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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded France Excellence Eiffel scholarship 2026 for Passionate International Students
The Eiffel Scholarship Program, established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, provides annual scholarships and trainings for future foreign decision-makers in the public and private sectors in degree programs at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.
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The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships in France offer a fully funded opportunity covering airfare, and a substantial annual stipend of up to for international students seeking to pursue their academic dreams in one of the world’s most prestigious countries .
In this post, we will outline the details, requirements, benefits, and the essential step-by-step application guide for interested and qualified candidates.
Eiffel Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: France
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Category: Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | monthly stipends | Airfare Tickets | Accommodation
- No IELTS Required
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
Eiffel Scholarship Overview
The fully funded Eiffel Scholarship program, named after the iconic Eiffel Tower, is a testament to France’s commitment to higher education. With a rich history of academic excellence, France beckons talented individuals worldwide to apply for these scholarships. Successful applicants will enjoy a comprehensive financial package covering living expenses, and transportation, making it a truly attractive choice for those aiming for quality education without financial burdens.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships cater to a diverse range of academic disciplines, spanning from engineering and science to humanities and social sciences.
For applicants targeting such highly competitive opportunities, mastering the fundamentals of successful funding applications is crucial. Dive into our guides on How to Apply for Scholarships Successfully and discover the 10 Top Qualities of Scholarship Winners. We also provide general strategies on How to Win a Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship that can be adapted for postgraduate success.
France Scholarship Benefits
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that provides comprehensive financial support for high-achieving international students. The scholarship covers various expenses, making it a truly attractive choice for quality education without financial burdens. The major financial and logistical benefits and program summary are outlined below:
| Feature | Master’s Level | PhD Level |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ||
| Total Annual Stipend | ||
| Duration | to months | to months |
| Financial/Logistical Coverage | Airfare, Cultural Activities, Health Insurance, Housing Allowance, National Transportation | Airfare, Cultural Activities, Health Insurance, Housing Allowance, National Transportation |
| Host Country | France (Study in Europe) | France (Study in Europe) |
| Category | Masters Scholarships (Postgraduate) | PhD Scholarships (Postgraduate) |
| Deadline (for Institution to Campus France) | January 8, 2026 | January 8, 2026 |
Areas of Study for the Fully Funded Scholarship
The two main disciplinary fields for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarships cover the following seven areas of study for the Master’s and Doctorate elements:
For Science and Technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
For Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French language and civilization
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
Levels of Study for the Fully Funded Scholarship
French higher education institutions who submit candidates to the France Excellence Eiffel program agree to enroll them:
- in courses leading to a master’s degree
- in an engineering program
- in a joint doctoral program (joint supervision of dissertation and/or dual degree), in partnership with a partner institution abroad.
Duration of the Scholarship
Master’s Scholarship level
- a maximum of 12 months when enrolling in an M2
- a maximum of 24 months when enrolling in an M1
- a maximum of 36 months for the completion of an engineering degree
Doctorate level
The France Excellence Eiffel scholarship is awarded for a period of maximum 12 to 36 months starting on September 1 of the year the scholarship is awarded.
When considering a master’s or doctoral degree abroad, it’s wise to weigh all your options. Review whether Do You Require the GRE to Study Abroad for general preparedness, explore similar opportunities like the [Top Key Difference Between the Global Korean Scholarship (GKS) Embassy Track and University Track](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://jamnet.com.ng/top-key-difference-between the-global-korean-scholarship-gks-embassy-track-and-university-track/), and look at other strong academic markets such as the Best Top 10 Affordable US Universities for Masters.
2026 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the France Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
Nationality and Existing Scholarships
Eiffel Scholarships are only offered to those students who are non-French by nationality. Foreign Nationals can apply for the Eiffel scholarships in France. The French government does not accept applications from students who have already been awarded another French government scholarship at the time of application.
