Are you an international student with dreams of studying in France? In 2025, several Top Scholarships in France offer exceptional opportunities to support your academic aspirations. These prestigious scholarships cater to various levels of study and provide comprehensive financial assistance, ranging from partial to full coverage of tuition and living expenses. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies, there is a wealth of funding options available to help make your educational journey in France more accessible.
Among the Top Scholarships in France, the Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence stands out for its full funding of master’s and PhD programs, making it a premier choice for high-achieving students. Similarly, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po offers up to 19,000€ annually for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, highlighting its significance among top funding options. The Ampère Excellence Scholarships at ENS de Lyon provide 1,000€ per month to master’s students, while the Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships offer 10,000€ per year, plus additional travel and visa expense support. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also enhance your academic and professional prospects in one of Europe’s most vibrant educational landscapes.
1. Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
The Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence provides full funding for master’s and PhD students and is a standout among the Top Scholarships in France.
- Institution: Various French institutions
- Level of Study: Masters, PhD
- Application Process & Deadlines
2. Emile Boutmy Scholarship
The Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po is a significant scholarship among the Top Scholarships in France, offering up to 19,000€ per year for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
- Institution: Sciences Po
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
- Application Process & Deadlines
3. Ampère Excellence Scholarships for International Students
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon offer 1,000€ per month for master’s students, making them one of the Top Scholarships in France.
- Institution: ENS de Lyon
- Level of Study: Masters
- Application Process & Deadlines
4. Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships
The Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships are among the Top Scholarships in France for international students. They offer 10,000€ per year for master’s students and up to 1,000€ for travel and visa expenses.
- Institution: Université Paris-Saclay
- Level of Study: Masters
- Application Process & Deadlines
5. France Excellence Scholarships for Climate Change
The France Excellence Scholarships for Climate Change offer full financial support to Pakistani students pursuing Master’s degrees focused on climate change-related fields at various French institutions. This scholarship is one of the notable Top Scholarships in France.
- Host Institutions:
- IMT Atlantique, Nantes
- INP Pagora, Grenoble
- Université d’Avignon, Implanteus Graduate School
- ONIRIS
- Program Levels: Masters
- Benefits: Full tuition fees, monthly allowance, return air ticket, visa fee waiver, social security, accommodation assistance, and French language classes.
- Eligibility: Pakistani nationals under 28 years old with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Application Process & Official Link
6. Chalhoub Scholarship
The Chalhoub Scholarship provides 12,300€ per year for undergraduate and master’s students at Sciences Po University, marking it as one of the Top Scholarships in France.
- Institution: Sciences Po University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters
- Application Process & Deadlines
7. Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)
The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full funding for master’s scholarships to young leaders and are recognized as one of the Top Scholarships in France.
- Institution: Various French institutions
- Level of Study: Masters
- Application Process & Deadlines
8. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is one of the Top Scholarships in France that covers full tuition, accommodation, air travel, and living expenses for master’s students.
- Institution: Newcastle University
- Level of Study: Masters
- Application Process & Deadlines
9. IDEX Masters Scholarship Grenoble Alpes University
The IDEX Masters Scholarship at Université Grenoble Alpes provides 8,000€ for the first academic year and 5,000€ for the second year, covering two years of study in Master’s and Engineering programs. It is a distinguished option among the Top Scholarships in France.
- Institution: Université Grenoble Alpes
- Level of Study: Masters
- Benefits: 8,000€ (First Year), 5,000€ (Second Year), university facilities, internships, international exposure.
- Eligibility: International students with previous degrees from outside France or those who have obtained their baccalaureate abroad.
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Application Process & Official Link
10. IFA Paris Scholarships
- Host Institution: IFA Paris
- Program Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Scholarship Types: Full (100%), Excellence (40%), Distinction (20%)
- Deadline: Full Scholarship – March 15, 2024; Excellence and Distinction – Open year-round
- Merit-based scholarships for fashion and design programs with various reductions in tuition fees.
- Application Process & Official Link
11. Fulbright Scholarship in France
The Fulbright Scholarship provides support for master’s and PhD studies and is a prominent choice among the Top Scholarships in France, awarded to about 20 students annually.
- Institution: Various French institutions
- Level of Study: Masters, PhD
- Application Process & Deadlines
12. IIE-SRF Fellowship
The IIE-SRF Fellowship offers up to US$25,000 and health insurance for doctoral research studies and is among the Top Scholarships in France for visiting academic appointments.
- Institution: IIE-SRF
- Level of Study: PhD
- Application Process & Deadlines
13. Facebook PhD Fellowship
The Facebook PhD Fellowship is a notable entry in the Top Scholarships in France list, providing an annual stipend, study fees, and conference travel support for two years.
- Institution: Accredited universities worldwide
- Level of Study: PhD
- Application Process & Deadlines
14. TIGER Master’s Scholarship at AIX Marseille University
The TIGER Master’s Scholarship offers up to 10,000€ grant for one academic year for supporting Masters Program.
- Institution: AIX Marseille University
- Level of Study: Master’s
- Application Process & Deadlines
15. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program offers up to $42,750 for an 8-month fellowship and is recognized among the Top Scholarships in France for supporting PhD research.
- Institution: World Bank
- Level of Study: PhD
- Application Process & Deadlines
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I secure a full scholarship to study in France?
Absolutely! Many scholarships in France are fully funded. Notably, the French Foreign Ministry offers scholarships like the Eiffel and Major programs, which support Master’s and Doctoral studies. Approximately 25% of these scholarships are financed directly by the Ministry to help attract outstanding international students.
Is it possible to study in France for free?
While full tuition-free study is generally reserved for EEA and Swiss residents, international students from outside Europe are required to pay tuition fees. Public universities typically charge around €3,000 to €4,000 per year. However, numerous scholarships can significantly reduce or cover these costs.
What is the Eiffel Scholarship Program?
The Eiffel Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at enticing top international students to French institutions. It supports Master’s and Doctoral studies, helping institutions attract the brightest minds from around the world.
Are there scholarships available for MBA programs in France?
Yes, there are! For instance, the HEC Paris MBA program, in collaboration with the Laidlaw Foundation, offers up to 10 full tuition scholarships per graduating class. This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re pursuing an MBA in France.
Which countries offer the easiest access to full scholarships?
Countries such as Germany, Greece, Japan, China, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Korea are known for providing full scholarships to international students. However, ensure that the scholarship is accepted by the institution you wish to attend, as some schools may have specific requirements.
Is there an age limit for applying for scholarships in France?
Typically, the age limit for many scholarships in France is under 28 years old as of September 1st of the academic year. Scholarships can often be continued beyond this age if you are already enrolled and progressing in your studies.
Can I study in France if I don’t speak French?
Yes, you can! Many universities in France offer courses in English, specifically designed for international students. These programs not only facilitate your studies but also help you gradually improve your French language skills.
Is higher education free in France?
While public universities in France benefit from substantial government subsidies, making tuition fees relatively low, they are not completely free. The actual cost of higher education is approximately €10,000 per year, but the government covers a significant portion of this cost.
