Top 10+ Scholarships in France for International Students in 2025

Are you interested in Scholarships in France? You’re in luck. For the 2025 academic year, there are some Scholarships in France available to help fund your education. Whether you aim for a career in engineering, art, business, or another field, these scholarships offer excellent opportunities for international students at various levels—undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral.

SEE ALSO: 9 Exciting Scholarships in Germany for 2025/2026

Why Study in France?

• Language Skills: While many in France speak English, studying there is a great chance to learn French, a major global language.
• Work Opportunities: With a residency permit, you can work up to 20 hours a week, earning around €9.6 per hour.
• Top-Ranked Universities: France boasts several universities in the global top 100, including Paris Science et Lettres (PSL) Research University Paris.
• Flexible Language Options: Courses can be taught in French, English, or both, depending on your preference.
• Travel Benefits: Your student visa allows you to travel to 26 Schengen countries—though the UK isn’t included.
• Rich Culture: Enjoy France’s vibrant culture and history, with many museums and attractions offering free entry to EU students under 26.
• Affordable Tuition: Public universities have relatively low fees compared to other regions—Bachelor’s degrees start around €2,770 per year.

READ ALSO: 15 Life-Changing Scholarships in Europe for 2024-2025: Secure Your Spot Now!

Scholarships in France: What You Need to Know

In France, the term bourses d’études refers to all scholarships and grants, with no distinction between the two. Another term you might encounter is l’aide, which means financial assistance, while allocation is less commonly used.

Scholarship amounts range from $221 to $1,104 per month, depending on whether the funding comes from the government, a university, or a private organization. These scholarships are primarily aimed at graduate and doctoral students, though undergraduates can receive funding through their universities.

Some state universities offer tuition discounts, known as exonérations partielles, while grandes écoles (elite schools) may provide limited discounts, typically 10-20%. Non-EU students at state universities can pay as little as $188 per year for a Bachelor’s degree and $268 for a Master’s.

To live comfortably in France, you’ll need at least $1,325 per month in Paris and $883 in other cities. Scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses are rare, particularly in the capital.

Scholarships for International Students

Each year, the French government allocates over a million euros for student scholarships and financial aid. Government scholarships are usually the largest, and they often cover all admission costs. One of the most well-known is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program.

Universities and grandes écoles also offer scholarships, typically ranging from $221 to $773 per month. These funds can partially or fully cover living expenses and, occasionally, tuition.

Scholarships from companies and non-profits are often the most competitive and may require EU citizenship or residency in France.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs in France for International Students

Technically, public universities in France do not charge traditional tuition fees. However, all students must pay a mandatory administrative fee (frais d’inscription). For students from non-EU countries, these fees are as follows:

• Undergraduate (Licence): $3,058 per year
• Master’s degree (Master): $4,163 per year
• Doctorate (Doctorat): $420 per year

Private universities and grandes écoles set their own tuition fees. On average, tuition at private institutions costs around $8,833 per year, with business school fees reaching up to $22,082 annually. 

In some public universities, foreign students can qualify for l’exonération partielle, a system that allows them to pay the same registration fees as EU citizens. These rates are significantly lower:

• Undergraduate (Licence): $188 per year
• Master’s degree (Master): $268 per year
• PhD (Doctorat): $420 per year (for all students, regardless of nationality)

Some universities that offer these partial benefits include Aix-Marseille, Paris-Saclay, and Lyon 1, 2, and 3. It’s important to check each university’s official website for details on these benefits. Private universities and grandes écoles typically offer small discounts, usually 10-20%, for students with strong academic performance, motivation letters, and resumes. Early submission of documents improves chances of receiving scholarships or discounts.

Cost of Living in Different French Cities

Expense	Paris	Montpellier	Grenoble
Rent (uptown)	$957	$519	$487
Rent (city centre)	$1,347	$678	$625
Food	$243	$148	$138
Transport	$83	$54	$63
Other expenses	$241	$188	$211
Total	$1,524–1,915	$909–1,068	$899–1,037

Housing Assistance for Students (L’aide au logement)

The French government offers rental assistance known as l’aide au logement, which international students may also qualify for. To be eligible, you must:

• Have French citizenship or a residence permit (titre de séjour),
• Rent accommodation (not owned by a relative),
• Have a total income (scholarship or salary) below a certain threshold.

