How Scholarships Can Help Study in France for Free
Here’s how:
Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships cover full tuition, housing, and even a monthly stipend, reducing the financial burden. Examples include:
Partial Scholarships & Managing Additional Costs
If you receive a partial scholarship, you may still need to cover part of your tuition or living expenses. Here’s how students can manage additional costs:
- University Fee Reductions – Many universities offer tuition discounts for merit-based or need-based applicants.
- Regional Scholarships – Some French regions provide financial aid to students studying in their area.
Other Funding Options
- Research & Teaching Assistantships – Some universities allow PhD and master’s students to work as research assistants, providing extra income.
- Work Opportunities – International students can legally work up to 20 hours per week, earning €8–€12/hour (₹720–₹1,080).
- Government & Private Grants – Additional grants from Campus France and private organizations help support students financially.
Top Scholarships for International Students to Study in France for Free
France is a preferred study destination for international students due to its high-quality education and wide range of scholarships. Here’s a look at some of the top scholarships available.
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (For Master’s & PhD)
Administered by: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Who Can Apply?
- Non-French nationals applying for Master’s or PhD programs at French institutions.
- Candidates must be under 25 years (for Master’s) and under 30 years (for PhD) at the time of application.
Financial Coverage:
- Master’s Students:
- Monthly stipend of €1,181 (₹1.06 lakhs)
- Full tuition fee waiver (not covered directly, but most universities exempt recipients from fees)
- One-time travel grant (international airfare)
- Health insurance & cultural activities
- PhD Students:
- Monthly stipend of €1,700 (₹1.53 lakhs)
- 12-month research funding (not renewable)
- Same benefits as Master’s recipients
Application Process:
- Candidates cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by their university in France.
- Universities submit selected applications to Campus France.
- Documents required: Academic transcripts, research proposal (for PhD), SOP, LORs.
Deadline: Universities set internal deadlines between November and January each year. Final submission to Campus France is January annually.
Selection Rate: Highly competitive – Only a few hundred students worldwide are awarded this scholarship annually.
2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (For Bachelor’s & Master’s at Sciences Po)
Administered by: Sciences Po, Paris
Who Can Apply?
- Non-EU international students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs at Sciences Po.
- Based on academic excellence and financial need.
Financial Coverage:
- Bachelor’s Degree:
- Up to €13,000/year (₹11.7 lakhs) in tuition fee waivers.
- Possible additional €5,000 (₹4.5 lakhs) for living costs.
- Master’s Degree:
- Tuition reduction of €10,000–€12,200/year (₹9–₹11 lakhs).
Application Process:
- Students must apply for admission to Sciences Po and request the scholarship in the application form.
- Supporting documents: Academic records, financial proof, SOP, and LORs.
Deadline:
- Bachelor’s Programs: February/March annually.
- Master’s Programs: November annually.
Acceptance Rate: Moderate – Several hundred students receive this scholarship yearly.
3. Charpak Scholarship (For Indian Students – Bachelor’s & Master’s)
Administered by: Campus France India & French Embassy in India
Who Can Apply?
- Indian students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s studies in France.
- Academic merit is the key factor.
Types of Charpak Scholarships:
- Charpak AME (Allocation Mensuelle d’Entretien) – Master’s Level:
- Monthly stipend of €860 (₹77,000).
- Tuition fee waivers (partial/full) depending on the university.
- Free student visa and travel grant.
- Charpak Exchange Program (For Short-Term Study):
- €700/month (₹63,000) stipend for 4 months.
- One-time airfare coverage.
Application Process:
- Apply via Campus France India portal.
- Submit SOP, academic records, admission proof, and LORs.
Deadline:
- March/April for September intake.
Selection Rate: Moderate – Good chances for Indian students with strong academic records.
4. French Government Scholarships (Campus France Programs)
Administered by: Campus France & French Government
Who Can Apply?
- International students applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs in France.
- Based on academic excellence and financial need.
Financial Coverage:
- Tuition fee waiver (partial or full) depending on the program.
- Monthly stipend of €700–€1,200 (₹63,000–₹1.08 lakhs).
- Health insurance & visa assistance for recipients.
- Some programs include one-time travel grants.
Application Process:
- Apply through Campus France Portal along with admission documents.
- Supporting documents: SOP, academic transcripts, financial proof, and LORs.
Deadline: Varies by program, typically between November and April.
Selection Rate: Competitive – Hundreds of international students receive funding annually.
5. Erasmus+ Scholarships (For Master’s Programs in France & EU)
Administered by: European Commission
Who Can Apply?
- Students pursuing Joint Master’s Degrees in France and other EU countries.
- Open to students worldwide, including non-EU applicants.
Financial Coverage:
- Full tuition coverage for two-year master’s programs.
