The France Excellence Eiffel scholarship program 2026-27 (Upcoming Admissions)

Eligibility

• Nationality: Only for non-French citizens. Dual nationals including French citizenship are not eligible.
• Age Limits:
  • For Master’s level applicants: must be under 27 years old at the time of application (e.g., born after March 31, 1997).
  • For PhD level applicants: must be under 32 years old at the time of application (e.g., born after March 31, 1992).
• Academic Level:
  • Open to students applying for Master’s programs (M1 or M2), engineering programs, or doctoral studies at French higher education institutions.
• Current Location/Enrollment:
  • For Master’s applicants, you cannot be currently enrolled in a French higher education institution.
  • For PhD applicants, priority is given to new candidates not already studying in France, though some exceptions apply for those enrolled in joint supervision or dual-degree programs.
• Field of Study:
  • Focus on priority fields defined by the French government, including:
    • Engineering sciences
    • Economics and management sciences
    • Law, political sciences, and international relations
    • Mathematics, physics, and life sciences
• You cannot apply directly; only French institutions can nominate candidates. You must first apply and be accepted by a French institution that participates in the Eiffel program.

Program Dates

• The application opens on October 1, 2025 for the 2026–27 academic year.
• The application deadline (by Campus France) is January 8, 2026 (included).
• The scholarship period starts between September 1 and November 30, 2026, and the start date cannot be postponed.
• The funded study period must begin between September 1 and November 30 of the award year, and the start date cannot be postponed. Only the parts of the study program taking place in France are funded, except for certain internships or exchange periods.
• Master’s Level:
  • Up to 12 months for students entering the second year of a master’s program (M2)
  • Up to 24 months for students entering the first year of a master’s program (M1)
  • Up to 36 months for students entering an engineering program
• Doctoral Level:
  • Eiffel scholarships are awarded for 12, 18, or 36 months, starting from September 1 of the award year.
• The duration of the scholarship is determined in accordance with the following terms:
  • 36-month scholarships are for new candidates enrolling in the first year of a doctoral program who are not already studying in France. The program cannot be converted to a dual-degree.
  • 12 or 18-month scholarships are for all other candidates, including those already enrolled in a doctoral program or involved in joint supervision or dual degrees:
    • Up to 12 months for those entering the second or third year of their doctorate
    • Up to 18 months for those entering the first or second year of their doctorate

Program Benefits

• Monthly allowance
  • Master’s: €1,181 per month
  • PhD: €1,800 per month
• International round‑trip travel (from your home country to France)
• Health insurance
• Cultural activities
• Assistance with housing search or accommodation

Note: Tuition fees are not covered

Areas of Study

The two main disciplinary fields for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarships cover the following seven areas of study for the Master's and Doctorate elements:

For Science and Technology

• Biology and Health

• Ecological Transition

• Mathematics and Digital

• Engineering Sciences

For Humanities and Social Sciences

• History, French language and civilization

• Law and political science

• Economics and management

Required Documents

• Completed application form (provided by the French institution)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — detailing your academic background, work experience, and skills
• Motivation letter — explaining why you want to study in France, your career goals, and why you chose the specific program and institution
• Academic transcripts and diplomas — official records of your previous studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s degrees, etc.)
• Proof of admission or pre-admission to the French institution (sometimes conditional admission letter)
• Two letters of recommendation — from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic ability and potential
• Research proposal or study plan (especially for PhD applicants)
• Copy of your valid passport or ID
• Language proficiency proof — if required by the institution or program (e.g., DELF/DALF for French, TOEFL/IELTS for English)
• Other documents as required by the specific French university or program (such as a copy of your CV, certificates, or publications)

Note: You don’t send these directly to Campus France; instead, you submit them to the French institution where you are applying, and they decide whom to nominate for the scholarship.

Application Process

First Step

• Contact Campus France in your country of origin or the French Embassy's Cooperation and Cultural Action Department, who can guide you and advise you on your study plans.

• To learn about the procedures and deadlines for submitting an application, contact the international relations department of a French institution via its website, by e-mail or by telephone.

• It's up to you to choose the school or university that best fits your plans for studying in France.

All French higher education institutions can submit applications.

Second Step

• The institution accepts and supports your application for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarship

• The institution submits your application online via the dedicated Campus France website

For more detailed information, please check out the Eiffel Program Rules.