Top 5 French Scholarships for International Students 2025

Top 5 French Scholarships for International Students 2025

France continues to be a premier destination for international students seeking world-class education and cultural immersion. With over 350,000 international students currently enrolled in French institutions, the country offers numerous prestigious scholarships specifically designed for non-EU students. These top 5 French scholarships for international students in 2025 provide comprehensive funding opportunities ranging from €10,000 to €21,780 annually.

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program 2025

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, represents the pinnacle of French government funding for international students.

Financial Coverage and Benefits

Master’s Level: €1,181 per month (€14,172 annually)
PhD Level: €1,800 per month (€21,600 annually)

Additional Benefits Include:

• Round-trip international airfare from home country to France
• Health insurance coverage
• Housing allowance or CROUS accommodation
• National transportation support
• Cultural activities funding
• Accommodation search assistance

Eligibility Requirements

For Master’s Programs:

• Maximum age: 27 years (born after March 31, 1997 for 2025 cycle)
• Non-French nationality (dual French nationals excluded)
• Cannot be currently studying in France
• All nationalities eligible except French citizens

Application Deadline: January 8, 2026 (next cycle opens October 2025 for 2026 entry)

Important Note: Students cannot apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship. Applications must be submitted by French higher education institutions on behalf of admitted students.

2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po) 2025

Named after the founder of Sciences Po (1871), the Émile Boutmy Scholarship welcomes exceptional international students from outside the European Union to one of France’s most prestigious institutions.

Funding Amounts

Bachelor’s Programs:
• €14,720 per year (full tuition coverage)
• €9,500 per year (partial tuition coverage)
• €6,500 per year (basic tuition support)

Master’s Programs: €13,100 per year for both years

Eligibility Criteria

• First-time applicants to Sciences Po
• Non-European Union nationality
• Household does not file taxes within the European Union
• Must be admitted to undergraduate or Master’s program at Sciences Po
• Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential

Application Deadlines 2025:
• Undergraduate (foreign secondary schools): March 4, 2025
• Undergraduate (French secondary schools): June 9, 2025
• Master’s programs: December 1, 2025

3. ENS International Selection Scholarship 2025

The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection Scholarship offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages available to international students in France.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Monthly Stipend: €1,000 for 3 years
Total Value: €36,000 over full program duration
Additional Benefits: Free accommodation + No tuition fees

Program Structure

Available Positions:

• 10 positions in Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science)
• 10 positions in Arts & Humanities (Literature, Philosophy, History, Geography, Social Sciences)

Strict Eligibility Requirements

• Age Limit: Under 26 years as of December 1, 2025
• Residency Restriction: Must not have lived in France for more than 10 months during the selection year or previous year
• Academic Background: At least one year of undergraduate studies at a foreign university completed before applying

Application Deadline: December 12, 2025 (23:59 Paris time)

4. France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Program 2025

The France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Program represents the French government’s dedicated initiative to strengthen educational ties with India, offering targeted support for Indian students.

Program Categories

• Charpak Bachelor: Undergraduate level, 3 years, Partial tuition + living allowance
• Charpak Master: Postgraduate level, 1-2 years, Full/partial tuition + stipend
• Charpak Exchange: Semester abroad, 4-6 months, Travel + accommodation support
• Charpak Summer Training: Short-term programs, 2-3 months, Program fees + basic expenses

Eligibility for Indian Students

• Indian nationality and residency
• Admission to participating French institutions
• Strong academic record (minimum 70% or equivalent)
• English/French language proficiency
• Demonstrated financial need (for need-based categories)

Application Timeline: Varies by sub-program (typically November-March for fall intake)

5. Université Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship 2025

The Université Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship targets high-achieving international students pursuing research-intensive Master’s programs at one of France’s leading research universities.

Financial Support Package

Annual Scholarship: €10,000 per year
Travel/Visa Support: Up to €1,000 (depending on country of origin)
Total Potential Value: €21,000 for 2-year Master’s program

Target Programs and Fields

• Life Sciences and Health
• Physical Sciences and Engineering
• Mathematics and Information Sciences
• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Economics and Management
• Humanities and Social Sciences

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-EU/EEA nationality
• Admission to eligible Master’s program at Université Paris-Saclay
• Excellent academic record (minimum equivalent to French “mention bien”)
• Strong research motivation and clear academic project
• English or French language proficiency

Application Deadline: Typically April-May for September intake (check specific program dates)

Application Strategy for French Scholarships 2025

Phase 1: Research and Preparation (6-12 months before deadline)

1. Identify Target Programs: Research universities and specific programs aligned with your academic goals
2. Language Preparation: Achieve required French (DELF/DALF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) proficiency levels
3. Document Preparation: Gather academic transcripts, diplomas, and official translations
4. Financial Documentation: Prepare proof of financial need if required for need-based scholarships

Phase 2: Application Submission (3-6 months before deadline)

1. University Applications: Submit applications to target French institutions first
2. Scholarship Applications: Complete scholarship applications through proper channels (university or Campus France)
3. Supporting Documents: Submit letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and research proposals
4. Follow-up: Confirm receipt of all application materials

Phase 3: Selection and Preparation (Post-application)

1. Interview Preparation: Prepare for potential scholarship interviews or selection rounds
2. Visa Processing: Begin student visa application process upon scholarship award
3. Pre-departure Planning: Attend orientation sessions and arrange accommodation
4. Academic Preparation: Review prerequisite knowledge for your chosen program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2025?

Applications for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship must be submitted by French higher education institutions between October 1st, 2025, and January 8th, 2025. Students cannot apply directly and must first secure admission to a participating French university.

How much funding does the Eiffel Scholarship provide?

The Eiffel Scholarship provides €1,181 per month for Master’s students (€14,172 annually) and €1,800 per month for PhD students (€21,600 annually). Additional benefits include round-trip airfare, health insurance, housing allowance, and cultural activities support.

Can EU students apply for French scholarships?

Most prestigious French scholarships like Eiffel Excellence and Émile Boutmy are specifically designed for non-EU students. EU students should explore Erasmus+ programs, university-specific scholarships, and regional funding opportunities instead.

What is the age limit for French government scholarships?

Age limits vary by program: Eiffel Scholarship requires applicants to be under 27 years for Master’s and under 32 for PhD; ENS International Selection requires candidates to be under 26; Émile Boutmy has no specific age limit but targets recent graduates.

Additional Resources

• Campus France Official Website – Central resource for studying in France
• French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – Official government information
• French Ministry of Higher Education and Research – Academic program oversight