France stands as one of the world's most attractive study destinations, offering prestigious universities, world-renowned research institutions, and a rich cultural heritage. With relatively affordable tuition fees at public universities, excellent quality of life, and a strong emphasis on international cooperation, France attracts over 400,000 international students annually from around the globe.
This comprehensive guide explores all major scholarship programs available for international students in France, covering undergraduate, Master's, and PhD opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategic approaches to maximize your funding success for studying in this culturally rich European nation.
Why Choose France for Your Studies?
Understanding France's unique advantages helps explain why it remains a top choice for international students seeking European education.
Academic Excellence and Prestige
France hosts world-class universities and specialized institutions including Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, HEC Paris, and numerous other prestigious establishments consistently ranking among global top institutions.
Affordable Education
Public universities in France charge relatively low tuition fees compared to other Western countries, making quality education financially accessible. The French government heavily subsidizes higher education for all students.
Research and Innovation Hub
France invests significantly in research and innovation, offering exceptional facilities and opportunities across all academic disciplines, from mathematics and physics to arts and social sciences.
Cultural Richness
Studying in France provides immersion in French culture, language, art, cuisine, and history, enriching both academic and personal experiences.
Central European Location
France's location facilitates easy travel throughout Europe, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and expand their international perspectives during studies.
Language Opportunities
While many programs are taught in English, studying in France offers excellent opportunities to learn or improve French, a valuable language spoken across five continents.
Career Opportunities
France's strong economy and presence of multinational companies provide career prospects. International graduates can extend their stay to seek employment after studies.
Understanding Tuition Fees in France
Public University Tuition Fees
France recently reformed its tuition fee structure, creating different rates for EU/EEA students and non-EU/EEA students at public universities.
For EU/EEA Students: Bachelor's programs approximately €170 annually, Master's programs approximately €243 annually, and PhD programs approximately €380 annually.
For Non-EU/EEA Students (Differentiated Fees): Bachelor's programs approximately €2,770 annually, Master's programs approximately €3,770 annually, and PhD programs approximately €380 annually (same as EU/EEA).
Important Note: Many universities and regions exempt international students from differentiated fees through institutional waivers, effectively allowing them to pay the same low fees as EU/EEA students. Always check with specific institutions.
Grandes Écoles and Private Institutions
Specialized institutions (Grandes Écoles) and private universities charge higher tuition, typically ranging from €3,000 to €20,000 annually depending on the institution and program, with some prestigious business schools charging €20,000 to €40,000 annually.
Living Costs
Campus France estimates international students need €600 to €800 monthly outside Paris and €1,200 to €1,800 monthly in Paris region for living expenses.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme represents France's most prestigious scholarship initiative, developed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract outstanding international students.
Program Overview
The Eiffel Programme aims to attract the best foreign students to Master's and PhD programs in French higher education institutions, particularly in priority study areas.
Coverage for Master's Students: Monthly allowance of €1,181, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities. Note that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees, though many recipient institutions waive fees for Eiffel scholars.
Coverage for PhD Students: Monthly allowance of €1,700, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities.
Duration: Maximum 12 months for Master's level (for final year of study or full two-year programs) and maximum 10 months for PhD level.
Number of Scholarships: Approximately 400 Master's scholarships and 70 PhD scholarships awarded annually.
Priority Fields
The Eiffel Programme prioritizes specific study areas:
For Master's Level: Engineering sciences, exact sciences including mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, nanotechnology and biotechnology, earth sciences, environment, economics and management, law and political science.
For PhD Level: Engineering sciences, exact sciences, economics and management, law and political science (excluding French law).
Eligibility Requirements
Age Limit: Maximum 30 years old for Master's candidates and maximum 35 years old for PhD candidates as of application year.
Nationality: Non-French citizens. French candidates are not eligible.
Application Process: Students cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted by French higher education institutions on behalf of candidates they wish to recruit.
Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic records and demonstrated potential for future leadership in their fields.
Application Timeline
October: Participating institutions open their calls for Eiffel candidates.
January: Deadline for institutions to submit nominations to Campus France (typically early January).
March: Results announced to institutions.
September/October: Scholars begin programs in France.
How to Pursue Eiffel Scholarship
Contact French institutions you're interested in well in advance (ideally 12 to 18 months before intended start). Express your interest in being nominated for Eiffel scholarship. Apply for admission to the institution's programs in your field. Institutions select their most promising candidates for Eiffel nominations based on academic excellence and potential.
French Government Scholarships
BGF - French Embassy Scholarships
The French government offers scholarships through its embassies in various countries, administered through Campus France offices.
Coverage: Varies by country and program, typically including monthly allowance (approximately €700 to €1,000), health insurance, tuition fee exemption, and sometimes accommodation support.
