France remains a leading destination for international students seeking respected university qualifications, advanced research facilities and access to an international professional network. For the 2027 academic year, overseas applicants can explore government-funded awards, university scholarships, doctoral research grants and financial assistance offered through French institutions. Studying abroad requires careful financial planning because tuition, accommodation and daily expenses can add up quickly. The overall cost may become expensive without proper preparation, but a suitable scholarship can reduce the burden and make a French education more accessible. The important step is choosing a funding programme that matches your degree level, academic record and nationality.
What Are France Government Scholarships 2027?
French government scholarships are financial awards designed to attract talented international students, support academic cooperation and strengthen research partnerships. Some are administered through the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, while others are offered through French embassies, universities and public research organisations.
One of the best-known programmes is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship. It supports selected international students at master’s and doctoral levels in priority academic fields. However, it is not a general scholarship for every degree or every applicant. Bachelor’s students should explore other funding routes, including university awards, embassy programmes and specific international education initiatives.
1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is a major funding programme established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Its purpose is to help French higher education institutions attract outstanding international candidates who may become future leaders in government, business, research and other professional sectors.
The 2027 application campaign is open. French institutions must submit nominated applications to Campus France by January 6, 2027. Results are expected from the week of April 12, 2027. Students cannot submit an Eiffel application directly to Campus France; a participating French institution must select and nominate them.
Eligible Study Fields
The programme covers seven priority areas across two broad academic groups:
- Science and Technology: Biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital sciences, and engineering sciences.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: History, French language and civilisation, law and political science, and economics and management.
Scholarship Benefits
From January 2026, the published monthly allowance is €1,200 for master’s recipients and €2,100 for doctoral recipients. The programme also provides specified services relating to international and national transportation, insurance, accommodation searches and cultural activities.
One important point deserves attention: the Eiffel programme itself does not pay university tuition fees. Applicants should confirm whether the institution will provide a tuition exemption or whether another arrangement applies to their selected course. The monthly allowance is valuable support, but it should not be mistaken for an automatic full tuition package.
2. France Excellence Eiffel for Master’s Students
International candidates applying for a master’s degree can compete for Eiffel funding through an eligible French institution. The programme is intended for high-achieving students whose academic background and professional ambitions fit the priority fields.
For the 2027 campaign, master’s applicants must generally be no older than 29 at the time specified in the official regulations. The precise birth-date rule should be checked in the current programme documents. Applicants should also confirm that their chosen master’s programme is eligible and that the university is willing to support their nomination.
The award duration depends on the stage of study. The published framework allows up to 12 months for an M2 programme, up to 24 months for an M1 programme and up to 36 months for an eligible engineering course.
3. France Excellence Eiffel for PhD Students
Doctoral candidates can explore the Eiffel programme if they have a suitable research project and institutional support. The doctoral component is intended for international researchers working in one of the programme’s approved fields.
Applicants are generally required to be no older than 35 under the 2027 rules. A French university or research institution must support and submit the application. Candidates should identify a suitable academic supervisor, discuss their research objectives and establish whether the institution can nominate them.
Doctoral funding can be particularly valuable for students working in engineering, public health, digital technology, environmental research, economics or political science. The published monthly allowance is €2,100, and the scholarship period can range from 12 to 36 months under the programme rules.
4. French Embassy Scholarships
French embassies offer or coordinate several scholarship opportunities for international students. These programmes can differ according to the applicant’s country, academic level and the cooperation arrangements between France and the relevant government.
Some awards support master’s education, doctoral research, specialist training or academic exchange. Selection may consider previous grades, professional experience, the importance of the proposed study and the applicant’s future plans.
Students should investigate the scholarship opportunities announced for their country of residence. There is no single embassy scholarship deadline or benefit package that applies worldwide.
5. University Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
French universities and higher education institutions may provide their own financial awards to attract international talent. These opportunities can include merit-based grants, tuition reductions, research support and assistance for students facing financial difficulties.
Some institutions consider applicants automatically during admission, while others require a separate funding application. The conditions may depend on the degree, academic results, nationality and available institutional budget.
Students should research institutions such as Université Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po, Université de Lyon, Université Grenoble Alpes and other universities offering programmes in their chosen field. The availability of funding must be confirmed directly through each institution’s published scholarship information.
6. Scholarships and Funding for Bachelor’s Students
Students seeking an undergraduate degree in France should understand that the Eiffel Scholarship is not a general bachelor’s funding programme. They can instead investigate university-specific awards, regional assistance, embassy opportunities and other international education schemes.
