Many scholarships are available for French-speaking African students, students who are interested in development, or students from French-speaking countries in West, Central, and North Africa. In Europe and Canada, where French is widely spoken, these scholarships support undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the best scholarship opportunities available, their benefits, and how to apply.
Scholarships for Francophone African students in Europe
1. Award for excellence in France – Eiffel Scholarship
Master’s and PhD students may apply for a scholarship from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tuition assistance, a monthly allowance, health insurance, and travel assistance are all included in the benefits package.
This program is ideal for students in fields such as engineering, science, economics, international affairs, and law.
2. France – Campus France Scholarships
Campus France administers hundreds of scholarships awarded by French regions, ministries, universities, and organizations.
In Francophone Africa, they focus on health, environment, agriculture, arts, and development.
3. Belgium – ARES Scholarships
This is an excellent opportunity for French-speaking African students to obtain a fully funded education.
We offer a full tuition scholarship as well as a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and research support.
Several master’s degrees and training courses are available in the fields of public health, agriculture, engineering, and development.
4. Belgium – VLIR-UOS Scholarships
The focus is on developing countries, including francophone Africa, in particular in the area of development.
Provides full funding for master’s and training programs.
Knowledge of environmental management, water management, food security, technology, and governance.
5. Switzerland – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Providing assistance with PhD, postdoctoral, and research projects.
A highly competitive program, but excellent for students interested in research.
A variety of programs are available in the fields of science, engineering, art, and humanities.
6. Luxembourg Government Scholarships
Luxembourg offers targeted scholarships to international students studying finance, business, information technology, and European governance.
Due to Luxembourg’s multilingual nature (French, German, Luxembourgish), some scholarships are awarded to candidates who speak French.
7. EU Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
The opportunity to receive full funding in Europe is one of the best.
The program includes tuition, insurance, a travel allowance, and a monthly stipend.
Many programs that are partially taught in French give preference to students from francophone regions, including Africa.
The Canadian government offers scholarships to francophone African students
1. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)
The program is designed to meet the needs of French-speaking professionals from African countries.
All tuition, monthly allowance, research costs, travel, insurance, and living expenses are covered by the program.
Assisting in the development of leaders who will return home and contribute to the development of their respective countries.
2. Quebec Merit Scholarships (PBEEE)
Quebec offers exclusive scholarships to international students, particularly French-speaking students.
Provides tuition, a monthly stipend, insurance, and research support.
The University offers graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.
3. University of Laval, Quebec – Scholarships for Francophone Students
Université Laval provides a wide range of funding options for francophone African students, particularly in engineering, public health, and development fields.
4. Scholarships for Canadian Excellence (Francophone Stream) at the University of Ottawa
Assisting French-speaking international students with their bachelor’s and master’s degree applications.
Depending on academic achievement, tuition is reduced or fully funded.
5. University of Montreal International Exemption Scholarship
Tuition fees for French-speaking students from African countries are automatically reduced or eliminated.
A master’s degree or a PhD is a strong option.
6. York University – Glendon Campus Francophone Scholarships
This program is designed for students pursuing bilingual or French-language studies.
Tuition discounts are available, as well as merit scholarships.
7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
International students, including francophone Africans, can apply for a fully funded PhD scholarship.
Dedicated to excellence in research and leadership.
Francophone Student Opportunities
1. African Union Scholarships
Funds francophone students in Africa and abroad studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics, public health, agriculture, and development.
2. Scholarships offered by the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
A variety of scholarships, internships, and professional training programs are available to French-speaking students.
3. The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship (French-speaking universities)
Francophone students can apply to the Université Laval, Sciences Po, and University of Cape Town for fully-funded scholarships.
Scholarships usually look for the following:
- An excellent academic record
- French or English language skills
- Leading or participating in community activities
- Development-oriented study goals
- Long-term motivational letters
- Strong recommendation letters
- Some programs require proof of professional experience
The best fields for Francophone African students
- Public health
- Engineering
- Education
- International development
- Business and economics
- Agriculture and food security
- Environmental sciences
- Technology and data science
- Public policy and governance
Scholarship funding is readily available and these fields offer excellent employment prospects.
Increasing Your Chances
- It is a good idea to emphasize your French-language skills (many scholarships are awarded to Francophones).
- Make a difference in your community or country
- Adapt your motivation letters to the goals of each program
- Choose programs that align with your career goals
- Prepare early and follow all instructions
- Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of winning
Final thoughts
There are a wide variety of scholarships available to Francophone African students in Europe and Canada beyond the popular programs. France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and French-speaking Canada offer a wide range of full and partial-funded opportunities for the French-speaking talent community.