Are you an ambitious international student looking to pursue a Master's or PhD degree in Europe? The highly prestigious France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is your opportunity to study at a top French institution with generous financial support from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This scholarship is designed to cultivate the future foreign decision-makers of both the public and private sectors in priority fields of study.

Fully-Funded Benefits 

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is not a full-fee waiver, but a comprehensive financial package that covers your living and travel costs. Please note that the program does not cover tuition fees, but French public universities often charge significantly lower tuition for scholarship recipients.

The benefits package includes:

• Monthly Stipend (Master's): A generous allowance of €1,200 (as of Jan 2026).

• Monthly Stipend (PhD): A substantial stipend of €2,100 (as of Jan 2026).

• Travel Coverage: International round-trip transportation and domestic travel within France (e.g., train travel).

• Insurance: Health insurance and complementary coverage.

• Support Services: Assistance with finding accommodation and access to various cultural activities.

Priority Fields of Study

The scholarship specifically targets two major disciplinary fields, encompassing seven areas crucial to France’s strategic development:

1. Science and Technology

• Biology and Health

• Ecological Transition

• Mathematics and Digital Sciences

• Engineering Sciences

2. Humanities and Social Sciences

• History, French Language and Civilization

• Law and Political Science

• Economics and Management

Crucial Application Procedure 

Unlike most scholarships, you cannot apply directly to the Eiffel program.

1. Institutional Nomination is Mandatory: Only French higher education institutions are authorized to submit a candidate's file to Campus France.

2. Your First Step: You must first contact the French university or school of your choice (specifically their International Relations Department or the program coordinator) and apply to their Master's or PhD program.

3. The Nomination: If the institution deems your profile exceptional, they will accept your application and choose to nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship through the dedicated online platform.

4. Start Early: Given the institutional deadline for submission, you must begin your contact with French schools very early, often months before the final Eiffel application deadline.

2026 Campaign Timeline

The following dates are for the 2026 academic year campaign:

• Call for Applications Opens: October 1, 2025

• Deadline for Applications (Institutional Submission to Campus France): January 8, 2026

• Publication of Results: From March 30, 2026

If you meet the age and academic criteria and your field of study is prioritized, start reaching out to French institutions immediately to secure a nomination!