French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 | Study in France

Apply for the fully funded French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026. Study Master’s or PhD in France with stipend, housing, and airfare covered.

Overview of French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students aiming to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in France. Sponsored by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed through participating universities, this scholarship provides financial coverage for tuition, living expenses, housing, cultural activities, and for PhD students, international airfare.

Designed for high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship enables recipients to study at top French institutions like Sorbonne University, Paris Saclay University, and other leading universities across France. This program promotes France as a global destination for world-class higher education.

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Details of the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

• Country: France

• Participating Universities: Sorbonne University, Paris Saclay University, Grenoble INP, Sciences Po, University of Bordeaux, and other French universities

• Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD

• Duration:

  • Master’s: 12–36 months

  • PhD: Up to 36 months

• Financial Coverage: Fully funded opportunity including stipend, housing, cultural activities, and airfare for PhD students

• Application Deadline: Applications open October 2025; final deadline early 2026

The program is highly competitive, so early preparation is essential.

Eligibility for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026

Master’s Level

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Maximum age: 30 years

• Proof of English or French proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or university-specific requirements)

• Must apply to a Master’s program in France through a recognized university

PhD Level

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent

• Maximum age: 35 years

• Submission of a research proposal aligned with the host university

• Proof of language proficiency in English or French

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Application Requirements

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare:

• Valid passport

• Recent passport-size photographs

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s/Master’s)

• CV/Resume

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Research proposal (PhD applicants)

• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Letters of Recommendation

Language Requirements for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is primarily offered in French and English, depending on the university and program. Each program specifies the language of instruction, and applicants must demonstrate proficiency in that language.

1. IELTS Requirements (English-Taught Programs)

• Most Master’s and PhD programs taught in English require: IELTS Academic score: Minimum 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, Some competitive programs may ask for 7.0 overall

• TOEFL iBT can be accepted as an alternative: Minimum score: 90–100 depending on the university

• Certificates must be valid at the time of application (usually within the last 2 years)

2. French Language Requirements (French-Taught Programs)

• Programs taught in French require proficiency in French:

  • DELF B2 or equivalent is generally expected

  • Some universities may accept DALF C1 for advanced programs

  • Language test may be waived if your previous degree was taught in French

3. Alternative Proof of Proficiency

Applicants may be exempted from IELTS/TOEFL if:

• Your previous degree was fully taught in English or French

• You submit an official language certificate/letter from your home university confirming instruction in the required language

• Some universities accept Cambridge English certificates or Duolingo English Test scores

Many countries now offer international scholarships without IELTS, especially for programs in Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Malaysia, Finland, and some UK institutions. These opportunities help expand access to fully funded education without language test prerequisites in Europe and worldwide as well.

Supervisor Requirement:

• A formal supervisor is generally not required for Master’s programs

• PhD applicants must secure a host supervisor at the French university

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How to Apply for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026

• Choose Your Program: Select a participating French university.

• Prepare Documents: Gather all required academic and supporting documents.

• Apply Through University: Submit your application via the French institution.

• University Nomination: The university nominates top candidates.

• Final Selection: The French Ministry evaluates nominees and awards scholarships.

Funding and Benefits of Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026

Financial Benefits for Master’s Students

• Monthly stipend: €1,031

• Additional grant: €150 per month

• Housing allowance

• Cultural activities support

Financial Benefits for PhD Students

• Monthly stipend: €1,400

• Round‑trip international airfare

• Accommodation allowance

• Cultural and networking events funded

This excellent support positions Eiffel Excellence as a leading fully funded scholarship France for international postgraduate students.

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Duration of the Scholarship

• Master’s programs: 12–36 months

• PhD programs: Up to 36 months

• Duration depends on the selected French institution and program

Available Tracks and Study Fields

The scholarship supports a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Engineering and Applied Sciences

• Social Sciences

• International Relations

• Economics and Management

• Law and Political Science

• Environmental Studies

• Arts and Humanities

Study fields offered under the French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 for both Master’s and PhD programs, organized by broad categories and specific areas:

1. Engineering and Applied Sciences

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Computer Science & Information Technology

• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Engineering

• Materials Science and Nanotechnology

2. Natural Sciences

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology and Life Sciences

• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

• Environmental Sciences

• Climate and Sustainability Studies

3. Social Sciences

• Political Science

• International Relations and Diplomacy

• Sociology and Anthropology

• Economics and Development Studies

• Public Policy and Administration

• Urban and Regional Planning

4. Business and Management

• Business Administration (MBA alternatives)

• Finance and Accounting

• International Trade and Economics

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Project and Program Management

5. Law and Human Rights

• Public Law

• International Law

• Human Rights and Governance

• Legal Studies and Policy Development

6. Arts and Humanities

• History and Cultural Studies

• Literature and Languages

• Philosophy and Ethics

• Performing Arts and Fine Arts

7. Health and Life Sciences

• Public Health Policy and Management

• Biotechnology

• Agricultural and Rural Development

• Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

8. Technology and Innovation

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

• Cybersecurity

• Robotics and Automation

• Smart Cities and Urban Innovation

Applicants must select programs that align with their degree level (Master’s or PhD) and career goals. Some programs may have specific research tracks requiring a supervisor or advisor for PhD candidates.

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Eiffel Scholarship Universities List

Below are the universities that participate in the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 across France. These are the official host institutions where you can pursue Master’s or PhD programs under the scholarship:

Top Participating French Universities

• Sorbonne University (Université de Paris) – Paris

• Paris Saclay University – Paris region

• Sciences Po (Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris) – Paris

• Grenoble INP (Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble) – Grenoble

• University of Bordeaux (Université de Bordeaux) – Bordeaux

• Aix-Marseille University (Université Aix-Marseille) – Marseille

• University of Lyon (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 & ENS Lyon) – Lyon

• University of Strasbourg (Université de Strasbourg) – Strasbourg

• University of Toulouse (Université Toulouse Capitole & Toulouse INP) – Toulouse

• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) – Lyon

• University of Lille (Université de Lille) – Lille

• University of Montpellier (Université de Montpellier) – Montpellier

• University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) – Grenoble

• Université de Lorraine – Nancy

• Université de Nantes – Nantes

These universities cover a wide range of fields including engineering, social sciences, law, economics, management, environmental studies, public policy, urban planning, and arts & humanities.

Note: Each university may have specific eligibility and program tracks, so applicants must check the official campus France portal or the respective university pages before applying.

Must Apply: University of Paris Saclay Scholarship

Secure Eiffel Scholarship to Start Your Career in France

Students can pursue specialized programs aligned with their academic and career goals. The French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime, fully funded opportunity for ambitious international students. With generous stipends, housing support, cultural funding, and airfare for PhD scholars, recipients can focus entirely on academic and research excellence.

If you are determined to study in top French universities and advance your career globally, apply now, don’t miss this opportunity, and start your journey today. Prepare early, meet eligibility requirements, and submit your application as soon as it opens.