France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme

Overview

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is the French government's flagship programme for attracting top international students to master's and PhD studies in France. It is run by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France. The scheme helps French higher education institutions recruit the best foreign students, particularly in priority fields tied to France's diplomatic and economic interests.

A defining feature of the Eiffel is that you do not apply directly. The French host institution that admits you submits your Eiffel application on your behalf, which means your first step is to secure admission and ask the school to put you forward. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence and the strength of your profile.

The award pays a monthly living allowance, EUR 1,200 at master's level and EUR 2,100 at doctoral level, and directly funds services such as international transport, social security and insurance, and help with finding housing. Tuition fees are not covered, which is usually a minor issue because public French institutions already charge modest fees.

Key Facts at a Glance

Item	Detail
Funding Body	French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Campus France)
Host Country	France
Degree Levels	Master's and PhD
Value	EUR 1,200/month (Master's) or EUR 2,100/month (PhD), plus transport, insurance and housing-search support; tuition not covered
Deadline	Campus France deadline 8 January 2026; institutions set earlier internal deadlines (often November)
Eligible Nationalities	All nationalities except France (no dual French nationality)
Official Website	campusfrance.org

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You can be a national of any country except France. Candidates with dual nationality, one of which is French, are not eligible. Preference is generally given to candidates from emerging and developing countries at master's level, while the doctoral level is open more broadly.

Age Requirements

Master's candidates must be no more than 29 years old at the date of the selection committee. Doctoral candidates must be no more than 35 years old.

Academic Requirements

You need an excellent academic record. Master's candidates cannot already be studying in France at the time of application. Selection rewards strong grades, a clear project, and a profile that fits the priority fields.

Other Requirements

You cannot already hold a French government scholarship. Applications are submitted by the host institution, not by you directly, so you must be applying to or admitted by a participating French school.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A monthly allowance of EUR 1,200 for master's students or EUR 2,100 for doctoral students.
• Direct payment of international transport (one return trip).
• Social security and insurance coverage.
• Assistance with finding housing.
• Some cultural activities may be supported depending on the institution.
• Tuition fees are not covered by the scholarship.

How to Apply

1. Choose a participating institution: Identify a French school offering your master's or PhD programme that takes part in the Eiffel scheme.
2. Apply for admission early: Submit your admission application well before the institution's internal Eiffel deadline, often in November.
3. Ask to be nominated: Request that the institution put your name forward for the Eiffel, since only it can submit your application to Campus France.
4. Prepare your file: Provide the school with your CV, motivation letter, references, and academic records for the Eiffel dossier.
5. Institution submits to Campus France: The school files your complete application by the Campus France deadline of 8 January 2026.
6. Await results: Campus France publishes results from late March, after the selection committee meets.

Required Documents

• Copy of passport or identity document
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Registration or enrolment certificate if you are currently studying
• Detailed CV
• Motivation letter or professional project (one to two pages, in French or English)
• Up to three letters of recommendation
• Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction
• Any programme-specific documents requested by the host institution

Key Dates & Deadlines

Stage	Timing (2026 round)
Call opens	Around 1 October 2025
Institution internal deadlines	Often November 2025
Campus France deadline	8 January 2026
Results published	From 30 March 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Contact your target institution early and confirm its internal Eiffel deadline, which is weeks before the Campus France date.
• Write a focused motivation letter that links your project to the school's strengths and the programme's priority field.
• Secure strong, specific reference letters from academics or employers who know your work.
• Highlight academic distinctions, since selection is driven by excellence.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying to apply directly to Campus France; only the institution can submit your file.
• Missing the institution's earlier internal deadline while focusing on the January date.
• Being over the age limit (29 for master's, 35 for PhD) at the selection committee.
• Applying for master's funding while already studying in France, which makes you ineligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?

It is the French government's flagship scholarship, run through Campus France, that funds top international students in master's and PhD programmes at French institutions.

How much does the Eiffel Scholarship pay?

A monthly allowance of EUR 1,200 for master's students and EUR 2,100 for doctoral students, plus transport, insurance, and housing-search support. Tuition is not covered.

What is the deadline for the Eiffel Scholarship?

For the 2026 round, the Campus France deadline is 8 January 2026, but host institutions set earlier internal deadlines, often in November, so you must act before those.

Who is eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship?

Nationals of any country except France, with an excellent academic record, within the age limits of 29 for master's and 35 for PhD, and not already holding a French government scholarship.

Can I apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship?

No. The French host institution that admits you submits the application on your behalf, so you must ask the school to nominate you.

Does the Eiffel Scholarship cover tuition fees?

No. Tuition is not covered. The award funds living costs, transport, insurance, and housing support instead.

Is the Eiffel Scholarship fully funded?

It is generously funded for living costs and key services but does not cover tuition, so it is best described as a substantial living-cost award rather than a full tuition scholarship.

What is the age limit for the Eiffel Scholarship?

Master's candidates must be no more than 29 and doctoral candidates no more than 35 at the date of the selection committee.

Can I hold the Eiffel Scholarship with another French government scholarship?

No. Candidates already holding a French government scholarship are not eligible for the Eiffel.

When are Eiffel Scholarship results announced?

Campus France publishes results from late March, with the 2026 round results from 30 March 2026.