SMARTS-UP International Master’s Scholarships 2026–2027 at Université Paris Cité (France)
- Omran Aburayya
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you are an ambitious international student planning to pursue a Master’s degree in France, applications are now open for the SMARTS-UP International Master’s Scholarships 2026–2027 at Université Paris Cité. This competitive scholarship programme is designed to attract outstanding international talent to France by supporting high-achieving students enrolled in selected Master’s programmes across Université Paris Cité’s Graduate Schools.
The SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools programme forms part of the university’s internationalisation strategy, aiming to train future scientists, researchers, and senior professionals through research-driven, globally oriented Master’s programmes. For the 2026–2027 academic year, up to 200 individual scholarships, each valued at €10,000, will be awarded to exceptional international students.
🇫🇷 Scholarship Summary
Host Country: France
Host Institution: Université Paris Cité
Scholarship Name: SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools International Master’s Scholarships
Study Level: Master 1 (M1) and Master 2 (M2)
Target Group: International students (non-French citizens)
Fields of Study: All eligible Master’s programmes offered by the 28 Graduate Schools at Université Paris Cité
Award Value: €10,000 (one-time scholarship)
Award Coverage: Partial funding (financial aid, not a full living stipend)
Award Duration: One academic year (2026–2027)
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET)
Programme Start Date: September 2026
Eligible to Apply: International students new to the French higher education system
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools programme is a merit-based international scholarship initiative led by Université Paris Cité. It is specifically linked to the university’s Graduate Schools, which combine advanced academic training, interdisciplinary learning, and strong research components.
The scholarship is intended for international students enrolling in eligible Master’s programmes within one of the university’s 28 Graduate Schools. These programmes are designed to prepare students for high-level professional careers or future doctoral studies in France or abroad.
Only Master’s programmes listed on the official SMARTS-UP mobility platform are eligible. Applicants must first secure admission or apply for an eligible Master’s programme before being considered for the scholarship.
💵 Scholarship Benefits
Successful SMARTS-UP scholarship recipients will receive:
€10,000 financial support for one academic year
Payment made in three instalments:
One payment during the first semester
Two payments during the second semester
Access to Université Paris Cité’s international Graduate Schools ecosystem
Participation in SMARTS-UP academic and networking events
Recognition as part of a selective international excellence cohort
ℹ️ Important note:
This scholarship is a financial aid, not a full stipend. It will not fully cover living expenses in Paris, and recipients must have additional financial resources. The award cannot be combined with any other scholarship and cannot be deferred to another academic year.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
General Eligibility
Must be international students (French citizens are not eligible)
Must be new to the French higher education system
Exception: international students enrolled in joint-degree programmes with Université Paris Cité
Must not hold any degree from a French university or higher education institution
Must apply to a Master’s programme listed on the SMARTS-UP platform
Level of Study Requirements
Master 1 (M1):
Applicants must hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
The Bachelor’s degree must be obtained before September 2026
Master 2 (M2):
Applicants must have completed or be completing one full-time year of a Master’s programme in a related field by September 2026
Études en France Requirement
Applicants from designated countries (including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, the UK, USA, and many others) must also apply through the Études en France (Campus France) platform.
This procedure is mandatory and must be completed in parallel with the SMARTS-UP application.
🔍 Selection Criteria
Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on:
Academic excellence and transcripts
Motivation and coherence of academic and career goals
Quality of the proposed research project
Performance during follow-up interviews (if applicable)
Only the top-ranked candidates will be awarded the scholarship.
📝 Application Procedure
To apply for the SMARTS-UP International Master’s Scholarships:
Apply to an eligible Master’s programme at Université Paris Cité
Submit the online SMARTS-UP scholarship application via the official platform
Complete the Études en France application if required based on nationality
Ensure all required documents are uploaded before the deadline
Application Period:
Opens: 1 December 2025
Closes: 16 January 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET)
Notification of Results:
Main results: Early April 2026
Waiting list decisions: May 2026
Programme start: September 2026
Selected candidates must confirm acceptance within two weeks of receiving the offer, or the scholarship will be reassigned.
📁 Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents online:
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 1 page)
Cover letter (1 page) explaining academic goals, motivation, and choice of programme
Two reference letters from academic supervisors or lecturers
Academic transcripts from the Bachelor’s degree onwards
Research project proposal (3–4 pages, including references)
Abstracts of previous academic or professional work (if applicable)
Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
📁 Resources
🧩 Obligations of Scholarship Laureates
Academic Obligations
Official registration at Université Paris Cité for 2026–2027
Presence at the start of the programme in September 2026
Attendance at all classes, exams, and SMARTS-UP events
Completion of follow-up questionnaires
Registration with the alumni network
Financial Obligations
Scholarship payments are made only to a French bank account in the student’s name after official registration
Integrity
Any false declaration or falsified document will result in immediate withdrawal of the scholarship and may lead to legal action.
🔗 Official Application Link
SMARTS-UP Application Portal: