Scholarships in France for International Students
Explore Fully Funded Scholarships in France, French international scholarships, and top university awards that can help you study in France for free or at a much lower cost.
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Study in France
If you are searching for Scholarships in France, Scholarships in France For Foreigners, Fully Funded Scholarships in France, French Scholarships, or ways to Study in France For Free, start here. This page groups the most useful French scholarship routes and links to detailed guides for each award.
A research-rich country with affordable study routes.
France is one of the strongest study destinations in Europe because it combines respected universities, public funding, low-cost public education, and scholarship routes for foreign students.
Prestigious universities
Study at public universities, Grandes Écoles, research schools, and globally known institutions.
Lower tuition options
Public higher education in France is often more affordable than many English-speaking destinations.
Strong research culture
France is especially attractive for Master's, PhD, climate, science, policy, and engineering pathways.
International programmes
Many French universities offer English-taught degrees and support services for international students.
French Scholarships for international students
These are the core French scholarship guides on CatchThatScholarship. Open each guide for eligibility, documents, deadlines, and application strategy.
French Ministry flagship award
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Sciences Po Paris award
Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Research Master's funding
Université Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship
ENS de Lyon Master's award
Ampère Excellence Scholarship
Climate and environment focus
MOPGA Scholarship
ENS-PSL / Ulm elite entry
ENS Paris International Selection
Use these before applying to France.
French scholarship applications reward clarity. These free tools help you choose a programme, build documents, and prepare stronger applications.
How to make your French scholarship application stronger.
Apply to the degree first when the scholarship is nomination-based. Eiffel and Paris-Saclay style awards often require the university or programme coordinator to select you before the scholarship form stage.
Make your motivation letter specific to France. Mention the exact programme, lab, professor, course structure, or research track instead of writing a generic 'I want to study abroad' essay.
Prepare transcripts, passport, CV, recommendation letters, language proof, and degree certificates early. French scholarship portals often close at Paris time, and missing documents can remove you from consideration.
Use a research angle if you are applying for Master's scholarships in France. Many French scholarships reward applicants who can show a clear pathway toward research, PhD study, public service, or high-impact professional work.
Do not rely on one scholarship. Apply to a mix of French government scholarships, university scholarships, Grande École awards, and low-tuition public universities.
Check whether the scholarship is compatible with other funding. Some French scholarships cannot be combined with Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, or other monthly awards above a stated threshold.
Universities in France that give scholarships for international students.
These institutions and routes are especially useful when looking for French Scholarships and funded study options in France.
Sciences Po
Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Best for political science, public policy, law, economics, international relations, and social sciences.
Université Paris-Saclay
IDEX International Master's Scholarship
Excellent for STEM, engineering, economics, research Master's programmes, and students planning a PhD.
ENS Paris - PSL
International Selection
A highly selective Grande École route for students with strong research potential in Sciences or Arts & Humanities.
ENS de Lyon
Ampère Excellence Scholarship
Strong for international Master's students in sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
French universities via Eiffel
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Many French institutions can nominate top foreign students for this government-funded award.
Climate-focused French labs
MOPGA Scholarship
Good fit for climate, environment, sustainability, biodiversity, energy transition, and earth-system research profiles.
The realistic path is funding + smart programme choice.
France can become very affordable when you combine low public tuition, French international scholarships, student housing options, and a strong application strategy. Start with the six scholarship guides above, then use the SOP and CV tools before submitting.