The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is a prestigious, competitive scholarship program funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and PhD studies in France. It aims to support the education and development of future leaders and decision‑makers in both public and private sectors.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Eiffel Scholarship receive a funding package that typically includes:
• A monthly allowance to support living expenses (€1,200–€1,181 per month at Master’s level and up to €2,100 per month at PhD level, depending on intake year).
• Round‑trip international travel between the scholar’s home country and France.
• Domestic travel allowance within France (typically train or bus support).
• Health insurance coverage during the scholarship period.
• Assistance with housing placement or accommodation search.
• Access to cultural activities and networking events organized for scholars.
The scholarship does not cover tuition fees directly; however, many French public universities charge low or symbolic fees and may offer exemptions for Eiffel scholars.
Who Can Apply
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is available to international applicants who meet general eligibility criteria:
• Hold foreign nationality (applicants with dual nationality including French are ineligible).
• Meet specified age limits (typically under ~29–30 years for Master’s and under ~35 years for PhD, depending on intake year).
• Have a strong academic record and demonstrable excellence relevant to the chosen field of study.
• Be nominated by a French higher‑education institution that supports the application to Campus France (individual direct applications are not accepted).
• Not already hold another French government scholarship for the same level of study.
Candidates currently studying in France may be eligible only in certain circumstances, and preference is generally given to those studying outside France at the time of submission.
Levels of Study Supported
The Eiffel Scholarship supports the following study levels:
• Master’s degree programmes – typically funding between 12 and 36 months depending on program entry year and type of degree.
• PhD / Doctoral programmes – funding for research stays or full PhD periods up to 36 months, depending on enrollment status and supervision arrangement.
Application Process & Timing
The application process includes the following steps:
- Choose a French university offering the desired Master’s or PhD program and confirm eligibility.
- Prepare and submit your admission application to the university before the institution’s internal deadline.
- Once preselected by the institution, the university will nominate your application to Campus France for Eiffel Scholarship consideration.
- The institution files the nomination via Campus France by the official deadline (often early January of the intake year).
- Campus France evaluates applications and announces final selections.
Deadlines vary by institution and year, but the official call for applications usually begins in October and closes in November/January for the following academic year.
Commitment After Completion
There is no formal requirement to return to the home country after graduation tied specifically to the Eiffel Scholarship. However, scholars are expected to complete their study or research program and may benefit from using their experience and networks in their future careers.
Why You Should Apply
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship provides substantial financial support, international exposure, and professional opportunities for top‑performing students seeking advanced study in France. It enables recipients to pursue international education with support for living costs, travel, insurance, and academic enrichment while building strong global networks.
