Study in France: The Prestigious France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026.
For outstanding international students who wish to study in Europe, a perfect opportunity has been announced. Applications are now being welcomed for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026, a premier program funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This scholarship, often referred to as the French Government Scholarship, is designed to attract the world's brightest minds to pursue Master’s and PhD studies at top French higher education institutions.
The primary purpose of the Eiffel Scholarship is to train future global leaders and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors. This is accomplished by supporting them in priority fields of study. As one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe, the program provides students with a chance to study in France while receiving generous financial support. Consequently, if you are a graduate student looking for a world-class educational experience, the Eiffel Scholarship is an opportunity you must explore.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: France
- Funded by: The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
- Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
- Financial Coverage: Monthly Allowance, Travel, Insurance & More
- Deadline: January 8, 2026
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Eiffel Scholarship program ensures that scholars can immerse themselves in their studies without a significant financial burden. While tuition fees are not directly covered, a comprehensive support package is provided.
- Generous Monthly Allowance: A monthly stipend of €1,181 is provided for Master’s students, and €1,700 for PhD students.
- International Travel: A round-trip international air ticket from your home country to France is included.
- Domestic Travel: Support for transportation from the airport to your study location is also provided.
- Health Insurance: Scholars are covered by France's social security health system.
- Housing Assistance: Assistance is offered to scholars in finding suitable accommodation.
- Cultural Activities: In addition, scholars are given opportunities to participate in various cultural events and activities.
- Note on Tuition Fees: It should be noted that the scholarship does not cover university tuition fees. However, students admitted to public French universities as government scholarship holders are typically exempt from paying tuition fees.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The eligibility criteria for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship are specific and must be met by all applicants.
- Nationality: The scholarship is open to all non-French international students.
- Age Limit: For Master’s level programs, applicants must be 29 years old or younger. For PhD programs, applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
- Academic Excellence: An outstanding academic record must be demonstrated by the candidate.
- Previous Recipients: Students who have previously been awarded an Eiffel Scholarship are not eligible to apply again.
- Current Students in France: For the Master's level, applicants who are already studying in France are not eligible. For the PhD level, priority is given to students residing outside of France.
The Unique Application Process: A Two-Step Guide
The application process for the Eiffel Scholarship is unique because students cannot apply directly. The application must be submitted by a French higher education institution on your behalf.
Step 1: Your Role as the Applicant
- First, you must research and choose the French universities and Master's or PhD programs that align with your academic and career goals.
- It is highly recommended that you contact the Campus France office in your home country or the cultural service of the French Embassy for guidance.
- You must then apply directly to your chosen French institution(s) for admission. While applying, you must inform the institution that you wish to be nominated for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship.
Step 2: The French Institution's Role
- The French university will review your application for admission. If you are accepted, the university will decide whether to support your candidacy for the Eiffel Scholarship.
- If the institution decides to nominate you, it will submit your complete scholarship application on your behalf through the official Campus France online portal.
It is crucial to remember that any application sent directly to Campus France by a student will be deemed ineligible. Therefore, starting the process of applying to universities early is essential.