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
- Master's degree
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.
