sorbonne University, and the spectacular Université Paris-Saclay (ranked among the world’s top 15 in multiple subject areas), France offers a combination of academic prestige, cultural richness, and scholarship generosity that is genuinely difficult to match anywhere in Europe.
The French government and French universities invest heavily in attracting international talent. In 2026-2027, six major scholarship programs provide full or substantial funding to outstanding international students at every level from Master’s to Postdoctoral research — covering tuition fees, monthly living stipends, travel costs, and in some cases health insurance.
This guide covers every scholarship, what it pays, who can apply, how to apply, and official links — everything you need to pursue your funded French education in one place.
Table of Contents
Why Study in France?
Before the scholarships, understand what makes France worth pursuing:
World-class institutions. France hosts several of the world’s most intellectually prestigious institutions. Sciences Po Paris is the world’s leading school of political science and international relations. HEC Paris consistently ranks among Europe’s top 3 business schools. École Polytechnique and Paris-Saclay are world leaders in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Sorbonne University carries 800 years of academic tradition.
Affordable fees at public universities. French public universities charge some of Europe’s lowest tuition fees for international students — approximately €2,770/year at national public universities (regulated by the government). This is dramatically lower than UK, US, or even Dutch international tuition.
French language is an asset, not a barrier. Most scholarship-funded programs at graduate level are offered in English. Learning French while on a scholarship in France simultaneously builds a language skill that opens professional opportunities across 29 countries and 275 million speakers worldwide.
Strong post-study pathways. France offers a 12-month post-study visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour — APS) for international graduates from French institutions, allowing you to seek employment or establish a business after graduation.
Now let us go through every funded opportunity.
1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD Coverage: €1,200/month (Master’s) | €2,100/month (PhD) Focus: Research
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — officially called the Programme de Bourses d’Excellence Eiffel — is France’s most prestigious government scholarship for international students, administered by Campus France (the French government’s international education agency) on behalf of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
What it covers:
For Master’s level:
- Monthly stipend of €1,200/month
- International airfare coverage
- Health insurance contribution
- Cultural activities allowance
For PhD level:
- Monthly stipend of €2,100/month — one of the highest government PhD stipends available in Europe
- International airfare coverage
- Health insurance
- Research support
Who can apply: Outstanding international students from any country outside France, under 25 years old for Master’s and under 30 for PhD at time of application. You must apply through a French institution — you cannot apply directly as an individual. Your target French university submits your nomination to Campus France on your behalf.
Key selection criteria: Academic excellence (typically top 10% of class), research potential, and the relevance of your proposed study to France’s strategic international relationships and research priorities. Priority is given to candidates in engineering, sciences, economics, political science, and management.
Application process:
- Identify your target French institution (Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, HEC Paris, etc.)
- Apply for admission to your chosen program
- Ask the institution’s international office to nominate you for the Eiffel scholarship
- The institution submits your nomination to Campus France by their internal deadline (typically December–January)
- Campus France announces results approximately March
Deadline: Institutions typically submit nominations in December–January for September intake. Contact your target institution’s international office in September–October to initiate the nomination process.
👉 Official Website: campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD)
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: 100% Tuition + Monthly Stipend + Travel Notes: European Students (and all international students)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is the European Commission’s flagship graduate scholarship — funded not by France specifically, but by the EU — and several major French universities are consortium partners in EMJMD programs, making France one of the primary study destinations within Erasmus Mundus programs.
What it covers:
- 100% of tuition fees at all partner universities
- €1,400/month living allowance for full program duration (up to 24 months)
- Travel and installation grant (€1,000–€3,000 depending on home country distance)
- Mandatory health insurance included
French universities commonly participating in EMJMD programs:
- Sciences Po Paris — various social science and governance programs
- Université Paris-Saclay — sciences and engineering joint programs
- Sorbonne University — humanities and science programs
- École Polytechnique — engineering and technology programs
- Grenoble INP — engineering programs
- Université Montpellier — sustainability and environmental programs
Who can apply: Students from every country worldwide with a bachelor’s degree. Non-EU students are prioritized for the full scholarship package. EU students may receive partial scholarship support.
Deadline: Each EMJMD program has its own deadline — typically October to February of the year before the program starts. Check individual program pages in the official catalogue.
👉 Official EMJMD Catalogue: eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-mundus
3. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: €10,000/year + Travel Allowance Focus: Research — International Students
Université Paris-Saclay is one of France’s greatest research institutions — and one of the world’s most remarkable concentrations of scientific talent. Ranked #14 in the world for natural sciences by QS subject rankings, Paris-Saclay brings together 48 research centers, 9 graduate schools, and major research organizations including CNRS, CEA, and INRIA within a single innovation campus south of Paris.
The Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students applying to Paris-Saclay’s Master’s programs in sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, life sciences, and interdisciplinary research.
