France offers several fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students, including the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Émile Boutmy Scholarship, Erasmus+ Program, French Government Scholarships and university-specific awards. These scholarships support master’s, PhD, engineering, business and research programs with benefits such as monthly stipends, fee waivers, travel support and insurance. Students can apply through Campus France, university portals or scholarship bodies depending on the program.
France is one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations, not only because of its world-ranked universities but also due to its wide range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships help reduce tuition fees, cover living expenses and support talented students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and research programs across the country.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the top scholarships in France for international students in 2026, along with eligibility criteria, benefits, application timelines and tips to improve your chances of receiving funding.
Why Scholarships in France Are Valuable
- Many scholarships cover tuition fees fully or partially.
- Prestigious awards include monthly stipends between €600–€1,800.
- Several programs offer travel assistance, insurance and housing support.
- Scholarships are available for engineering, business, arts, sciences, fashion, hospitality and research fields.
- International students enjoy access to a 2-year post-study work visa after completing a master’s degree.
Top Scholarships in France for International Students (2026)
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
Best for: Master’s and PhD students
Funded by: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
The Eiffel Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship in France for international students. It focuses on high-achieving students in:
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Economics
- Law
- Political Science
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Cultural activities
- No tuition fees at public universities
Why it’s popular:
Highly competitive and ideal for students pursuing research or advanced academic programs.
2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po Paris)
Best for: Bachelor’s & Master’s programs
Offered by Sciences Po Paris, this scholarship supports outstanding students with strong academic records.
Benefits:
- €3,000 to €13,000 per year
- Renewable based on performance
Best for students in:
International relations, political science, public policy, sociology, economics.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarship Program
Best for: Master’s students studying in multiple European countries
Erasmus+ is a popular option for international students seeking joint degrees across European universities, including institutions in France.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (approx. €1,000)
- Travel and participation costs
- Full tuition support for Erasmus Mundus programs
Ideal for:
Students interested in interdisciplinary programs like data science, engineering, business, and environmental science.
4. French Government Scholarships (Bourse du Gouvernement Français)
Best for: Master’s, PhD and research students
Offered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these scholarships cover:
Benefits:
- Monthly allowance
- International travel
- Social security coverage
- Research support for PhD students
These awards are highly competitive and based on academic merit.
5. Make Our Planet Great Again Scholarship (MOPGA)
Best for: Climate science, environmental science, energy transition, sustainability
This scholarship supports international researchers contributing to climate-focused projects.
Benefits:
- €1,900 monthly stipend
- Research funding
- Relocation allowance
Great for students pursuing environmental science, earth science and renewable energy.
6. Charpak Scholarship Program (For Indian Students)
Best for: Bachelor’s, Master’s and Exchange students
Offered by: Embassy of France in India
There are three versions:
- Charpak Lab Scholarship
- Charpak Master’s Scholarship
- Charpak Exchange Scholarship
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fee waiver
- Travel allowance
- Medical insurance
One of the most popular scholarships for Indian students.
7. Ampère Excellence Scholarship (ENS Lyon)
Best for: Master’s programs in sciences and humanities
ENS Lyon offers competitive scholarships for high-merit international students.
Benefits:
€1,000 per month for up to 12 months.
Perfect for students in mathematics, computing, humanities, physics and life sciences.
8. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
Best for: Master’s programs in STEM, life sciences and engineering
Paris-Saclay University offers this award to attract exceptional students from all countries.
Benefits:
- €10,000 per year
- Travel allowance
One of the best scholarships for students pursuing science and engineering degrees.
9. Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship
Best for: Engineering, energy, materials, electronics
For students applying to Grenoble INP’s engineering programs.
Benefits:
- €5,000–€8,000 per academic year
Ideal for those seeking affordable engineering degrees in France.
10. HEC Paris MBA Scholarship
Best for: MBA students
HEC Paris offers merit-based and diversity-based scholarships.
Benefits: Up to €20,000–€35,000 depending on the category.
