Applications for the 2026 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program from the French government are open for the 2026–2027 academic year. The window is from October 1, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The program, launched by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to help French higher education institutions attract the best international talent. It includes a Master’s track (12 to 36 months) and a PhD track (6 to 36 months).
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend: €1181 (Master’s); € 1800 (PhD)
- Accommodation through CROUS or a housing allowance for private residences
- Round-trip airfare from home country to France
- Reimbursement for train travel from the first place of residence to the final destination, including airport transfers
- Transportation reimbursement from airport or train station to initial accommodation (public transport or taxi)
- French social security coverage for students outside the European Economic Area
- Supplementary health insurance
- Access to cultural, leisure, and sporting activities, including short 3–4‑day trips, shows, performances, and more
Scholarship Requirements
- Demonstrated academic excellence; PhD applicants must also present an original, relevant research project
- Must hold foreign nationality (not French; dual nationals including French are ineligible)
- Age limits (for 2026 cycle): Master’s—born after March 31, 1998 (i.e., under 28); PhD—under 33
- Must meet the language proficiency requirements of the chosen program
- Applicants currently enrolled in France at Master’s level are not eligible
How to Apply
- Applications are not centralized; candidates must apply directly to their chosen French universities, following each institution’s specific deadlines and procedures
- The university performs a local selection. Shortlisted applications are forwarded to Campus France for national-level evaluation
- Final selections are made by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, based on Campus France’s recommendations
- Applications submitted directly to Campus France or via non‑French institutions are ineligible
- For assistance, candidates can email
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs program designed to attract top foreign students to study in France for Master’s and PhD degrees in priority fields like science, technology, and humanities
Who is eligible for the Eiffel scholarship?
Candidates must be under 27 years old (born after March 31st, 1998). Sciences Po candidates: Applicants for our two-year Master’s programmes who hold a nationality other than French (please note that dual nationality holders of which one is French are not eligible).
What GPA do you need for the Eiffel scholarship?
Please keep in minde that the Eiffel Scholarship is a scholarship of excellence, and only applications with a grade point average above 15/20 will be considered.
How much is the Eiffel Excellence scholarship?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to international students who want to study in France for any Master’s or Ph. D. program. Those who are selected for this scholarship are offered financial aid of 1323 USD on a monthly basis.
Is the Eiffel scholarship competitive?
This prestigious program funds international students nominated by a French institution. Eiffel scholarships are competitive. Recipients can be proud of being recognized for excellence by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. number assigned to them.
How long does the Eiffel scholarship last?
Eiffel scholarships are awarded for a period of 12, 18 or 36 months from September 1 of the award year. A 36-month scholarship is open only to new candidates enrolling in the first year of a doctoral program. The candidate’s program may not be converted to a dual-degree program.
What language do you need for the Eiffel Excellence scholarship?
A certificate of French Language (a B2 level is required). For programmes with courses taught in English, supply any certificate or score report (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS…) Your Transcript of Records of the last 3 years (higher education transcripts).
Is IELTS required for Eiffel scholarship?
Yes, an IELTS exam is required. The University of Paris offers scholarships under the France Excellence Eiffel scholarship program, provided by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
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