France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2027 | Masters & PhD

The France Excellence Eiffel scholarship program is accepting applications until January 6, 2027.

Application Deadline:

• Institutional Application Deadline to Campus France: 6 January 2027 (inclusive)
• Student Deadline: Varies by participating French institution (typically between October and November 2026, as students must be nominated directly by the university).

Tell Me About The Program:

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program (2027 Session) is a prestigious flagship initiative developed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered by Campus France. Designed to enable French higher education institutions to attract the best international students to Master’s, Engineering, and Doctoral degree programs, the scheme aims to train future foreign decision-makers in public and private sectors across key strategic fields of study.

Students cannot apply directly to Campus France; instead, applications must be submitted on behalf of top-tier international candidates by eligible French higher education institutions.

Which Fields are Eligible?

The program covers seven priority academic fields across two main discipline tracks:

Science and Technology:

• Biology and Health
• Ecological Transition
• Mathematics and Digital Sciences
• Engineering Sciences

Social Sciences and Humanities:

• History, French Language, and Civilization
• Law and Political Science
• Economics and Management

Type:

Government-Funded Master’s & PhD Academic Mobility Scholarship / Excellence Residency

Who can Apply?

• Nationality: Open strictly to foreign nationals (candidates with dual French citizenship are ineligible).
• Age Limit:
  • Master’s Level: Up to 29 years old maximum at the time of evaluation.
  • Doctoral Level: Up to 35 years old maximum at the time of evaluation.
• Nomination: Must be formally accepted and nominated by a participating French higher education institution.
• Academic Standing: Must present outstanding academic records, top class rankings, and clear alignment with priority study fields.
• Exclusions: Candidates currently holding or applying for other French government scholarship schemes are ineligible. Previous rejections at the Master’s level permanently disqualify re-application at that same level.

How are Applicants Selected:

Applications are evaluated by independent expert committees appointed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Files are scored based on:

1. Candidate academic excellence and career track record.
2. International strategy and priority alignment of the nominating institution.
3. Quality and originality of the proposed research/study project.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Global (open to all foreign citizens outside France).

Where will the Program be Taken?

Participating public and private higher education institutions and universities across France.

How Many Fellows:

Approximately 470 awards granted annually (~400 Master’s and ~70 PhD).

What is the Benefit of the Program:

• Monthly Allowance:
  • Master’s Level: €1,200 per month.
  • Doctoral Level: €2,000 – €2,100 per month.
• International Travel: Covered round-trip economy class flight from home country to France.
• Domestic Travel: Reimbursement/tickets for train/bus transit within France to the university location.
• Insurance & Healthcare: Full coverage under social security / health insurance, plus supplementary health coverage (mutuelle).
• Housing & Cultural Support: Assistance with accommodation searches/reservations and access to subsidized cultural and sports activities.
• Tuition Exemption: While the scholarship does not pay tuition fees directly, recipients enrolled in national degree programs at public institutions under the relevant ministry receive an exemption from university registration fees.

How Long Will it Last:

• Master’s Level:
  • Up to 12 months for Master 2 (M2) entry.
  • Up to 24 months for Master 1 (M1) entry.
  • Up to 36 months for an Engineering degree.
• Doctoral Level:
  • Up to 36 months for full first-year doctoral newcomers.
  • 12 to 18 months for joint-supervision or co-tutelle doctoral mobility arrangements.

How to Apply:

1. Contact the international office or program coordinator of a French higher education institution offering an eligible Master’s or PhD program.
2. Apply for admission to the chosen academic program at the institution.
3. Request that the university nominate you for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship.
4. Prepare required academic documentation (CV, cover letter, transcripts, research proposal, language tests) and submit them to the university before their internal deadline.
5. The French institution submits selected application files directly to Campus France before 6 January 2027.

Visit the Application Webpage for Details