The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: Eligibility, Deadlines, and More

If you're an ambitious international student dreaming of studying in France, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program could be your golden ticket. 

Established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this prestigious program aims to attract top foreign talent to French higher education institutions for master's and PhD studies.

The program is designed to support future leaders in both the private and public sectors, especially in fields that tackle today’s global challenges. 

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements to practical application tips. Whether you’re aiming for a master’s in engineering or a PhD in economics, this overview will help you understand how the scholarship works and how to make the most of it.

What is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program?

The Eiffel program was created to make France an even more attractive place to study. It supports top international students by funding their master’s or PhD degrees. 

But it’s more than just financial help; it’s also about building global connections and encouraging innovation. Scholarships are awarded through French universities, which choose and nominate candidates based on academic excellence and the potential to make an impact in key fields.

Since it began, the program has allowed thousands of students from around the world to experience France’s world‑class education system.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, you need to meet certain requirements depending on your level of study.

Nationality

• Open to students of all nationalities, except French citizens.
• If you have dual nationality that includes French, you cannot apply.

Age Limits

• Master’s applicants must be 29 or younger on the date of the selection committee.
• PhD applicants must be 35 or younger.

Academic Background

• At the master’s level, you cannot already be enrolled in a French institution unless you’re applying for a different program.
• Priority is given to students from developing countries, though PhD candidates from industrialized countries are also considered.
• For PhD studies, preference goes to applicants currently studying abroad rather than already in France.

Other Notes

• The program prioritizes candidates from emerging economies at both levels.

Fields of Study

The Eiffel Scholarship covers a broad range of subjects, grouped into two main categories that reflect today’s global priorities:

These areas were chosen to match France’s strengths in research and innovation. The program is especially suited for students interested in sustainable development, technological progress, or shaping policies that address global challenges.

Duration of the Scholarship

The length of funding depends on your level of study and program:

Master’s

• Up to 12 months for an M2 program
• Up to 24 months for an M1 program
• Up to 36 months for engineering degrees
• Intensive language courses may be added before the program starts, but those costs aren’t covered.

PhD

• Funding can last 12, 18, or 36 months.
• Stays can be split into periods of at least 6 months each.
• The 36‑month option is only available for first‑year doctoral students.

Scholarships apply to time spent in France and can include required internships or exchanges. Gap years are allowed under supervision, but apprenticeships bring the funding to an end.

Application Process

Applying for the Eiffel Scholarship works a little differently from most programs. You don’t send your application straight to Campus France. Instead, everything goes through the university you want to attend.

Here’s how it usually unfolds:

• Find your program first. Start by choosing a French university and the course that fits your academic goals. Many schools list English‑taught options on their websites if that’s what you need.
• Reach out to the university. Contact the international office or the program coordinator. Let them know you’re interested in the Eiffel Scholarship and ask what documents they require. Typically, you’ll need to share your CV, transcripts, diplomas, and a motivation letter.
• University nomination. If the school decides to support your application, they’ll put your name forward and send the full file to Campus France. You can’t apply yourself; the institution has to do it.
• Admission is separate. Alongside the scholarship process, you still need to apply for admission to the program through the university’s regular international student application system.
• Watch the deadlines. Each university sets its own internal cut‑off dates, and these are often earlier than the national deadline. The safest move is to contact the school well in advance so you don’t miss out.

Deadlines for 2026

For the 2026 session:

• Call opens: October 1, 2025.
• Institutional deadlines: Vary, but often by early December (e.g., December 5, 2025, for some universities).
• Submission to Campus France: January 8, 2026.
• Results announced: Starting March 30, 2026.

Benefits of The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

One of the biggest draws of the Eiffel Scholarship is the level of support it offers. The package is designed to cover most of what you’ll need while studying in France, so you can focus on your program rather than your budget.

Monthly Allowance  

Master’s students receive €1,200 per month, and PhD candidates receive €2,100 per month starting January 2026.

Tuition and Fees  

Tuition fees at public institutions are waived for national diplomas and accredited engineering degrees. Keep in mind that any extra program‑specific costs aren’t included.

Travel Support  

The scholarship reimburses part of your international airfare, up to 50% of the maximum rate, for both your arrival and return trips. It also covers certain domestic travel within France.

Health Insurance  

You’re covered by temporary health insurance when you arrive, and then you move into France’s free mandatory social security system. A supplemental plan is also provided.

Housing and Cultural Activities  

Students get help finding accommodation, including options like CROUS dorms. The program also gives access to cultural outings, recreational activities, and the France Alumni network, which is great for building connections.

Conclusion

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is one of the main ways France attracts strong international students to its master’s and PhD programs. 

It offers solid financial support, covers most living costs, and focuses on fields where France has real academic strength. Since universities are the ones who nominate candidates, the key is to find the right program early and get in touch with the institution to see if they’ll support your application.

If studying in France is something you’re seriously considering, this scholarship is worth looking into.

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