France is one of Europe's most attractive destinations for international students, combining respected universities, internationally recognized qualifications, a rich cultural environment, and strong opportunities in fields such as business, engineering, science, technology, arts, and social sciences. For students concerned about the cost of studying abroad, France can also offer a range of scholarship opportunities.
Although not every French scholarship is fully funded, international students can find government scholarships, university awards, research grants, and European funding programmes that significantly reduce the cost of studying and living in France. Some provide a monthly allowance and additional benefits, while others cover tuition or specific educational expenses.
The most important step is understanding what each scholarship actually pays for. A scholarship with a generous living stipend may not cover tuition, while another award may provide a tuition exemption without paying all living costs. This guide explains the major fully funded scholarships in France, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and strategies for building a competitive application.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships in France?
A fully funded scholarship generally means that an award provides substantial financial support toward the major expenses of studying abroad.
Depending on the programme, benefits can include:
- Tuition fee support or exemption
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel assistance
- Health or insurance coverage
- Accommodation assistance
- Research funding
- Study or academic allowances
- Cultural and student services
However, "fully funded" does not always mean that every expense is covered for the entire duration of a degree. Students should check the scholarship's official conditions, funding period, and eligible expenses before making financial plans.
France's Campus France scholarship directory, Campus Bourses, is particularly useful because it brings together funding opportunities from governments, universities, foundations, companies, regional authorities, and other organizations. Students can search according to nationality, academic level, and field of study.
Who Can Apply for Scholarships in France?
Scholarship opportunities are available to international students at different academic levels, although the most comprehensive awards are often aimed at master's and doctoral students.
Undergraduate Students
Fully funded bachelor's scholarships are less common than postgraduate opportunities. Nevertheless, international undergraduate students can find university scholarships, tuition reductions, and awards offered by foundations or other organizations.
Selection may consider:
- Academic performance
- Leadership
- Extracurricular achievements
- Community involvement
- Financial circumstances
- Study programme
- Nationality
Students should search individual university websites as well as national scholarship databases.
Master's Students
Master's students have access to some of France's most prominent international scholarships. These include government-funded awards, university scholarships, and programmes focused on particular countries or academic fields.
A strong academic record is important, but scholarship committees may also consider professional experience, leadership, career objectives, and the potential impact of the applicant's studies.
PhD Students
Doctoral candidates can access research grants, university funding, doctoral contracts, and international scholarships.
For PhD applicants, it is particularly important to investigate individual laboratories, research schools, and potential supervisors. Some funding is attached to a specific research project rather than advertised as a general scholarship.
Major Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities in France
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the best-known French government scholarship programmes for international students.
It is developed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to help French higher education institutions attract high-performing international students to master's and doctoral programmes. The programme focuses on priority fields including biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital sciences, engineering sciences, history and French language and civilization, law and political science, and economics and management.
For the 2026 campaign, the master's-level scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €1,200, while doctoral scholars receive €2,100 per month, according to current Campus France information. The programme also provides services such as international and national transportation, insurance, assistance with accommodation searches, and cultural activities.
The scholarship can last up to 24 months for students entering the first year of a master's programme, up to 12 months for those entering the second year, and up to 36 months for an eligible engineering degree. Doctoral awards can run for 12 to 36 months depending on the arrangement.
One important detail is often overlooked: students do not apply directly to the Eiffel programme. French higher education institutions nominate candidates and submit applications on their behalf. Direct applications from students are considered ineligible.
For the 2026 campaign, the institutional submission deadline was January 8, 2026, so students targeting a future intake should begin contacting universities well before the next application cycle.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees
International students can also consider Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees, which are funded through the European Union and may involve study in France alongside other European countries.
These programmes can provide substantial financial support, with scholarships potentially covering participation costs and contributing toward travel, visa, and living expenses.
The key advantage is flexibility: students can study across multiple European institutions rather than completing the entire programme in one country.
Eligibility, funding, and application deadlines vary by individual Erasmus Mundus programme, so students should research the specific master's programme rather than assuming that all Erasmus Mundus awards have identical conditions.
University Scholarships
French universities and grandes écoles offer scholarships and tuition assistance for international students.
These can include:
- Merit scholarships
- International student awards
- Tuition exemptions
- Research scholarships
- Master's scholarships
- Doctoral funding
- Faculty-specific awards
Some institutions have generous scholarships for selected international students, particularly those applying to competitive master's programmes.
Students should check both the university's central scholarship page and the website of their chosen school or department.
What Do French Scholarships Usually Cover?
Tuition Fees
Some scholarships provide full or partial tuition support. Others provide a living allowance but do not directly pay tuition.
For the Eiffel programme, the scholarship itself does not pay tuition fees. However, French government scholarship recipients may receive exemptions from registration fees for eligible national diplomas and engineering degrees at public institutions under the applicable rules.