Many international students apply for this assistance when they arrive in France. You can use the CAF calculator to check your eligibility.

How to Get a Scholarship in France

While specific requirements vary by program, there are some general criteria that are relevant across most scholarships in France:

1. Academic Performance

Strong academic results are essential for securing a scholarship. A high GPA, typically at least 4 out of 5, is required. Excellent scores in relevant subjects, along with participation in scientific projects or publications, are also highly valued.

2. Research Project (for Master’s and Doctoral Programs)

For graduate and doctoral students, the quality and relevance of your research project are crucial. The topic should be interesting and significant to the French academic community. To improve your chances, it’s recommended to contact potential academic advisors at French universities in advance to discuss your project.

3. Motivation Letter

A well-written motivation letter can significantly impact your application. This document should explain why you are deserving of the scholarship and how it aligns with your academic goals. A strong letter can even make up for a lower GPA or lack of notable achievements, while a poorly written one could lead to rejection.

4. Paperwork

Proper documentation is essential. French institutions are very particular about paperwork, so make sure all your documents are accurate, complete, and submitted correctly. Missing or incorrect documents can jeopardize your scholarship application.

By meeting these key criteria and preparing thoroughly, you can improve your chances of receiving a scholarship in France.

Government Scholarships in France

Scholarships from French Embassies

Almost half of the government-funded scholarships for international students are awarded by French embassies abroad. The specifics of these scholarships, such as the amount and duration, vary by country. These scholarships typically cover:

• Tuition fees at a French university
• Student insurance
• Campus France administrative fees
• Visa fees

For more details, applicants should reach out to the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department at their local French Embassy.

Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

The Eiffel Scholarship is aimed at graduate and PhD students, exclusively for non-French nationals. It is available for those enrolling in a Master’s or doctoral program in one of the following fields:

• Engineering
• Economics and Management
• Politics
• Law

Conditions

Master’s

PhD

 

Scholarship amount

$1,304/month

$1,546/month

 

Duration

24–36 months

12 months

 

Maximum age

25 years

30 years

 

In addition to the monthly stipend, the Eiffel Scholarship covers registration fees for public universities and travel to France, but it does not cover tuition fees for paid programs. 

Candidates cannot apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship. Instead, French universities or grandes écoles submit applications on behalf of selected students. Applicants must first apply to a French institution. If accepted, they receive a questionnaire that must be completed and returned to the university along with required documents. The process begins in September-October, and results are typically announced between April and May.

Erasmus Plus

Erasmus+ is a European funding program aimed at promoting student and researcher mobility within and beyond the EU. It allows students to study in another country for 2 to 12 months. Scholarships are available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, providing grants and exempting participants from tuition and registration fees at their host institution.

The average Erasmus+ scholarship is approximately $994 per month, though the amount may vary depending on the sending and host countries.

University Scholarships in France

Scholarships are available at nearly every higher education institution in France, including universities and grandes écoles. The average scholarship amount is typically around $773 per month, although this can vary by institution. Here are some of the notable scholarships:

Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po

The Institute for Political Studies (Sciences Po) offers the Emile Boutmy scholarship to international students. Eligibility criteria include:

• Being an undergraduate or graduate student at Sciences Po
• Holding citizenship of a non-EU country

The scholarship offers various funding options for undergraduates, with the largest award being $8,060 per year for three years, plus an additional $5,521 per year for living expenses. Smaller options include:

• $8,060 per year for three years
• $5,521 per year for three years
• $3,312 per year for three years

For Master’s students, the scholarship provides either $11,041 per year or $5,521 per year for two years.

To apply, students must indicate their interest in the Emile Boutmy scholarship during the general admissions process at Sciences Po. The selection is based on academic performance, a strong CV, a motivation letter, and family financial circumstances, including the number of children pursuing education. Typically, only about 40 students are awarded this scholarship from a pool of 13,000 applicants.

École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Scholarship in Paris

Each year, ENS in Paris offers up to 20 scholarships through its International Selection program for Master’s students. Eligibility includes:

• Completing at least three years of university studies outside of France
• Being under the age of 26
• Having proof of absence from France for at least 10 months during the application year and the previous year

This scholarship provides $1,104 per month for two or three years, along with guaranteed accommodation on campus. 

Candidates are required to know either English or French for scientific fields, and French for humanities. The selection process involves reviewing the application dossier, followed by written and oral exams in Paris. Only around 7% of applicants are selected for the scholarship each year.

