Best Scholarships in France for International Students 2026

France is one of the best European destinations for international students who want quality education, affordable public universities, and strong scholarship opportunities. Although many public universities in France have lower tuition fees than universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, students still need support for living costs, housing, insurance, travel, and study materials.

The good news is that France offers several scholarships for international students through the French government, Campus France, French embassies, Erasmus+, and individual universities. Some scholarships are fully funded, while others provide monthly stipends, tuition reductions, travel support, or research funding.

This guide explains the best scholarships in France for international students in 2026, including eligibility, benefits, application routes, and practical tips.

Are Scholarships in France Fully Funded?

Some scholarships in France are close to fully funded, especially for master’s, PhD, and research students. However, not every scholarship covers tuition fees.

Scholarships in France may cover:

• Monthly living allowance.
• Tuition fee exemption or reduction.
• Travel allowance.
• Health insurance.
• Housing support.
• Cultural activities.
• Research mobility.
• Visa or arrival support.
• Partial study costs.

Before applying, always check whether the scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel, insurance, or only part of the expenses.

1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in France for international students. It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France.

Who Is It For?

The Eiffel Scholarship is mainly for excellent international students applying for:

• Master’s programs.
• Engineering programs.
• Joint doctoral programs.
• Priority fields selected by the French government.

What It Covers

At master’s level, Eiffel scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance. At doctoral level, the monthly stipend is higher. The program may also include:

• International transportation.
• National transportation.
• Insurance.
• Housing search assistance.
• Cultural activities.

Important note: the Eiffel Scholarship does not cover tuition fees. Students should check whether the French institution can provide a tuition fee waiver or reduced fees.

How to Apply

Students do not apply directly to Campus France for Eiffel. A French higher education institution must support and submit the application. This means you should contact the international office of your target university early.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are among the best scholarship opportunities in Europe. Many Erasmus Mundus programs include French universities as part of the study consortium, which means students may study in France for one or more semesters.

Who Is It For?

This scholarship is suitable for students who want:

• A joint master’s degree.
• Study in two or more European countries.
• International academic mobility.
• A highly structured master’s program.
• Strong European academic experience.

What It May Cover

Erasmus Mundus scholarships may cover:

• Participation costs.
• Travel contribution.
• Visa contribution.
• Monthly living allowance.

Each master’s program has its own admission requirements, deadlines, and application system. Students must apply directly through the official website of the selected Erasmus Mundus master’s program.

3. French Government Scholarships Through Embassies

Many French embassies offer scholarships for students from specific countries. These scholarships may be called French Government Scholarships, France Excellence Scholarships, or country-specific embassy scholarships.

Who Is It For?

These scholarships are usually suitable for:

• High-achieving students.
• Master’s applicants.
• PhD candidates.
• Researchers.
• Students in priority fields agreed between France and the student’s country.

What It May Cover

Benefits vary by country, but may include:

• Monthly allowance.
• Tuition support.
• Travel support.
• Insurance.
• Visa support.
• Research mobility.

How to Apply

Students should check the website of the French embassy or Campus France office in their country. Deadlines, eligible fields, and benefits can differ widely from one country to another.

4. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships

Université Paris-Saclay offers international master’s scholarships for excellent students admitted to eligible master’s programs.

Who Is It For?

This scholarship is suitable for:

• International master’s students.
• Students with strong academic records.
• Applicants interested in research.
• Students who may continue to PhD studies later.

What It Covers

The scholarship provides financial support for the academic year and may include additional support for travel and visa costs depending on the student’s country of origin.

Application Tip

Students must first apply to an eligible master’s program. Selected candidates may then be invited to complete the scholarship application. This means admission to the program is the first step.

5. Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is offered by Sciences Po to attract strong international students from outside the European Union.

Who Is It For?

This scholarship is suitable for:

• First-time applicants to Sciences Po.
• Non-EU international students.
• Undergraduate applicants.
• Master’s applicants.
• Students admitted to eligible Sciences Po programs.

