The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative developed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attract talented foreign students to pursue higher education in France. With the goal of training future decision-makers in both the public and private sectors, this scholarship offers opportunities at the Master's and Doctoral levels. By providing financial support, it enables international students to pursue advanced degrees in some of the most sought-after areas of study. This guide will provide comprehensive guidelines to the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program, including its objectives, areas of study, eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

Overview of the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is designed to promote French higher education and make it more accessible to top-tier international students. The program supports students who wish to study at the Master's or Doctoral level in France, focusing on specific areas of study that align with France's economic, political, and technological priorities.

Program Objectives

The primary goal of the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is to attract talented foreign students to French higher education institutions. The program aims to train future decision-makers and leaders in both the public and private sectors, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to address global challenges.

Key Objectives:

• Enhancing French Global Influence: The program aims to foster strong international relationships by supporting the education of future leaders from around the world.
• Fostering Innovation and Expertise: By providing scholarships in priority areas of study, the program encourages the development of expertise in fields that are crucial to global economic and social progress.
• Promoting France as a Leading Study Destination: The scholarship promotes France as a top destination for higher education by offering financial support to international students.

Areas of Study

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program focuses on two major disciplinary fields: Science and Technology and Humanities and Social Sciences. These broad categories encompass seven specific areas of study that are eligible for the scholarship.

Science and Technology:

• Biology and Health: This area focuses on the advancement of biological sciences and healthcare innovations, from genetics to medical technologies.
• Ecological Transition: With the global emphasis on sustainability, this area of study addresses environmental issues, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
• Mathematics and Digital: This field covers a range of topics, from pure mathematics to digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
• Engineering Sciences: This includes all engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, emphasizing innovation and technological advancement.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

• History, French Language, and Civilization: This area is dedicated to students interested in French history, culture, language, and literature.
• Law and Political Science: Scholarships in this field are aimed at students who wish to contribute to the development of legal and political systems both in France and their home countries.
• Economics and Management: This area is focused on students interested in business, finance, and management, helping them develop the skills needed to navigate the complexities of global economies.

Levels of Study

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program supports students at two levels of higher education: Master's and Doctoral (PhD) programs. French higher education institutions play a key role in the selection process, as they submit the applications on behalf of the students.

Master's Level:

• Master’s Degree Programs: The scholarship supports students enrolled in master’s degree programs in eligible fields of study.
• Engineering Programs: Students pursuing engineering degrees can also apply for the scholarship, provided they are enrolled in a French higher education institution.

Doctoral Level:

• Joint Doctoral Programs: The program supports students pursuing a Doctoral degree under joint supervision with a foreign partner institution. This dual degree or joint dissertation supervision allows for enhanced collaboration between international and French institutions.
• PhD Programs: Students enrolled in full Doctoral programs are also eligible for the scholarship, especially those whose research aligns with the priority areas identified by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Duration of the Scholarship

The duration of the scholarship depends on the level of study and the specific program in which the student is enrolled. The scholarship provides financial support for the following durations:

Master's Level:

• Maximum 12 Months for M2 (Second Year Master’s): Students enrolling in the second year of a master's program are eligible for a scholarship lasting up to 12 months.
• Maximum 24 Months for M1 (First Year Master’s): Students enrolling in the first year of a master's program can receive the scholarship for up to 24 months.
• Maximum 36 Months for Engineering Degrees: Engineering students can receive the scholarship for up to 36 months, depending on the length of their program.

Doctoral Level:

1. Maximum 6 to 36 Months: For students pursuing Doctoral programs, the scholarship can last from 6 to 36 months. The exact duration depends on the length of the student’s program and the specifics of their academic plan.

Benefits of the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship provides a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for international students. While the scholarship does not cover tuition fees, it offers significant financial support to cover living expenses and other essential costs.

Master’s Level:

• Monthly Allowance of €1,181: Master’s students receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses during their stay in France.
• Additional Services: The scholarship also includes international transportation (a round-trip ticket from the student’s home country to France), national transportation within France, health insurance, assistance with housing searches, and cultural activities.

Doctoral Level:

• Monthly Allowance of €1,800: Doctoral students receive a more substantial monthly stipend to support their living expenses.
• Additional Services: As with the master’s level, the scholarship covers international and national transportation, health insurance, housing assistance, and cultural activities.

Common Benefits for Both Levels:

• International Transportation: A round-trip ticket from the student's home country to France is covered.
• National Transportation: Travel costs within France related to academic activities are also included.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is provided to ensure students have access to medical care during their stay.
• Housing Assistance: The scholarship helps students find suitable housing, making their transition to life in France smoother.
• Cultural Activities: Students have access to a variety of cultural activities, enriching their overall experience in France.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These requirements ensure that the program selects students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

General Eligibility:

1. Nationality: The scholarship is open to international students who are not French citizens. Students with dual nationality (French and foreign) are not eligible.
2. Age Limit:
   • For Master’s level, applicants must be 25 years old or younger at the time of the application.
   • For Doctoral level, applicants must be 30 years old or younger.
3. Application Process: Students must apply through a French higher education institution, which will submit their application to Campus France on their behalf. Direct applications from students or foreign institutions are not accepted.
4. Fields of Study: Applicants must be enrolled in a program within the eligible fields of study mentioned above (Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences).
5. Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic records, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.

Application Process

The application process for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is competitive and involves several steps. Applicants are required to work closely with their chosen French higher education institution to ensure that their application is complete and submitted on time.

To learn more and apply, visit The France Excellence Eiffel scholarship program.

Step 1: Contact the Relevant Authorities

Applicants should first reach out to Campus France in their home country or the French Embassy’s Cooperation and Cultural Action Department. These organizations can provide guidance on study plans, available programs, and application procedures.

It is also essential to contact the international relations department of the French institution where the applicant intends to study. The institution will provide information on how to apply and will help prepare the necessary documents.

Step 2: Select a French Higher Education Institution

Applicants must choose a French university or school that aligns with their academic and career goals. All French higher education institutions can submit applications on behalf of the students, so it’s up to the applicant to choose the most suitable institution.

Step 3: Submission of the Application

Once the applicant has received the support of a French institution, the institution will submit the application online through the dedicated Campus France website.

Important Notes:

• Applications Submitted Directly by Students: Applications submitted directly by students, or by foreign institutions, will not be considered. Only French institutions can submit applications.
• Adherence to Deadlines: Each institution has its own internal deadline for submitting applications, so it is crucial to adhere to these dates to ensure timely submission.

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is a unique opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in one of the world's most prestigious academic environments. Offering financial support, cultural enrichment, and access to world-class education, the scholarship is an ideal pathway for future leaders in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.

With comprehensive benefits such as monthly stipends, international transportation, and housing assistance, students can focus on their academic pursuits without financial stress. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on leadership and innovation ensures that recipients are well-equipped to contribute to the global community and their home countries upon completion of their studies.

For international students aiming to study in France, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is a golden opportunity to gain invaluable education, cultural experiences, and professional networks that will shape their future careers and contributions to society.

Click here to visit the Official Application Website.