Ampère Scholarships at the École Normale Supérieure in Lyon

The École Normale Supérieure in Lyon offers the Ampère Scholarships for international graduate students pursuing studies in science, humanities, and social sciences. This scholarship provides $1,104 per month for one year of Master’s degree studies (Master 1 or Master 2). 

Eligibility criteria include:

• Possessing a degree equivalent to at least a French Licence (Bachelor’s degree).
• Having a high GPA and notable academic achievements.

The competition for this scholarship is less intense compared to ENS Paris, but strong academic performance is still essential. Details about eligibility and the application process are available on the ENS Lyon website.

Benefits and Discounts for Students in France

In addition to scholarships, students in France can take advantage of various discounts and benefits:

• Transport: Students aged 12 to 27 can obtain the carte jeune de la SNCF, which provides significant discounts on transportation, including up to 50% off on TGV tickets in some regions.
• Museums: Entry to museums is free for EU students, while others enjoy significantly reduced rates.
• Movies and Theatres: Students can avail discounts when purchasing tickets by showing their student ID.
• Medical Services: Universities have Student Health Services (SUMPPS) where students can receive medical consultations, with some services being free of charge.
• Food: Students can dine at Resto U, university cafeterias offering full meals for as little as $4 USD. Some remain open during evenings and weekends.

Independent Scholarships in France

Grant “Women in Science”

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science project awards 280 grants annually to female researchers across the globe. The program supports graduate students and postdoctoral candidates in the fields of engineering, exact sciences, and natural sciences. The largest grant amounts to $16,562 USD, given to the top 15 candidates. Eligibility is open to students of all nationalities, and the grant is awarded based on academic achievements, publications, and an evaluation of the research project.

Grant from the Francophone University Agency (AUF)

The Francophone University Agency (AUF) is a network of universities that offer programs either partly or fully in French. To promote the French language, the AUF awards grants to young researchers pursuing graduate and doctoral studies. These grants typically cover 1-2 semesters of exchange studies. Only students from AUF member universities are eligible to apply. Further information on grants, eligibility, and deadlines can be obtained from member universities or the AUF website.

How to Find a Scholarship in France

To find reliable scholarships in France, it’s important to use trusted sources. Here are the two main options:

1. Campus France Catalog (Campus Bourses): This is a comprehensive scholarship database that allows you to filter options based on criteria such as payment type, funding source, academic level, and field of study. However, the catalog may not always be up-to-date, so it’s essential to verify the details.
2. French Embassies: The websites of French embassies often publish lists of government scholarships available to citizens of their respective countries.

Additionally, always check the official website of the university you’re applying to, as it will have the most current and accurate scholarship information.

Other Scholarships in France you Can Apply For

1. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships

Description: Aimed at highly-qualified international students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree at Université Paris-Saclay.

Opens: October 2024

Closes: Varies (November 2024 – January 2025)

Degree Level: Master’s

https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/international/international-master-scholarship 

2. ENS International Selection Scholarships

Description: For international students entering the 3rd year of undergraduate or 1st year of master’s studies, covering tuition and providing a stipend.

Opens: November 2024

Closes: January 2025

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

https://www.ens.fr/en/international/selection 

3. HEC Paris MBA Scholarships

Description: HEC Paris offers several scholarships based on merit and diversity for MBA candidates.

Opens: Rolling admissions (September 2024 – May 2025)

Closes: Varies per round

Degree Level: MBA

https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-program/mba-scholarships 

4. SMARTS-UP Scholarships by Université Paris Cité

Description: Provides €10,000 for Master’s students at Université Paris Cité, with no additional French scholarships.

Opens: November 2024

Closes: January 2025

Degree Level: Master’s

https://www.pariscite.fr/en/scholarships 

5. ICP Connect Scholarships

Description: Offers scholarships to students from eligible countries to study in accredited international programs.

Opens: October 2024

Closes: January 2025

Degree Level: Master’s

https://www.icp.fr/en/icp-connect-scholarships 

6. French Government Scholarships for International Students

 Description: Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, covering various levels and offering tuition waivers and stipends.

 Eligibility: International students

 Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

 https://www.campusfrance.org/en/financial-aid 

France is an exciting destination for higher education, with plenty of support for international students. Explore these scholarships and make your French study dream a reality in 2025!

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