The  Master Guide to French Scholarships (2026/2027 Intake)

Studying in France falls into two financial categories:

1. Fully Funded: Covers tuition + Monthly Stipend + Flight + Visa.

2. Partial / Fee Waivers: Covers the tuition cost differences (crucial for non-EU students).

1. The “Golden Ticket”: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

Type: Fully Funded | Prestige: Extreme | Level: Master’s & PhD

This is the most prestigious scholarship in France. It is designed to recruit the future foreign decision-makers of the private and public sectors.

• Status for 2026: CLOSING SOON

• Deadline: Applications usually must reach Campus France by January 8, 2026.

  • Warning: You cannot apply directly. The University applies on your behalf. You must have contacted them months ago. If you haven’t, you need to email the International Relations office of your target university today to see if they will support your file before the Jan 8 cutoff.

What it covers:

• Monthly Allowance:

  • Master’s: €1,181 per month.

  • PhD: €1,800 per month.

• Travel: Round-trip international airfare.

• Health: Social security cover.

• Housing: Subsidized housing (CROUS) priority.

• Tuition: Note: The Eiffel scholarship does not technically cover tuition fees, but universities almost always waive the fees for Eiffel winners.

Fields of Study:

1. Biology & Health

2. Ecological Transition

3. Mathematics & Digital

4. Engineering Sciences

5. History, French Language & Civilization

6. Law & Political Science

7. Economics & Management

2. The “Elite” University Scholarships (Fully Funded)

These are offered by specific “Grandes Écoles” and top-tier universities.

A. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)

Target: Social Sciences, Law, Politics

Sciences Po is the factory of French Presidents. This scholarship is for top international students from outside the EU.

• Status for 2026:

  • Master’s: Urgent. Deadlines were Nov 30, 2025. If you missed this, check if they have a “Round 2” for your specific program, but funding is usually allocated in Round 1.

  • Bachelor’s: OPEN. Deadline is January 20, 2026.

• The Funding:

  • Tuition Grant: €14,720 per year (covers almost all fees).

  • Living Grant: Ranges from €5,000 to €13,000 per year depending on socio-economic need.

• How to Apply: You must indicate you want this scholarship in the financial section of your Sciences Po admission application. You cannot apply after being admitted.

B. ENS International Selection (École Normale Supérieure)

Target: Humanities & Sciences | Prestige: Ivy League Equivalent

The ENS (Rue d’Ulm) is perhaps the most intellectually demanding institution in France.

• Status for 2026:

  • Arts & Humanities: Deadline passed (Dec 3, 2025).

  • Sciences: URGENT. Deadline December 15, 2025.

• The Funding (Salary):

  • You are not just a student; you become a “trainee civil servant.”

  • You receive a monthly salary of ~€1,000 for 3 years.

  • You get a room on the Paris campus (very rare/valuable).

• The Catch: You must pass competitive entrance exams (oral and written).

C. Université Paris-Saclay (IDEX Scholarship)

Target: Science, Engineering, Tech

Paris-Saclay is often ranked #1 in the world for Mathematics.

• Status for 2026: OPENS SPRING 2026

  • You first apply to a Master’s program (Jan-March).

  • If the admission panel loves your profile, they will invite you to apply for the scholarship in April/May 2026.

• The Funding:

  • Amount: €10,000 per year.

  • Travel: Up to €1,000 for travel/visa expenses.

• Criteria: Pure academic excellence. Grades must be top 5-10% of your class.

3. Partial Funding & Fee Waivers (The “Hidden Gem”)

France recently increased tuition fees for non-EU students (approx. €2,770 for Bachelor’s and €3,770 for Master’s). However, you can avoid paying this.

The “Bienvenue France” Exemption (Exonération)

You want to look for universities that offer “Exonération partielle des droits d’inscription.”

• What it is: The university waives the high non-EU fee. You pay the EU rate instead (approx. €243/year for Master’s).

• How to get it:

  • Embassy Track: Apply for a “Bourse de Couverture Sociale” (BCS) via the French Embassy in your country. Even if they don’t give you cash, getting this status kills the tuition fees.

  • University Track: Many public universities (like Université de Montpellier or Strasbourg) have a policy where they automatically exempt international students from the high fees if their dossier is strong. Always ask the admission officer: “Does your program offer partial fee exemption for international students?”

4. The Universal Scholarship: “CAF” (Housing Aid)

Every student in France (including internationals) is eligible for this. It is not competitive; it is a right.

• What it is: The French government pays roughly 30% to 50% of your rent.

• Value: Usually €100 to €220 per month deposited directly into your bank account.

• Detail: You apply after you arrive and sign a lease. This effectively acts as a partial scholarship for living costs.

Your Action Plan for 2026/2027 Intake

If you are applying for September 2026, here is your schedule:

The Financial Reality (2026 Estimates)

Even with a scholarship, you need to know the costs.

Summary Recommendation

If you have excellent grades (top of your class):

1. Rush for Eiffel (via university contact) and ENS immediately.

2. Apply to Paris-Saclay and Sciences Po in January.

If you have good grades but need financial help:

1. Target public universities outside of Paris (Toulouse, Montpellier, Strasbourg).

2. Specifically ask for “Exonération des droits d’inscription” to reduce tuition to €243/year.

3. Rely on CAF housing aid to lower your living costs.