Eligibility: Varies by country. Generally open to students with strong academic records applying to French higher education institutions.
Application: Through Campus France offices or French embassies in your home country. Each country has specific programs and deadlines.
Charpak Scholarships (for Indian Students)
Specific program supporting Indian students for studies in France.
Coverage: Monthly allowance, exemption from differentiated tuition fees, health insurance, and travel grant.
Types: Charpak Master's Scholarship, Charpak Exchange Scholarship, and Charpak Research Internship.
Major Scholarships (for Latin American Students)
Supporting students from Latin American countries for Master's studies in France.
Coverage: Monthly allowance, tuition fee waiver, health insurance, and travel costs.
Quai d'Orsay Scholarships
Country-specific scholarships offered through bilateral agreements between France and various countries.
Coverage: Comprehensive support including living expenses, tuition, and insurance.
Campus France Programs
Campus France, the French government agency promoting French higher education abroad, coordinates various scholarship programs and provides comprehensive support for international students.
Campus France Services
Campus France offices in over 130 countries provide information about French higher education, guidance on choosing programs, assistance with application procedures, scholarship information, and visa application support.
Country-Specific Programs
Campus France coordinates bilateral scholarship programs between France and numerous countries, with program details, eligibility, and application processes varying by country.
University-Specific Scholarships in France
French universities and institutions offer various scholarships for international students.
Sorbonne University Scholarships
One of France's most prestigious universities offers scholarships for international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For outstanding Master's students, typically providing €10,000 annually.
Doctoral Contracts: Fully funded PhD positions with monthly salaries of approximately €1,750 to €2,000.
Sciences Po Paris Scholarships
Leading political science institution provides extensive financial aid.
Émile Boutmy Scholarships: For outstanding non-EU students, covering full or partial tuition plus living stipend (up to €19,000 annually for Master's students).
Coverage Levels: Vary based on financial need and academic merit, from partial tuition waivers to comprehensive funding packages.
École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Scholarships
France's most selective institution offers scholarships for exceptional students.
International Selection: Approximately 30 international students selected annually receive monthly stipends of approximately €1,000.
École Polytechnique Scholarships
Premier engineering school provides scholarships for international students.
Excellence Scholarships: Full or partial tuition waivers plus possible living stipends for outstanding candidates.
HEC Paris Scholarships
Leading business school offers substantial scholarships.
Excellence Fellowships: Merit-based scholarships covering 50 to 100 percent of tuition for MBA and Master's programs.
Diversity Scholarships: Supporting underrepresented groups in business education.
University of Paris-Saclay Scholarships
Major research university offers international Master's scholarships.
Paris-Saclay Scholarships: €10,000 to €15,000 annually for excellent international Master's students in science and engineering programs.
Grenoble INP Scholarships
Engineering schools consortium provides scholarships for international students.
Foundation Scholarships: Covering tuition and providing living allowances for selected students.
INSA Lyon Scholarships
National Institute of Applied Sciences offers scholarships for engineering students.
International Scholarships: Tuition waivers and possible stipends for outstanding international candidates.
Aix-Marseille University Scholarships
Offers various scholarships including tuition fee exemptions and merit-based awards for international students.
University of Bordeaux Scholarships
Provides scholarships for international Master's and PhD students, particularly in sciences and engineering.
Regional Scholarships
Île-de-France Region Scholarships
The Paris region offers scholarships for international Master's students through the Île-de-France Master Programme.
Coverage: €10,000 to €25,000 for Master's studies at participating institutions in the Paris region.
Other Regional Programmes
Various French regions including Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and others offer scholarships supporting international students at regional universities.
PhD Scholarships and Funding in France
Doctoral Contracts
PhD positions in France are typically funded through doctoral contracts providing employment status.
Monthly Salary: Approximately €1,750 to €2,000 gross monthly (approximately €1,400 to €1,700 net) for three years.
Benefits: Social security coverage, pension contributions, and paid vacation.
Application: Positions advertised through university doctoral schools, research laboratories, and websites like emploi.cnrs.fr.
CIFRE (Industrial Research Agreements)
Partnership between companies, research laboratories, and PhD candidates.
Structure: PhD candidates work on research projects jointly supervised by academic researchers and company mentors.
Salary: Minimum annual salary of approximately €23,484 gross, paid by the partner company.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
European Union research fellowships include numerous opportunities at French universities and research institutions.
Coverage: Generous living allowances, mobility allowances, family allowances, and research funding.
Erasmus+ Scholarships in France
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
French universities participate extensively in Erasmus Mundus programs offering full scholarships.
Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance of approximately €1,400, travel costs, and insurance for entire program duration, typically two years.
French Institutions Participating: Major French universities and Grandes Écoles participate in various Erasmus Mundus consortia across disciplines.
Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility
Supports exchanges between European and non-European institutions for study periods at French universities.