What It Covers

The scholarship may provide tuition fee support depending on the degree level and student profile. It is especially useful for students interested in political science, international relations, public policy, law, economics, and social sciences.

Application Tip

Students applying through Sciences Po’s online application platform should indicate that they are applying for the Émile Boutmy Scholarship in the financial information section before the deadline.

6. ENS de Lyon Ampère Scholarships of Excellence

ENS de Lyon offers scholarships for excellent international students enrolling in master’s programs in sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Who Is It For?

This scholarship is suitable for:

• International master’s students.
• High-achieving applicants.
• Students interested in research-oriented study.
• Applicants in STEM, arts, humanities, or social sciences.

What It Covers

The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence provide a monthly scholarship for one academic year, renewable under conditions.

This can be a strong option for students who want to study at a respected French institution with a research-focused environment.

7. Université Grenoble Alpes IdEx Master Scholarships

Université Grenoble Alpes offers IdEx Master Scholarships for selected international students applying to eligible master’s or engineering degrees.

Who Is It For?

This scholarship is suitable for international students who:

• Apply to eligible UGA master’s or engineering programs.
• Have strong academic records.
• Studied outside France or obtained their previous degree abroad.
• Want to study in Grenoble, a strong student and research city.

What It Covers

The scholarship provides a fixed amount for one academic year. However, being a scholarship holder does not automatically mean tuition fees are waived, so students must check tuition rules separately.

8. University-Specific Scholarships in France

Many French universities, grandes écoles, business schools, and engineering schools offer their own scholarships. These may include:

• Merit scholarships.
• Tuition fee reductions.
• Excellence scholarships.
• Country-specific awards.
• Research scholarships.
• Foundation-funded scholarships.
• Women in STEM scholarships.
• Business school scholarships.

Examples may be found at universities, engineering schools, business schools, and research institutions across France. Students should search each institution’s official funding page before applying.

How to Find Scholarships in France

To search effectively, students should use several routes:

• Campus France scholarship database.
• Official university scholarship pages.
• French embassy websites.
• Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
• Master’s program pages.
• Doctoral school websites.
• Research lab announcements.

Do not rely only on social media posts. Scholarship details can change, and unofficial pages may contain outdated information.

How to Increase Your Chances

A strong scholarship application usually includes:

• Excellent academic results.
• Clear motivation letter.
• Strong CV.
• Relevant work or research experience.
• Clear career goals.
• Strong recommendation letters.
• Well-chosen study program.
• Good language proof.
• Early communication with the university.
• Complete documents before the deadline.

For Eiffel and some university scholarships, early contact with the French institution is very important because the institution may need to nominate or select you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes when applying for scholarships in France:

• Assuming all scholarships are fully funded.
• Applying directly when the university must nominate you.
• Missing embassy-specific deadlines.
• Ignoring French or English language requirements.
• Choosing programs without checking tuition fees.
• Using a generic motivation letter.
• Not checking whether tuition is covered.
• Applying late to the university.
• Depending on one scholarship only.
• Trusting unofficial information without checking official sources.

Final Thoughts

France offers excellent scholarship opportunities for international students in 2026, especially at master’s and PhD levels. The best options include the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, French embassy scholarships, Université Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po Émile Boutmy, ENS de Lyon, and Université Grenoble Alpes.

The smartest strategy is to start early, choose suitable programs, check official sources, and understand the application route for each scholarship. In France, some of the strongest scholarships require nomination or support from the university, so contacting institutions early can make a real difference.

Official Sources

• Campus France – Scholarships for Foreign Students
• Campus France – Campus Bourses Scholarship Search
• Campus France – France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program
• Campus France – France Excellence Eiffel Benefits and Application
• Erasmus+ – Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
• Université Paris-Saclay – International Master’s Scholarships Program
• Sciences Po – Émile Boutmy Scholarship
• ENS de Lyon – Grants and Scholarships
• Université Grenoble Alpes – IdEx Master Scholarships
• France-Visas – Student Visa