Master’s Degree Age Limit
To be eligible for the master’s component, candidates have to be no older than at the time of the competition.
If you are concerned about past performance affecting your application, read our advice on the Best Way to Explain Low GPA in Personal Statements. To show your commitment to excellence, you might want to showcase new study habits like the Top 11 Mind-Blowing Study Tips Elite Students Use to Pass Exams or the effectiveness of the How this unbelievable Interleaving Study Technique can help lazy students become the best elite students and pass all exams.
Ph.D. Degree Age Limit
In order to be considered for the doctoral component, candidates must be no older than at the time of the competition in .
A PhD requires immense dedication, so considering the long-term impact is wise. Look into the Best Top 10 Reasons to Study Your Masters Abroad to confirm your path. Effective time management will be key, so utilizing the Stunning Pomodoro Technique is recommended. Also, plan for the future with our guide on How to Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
How To Apply for 2026 France Eiffel Scholarship (Step by Step)
The application process for the Eiffel Scholarship is unique because students cannot apply directly. The application must be prepared and submitted by the French host institution on the student’s behalf.
1st Step: Secure Institutional Nomination
Apply for admission to a recognized French educational institution or research organization that you wish to attend. You must contact the International Relations department of the institution via their website, email, or phone to find out the specific terms and the deadline for the internal scholarship nomination.
The student’s application dossier to the institution should include a compelling professional project and motivation. This is where your scholarship essays are crucial. Make sure your references are strong by reading How to Ask for Recommendation Letter for Scholarship. You also need a powerful personal statement, so follow the tips in “Why I Deserve This Scholarship” Essay: A-Z Guide and learn How to Write a Scholarship Essay that Wins.
2nd Step: Institutional Submission
The establishment reviews your profile, and if selected, will submit your application online on the Campus France website. Applications submitted by students directly or by foreign institutions will be declared ineligible.
Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Eiffel Scholarship cover tuition fees?
The scholarship typically does not cover tuition fees directly. However, in France, international students who are scholarship recipients of the French government are exempt from paying institutional tuition fees at public universities.
2. Is the 2026 deadline January 8, 2026, the date for student submission?
No. January 8, 2026, is the final deadline for French institutions to submit the applications to Campus France. Your internal application deadline to the specific university or school will be much earlier, often in November or December of the preceding year.
3. I have dual French and foreign nationality. Am I eligible?
No. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is reserved strictly for non-French nationals. Candidates who hold dual nationality, where one of the nationalities is French, are ineligible.
4. What is the total duration of the PhD scholarship?
The scholarship for the Doctorate level is awarded for a maximum of to months. This period often funds research stays in France as part of a joint doctoral program (co-supervision with a foreign partner institution).
5. Can I apply if I am already studying in France?
For the Master’s component, students who are already enrolled in the French education system or have previously received an Eiffel grant are ineligible. For the PhD component, students studying abroad are given priority over those already residing in France.
6. What services are covered by the “Housing Allowance” and “Airfare”?
The scholarship covers round-trip international air travel, transfers within France (train/bus) to the study location, health insurance, and cultural activities. The “Housing Allowance” usually refers to assistance in finding accommodation and a monthly supplementary aid ().
7. Is the IELTS required to apply for the Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship program itself does not require an IELTS or TOEFL certificate. However, the French educational institution you apply to will set its own language proficiency requirements, which you must meet.
8. How many Eiffel scholarships are awarded each year?
The program is highly selective. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs typically awards between and scholarships annually across the Master’s and PhD levels.
9. How do I know if my chosen institution is eligible to nominate me?
Any French public or private higher education institution is eligible to submit candidates. You must contact the International Relations office of your chosen university to confirm their internal nomination procedures and deadlines.
10. Can I apply for the Master’s and PhD components simultaneously?
No. A candidate must only submit one application, for either the Master’s or the PhD component, in the same year. If an institution submits multiple applications for the same candidate, all applications will be declared ineligible.
