Introduction
France is a great place for international students to study because it has top-notch schools, low tuition, and many scholarships. Every year, thousands of students from Africa, Asia, and other places acquire money to study in France at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
One of the best things about studying in France is that tuition at public universities is much lower than in the UK or the US. For example, it usually costs between €200 and €600 per year to go to a public university. But the cost of living can still be high, which is why scholarships are vital.
France has hundreds of government-, university-, and international organization-funded scholarships that make it possible to study with little or no financial burden.
This full guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best scholarships in France for international students, including their benefits, who can apply, how to do so, and tips for increasing your chances of success.
Why go to school in France?
Before looking into the scholarships, it’s important to know why France is a popular place for students from other countries to study.
France has a lot of cultural richness and excellent schools. It is home to well-known schools, like Sorbonne University and Sciences Po, which offer programs in many different fields.
Here are some important reasons to choose France:
- Low-cost tuition at public universities
- A lot of scholarships are available
- Degrees that are well-known around the world
- Chances to learn English
- Getting into European job markets
- A rich cultural and international setting
The French government also helps international students by giving them scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
The Best Scholarships in France for Students from Other Countries
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (from the French government)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is the best government-funded scholarship in France.
The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs pays for it, and its goal is to bring in the best international students for master’s and PhD programmes.
What It Covers
- Monthly payment (around €1,200 for master’s students)
- Costs of travel
- Insurance for health
- Help with housing
- Things to do in your culture
The program allows students to study for 12–24 months for a master’s degree and up to 36 months for a PhD.
Important Note
You can’t apply directly. This scholarship requires that the university you choose nominate you.
Best For
- Students who do well
- People who want to get a master’s or PhD
- Candidates who have strong academic and leadership skills
2. The International Master’s Scholarship from Université Paris-Saclay
This award is one of the best scholarships for master’s students in France.
Pros
- €10,000 a year in cash
- Up to €900 for travel and visa fees
Main Features
- Open to all areas of study
- Renewable for a second year
- A strong focus on doing well in school
This scholarship is very competitive, but it gives a lot of money to help.
3. The Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship
This scholarship is only for non-EU students and is offered by Sciences Po.
Coverage
- As much as €19,000 a year
Who can apply
- Must be applying for the first time
- Must be from a country that is not in the EU
- Must show that you need money and are doing well in school
Best For
Students who are interested in:
- Political issues
- Relations between countries
- Money matters
- Policy for the public
4. The Ampère Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship from ENS de Lyon is perfect for master’s students.
Pros
- €1,000 a month in cash
Areas Covered
- The study of science
- The arts
- Social studies
This course is one of the best fully funded master’s programmes in France.
5. Scholarships for Erasmus Mundus
The European Union pays for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme, which includes French universities.
Coverage
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
- Insurance
These scholarships are some of the most competitive, but they also cover a lot of ground.
6. Scholarships from HEC Paris
International students studying business at HEC Paris can get scholarships.
Different kinds
- Scholarships based on merit
- scholarships based on need
Coverage
- Reductions in tuition fees of €6,000 to €24,000
These are excellent for students who want to get an MBA or study business.
7. Scholarships from the French government (Campus France).
Through national programmes, the French government gives out many scholarships.
What They Talk About
- All tuition costs
- Money for living
- Help with housing
- Costs of travel
Every year, thousands of scholarships are given for different programmes and levels.
Different Types of Scholarships
Knowing the different types of scholarships can help you pick the best one.
Scholarships with Full Funding
These include:
- Fees for school?
- Cost of living
- Costs of travel
- Insurance
For example,
- The Eiffel Scholarship
- Mundus Erasmus
- Some programmes that the government pays for
Scholarships that are only partially funded
These two give:
- Discounts on tuition
- Grants with set amounts
For example,
- Grants from HEC Paris
- Awards that are only for certain universities
Scholarships for Specific Universities
Many colleges and universities give out their scholarships based on:
- Academic merit
- Need money for
- Areas of study
Requirements for eligibility
Most scholarships have similar requirements even though they may differ.
General Requirements
- You have to be a student from outside the EU.
- You must apply to a French school that is well-known.
- Must meet academic standards
Requirements for school
- Good grades in school
- Degrees that are relevant
Requirements for language
- English proficiency (for programmes taught in English).
- Ability to speak French (for programmes taught in French).
More papers
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from school
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick a Programme
Choose a course that fits what you’ve studied and what you want to do with your career.
Step 2: Apply to get in
Please submit your application to a French university.
Step 3: Find out if you can get a scholarship
Make sure that the program you choose is eligible for scholarships.
Step 4: Get the papers ready
Some common requirements are the following:
- Records of schoolwork
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Results of the language test
Step 5: Apply for financial aid
Some scholarships are automatically given, while others need separate applications.
Step 6: Wait for the choice.
Universities and scholarship organisations review applications and let people know the results.
Deadline for applications (2026)
Most scholarships follow this schedule:
- Eiffel Scholarship: November to January
- March in Paris-Saclay
- Erasmus Mundus: From December to January
- University scholarships: Different
Applying early greatly increases your chances.
How much does it cost to study in France?
It’s still important to know how much it will cost, even with scholarships.
Fees for school
- €200 to €600 a year for public universities
- Private schools: Up to €10,000 a year
Costs of living
- €800 to €1,200 a month
Scholarships can cut these costs down a lot or even get rid of them completely.
Can you study and work at the same time?
International students in France can work part-time.
Important points:
- As many as 20 hours a week
- Chance to get some experience
- Helps pay for living costs
How to Improve Your Odds
Apply for More Than One Scholarship
Don’t count on just one chance.
Write a letter of motivation that is strong
Please explain.
- Your objectives
- Why France?
- Your plans for the future
Keep up your good grades
Getting excellent grades greatly increases your chances.
Apply soon
Early applications stand out and make fewer mistakes.
Make Your Impact Clear
Explain how your education will help your country.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Not meeting deadlines
- Sending in documents that aren’t complete
- Making general applications
- Not paying attention to eligibility requirements
- Applying to the wrong school
The best plan for students from other countries
This is the best way to make sure you succeed:
- Eiffel + Erasmus Mundus applications
- Include one or two college scholarships
- Putting Paris-Saclay on the list of strong options.
- Make sure to get your paperwork ready at least three months in advance.
This combination makes your chances much better.
Last thoughts
International students can find some of the best scholarship opportunities in Europe in France. There are many ways to study without worrying about money, from fully funded government programmes to grants for specific universities.
To be successful, you need to plan, prepare, and have a strong application.
Studying in France is possible if you do your research, apply early, and make yourself look like a strong candidate.
This is more than just a chance to get a scholarship. It’s a way to get a global education, meet people from other countries, and have a successful career in the long run.