What it covers:
- €10,000 per year — a significant contribution toward tuition and living costs
- Travel allowance for initial relocation to France
- Access to Paris-Saclay’s extraordinary research infrastructure
Who can apply: Non-French international students with excellent academic records applying to eligible Paris-Saclay Master’s programs. Strong preference for STEM backgrounds given Paris-Saclay’s research orientation.
Why Paris-Saclay specifically: If you are pursuing research in mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry, or life sciences, Paris-Saclay offers access to research environments that directly compete with MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich. The ecosystem of researchers, companies, and startups around the campus — including major R&D centers of Thales, EDF, Airbus, and Danone — creates exceptional applied research opportunities.
Deadline: Typically January–February for September intake. Check the official scholarship portal for current cycle dates.
👉 Official Website: universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/admission/scholarships
4. French Embassy / BGF Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD (Country-Specific) Coverage: Monthly Living Allowance + Tuition Waiver Focus: Research and Diplomatic Bilateral Programs
The BGF Scholarships (Bourses du Gouvernement Français — French Government Scholarships) are bilateral scholarship programs administered through French Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Unlike the Eiffel Scholarship (which is awarded by Campus France centrally), BGF scholarships are managed country by country — meaning the specific coverage, eligibility requirements, and application process depend on your home country’s bilateral education agreement with France.
What BGF typically covers:
- Monthly living allowance (amounts vary by country — typically €600–€1,200/month)
- Full or partial tuition waiver at your French institution
- In some countries: health insurance contribution and travel allowance
Who can apply: Citizens of countries with active bilateral education agreements with France. The scholarship focuses on students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in France — with preference for fields that align with each country’s specific development or diplomatic priorities.
How to apply: Contact the French Embassy or French Institute (Institut Français) in your home country for current BGF program details. Each country’s French Embassy maintains its own application portal and deadline calendar.
Fields typically prioritized: Sciences and technology, social sciences, economics, public health, architecture, and arts — depending on the specific bilateral agreement.
Diplomatic angle: BGF scholarships are explicitly designed to strengthen bilateral relationships between France and partner countries. Candidates who can articulate how their French education will benefit their home country upon return consistently receive stronger consideration.
👉 Find your French Embassy: france.diplomatie.gouv.fr 👉 Campus France BGF information: campusfrance.org/en/french-government-grants
5. MOPGA — Make Our Planet Great Again
Degree Level: Postdoctoral Research Coverage: €2,500/month Focus: Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Research
MOPGA (Make Our Planet Great Again) is one of the most distinctive scholarship programs in French academic history — launched directly by President Emmanuel Macron in 2017 as a direct response to the United States withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement. It is a targeted research fellowship specifically for climate scientists, environmental researchers, and sustainability specialists who want to conduct research in France.
What it covers:
- €2,500/month research stipend — among the highest postdoctoral stipends available in France
- Research budget for project implementation
- Administrative and logistical support for relocating to France
- Integration into French research institutions (CNRS, CEA, French universities)
Who can apply: Established researchers at postdoctoral level (PhD holders) from any country, with demonstrated expertise in:
- Climate science
- Environmental sciences
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable development and environmental policy
Why MOPGA matters: This is not a student scholarship — it is a serious research fellowship for professional scientists. Receiving MOPGA support connects you to France’s remarkable climate research network including CNRS, IPCC contributors, and the Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace. The program has attracted researchers from the United States, Brazil, China, India, and dozens of other countries.
Current status: MOPGA has gone through multiple rounds since 2017. Check the current program status and whether new calls are open.
👉 Official Website: makeourplanetgreatagain.fr
6. Chateaubriand Fellowship Program
Degree Level: PhD Research (France/US Bilateral) Coverage: €1,500/month Focus: PhD Research in France and United States
The Chateaubriand Fellowship is a unique bilateral fellowship program funded by the French Embassy in the United States — designed specifically to support American PhD students conducting part of their doctoral research in France, or French PhD students conducting research in the United States.
What it covers:
- €1,500/month stipend for the duration of the fellowship period (typically 4–9 months)
- Round-trip airfare between the US and France
- Health insurance during the fellowship period
- Integration support at the French host institution
Who can apply:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track: American PhD students enrolled in accredited US universities
- Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) track: American PhD students in the humanities, social sciences, and related fields
Both tracks require the applicant to have a confirmed French host laboratory or research institution before applying.
Why Chateaubriand is distinctive: This is a transatlantic research fellowship — it is not about funding a full degree but about enabling high-impact collaborative research between French and American academic institutions. If you are a US-based PhD student, the Chateaubriand Fellowship provides the funding and framework to access France’s extraordinary research infrastructure for your specific doctoral research project.
