Scholarship in France
France is one of the popular destinations for international students looking to study at a lower cost and receive scholarships. Scholarships in France are offered to support international students at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, covering a large part of living and educational expenses.
If you are applying for immigration to France through free study, you must meet the following requirements to receive a scholarship in France:
- Have a strong academic record, such as high GPA, academic papers, research projects, and academic honors
- Have a clear and concise motivation letter that describes the student’s academic, research, and professional goals.
- Proficiency in English or French
The most important scholarships for studying in France include the Eiffel Scholarship, government scholarships, Erasmus Plus scholarships, and university scholarships. Private organizations like ENS Charity Institute, Partage Foundation, and Fondation de France offer scholarships for international students.
For scholarship advice and French student visa help, contact Malekpour Institute consultants for a free phone consultation. Ask your questions anytime in the comments for quick answers.
Conditions for Scholarships in France
Many individuals who plan to migrate to France for education seek to obtain scholarships in France. It is important to note that France offers multiple scholarships for students, with the majority available at the master’s level, ultimately reducing costs and providing for free study in France.
However, to receive these scholarships, several general conditions must be met, which we have discussed below.
- Appropriate age requirements
- Appropriate academic level
- High grades and GPA
- A strong academic resume
- High level of language proficiency, preferably French
If a student can obtain a B2 level in French, they can benefit from free study at public universities in this country. Otherwise, they can study in English at private universities by obtaining an IELTS or TOEFL equivalent and paying tuition.
Types of Scholarships in France
France offers various types of scholarships for international students that can cover tuition, living expenses, insurance, and other related costs. Below are the most important types of free scholarships in France:
French Government Scholarships (Eiffel Excellence Scholarship)
This scholarship, offered by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is intended for outstanding international students at the master’s and doctoral levels in fields such as engineering, economics, law, and political science.
Campus France Scholarships
This organization manages several different scholarships for international students, some of which include:
- Charpak Scholarship: For Indian students for Masters and PhD.
- MOPGA (Make Our Planet Great Again) Scholarship: For environmental and climate change research.
University Scholarships in France
Many universities in France, such as Sorbonne University, PSL University, University of Strasbourg, and Aix-Marseille University offer scholarships for international students that may cover full or partial tuition fees depending on the university.
Private Institutions and Foundations Scholarships
Some French institutions and foundations, such as Bourse CROUS, the Eiffel Foundation, and Erasmus+ scholarships, also provide financial aid for tuition and living expenses for international students.
Eiffel Scholarship in France
As you can see, studying in France is possible with various scholarships. One of these scholarships is the Eiffel Scholarship, designated for international students at the master’s and doctoral levels. Only applications submitted by French higher education institutions are accepted for this scholarship. The amount of the Eiffel scholarship for doctoral and master’s levels is as follows.
| Degree Level | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Master’s | Approximately €1,181 per month |
| PhD | Approximately €1,700 per month |
Erasmus Scholarship in France
The Erasmus+ program in France supports international mobility for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. It allows students to study abroad for 2 to 12 months with financial aid, while being exempt from tuition and registration fees at the host university. This EU-funded scholarship enhances academic exchange across Europe and beyond. The table below summarizes the amount of the Erasmus scholarship.
| Degree Level | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €450–€600 per month |
| Master’s | Approximately €1,000 per month |
| PhD | Approximately €1,500 per month |
Conditions for Full-Funded Scholarships in France
The conditions for full-funded scholarships in France depend on several different factors. However, several key criteria for full-funded scholarship conditions must be adhered to.
- Having high grades in specialized courses with a minimum GPA of 4 out of 5
- Having scientific projects, publications and articles
- Providing a strong motivation letter
- Providing a high level of language proficiency
Scholarships in France at Various Levels
France is one of the countries that offers extensive opportunities for receiving scholarships at various levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. These scholarships may include exemption from tuition fees, living allowances, travel and insurance costs. Below are the most important scholarships in France at each level:
- Scholarships in France at the Bachelor’s degree
- Scholarships in France at the Master’s degree
- Scholarships in France at PhD Level
Scholarships in France at Bachelor’s degree
Obtaining scholarships in bachelor’s degree in France is quite limited, and very few scholarships are offered at this level. However, one of the undergraduate scholarships is the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, which provides an amount between 3,900 and 14,210 euros as financial aid to students. Below are some important conditions and points regarding undergraduate scholarships in France.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Language of Instruction (Public Universities) | French |
| Language of Instruction (Private Universities) | English (minimum IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550) |
| Tuition Fees | Free at public universities; €3,000–€20,000 at private universities |
| Work Permit with Scholarship | Allowed – approximately 20 hours per week |
Scholarships in France at Master’s degree
Studying at the master’s degree in France will take 2 years, and students will complete this level in two stages: M1 and M2. Pay attention to the items listed below.
- Having a bachelor’s degree
- Study in English requires a language score of 6.5.
- Work permit for 20 hours per week
- In this course, the student can study in French at public universities or in English at private universities of their choice.