Some funding programmes are restricted to particular nationalities or students with a specific educational background. For example, France Excellence Major is designed for outstanding foreign students who have completed secondary education in French schools abroad; it is not a universal scholarship for all international bachelor’s applicants.
Undergraduate candidates should compare the admission requirements, language of instruction, tuition arrangements and financial support available at their chosen institutions before applying.
Estimated Study Expenses in France
The amount required to study in France depends on the city, university and accommodation arrangement. Public institutions and private schools can have very different fee structures. The following figures are broad planning estimates in US dollars, not official fee quotations.
| Expense Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Public university tuition per year | $200–$4,500 |
| Private institution tuition per year | $4,000–$18,000 |
| Shared accommodation per month | $350–$850 |
| Food and groceries per month | $200–$350 |
| Local transportation per month | $25–$85 |
| Books and study materials per year | $150–$450 |
| Initial travel and settlement allowance | $500–$1,300 |
Actual tuition can differ according to the institution, programme and applicable fee exemptions. Paris and other major cities may require a higher accommodation budget than smaller university towns. Applicants should also check whether their scholarship includes housing or whether they must arrange it independently.
What Financial Support Can Students Receive?
Scholarship benefits vary considerably. Some awards provide a monthly allowance, while others focus on tuition reductions, accommodation or research expenses. The figures below are illustrative planning ranges, not guaranteed benefits from the French government.
| Possible Funding Support | Illustrative Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Monthly living allowance | $1,300–$2,300 |
| Tuition-fee assistance | Up to the eligible tuition amount |
| Accommodation contribution | $2,000–$5,000 per year |
| Health insurance support | According to programme conditions |
| International travel assistance | Varies by scholarship |
| Research funding | $500–$2,500 |
| Academic materials allowance | $150–$500 |
| Additional university grant | $500–$4,000 |
These benefits should not be combined into one assumed award. A programme may provide a monthly stipend without paying tuition, while a university grant may reduce fees but offer no living allowance. Read the official funding conditions before preparing your financial plan.
Eligibility Requirements for International Applicants
Each scholarship has its own selection criteria, but applicants should generally be ready to demonstrate the following:
- Foreign nationality and compliance with the programme’s nationality rules.
- Academic qualifications appropriate for the selected degree.
- A strong academic record and relevant achievements.
- Age eligibility where the scholarship sets an age limit.
- Language proficiency required by the chosen course.
- A clear academic or research objective.
- Institutional nomination where the programme requires it.
For Eiffel applications, the French institution plays a central role. A student should not assume that meeting the age and academic conditions is enough to secure a nomination.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare their academic records well before the institution’s internal deadline. Depending on the programme, the required documents may include:
- Valid passport or identity document.
- Academic certificates and official transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Statement of academic and professional objectives.
- Research proposal for doctoral applications.
- Recommendation letters, if requested.
- Language proficiency evidence where required.
- Proof of relevant academic or professional experience.
Universities may request additional documents or their own application forms. Follow the institution’s checklist rather than submitting an incomplete file based on a general online list.
How to Apply for France Government Scholarships 2027
- Choose your study level: Decide whether you are seeking a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programme.
- Find an eligible institution: Identify a French university offering a suitable course in your academic field.
- Check the scholarship rules: Review nationality, age, degree level and subject requirements.
- Prepare your academic profile: Organise transcripts, certificates, CV and other required records.
- Approach the institution’s scholarship process: For Eiffel, follow the university’s own nomination procedure and internal deadline.
- Complete the required application: The French institution submits an eligible Eiffel application to Campus France.
- Monitor the result: Follow official announcements and respond to any requests from the institution.
- Prepare for enrolment and visa formalities: Follow the instructions issued by the university and the relevant French authorities.
Important Dates for the 2027 Eiffel Campaign
The France Excellence Eiffel 2027 campaign opened in October 2026. The deadline for French higher education institutions to submit applications to Campus France is January 6, 2027. Results are expected from the week of April 12, 2027.
These are the central programme dates, not necessarily the deadline for students. Universities can set earlier internal selection dates. Applicants should therefore contact their chosen institution’s published admissions or scholarship department information and check its timetable before preparing the final application.
Final Thoughts
France Government Scholarships 2027 offer valuable opportunities for international students, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels through the France Excellence Eiffel programme. Bachelor’s applicants can investigate university awards, embassy funding and other schemes designed for their academic background. The strongest approach is to select an eligible institution, prepare a convincing academic profile and respect the internal application timetable. Understanding the actual cost of living and tuition before departure can prevent an expensive surprise and help students make a confident, financially realistic decision about studying in France.