Application process:
- Identify a French research laboratory or university department where you want to conduct research
- Contact the relevant French professor or lab director and secure a letter of acceptance
- Apply through the French Embassy’s official Chateaubriand portal
- Submit your application by the annual deadline (typically January each year for October/November fellowship start)
Deadline: Typically January each year
👉 Official Website: chateaubriand-fellowship.org
Quick Reference — All 6 Scholarships
| Scholarship | Level | Monthly Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence | Masters / PhD | €1,200–€2,100/month | Dec–Jan (via institution) |
| Erasmus Mundus EMJMD | Master’s | €1,400/month + full tuition | Oct–Jan |
| Paris-Saclay International | Master’s | €10,000/year | Jan–Feb |
| French Embassy BGF | Masters / PhD | Living allowance + tuition | Country-specific |
| MOPGA | Postdoctoral | €2,500/month | Check current call |
| Chateaubriand | PhD Research | €1,500/month | January |
Health Insurance in France — What Every Scholarship Winner Needs to Know
Every international student and researcher in France must have health insurance — but France’s system is genuinely excellent and largely affordable.
For students: Since 2019, international students in France are enrolled in the Sécurité Sociale (French national health system) through their university’s affiliation process at ameli.fr. The system covers approximately 70-80% of most healthcare costs. Most scholarships include a health insurance provision — check your specific award letter.
Supplementary insurance (mutuelle): To cover the remaining 20–30% of healthcare costs, most students purchase a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) through:
- LMDE (La Mutuelle Des Étudiants): lmde.com — most popular student mutuelle, approximately €15–€30/month
- Heyme: heyme.fr — digital-native student mutuelle with English interface
- MGEL: mgel.fr — strong coverage for dental and optical
For researchers (MOPGA, Chateaubriand): You typically enroll as a researcher through your host institution’s health insurance arrangements — which often means access to the same Sécurité Sociale system as French employees.
Banking Setup for France — Before and After Arrival
Opening a French bank account is essential for receiving stipend payments, paying rent, and managing daily expenses in France.
Wise — Best Pre-Arrival Option Provides a real French IBAN (bank account number) openable from any country before you arrive. Your Eiffel or Paris-Saclay scholarship stipend can be directed here from day one. No French address required to open. 👉 wise.com
N26 — Best Digital Bank for France Full European banking license with French IBAN. Open online with just a passport. Free basic account. English-language interface and support. 👉 n26.com/en-fr
BNP Paribas Hello Bank — Best Traditional Bank Digital Product The digital division of France’s largest bank. Free student account with French IBAN and Visa debit card. 👉 hellobank.fr
La Banque Postale — Most Accessible Physical Bank Post office bank with locations in every French city and town. Most accessible for newly arrived international students who need in-person support. 👉 labanquepostale.fr
CAF Housing Benefit — Free Money Most Students Miss: International students in France can apply for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) housing assistance — a government benefit providing €100–€300/month toward accommodation costs. Apply at caf.fr within your first month of arrival. This is separate from any scholarship and available to most students regardless of scholarship status. 👉 caf.fr
5 Tips to Maximize Your France Scholarship Chances
For Eiffel: Contact your target institution early. The Eiffel nomination must come from your French institution — not from you directly. Reaching out to the international office of Sciences Po, Paris-Saclay, or your target institution in September–October gives them maximum time to build a competitive nomination.
For Erasmus Mundus: Apply to 3–5 programs simultaneously. Each EMJMD program has its own portal and deadline. The time investment of 3–5 separate applications is justified by the €1,400/month full funding package — the highest Master’s scholarship available in France.
For BGF: Visit your French Embassy early. BGF availability and deadlines vary enormously by country. The French Embassy or Institut Français in your country is the only authoritative source for your specific bilateral program details. Visit or email them in August–September for February intake applications.
For Chateaubriand: Secure your French host first. The fellowship application requires a letter of acceptance from a French research institution before you can apply. Email French professors in your research area 3–4 months before the January deadline.
For all scholarships: Learn basic French. Even when your program is in English, demonstrating basic French language knowledge signals genuine commitment to integrating into French academic culture — a criterion explicitly valued by French scholarship selection committees.
Final Thoughts — France Is More Accessible Than You Think
The six scholarships in this guide collectively provide tens of millions of euros annually to international students and researchers in France. The Eiffel’s €2,100/month PhD stipend. Erasmus Mundus’s €1,400/month full tuition package. Paris-Saclay’s €10,000/year excellence award. The Chateaubriand’s transatlantic research fellowship. MOPGA’s €2,500/month for climate scientists.
France is not just about the Eiffel Tower and croissants — it is about some of the world’s most serious intellectual institutions, one of Europe’s most generous scholarship ecosystems, and a post-study work pathway that opens doors across the French-speaking world.
Apply early. Apply to multiple programs. Contact your target institution before the deadline. France is waiting.
👉 Campus France (Official Gateway): campusfrance.org/en 👉 Eiffel Scholarship: campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship 👉 Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-mundus 👉 Paris-Saclay Scholarships: universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/scholarships 👉 MOPGA: makeourplanetgreatagain.fr 👉 Chateaubriand Fellowship: chateaubriand-fellowship.org