Various scholarships are offered for master’s degrees in France, including the following scholarship types:
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Provides €1,181 for travel, healthcare, and living expenses |
| Erasmus Scholarship | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Covers multiple European and non-European universities and institutions |
| ENS Lyon Scholarship | Master’s | For specific fields: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences |
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Offers €5,000–€16,000 for master’s students as financial aid |
| Grenoble Institute of Technology Scholarship | Master’s | Provides €5,000 per semester as financial support |
Scholarships in France at PhD Level
Scholarships for PhD in France attract many applicants. The language of instruction at this level is English. To enroll in this level, it is mandatory to have the following documents.
- Having a letter of recommendation, proposal, and obtaining the consent and support of a supervisor
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- Providing transcripts
In addition, doctoral students can work up to 40 hours per week and receive a suitable salary. Some scholarships in France offered to applicants at this level are outlined below:
| Scholarship Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Scholarship | Offers €1,700 per month for selected students |
| École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Scholarship | Admits only 30 students annually; covers tuition and provides accommodation |
Required Documents for Scholarships in France
Below is a list of documents required for admission applications and obtaining scholarships in France for you to consider.
- All academic certificates with translations
- Transcripts
- Having a French or English language certificate
- Identity documents with their translations
- Passport photo
- Valid passport
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation from professors
- Presentation of all academic and research resumes
How to Obtain a Scholarship in France
France is a leading country in offering scholarships to international students. To receive these scholarships, students must meet specific conditions and follow specified steps. Below are the main steps to obtain a scholarship in France:
- Collecting transcripts, academic certificates
- Providing language certificate scores
- Providing academic, research or work records
- Translating all academic certificates and transcripts and their confirmation
- Sending academic certificates and resume to the desired university
- If approved, sending a letter of acceptance for a French scholarship
What Fields are Funded for Scholarships in France?
In response to the question of what fields France provides scholarships for, it should be noted that the fields for which scholarships are granted are determined by the universities and institutions offering the scholarships.
- French Fashion Design Scholarship
One of the most important fashion design scholarships in France is offered by the International Fashion Academy of Paris. It is offered to all undergraduate and graduate students. This scholarship program covers full tuition fees and partial tuition fees. If you are applying for this program, please see the list below.
- Applicants from any country are accepted.
- Applicants must meet all the requirements for admission to the scholarship.
- For undergraduates, you must have a diploma and for masters, you must have a bachelor’s degree.
- For postgraduate studies, priority is given to applicants who have degrees related to business and fashion and have at least 3 years of work experience in relevant fields.
- Provide IELTS or TOEFL or French
- French Law Scholarship
Among French scholarships, the European Union Law Scholarship can also be mentioned. This scholarship is intended for undergraduate students. These scholarships are classified for the purpose of providing tuition fees for international students. Apart from these, the Emile-Boutmy Scholarship, administered by the Paris Institute of Political Studies in France, is open to eligible international students.
- Arts Scholarships in France
The Écoles des Beaux-Arts, an art school, teaches general art in the first year of study and then in the second year you choose a specialization, which can include art, communication or design. After the first year, you will focus more on practical work such as working on personal projects, participating in workshops and seminars.
- Medical Scholarships in France
Studying medicine in France has always been popular with international students due to the high quality of education and the various scholarships offered. These scholarships can help reduce or fully cover the costs of studying and living. Below, we will introduce some of the most important medical scholarships in France:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
- Emile Boutmy Scholarship
- MIEM Excellence Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Fulbright Scholarship
Best Universities in France for Scholarships
Applicants can enter and study at universities in France, in addition to gaining access to Europe and benefiting from a high educational and academic level, may also obtain scholarships if they meet specific conditions. Below, a table of the best universities in France along with their global rankings and ratings is provided for scholarship applicants.
| University | Global Ranking |
|---|---|
| Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL Research University) | 42 |
| Sorbonne University | 63 |
| École Polytechnique | 61 |
| University of Paris (Paris 1 Panthéon‑Sorbonne) | 80–130 |
| Télécom Paris (IP Paris) | T71 |
| University Paris‑Sud | 201–250 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 201–250 |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | 251–300 |
| Aix‑Marseille University | 401–500 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 401–500 |
| University of Bordeaux | 401–500 |
| University of Strasbourg | 401–500 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships in France
- For which fields can the Eiffel Scholarship be obtained?
The Eiffel Excellence scholarship program has scholarships in one of four fields of study: Engineering, Economics and Management, Politics, and Law.
- What are the conditions for the fashion design scholarship in France?
Applicants will be evaluated based on academic records, CV, motivation letter, portfolio, articles, recommendations, and other criteria for this scholarship.
- What levels does the Erasmus scholarship in France cover?
This program provides scholarships for students at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Conclusion:
France offers excellent opportunities for international students through a wide range of scholarships, affordable living costs, and globally ranked universities. This article covers key information on scholarship requirements at all academic levels, essential documents for studying, and student visa conditions. With prestigious universities like Sorbonne University and École Polytechnique, France is a top choice for those seeking quality education in Europe.
For more guidance on studying in France or other countries, contact Malekpour Institute for a free consultation or leave your questions in the comments section.
