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One of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities of international students, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 in France. The program, funded by French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims at admitting exceptional students globally to study Master and PhD programs in the leading Universities in France.
The scholarship will cover a monthly allowance, airfare, health insurance, accommodation and cultural assistance, thus it is one of the most brilliant opportunities to study in France at full financial aid.
Key Highlights:
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | France |
| Participating Universities | French higher education institutions |
| Degree Level | Master’s, PhD |
| Coverage | Fully Funded (stipend, travel, insurance, housing, cultural support) |
| Eligibility | International students (non-French nationals) |
| Application Method | Nomination Only(Submitted by your chosen French University) |
| University Deadline | Oct – Early Dec 2025 (Varies by institution—must be confirmed by you!) |
| Campus France Deadline | January 8, 2026 |
Program Objectives:
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 was designed to assist French universities in recruiting the most skilled foreign talents and educating future leaders in the world on priority academic areas. It particularly focuses on international students who would like to establish successful academic, research and professional careers in France and become a part of the innovation and the international collaboration.
Fields of Study:
The program covers two main academic areas:
1. Science & Technology
- Biology & Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics & Digital
- Engineering Sciences
2. Humanities & Social Sciences
- History, French Language & Civilization
- Law & Political Science
- Economics & Management
Study Duration:
| Level | Maximum Duration |
| Master 2 (Final Year) | 12 months |
| Master 1 (Two-Year Program) | 24 months |
| Engineering Degree | Up to 36 months (depending on entry year) |
| PhD (Doctorate) | Up to 36 months (depending on the research agreement) |
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend: €1,200 (Master’s) / €2,100 (PhD)
- International Travel: Round-trip airfare to your country of origin to France.
- Domestic Travel: Train or bus within France.
- Housing Support: Access to student housing or assistance in finding accommodation.
- Health Insurance: Full medical insurance to the enrollment in the French system as well as free supplementary insurance.
- Cultural Activities: Campus France holds tours, trips and cultural events of scholarship holders.
- Tuition fee waivers (covered by the host university)
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Eiffel Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be an international student (non-French nationals)
- Be under 25 years old for Master’s or under 30 years old for PhD
- Apply through a French university (direct applications are not accepted)
- Demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential
- Not already hold another French government-funded scholarship
Required Documents:
When applying through a French institution, students must prepare:
- Application form (provided by the university)
- Valid passport/ID copy
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Proof of English or French proficiency
- Recommendation letters (if required)
Application Process:
- Choose a French university that participates in the Eiffel Program.
- Submit your application with all documents to the university.
- University nominates candidates to Campus France.
- Campus France evaluates and selects final recipients.
- Results announced by Campus France.
Deadlines:
How to Apply:
Step 1: Contact a French University
- To start with, select the French university or school that best fits your study objectives.
- Contact the International Relations Department of that institution via their web site, mail or phone.
- You can also contact Campus France in your country or the French Embassy’s education office for guidance.
- Remember: students cannot apply directly. Only French universities can submit your application.
Step 2: University Submits Your Application
- Once the university agrees to support you, they will prepare your application for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship.
- The university will then submit your application online through the official Campus France portal on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
| 1. Can I apply directly to the Eiffel Scholarship? |
| No, applications should be done by a French university. |
| 2. Does the scholarship cover tuition fees? |
| Yes, the host university usually pays tuition, particularly in a public university. |
| 3. Is French language proficiency required? |
| Not always. Most programs are provided in English, and there must be evidence of English or French speaking. |
| 4. What is the age limit? |
| The minimum age of the applicants must be 27 to Master and 32 to PhD at the time of admission. |
| 5. Can students already studying in France apply? |
| For Master’s level, no. In PhD, some students can apply by condition of the program. |
| 6. When will results be announced? |
| Results will be published in April 2026. |