Overview
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs runs the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. It helps French higher education institutions bring in top foreign students for master's and PhD programs.
The award targets future decision-makers from the private and public sectors in priority study areas. At master's level it encourages applicants up to 25 years old from developing countries. At PhD level it encourages applicants up to 30 years old from developing and industrialized countries.
Awarded by
French Universities and Academic Institutions
Subjects and level
Training courses leading to a Master's degree, engineering degree, or a doctorate degree within the framework of joint supervision or co-direction of a thesis with a partner foreign higher education establishment.
Subjects and level
Two major disciplinary fields concerned by the Eiffel scholarships cover the following fields of study for the Master and Doctorate components:
- For science and technology: Biology and health; Ecological transition; Mathematics and digital; Engineering Sciences
- For the humanities and social sciences: French history, language, and civilization; Law and political science; and Economics and management
Who can apply
International students
What the award covers
For Master's level studies, the Eiffel scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,200 and can be awarded for 12-36 months. For PhD level studies, the Eiffel scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €2,100 and is awarded for a maximum of 12-36 months.
In addition, the programme meets various expenses including international transportation, national transportation, health insurance, housing searches, and cultural activities.
Tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel Programme. However, recipients of French government scholarships are exempt from tuition charges for programs leading to a national diploma (master, doctorate) or accredited engineering degree in public institutions of a scientific, cultural, or professional nature overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, in accordance with article R719-49 of the national education code.
Eligibility requirements
Please inquire about the eligibility criteria with the French Higher Education Institution you are applying to.
How to apply
Applications are currently closed.
Applications are NOT accepted from students directly. Applications for EIFFEL scholarships are submitted by French Higher Education Institutions. Applications sent directly by students or by foreign institutions will be declared ineligible.
Therefore, you must apply and meet the requirements of the French Higher Education Institution in order to be considered for the scholarship. Contact the French educational institution or research organization by visiting its website or by emailing or telephoning its office of international relations to learn how to apply for admission (including the date by which your application must be received). Inform them of your wish to be considered for an Eiffel scholarship.
The application deadline to participating French Institutions falls around November-December 2025. The deadline for applications to Campus France is 8 January 2026.
It is important to read the Eiffel Scholarships 2026 Regulations and visit the official website (link found below) to access the online application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
Official website
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/france-excellence-eiffel-scholarship-program
Related Scholarships: List of France Scholarships