France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 | Fully Funded
- Omran Aburayya
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you are an ambitious student looking to study in France at one of the most prestigious universities, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 will soon open for applications. Designed and funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this program enables French higher education institutions to attract top international talent for Master’s and PhD studies. It prepares future global leaders in key fields while offering a comprehensive package of financial, academic, and cultural support.
Applications open on October 1, 2025, and close on January 8, 2026. Results will be announced in mid-April 2026. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: France
Host Institutions: Accredited French higher education institutions
Study Level: Master’s (M1, M2, Engineering degree) & PhD (Doctorate)
Target Group: International students of non-French nationality
Fields of Study:
Sciences & Technology: Biology & Health, Ecological Transition, Mathematics & Digital, Engineering Sciences
Humanities & Social Sciences: French History, Language & Civilization, Law & Political Science, Economics & Management
Value and Coverage: Fully funded (monthly stipend, travel, housing support, insurance, cultural activities)
Duration:
Master’s: 12–24 months (M1/M2) or 36 months (Engineering degree)
PhD: 12, 18, or 36 months (depending on year of enrollment)
Application Deadline: January 8, 2026 (institutional submission deadline to Campus France)
Start Date: September–November 2026 academic year
Eligible To: Foreign nationals under 28 (Master’s) or 33 (PhD)
📚 Scholarship Overview
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship was established to strengthen France’s global academic influence by training future leaders in strategic areas. It is not a direct application program—only French institutions submit applications on behalf of students. Each institution can nominate up to 40 candidates per domain.
🧩 Structure & Duration
Master’s Track:
12 months (M2), 24 months (M1), or 36 months (Engineering degree).
Optional two-month intensive French language course (stipend applies).
Doctorate Track:
36 months (for first-year doctoral students not already studying in France).
12–18 months (for students in 1st–3rd year PhD, with possibility to split into research stays of at least 6 months).
💰 Scholarship Benefits
Monthly Allowance: €1,181 (Master’s), €1,800 (PhD)
Travel Coverage: Round-trip international airfare + domestic transport reimbursement (airport/train transfers).
Accommodation: Either CROUS student housing or housing allowance.
Insurance: French social security + supplementary health insurance.
Cultural Benefits: Free access to leisure, cultural, and sporting activities; organized trips.
Other Perks: Administrative support and networking opportunities through Campus France.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must hold foreign nationality (dual nationals with French nationality are ineligible).
Age limits:
Master’s applicants: born after March 31, 1998 (under 28).
Doctoral applicants: born after March 31, 1993 (under 33).
Academic excellence demonstrated through transcripts, rankings, and references.
Language proficiency (French B2 for French-taught programs; English tests such as IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs).
Students already studying in France:
Master’s level: not eligible.
PhD level: eligible, but preference given to those applying from abroad.
Cannot have previously received an Eiffel Scholarship at the same level.
📝 Application Procedure
Unlike other scholarships, you cannot apply directly to Campus France. Instead, applications are submitted by French institutions.
Step 1: Choose Your Program & Institution
Research eligible programs at French universities (Master’s, Engineering, PhD).
Contact the international office or program coordinator to express your interest in being nominated for the Eiffel Scholarship.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Valid passport or identity card (copy).
Updated CV (max 2 pages, in French or English).
Academic transcripts & diplomas with rankings.
Proof of language proficiency (French/English certificates).
Professional/academic project statement (1–2 pages).
For PhD: a detailed thesis proposal (max 5 pages) + expert evaluation letter.
Training program calendar or thesis funding plan (provided by institution).
Step 3: Institutional Submission
Institutions pre-select candidates and complete the online application on the Campus France platform:
Deadline for institutions to submit: January 8, 2026.
Step 4: Results
Mid-April 2026: Selected students and their institutions will receive results via email.
Selected students receive an official award letter and support from their local French embassy for visa processing.
📂 Documents Required
For Master’s:
Copy of identity document (passport/ID).
CV (max 2 pages).
Academic transcripts & diplomas.
Language certificates (if applicable).
Motivation letter / professional project.
Program syllabus & training calendar.
(If applicable) Double-degree agreement.
For PhD:
Copy of identity document.
CV (max 2 pages).
Academic transcripts & diplomas.
Language certificates.
Research proposal (5 pages max).
Expert assessment (external professor’s letter + CV).
Doctoral project funding plan.
Co-supervision or co-tutelle agreement (if applicable).
📆 Key Dates for 2026 Session
Call Opens: October 1, 2025
Deadline for Institutions: January 8, 2026
Results Announced: Mid-April 2026
Scholarship Start: Between September 1 and November 30, 2026
🚀 Final Notes
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 is one of the most competitive and prestigious awards in Europe, aimed at nurturing global leaders across academia, research, and industry. Candidates should carefully prepare strong academic records, compelling research or professional projects, and contact their target institutions well in advance of the deadline.
For details, visit the Campus France official Eiffel program page.