Coverage: Travel costs and monthly living allowance of approximately €800 to €1,000 for France.
Duration: Typically three to twelve months for study exchanges.
Subject-Specific Scholarships in France
Engineering and Technology
French engineering schools (Grandes Écoles d'Ingénieurs) offer scholarships through their foundations and partnerships.
Examples: École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Arts et Métiers, Mines ParisTech, and others provide merit-based funding.
Business and Management
French business schools provide extensive scholarships.
Institutions: HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP Europe, EDHEC, and other business schools offer merit and diversity scholarships.
Sciences
French research institutions including CNRS, CEA, INRIA, and others fund doctoral and postdoctoral positions in sciences.
Arts and Culture
Scholarships exist for arts, architecture, and cultural studies including École du Louvre scholarships and Cité Internationale des Arts residencies.
Political Science and International Relations
Sciences Po campuses throughout France offer various scholarships for political science students.
French Language and Literature
Programs supporting students specializing in French language, literature, and francophone studies.
External Scholarships for Studying in France
Fulbright France
The Fulbright Program supports American students pursuing graduate studies or research in France.
Coverage: Living allowance, health insurance, and travel costs for study or research in France.
DAAD Scholarships
German students can use DAAD scholarships to study in France through various programs.
China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Chinese students may receive CSC funding for studies at French universities through bilateral agreements.
Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses for duration of studies.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
Provides scholarships for outstanding students from select developing countries, including for studies in France.
Corporate Scholarships
French and international companies including Total, L'Oréal, Airbus, and others offer scholarships for students in relevant fields.
Living Costs and Budgeting in France
Average Monthly Expenses
Campus France estimates students need €600 to €800 monthly outside Paris and €1,200 to €1,800 monthly in Paris region.
Detailed Breakdown Outside Paris: Accommodation €300 to €500, food and groceries €200 to €300, local transportation €30 to €50 with student discounts, study materials €30 to €50, health insurance €46 monthly (compulsory for non-EU students), and personal expenses €100 to €200.
Detailed Breakdown in Paris: Accommodation €700 to €1,200, food and groceries €250 to €350, local transportation €40 to €75 (Navigo student pass), other expenses similar to outside Paris.
Cost Variations by City
Paris is the most expensive requiring €1,200 to €1,800 monthly. Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice, and Marseille require €700 to €900 monthly. Smaller university cities like Grenoble, Nantes, Montpellier, Strasbourg, and Lille require €600 to €800 monthly.
Housing Assistance (CAF)
International students can apply for housing assistance (Aide au Logement) from Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF).
Amount: Typically €100 to €200 monthly depending on income and accommodation type, significantly reducing housing costs.
Eligibility: Most international students with valid residence permits staying longer than three months qualify.
Student Discounts and Benefits
France offers excellent student benefits including CROUS (university residences) providing affordable student housing, restaurant Universitaire (RU) offering subsidized meals at €3.30 per meal, reduced public transportation with student passes, free admission to many museums for under-26s (regardless of nationality), student discounts at cinemas, theaters, and cultural venues, and reduced rates at sports facilities and gyms.
Working While Studying in France
Work Regulations
International students with valid residence permits can work up to 964 hours annually (approximately 20 hours weekly during the academic year) without additional work permits.
EU/EEA students can work without restrictions.
Finding Student Employment
Common student jobs include teaching assistantships at universities, tutoring and language teaching (English is in high demand), au pair positions, restaurant and café work, retail positions, and internships in your field.
Typical Earnings: France's minimum wage (SMIC) is €11.65 per hour (as of 2024). Students working maximum allowed hours can earn approximately €900 to €1,000 monthly.
Job Search Resources
University career services, Pôle Emploi (French employment agency), student job boards like jobaviz.fr and studentjob.fr, and networking through Campus France help students find employment.
French Language Advantage
While some jobs are available in English, French language skills significantly expand employment opportunities. Most universities offer French language courses for international students.
How to Apply for Studies and Scholarships in France
Application Timeline
Begin research 12 to 18 months before your intended start date, allowing adequate time for applications, scholarship processes, and visa arrangements.
Application Process
For Public Universities: Applications often submitted through Études en France platform managed by Campus France in countries where it operates, or directly to universities in other countries.
For Grandes Écoles: Applications typically submitted directly to institutions with varying deadlines.
Application Periods: Generally November to March for programs starting in September, though specific deadlines vary by institution.
Language Requirements
For French-taught programs, you need DELF/DALF certificates (typically B2 or C1 level) or TCF scores demonstrating French proficiency.
For English-taught programs, you need IELTS (typically 6.5 to 7.0) or TOEFL (typically 90 to 100 iBT) or equivalent qualifications.
Required Documents
Standard application materials include academic transcripts and degree certificates, curriculum vitae, motivation letter (lettre de motivation), letters of recommendation, language proficiency certificates, research proposal for research programs, and passport copy.
