The France Excellence Eiffel scholarship program is a powerful tool developed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its goal is simple: to help French higher education institutions attract the absolute best foreign students to their Master's and PhD degree programs.
It aims to train future foreign decision-makers in both the private and public sectors, specifically targeting priority areas of study.
Areas of Study & Fields
The scholarship is not available for every single degree. The two main disciplinary fields for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarships cover the following seven priority areas for both Master's and Doctorate elements:
For Science and Technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
For Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French language and civilization
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
Levels of Study & Duration
French higher education institutions that submit candidates to the Eiffel program agree to enroll them in specific degree types. The duration of funding depends entirely on the level you are entering:
| Study Level | Maximum Duration of Funding |
|---|---|
| Master's Level (M2) | Maximum of 12 months when enrolling in the second year. |
| Master's Level (M1) | Maximum of 24 months when enrolling in the first year. |
| Engineering Degree | Maximum of 36 months for the completion of the program. |
| Doctorate (PhD) | Maximum of 12 to 36 months (starting September 1 of the award year) for a joint doctoral program in partnership with an institution abroad. |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Eiffel Scholarship provides substantial living allowances and support services to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies.
Important Note on Tuition: For both elements of the program, tuition fees are not covered by the France Excellence Eiffel program directly. However, because you are a French government scholarship holder (Boursier du gouvernement français), public universities typically waive registration fees entirely.
Master's Level Benefits
- A generous monthly allowance of €1,200.
- International return transportation to and from your home country.
- National transportation within France.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Assistance with housing searches.
- Access to cultural activities.
Doctorate (PhD) Level Benefits
- A higher monthly stipend of €2,100.
- International and national transportation.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Assistance with housing searches.
- Access to cultural activities.
Eligibility & Age Limits
The program is strictly for international students. French nationals (even those with dual nationality) are not eligible to apply. There are also strict age cut-offs:
- Master's Applicants: Must be up to 29 years old at the time of the application campaign.
- PhD Applicants: Must be up to 35 years old at the time of the application campaign.
How to Apply (The 2-Step Process)
You cannot apply directly to the Eiffel scholarship program. If you send an application directly to Campus France, it will be immediately rejected. The application must be submitted by the French institution you wish to attend.
Step 1: Secure an Institution's Nomination
Contact Campus France in your country of origin, or reach out to the international relations department of the French university you want to attend (via website, email, or telephone). It is up to you to choose the school or university that best fits your plans. You must apply to their Master's or PhD program and explicitly state that you want them to nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship.
Step 2: The Institution Submits Your File
If the institution accepts your application and deems you a top-tier candidate, they will support your nomination. The university then submits your application online via the dedicated Campus France portal on your behalf.
Application Timeline
While exact dates shift slightly by a few days each year, the application cycle is highly predictable. The timeline typically follows this schedule:
- October: Opening of the call for applications. Universities begin accepting requests for nominations.
- Early January: Strict deadline for the reception of applications by Campus France (submitted by the universities).
- Late March / Early April: Publication of the final results.
Life in France: Jobs, Settlement, and Family
Which Universities Can You Apply To?
The beauty of the Eiffel Scholarship is that all French higher education institutions can submit applications. Whether you want to study at a massive public university like Sorbonne, an elite engineering school (Grande École) like Polytechnique, or a specialized institute, they are all eligible to nominate you.
Part-Time Jobs While Studying
Can you work while holding the scholarship? Yes. International students in France have the legal right to work part-time. Your student visa allows you to work up to 964 hours per year, which equates to roughly 60% of full-time employment. This is a great way to gain local experience or supplement your €1,200/€2,100 stipend.
Post-Study Work & Settlement Rules
France is incredibly welcoming to highly educated graduates. Once you finish your Master's or PhD, you do not have to leave immediately. You can apply for a Job Seeker / New Business Creator visa (previously known as the APS visa). This allows you to stay in France for an additional 12 months to look for a job related to your field of study or to start a company. (For citizens of certain countries like India, this can be extended up to 2 years!).
Once you find a job that pays at least 1.5 times the minimum wage (SMIC), you can transition to a standard work residency permit. Time spent studying in France also accelerates your path to permanent residency or citizenship.
Job Market & Best Fields
The priority areas chosen by the Eiffel scholarship perfectly mirror the French job market's demands. Graduates in Engineering Sciences, Ecological Transition, Mathematics, and Digital tech are in incredibly high demand. French companies and international hubs in Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse are constantly hiring STEM talent. Economics and Management graduates also find robust opportunities in France's massive luxury, finance, and consulting sectors.
Taking Your Family
Bringing family on a student visa can be administratively complex. However, if you are a PhD student, the situation is much better. PhD researchers in France are often eligible for the "Passeport Talent - Chercheur" (Talent Passport - Researcher). This specific visa status includes an accompanying "Passeport Talent - Famille" provision, which allows your spouse to join you and grants them the legal right to work in France immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship?
No. Applications sent directly by students or by foreign institutions are declared ineligible. You must apply to a French higher education institution first, and they will submit the scholarship application to Campus France on your behalf.
Is there an age limit for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?
Yes. Master's applicants must be up to 29 years old, and PhD applicants must be up to 35 years old at the time of the application campaign.
Does the Eiffel Scholarship cover tuition fees?
No, tuition fees are not strictly covered by the France Excellence Eiffel program. However, as an Eiffel laureate, public universities in France typically waive your registration fees entirely.
Can I work part-time while studying in France on this scholarship?
Yes. International students in France are legally allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (roughly 60% of full-time employment) to supplement their income.
What happens after I graduate? Can I stay in France?
Yes. Master's and PhD graduates can apply for a Job Seeker / New Business Creator visa, which allows you to stay in France for 12 months (sometimes up to 24 months) to find a job or start a company.
Official Resources
- Official Campus France Portal: campusfrance.org