The Ultimate Guide to Scholarships for International Students in France

Dreaming of studying in Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux? France offers world-class education and a rich cultural experience, but tuition and living costs can be a concern. Fortunately, numerous scholarships exist specifically for international students. This guide will walk you through top funding options and explain exactly how you can access academic programs across various French universities.

Top Government-Funded Scholarships

The French government actively encourages international students to study within its borders by offering generous financial aid packages.

The most prominent of these is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. Developed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this program is designed to attract top foreign students to enroll in master’s and PhD courses. For master’s level students, the Eiffel scholarship provides a monthly allowance of approximately 1,181 euros, along with a return trip to your home country and health insurance coverage. It is highly competitive and focuses on specific fields of study, including engineering, management, law, and political science.

Scholarships Across Different French Universities

Many public and private universities in France offer their own institutional scholarships to attract global talent. Here are a few specific examples of programs you can access:

Sciences Po (Paris): This world-renowned institution offers the Émile Boutmy Scholarship, named after the founder of the school. It is specifically tailored for top international students from outside the European Union. Depending on your academic profile and financial need, this scholarship can provide tuition grants ranging from 3,600 euros to 14,210 euros per year for undergraduate programs, and up to 13,100 euros per year for master’s programs.

Université Paris-Saclay: Known for its strong focus on science and mathematics, this university offers the International Master’s Scholarships program. It awards 10,000 euros per year to highly qualified international students enrolled in their master’s programs, plus a maximum of 1,000 euros for travel and visa expenses.

École Normale Supérieure (ENS): Through its International Selection program, ENS offers a highly prestigious scholarship for students in both the sciences and humanities. Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of 1,000 euros for three years and a room on one of the ENS campuses.

How International Students Can Access These Programs

Knowing about the scholarships is only the first step. You must also understand how to navigate the application process to access these academic programs.

1. Utilize the Campus France Portal: Your primary resource should be Campus France, the official French agency for the promotion of higher education to international students. They host a dedicated search engine called CampusBourses. This tool allows you to filter scholarships by your nationality, field of study, and academic level, providing a customized list of funding opportunities.

2. Meet Language Requirements: While France offers over 1,500 programs taught entirely in English, many traditional degrees require proficiency in French. If you are applying for a French-taught program, you will typically need to pass the DELF or DALF exams. For English-taught programs, universities will require a recognized test score like the IELTS or TOEFL. Check the specific requirements for each university program before applying.

3. Prepare a Strong Application Package: French universities place a high value on academic excellence and clear career goals. To access these programs and their associated scholarships, you must prepare a compelling application. This usually includes certified translations of your academic transcripts, a well-structured CV, and a strong motivation letter (Lettre de Motivation) explaining why you chose that specific university and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

4. Apply Early: Scholarship deadlines often fall months before the actual university admission deadlines. For example, the Eiffel Scholarship application process usually begins in the fall for the following academic year. Always check the specific university websites for exact dates and submit your applications well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in France if I only speak English? Yes. There are hundreds of programs taught entirely in English, particularly at the master’s level and within business schools like HEC Paris or INSEAD. However, learning basic French will greatly improve your daily life and networking opportunities.

Are there fully funded scholarships available? Yes, programs like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the ENS International Selection cover both tuition (or provide a stipend that covers it) and living expenses, making them essentially fully funded for the duration of the grant.

Can I work while studying in France to supplement my income? Yes. International students in France are legally allowed to work part-time up to 964 hours per year, which is roughly equivalent to 60 percent of a full-time job. This is a great way to support yourself alongside any partial scholarships you might receive.