All documents not in French or English should be officially translated.
Campus France Registration
In many countries, students must register with Campus France offices, complete online applications, and attend interviews before receiving authorization to apply for student visas.
Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Success Rate
Target Eiffel Programme Strategically
Contact French institutions early expressing interest in Eiffel nominations. Institutions select candidates to nominate, so building relationships with program coordinators helps.
Excel Academically
French scholarships heavily emphasize academic excellence. Strong undergraduate performance is crucial for competitive scholarships.
Learn French
Even for English-taught programs, demonstrating French language learning shows cultural commitment and facilitates integration.
Highlight International Cooperation
France values international cooperation and cultural exchange. Emphasize how studying in France contributes to bilateral relationships and your future international impact.
Apply Through Campus France
Register with Campus France offices in your country for guidance, scholarship information, and application support.
Consider Less Competitive Cities
While Paris is attractive, universities in other French cities offer excellent programs with potentially better scholarship availability and lower competition.
Craft Strong Motivation Letters
French applications emphasize motivation letters. Provide specific, well-structured explanations of your academic interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing France and specific programs.
Student Life in France
Accommodation Options
CROUS student residences offering affordable housing (applications through CROUS), private student residences, shared apartments (colocation), and host families for initial periods.
French Academic Culture
French higher education emphasizes theoretical knowledge, structured thinking, and strong foundational understanding. Teaching styles can be more formal than some other countries, with significant emphasis on lectures and written examinations.
Social Life
French universities offer student associations, cultural activities, and social events. Engaging with French and international student communities enriches your experience.
Cultural Integration
Learning French, participating in cultural activities, and embracing French customs facilitate integration. France offers rich cultural experiences from museums and theaters to cafés and festivals.
Healthcare
International students must have health insurance. Non-EU students typically purchase French student social security (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) or private insurance covering approximately €46 monthly.
Post-Graduation Opportunities in France
APS - Temporary Residence Permit
After graduation, international students can apply for Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS), allowing 12 months (24 months for Master's graduates from 2024) to seek employment matching their qualifications.
Career Prospects
France offers career opportunities particularly in engineering, technology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, luxury goods, and international business. French language proficiency significantly enhances employment prospects.
Talent Passport
Graduates securing employment meeting salary thresholds can obtain Talent Passport residence permits for longer-term work authorization.
Salary Expectations
Entry-level salaries for Master's graduates typically range from €30,000 to €45,000 annually, with higher salaries in Paris, engineering, finance, and consulting sectors.
Entrepreneurship
France supports entrepreneurship with programs like French Tech Visa for innovative startup founders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French?
Not necessarily. Many programs are taught in English, particularly at Master's level. However, learning French significantly enhances daily life, integration, and employment prospects.
Can I work while on a scholarship?
Most French scholarships allow part-time work within legal limits (964 hours annually). Some scholarships even encourage practical experience alongside studies.
How competitive is the Eiffel Scholarship?
Highly competitive with approximately 5 to 10 percent of nominated candidates selected. Institutions typically nominate their strongest candidates, so being selected for institutional nomination itself indicates excellence.
Are tuition fees really low in France?
Yes, at public universities. Though differentiated fees were introduced for non-EU students, many universities and regions waive these fees, allowing international students to pay the same low rates as EU students (€170 to €380 annually).
Can I bring my family?
Yes, though you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources. Most scholarships cover only the student, requiring additional funds for family members.
What about CAF housing assistance?
Most international students with valid residence permits qualify for CAF housing assistance, receiving €100 to €200 monthly to help with accommodation costs.
Conclusion: Your Path to Studying in France
France offers exceptional educational opportunities combining academic prestige, cultural richness, and relative affordability. With scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Programme, French government scholarships through embassies, generous university funding, and low tuition fees at public universities, French higher education is accessible to talented international students worldwide.
Success in securing scholarships requires strong academic records, strategic planning, early contact with institutions, and compelling applications demonstrating alignment with French educational values and international cooperation goals. Whether through prestigious Eiffel scholarships, Campus France programs, or university-specific funding, multiple pathways exist to make your French education dream achievable.
France's commitment to international education, combined with its cultural heritage, innovation, and quality of life, creates not just an academic experience but a transformative journey in one of the world's most influential countries. The opportunity to learn French, experience French culture, and build international networks adds immeasurable value to your educational investment.
Start your journey today by researching programs at French universities, contacting Campus France offices in your country, exploring scholarship opportunities including Eiffel nominations, and preparing strong applications. Your path to studying in France begins with that first step of exploration and commitment to academic excellence.
Planning your complete financial strategy? Explore our guides on student loans in France and international student insurance to ensure comprehensive preparation for your French education adventure.