The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs offers prestigious scholarships that open doors to international students wishing to study in France. These scholarships are highly competitive, financially generous, and recognized worldwide. This pillar blog provides a comprehensive guide to applying for these scholarships, focusing primarily on the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program and related opportunities administered through Campus France.
Why Choose Scholarships from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs?
- Fully or partially funded opportunities for Master’s and PhD programs
- International prestige and career benefits
- Exposure to French academic, scientific, and professional environments
- Networking with future global leaders
Key Scholarship Programs Offered by the Ministry
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Program is the flagship initiative of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It targets future decision-makers in both the public and private sectors.
Fields of Study:
- Science and Engineering
- Economics and Management
- Law and Political Science
Scholarship Benefits:
- Master’s: €1,181 monthly stipend (maintenance + allowance)
- PhD: €1,700 monthly stipend
- Travel expenses (international + domestic)
- Health insurance
- Cultural activities
- Tuition fees often waived by host institutions
Eligibility Criteria:
- Non-French nationality (foreign students only)
- Age limit: 25 for Master’s, 30 for PhD
- Strong academic performance
- Application must be submitted by a French higher education institution
Application Timeline:
- Institution registration: September – October 2024
- Student applications: November 2024 – January 2025
- Results: April 2025
Application Process:
- Choose a French university that offers a relevant degree program.
- Contact the admissions office to express interest in applying through the Eiffel Scholarship.
- Submit documents to the university:
- Academic transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport
- Recommendation letters
- University applies on your behalf through the Campus France portal.
- Wait for the official result, released in April.
2. Major Excellence Scholarships (Formerly BGF)
These are offered to top-performing international students by the French Ministry and are handled in conjunction with specific French institutions.
Coverage:
- Full or partial tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation assistance
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to a French public higher education institution
- Check if the institution supports this scholarship
- Submit application via the institution
3. Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Scholarships
Initiated by the French President, MOPGA targets international scholars involved in climate change, energy transition, and sustainability research.
Target Group:
- Researchers, post-docs, and graduate students
Benefits:
- €1,900 monthly stipend
- Relocation package
- Research support
Timeline:
- Call opens: October 2024
- Deadline: March 2025
Application Steps:
- Find a French host institution in your research area
- Develop a research proposal
- Apply via Campus France’s MOPGA portal
- Include CV, academic records, recommendation letters
How to Find Eligible Universities and Programs
Use the following platforms:
- Campus France Course Catalog
- Study in France Portal
- University websites (check for scholarship partnerships)
Required Documents for All Programs
- Academic transcripts (with certified translation if needed)
- Passport copy
- Detailed CV (focus on academics and leadership roles)
- Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation letters (preferably from academic professionals)
- Language proficiency (French or English, depending on the course)
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection
- Contact the University Early: Give ample time to process your application
- Align Your Goals with French Priorities: Especially for Eiffel and MOPGA
- Craft a Strong SOP: Reflect your long-term vision, leadership, and how studying in France fits your career goals
- Show Research Potential: For PhD and climate-related scholarships
- Get Strong Recommendations: Academic and/or professional
Comparison Table of Ministry Scholarships
| Program | Level | Monthly Stipend | Tuition | Application | Administered via |
| Eiffel | Master’s/PhD | €1,181 – €1,700 | Often waived | Via university | Campus France |
| MOPGA | Master’s/PhD/Post-doc | €1,900 | Yes | Direct | Campus France |
| Major Excellence | All | Varies | Yes | Via institution | Institution |
Do you want to know more about Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in the UK – 2025 Guide?
Useful Links & Resources
The scholarships offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are powerful tools for academically talented international students seeking world-class education. Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s, a Ph.D., or cutting-edge research in climate science, France offers a range of funding options. With early preparation and strategic application, you can make the most of these prestigious opportunities in 2025.