Perfect for students targeting careers in international business, consulting and finance.
| Scholarship Name | Study Level | Eligible Fields | Typical Annual Value |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | Engineering, Sciences, Economics, Law, Political Science | €14,000–€20,000 (approx. total support) |
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po) | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Social Sciences, IR, Public Policy, Economics | €3,000–€13,000 |
| Erasmus+ Scholarship | Master’s (Joint Programmes) | Engineering, Data Science, Business, Environment, IT | €10,000–€20,000 per year |
| French Government Scholarship (BGF) | Master’s, PhD | All academic fields | €8,000–€15,000 |
| MOPGA Scholarship (Make Our Planet Great Again) | PhD & Researchers | Climate, Environment, Energy, Sustainability | €22,000+ per year |
| Charpak Scholarship (India Only) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Exchange | All academic disciplines | €6,000–€12,000 |
| Ampère Excellence Scholarship (ENS Lyon) | Master’s | Sciences, Computer Science, Humanities | €12,000 per year |
| Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship | Master’s | STEM, Engineering, Life Sciences, Economics | €10,000–€11,000 |
| Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship | Master’s | Engineering, Materials, Energy, Electronics | €5,000–€8,000 |
| HEC Paris MBA Scholarships | MBA | Business, Management, Finance | €10,000–€35,000 |
Cost Covered by Most Scholarships in France
| Scholarship Type | Coverage |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Yes |
| Monthly Living Stipend | €700–€1,800 |
| Travel Support | Often included |
| Health Insurance | Included in major programs |
| Research Funding | For PhD & scientific scholarships |
Conclusion
France offers a strong mix of fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students, making it one of the most accessible study destinations in Europe. Whether you’re interested in engineering, AI, business, climate science, or arts, there are scholarships designed to support your academic journey. With affordable education, a 2-year post-study work visa and globally recognised universities, France is an excellent choice for international students in 2026 and beyond.
FAQs
1. Which scholarship is best in France for international students?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is considered the best due to its high stipend, benefits and prestige.
2. Are scholarships in France fully funded?
Yes, programs like Eiffel, Erasmus+ and MOPGA can fully cover living costs, tuition and travel.
3. Can Indian students get scholarships in France?
Yes. Indian students can apply for Charpak, Eiffel, Erasmus+, Paris-Saclay and several university-specific scholarships.
4. How much stipend do scholarships in France provide?
Most scholarships offer €700–€1,800 per month, depending on the program and study level.
5. Do I need French language skills to apply for scholarships?
Not always. Many scholarships are available for English-taught master’s programs.
6. What GPA or academic score is required to get scholarships in France?
Most competitive scholarships require a strong academic record, typically above 70%, though some programs accept students with slightly lower grades if they show exceptional potential.
7. Are scholarships in France available for bachelor’s students?
Yes. Scholarships like Émile Boutmy and Charpak Bachelor support undergraduate international students at certain universities.
8. Do French scholarships cover living expenses for international students?
Many scholarships such as Eiffel, Erasmus+ and MOPGA, offer monthly stipends that help cover rent, food and transportation.
9. Can I apply for multiple scholarships in France at the same time?
Yes, students may apply for several scholarships, but cannot accept two major French government scholarships simultaneously (e.g., Eiffel + Charpak).
10. How competitive is the Eiffel Scholarship for international students?
Very competitive. Only top-ranked applicants with strong academic backgrounds, motivation letters, and relevant professional or research interests are selected.
11. When should students apply for scholarships in France for 2026 intake?
Most scholarship deadlines fall between October and February, depending on the university and program.
12. Do business schools in France offer scholarships for MBA students?
Yes. Schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP and SKEMA offer merit-based, need-based and diversity scholarships for MBA and MiM students.
13. Are PhD scholarships available for international students in France?
Yes. Programs such as Eiffel PhD track, MOPGA, and French Ministry Scholarships offer funding for research, stipends and mobility grants.
14. Do French universities offer scholarships for English-taught programs?
Yes. Many university scholarships, including Paris-Saclay International Masters Scholarship, specifically support English-taught master’s programs.
15. Can scholarship students work part-time in France?
Yes. Scholarship recipients can work up to 964 hours per year, similar to other international students, unless the scholarship terms restrict employment.