France is a premier destination for international students, celebrated for its world-class universities, rich cultural heritage, and globally recognized degrees. Studying in France can be affordable if you take advantage of the numerous scholarships offered to international students. This comprehensive pillar blog presents the top 10 scholarships in France for 2025, along with detailed guidelines on eligibility, benefits, application procedures, and tips for success.
Why Study in France?
- Home to over 3,500 public and private institutions
- Highly affordable tuition (especially at public universities)
- Rich in academic diversity, offering English-taught programs
- Strategic location within Europe
- Vibrant student life and multicultural environment
Top 10 Scholarships in France for International Students
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
Provider: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
Benefits:
- Monthly allowance (Master’s: €1,181; Ph.D.: €1,700)
- International travel, health insurance, and cultural activities
- No tuition coverage (but often waived by host institutions)
Eligibility: - Non-French nationals under 30 (Master’s) or under 35 (Ph.D.)
- Excellent academic record
How to Apply: - Apply through a French higher education institution
- Applications typically open in October and close in January
2. Ampere Scholarships of Excellence
Provider: ENS de Lyon
Level: Master’s
Benefits:
- €1,000/month for one or two years
Eligibility: - Academic excellence and admission to a Master’s program at ENS de Lyon
How to Apply: - Apply through the ENS de Lyon admission portal with required documents
3. Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Provider: Sciences Po
Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
Benefits:
- Up to €12,300/year for undergraduate, €10,000/year for Master’s
Eligibility: - First-time applicants from outside the EU
- High academic merit
How to Apply: - Apply through Sciences Po’s online portal
- Indicate interest in scholarship during application
4. ENS International Selection Scholarships
Provider: Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris
Level: Graduate
Benefits:
- Monthly grant of €1,000 for 2-3 years
Eligibility: - Non-French students under 26 with at least one year of undergraduate studies
How to Apply: - Apply directly through the ENS website with academic records and research proposal
5. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
Provider: Université Paris-Saclay
Level: Master’s
Benefits:
- €10,000/year + up to €1,000 for travel and visa
Eligibility: - Non-French citizens admitted to a Paris-Saclay Master’s program
How to Apply: - Apply via the university’s admission portal
- Nominated students are invited to apply for the scholarship
6. Charpak Scholarship Program (for Indian students)
Provider: Campus France India
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Exchange programs
Benefits:
- Tuition waiver, living allowance, student visa fee waiver, and medical insurance
Eligibility: - Indian nationals under 30, strong academic background
How to Apply: - Submit applications through Campus France India portal
7. INSEAD Scholarships
Provider: INSEAD Business School
Level: MBA
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition coverage (€5,000 to €25,000+)
Eligibility: - Demonstrated academic excellence and financial need
How to Apply: - Apply for MBA admission first, then apply for scholarships within the portal
8. AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships (for U.S. students)
Provider: American Institute for Foreign Study
Level: Undergraduate (Exchange & Semester abroad)
Benefits:
- Up to $5,000 for semester programs
Eligibility: - U.S. students studying in France through AIFS programs
How to Apply: - Complete AIFS program application and scholarship essay
9. MOPGA (Make Our Planet Great Again) Scholarships
Provider: Campus France & French Ministry of Higher Education
Level: Master’s & Ph.D. in climate change & environmental sciences
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend up to €1,900 + relocation support
Eligibility: - Non-French nationals in scientific fields related to sustainability
How to Apply: - Apply through Campus France’s dedicated MOPGA portal
10. Erasmus+ Scholarships (EU-Funded)
Provider: European Commission
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Benefits:
- Full tuition + monthly stipend + travel allowance
Eligibility: - Non-EU students applying to Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
How to Apply: - Apply through EMJMD consortium websites
Application Timeline for Scholarships in France (2025)
| Scholarship | Opens | Deadline |
| Eiffel | October 2024 | January 2025 |
| Emile Boutmy | November 2024 | February 2025 |
| Paris-Saclay | December 2024 | April 2025 |
| Erasmus+ | September 2024 | March 2025 |
Do you want to know more about Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in the UK – 2025 Guide?
General Application Process
- Identify Target Programs: Choose French institutions that offer your program of interest.
- Check Eligibility: Review scholarship-specific eligibility criteria.
- Prepare Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Motivation letter or SOP
- Recommendation letters
- Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF/TCF if required)
- Apply for Admission: Submit program application to the university.
- Apply for Scholarships: Complete scholarship-specific applications via portals.
- Track Status: Monitor emails and portals for results.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship in France
- Start Early: Applications open months before deadlines
- Tailor Your Application: Personalize SOPs for each scholarship
- Highlight International Motivation: Emphasize cultural and academic goals
- Proofread: Eliminate grammatical errors and typos
- Get Help: Use resources from Campus France and university admissions offices
Useful Resources
Conclusion
France remains one of the most scholarship-friendly countries for international students. With strategic planning and a strong application, you can access generous funding to study at some of the most prestigious institutions in Europe. Use this guide to identify the right opportunity and take your academic career to new heights in 2025!