This distinction is important when calculating the real cost of your studies.
Living Expenses
A monthly stipend can help pay for:
- Rent
- Food
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Study materials
The amount required depends heavily on the city. Living in Paris, for example, generally requires a larger budget than studying in a smaller French city.
Travel and Insurance
Major government scholarships may include international transportation, local transportation, insurance, or other services. The Eiffel programme currently lists these benefits for successful scholars.
Research Expenses
Doctoral and research scholarships may provide additional funding for research-related activities, depending on the award.
How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships in France
Use Campus Bourses
Campus France's Campus Bourses directory is one of the most useful starting points for international students.
The database includes funding from French and foreign governments, higher education institutions, foundations, companies, and regional organizations. It can be filtered according to nationality, academic level, and subject.
Check University Websites
Once you identify suitable universities, investigate their funding pages.
Search for terms such as:
- International scholarships
- Master's scholarships
- PhD funding
- Research grants
- Tuition waivers
- Excellence scholarships
- International student awards
Research Your Department
For doctoral applicants, department-level research funding can be more valuable than general scholarships.
Look for professors and research laboratories working in your area of interest and investigate funded projects or doctoral positions.
How to Apply for Scholarships in France
Step 1: Choose Your Study Programme
Start by identifying a programme that matches your previous education and career objectives.
Check the language of instruction, admission requirements, tuition costs, duration, and scholarship availability.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Review:
- Nationality requirements
- Academic qualifications
- Age limits where applicable
- Field of study
- Degree level
- Language requirements
- Professional experience
- Application deadlines
For example, the Eiffel programme's current rules target applicants up to age 29 at master's level and up to age 35 at doctoral level.
Step 3: Contact the University
If you are interested in the Eiffel Scholarship, contact the international relations or admissions department of the French institution where you want to study.
Because the institution must submit the application, students should start this process well ahead of the official deadline.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Common requirements include:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal
- Proof of language proficiency
- University admission documents
The exact requirements vary by scholarship.
Step 5: Write a Targeted Application
Your motivation letter should explain why the programme fits your academic background and how it supports your future plans.
Avoid generic statements about wanting to study in Europe. Instead, mention specific academic strengths, courses, research facilities, or expertise that make your chosen programme relevant.
How to Improve Your Chances
Build a Strong Academic Profile
Competitive scholarships attract students with excellent academic records. Highlight relevant achievements rather than simply listing qualifications.
Demonstrate Leadership
Scholarship committees may value evidence of initiative and impact. Describe projects, organizations, research activities, volunteer work, or professional responsibilities where you made a measurable contribution.
Connect Your Studies to Your Career
Explain how your French education will help you achieve specific professional goals.
For research applicants, show how your proposed work addresses an important academic or practical problem.
Choose the Right Referees
Strong recommendation letters should provide specific evidence of your academic ability, research potential, leadership, or professional performance.
Start Early
Some scholarships have deadlines months before the academic programme begins. Starting early gives you enough time to secure admission, obtain recommendations, prepare translations, and revise your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded
Read the funding conditions carefully. Some awards cover tuition, while others mainly provide living support.
Applying Directly When a University Nomination Is Required
This is particularly important for Eiffel. Students cannot submit Eiffel applications independently; French higher education institutions must nominate candidates.
Ignoring Funding Duration
A scholarship may cover one or two years even if the degree lasts longer.
Using a Generic Motivation Letter
Your application should demonstrate a clear connection between your background, chosen programme, scholarship, and future plans.
Relying on Old Scholarship Information
Funding amounts, deadlines, eligibility rules, and programme conditions can change. Always confirm the latest information through the scholarship provider or Campus France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully funded scholarships available in France for international students?
Yes. International students can find government scholarships, university awards, research funding, Erasmus Mundus programmes, and foundation scholarships. However, not all awards cover every study expense.
What is the Eiffel Scholarship in France?
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is a French government programme designed to attract high-performing international students to eligible master's and doctoral programmes in France.
How much does the Eiffel Scholarship pay?
From January 2026, Eiffel scholars receive €1,200 per month at master's level and €2,100 per month at doctoral level, along with additional services such as transportation and insurance.
Can undergraduate students apply for the Eiffel Scholarship?
No. The Eiffel programme is designed for master's and doctoral-level study, as well as eligible engineering programmes. Undergraduate applicants should explore university scholarships and other funding programmes instead.
Can I apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship?
No. French higher education institutions submit Eiffel applications on behalf of their selected candidates. Students should therefore contact their chosen institutions early.
Is tuition free in France for international students?
Not universally. Tuition and registration charges depend on the institution, programme, student status, and applicable exemptions. Some scholarships or government scholarship status can provide fee exemptions.
Where can I search for scholarships in France?
Campus France's Campus Bourses directory is an excellent starting point because it allows international students to search funding opportunities by nationality, study level, and field.