Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for Master’s and PhD in France 2026 | Fully Funded

Scholarships for International

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to enable French higher education institutions to attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in France.

The scholarship focuses on preparing future leaders in public and private sectors in priority academic fields, providing exceptional students from around the world with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in France.

Scholarship Objectives

Attract exceptional international students to pursue Master's and PhD studies at French universities.
Support the development of future leaders in different countries.
Strengthen France’s position as a global academic destination.

Scholarship Duration

Master’s Degree: 12 to 36 months for students up to 29 years old from developing countries.
PhD Degree: 12 to 36 months for students up to 35 years old from both developing and developed countries.

Eligible Fields of Study

1. Science and Technology

Biology and Health
Environmental Transition
Mathematics and Digital Sciences
Engineering Sciences

2. Humanities and Social Sciences

History, French Language, and Civilization
Law and Political Science
Economics and Management

Eligibility Criteria

Open to students of all nationalities except French nationals.
Dual-citizenship applicants holding French nationality are not eligible.

Master’s Level

Applicant must not be currently studying in France.
Must be 29 years old or younger at the time of the selection committee meeting.

PhD Level

Preference for candidates studying outside France.
Must be 35 years old or younger during the 2026 application cycle.

Timeline for 2026

Application Opens: October 1, 2025
Universities Submit Applications to Campus France: until January 8, 2026
Results Announcement: From March 30, 2026

Funding Provided

The Eiffel Scholarship offers generous support for Master’s and PhD students, including:

Monthly Allowance

Master’s: €1,200/month (from January 2026)
PhD: €2,100/month (from January 2026)

Funds are transferred to a French bank account; the first payment is made via Western Union. Payment starts upon arrival in France on the scheduled date.

Tuition Fees

Full exemption from tuition fees for:
- Master's degree
- PhD degree
- Accredited engineering degree at public institutions linked to the French Ministry of Higher Education

Note: Other academic fees outside this scope are not covered.

Travel Costs

International airfare (lowest fare) covered, with reimbursement up to 50% of the ministry-approved rate.
Domestic travel: Second-class train/bus tickets from the airport to the university city.
Return ticket after program completion within 12 months of scholarship end and upon submission of academic results.

Health Insurance

Temporary health insurance upon arrival.
Full national health insurance registration followed by free supplemental insurance.
EU students with a European Health Card get immediate coverage and free supplemental insurance.

Housing

Assistance with student accommodation through CROUS or private housing.
Students may accept or arrange their own housing.

Cultural and Recreational Activities

Short trips and cultural tours within France and Europe.
Sports, cultural events, and activities at student-friendly prices.

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose a French institution

Select the French university/program you want to apply to.
Contact the university’s international office for internal deadlines (these are often earlier).
Candidates may also seek support from the French Embassy or Campus France office in their country.

Step 2: University Submits the Application

The French institution submits the candidate’s application file.
Deadline for universities to submit: January 8, 2026

Note: Students must meet the institution’s internal deadline, which is usually earlier than the official date.

Contact

Campus France - Programme France Excellence Eiffel
28 rue de la Grange-aux-Belles
75010 Paris

Important Notes

Direct applications from students are not accepted — applications must be submitted by the French institution.
Universities that have previously participated get early access to files; new institutions must request access.
Interested applicants should visit the Campus France platform for detailed instructions and access to forms.