- Monthly stipend of €1,400 (₹1.26 lakhs) for living expenses.
- Travel grants & relocation allowance for international students.
- Health insurance included.
Application Process:
- Apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) through partner universities.
- Submit transcripts, LORs, SOP, and proof of English proficiency.
Deadline: December to February (varies by program).
Selection Rate: Highly competitive – Only 1,500–2,000 students globally receive this funding annually.
6. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
Administered by: Université Paris-Saclay
Who Can Apply?
- International students applying for Master’s programs at Paris-Saclay University.
- Must have strong academic records and no previous studies in France.
Financial Coverage:
- €10,000 (₹9 lakhs) per year towards living expenses.
- Additional €1,000 (₹90,000) for travel and visa-related costs.
- No tuition fee waiver – students must cover course fees themselves.
Application Process:
- Apply for admission to Université Paris-Saclay Master’s programs.
- Selected candidates receive an email invitation to apply for the scholarship.
- Submit a CV, SOP, academic records, and reference letters.
Deadline: April–May annually.
Selection Rate: Moderate – Students with a strong academic background have a good chance of selection.
Read: France Student Visa
7. Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarships (Engineering & Science Fields)
Administered by: Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation
Who Can Apply?
- International students applying for a Master’s degree in engineering, technology, or applied sciences at Grenoble INP.
- Based on academic excellence and motivation for scientific research.
Financial Coverage:
- €5,000 (₹4.5 lakhs) per semester, up to €10,000 (₹9 lakhs) per year.
- Covers tuition fees and partial living expenses.
- Available for one or two-year programs, depending on performance.
Application Process:
- Apply for an engineering or science-based Master’s program at Grenoble INP.
- Submit an SOP, LORs, and academic transcripts.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required for an interview.
Deadline: February–March annually.
Selection Rate: Competitive – Preference is given to students with a strong scientific background and high GPA.
8. INSEAD MBA Scholarships (For Business Students)
Administered by: INSEAD Business School
Who Can Apply?
- International students pursuing an MBA at INSEAD (France Campus).
- Scholarships awarded based on merit, financial need, or country of origin.
Financial Coverage:
- Funding ranges from €10,000–€40,000 (₹9 lakhs–₹36 lakhs) depending on the scholarship type.
- Covers a portion of tuition fees, helping students manage costs.
Types of INSEAD Scholarships:
- Need-based – For students with financial constraints.
- Merit-based – For candidates with strong academic and leadership backgrounds.
- Country/region-specific – Scholarships for students from developing countries.
Application Process:
- Apply for the INSEAD MBA program.
- Complete the online scholarship application and submit an essay explaining financial need and career goals.
- Some scholarships may require an interview.
Deadline:
- MBA scholarships follow the same rounds as INSEAD admissions (January, March, June, and September).
Selection Rate: Moderate – INSEAD awards 200+ scholarships yearly, making it accessible for talented business students.
9. HEC Paris Scholarships (For Management Students)
Administered by: HEC Paris Business School
Who Can Apply?
- International students applying for an MBA, Master in Management (MiM), or other business-related programs at HEC Paris.
- Open to candidates with strong academic backgrounds, leadership skills, and financial needs.
Financial Coverage:
- Scholarship amounts range from €5,000–€30,000 (₹4.5 lakhs–₹27 lakhs).
- Covers partial tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses.
- Available as merit-based, need-based, and diversity scholarships.
Types of HEC Paris Scholarships:
- Excellence Scholarships – For high-achieving students with a strong profile.
- Women in Leadership Scholarships – Encourages female representation in business education.
- Forté Foundation Scholarships – For female candidates with leadership potential.
- Need-Based Scholarships – For students demonstrating financial need.
Application Process:
- Apply for an MBA or Master’s program at HEC Paris.
- Submit a scholarship essay explaining financial need, career goals, and achievements.
- Some scholarships may require an interview or additional documents.
Deadline:
- Follows HEC Paris admission rounds (January, April, June, September).
Selection Rate: Competitive – HEC Paris offers multiple scholarship options, but students need strong academic records and leadership potential to qualify.
10. Regional Scholarships (Provided by French Regional Governments)
Who Can Apply?
- International students applying for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs at universities located in specific French regions.
- Some scholarships prioritize students in STEM, business, arts, and social sciences.
Financial Coverage:
- Scholarships range from €2,000–€10,000 (₹1.8 lakhs–₹9 lakhs) per year.
- Some regions fully waive tuition fees, while others provide monthly stipends for living expenses.
- Additional benefits like housing assistance and transportation discounts.
Examples of Regional Scholarships:
- Île-de-France Masters Scholarships – Supports international students studying in Paris and surrounding areas.
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Scholarships – For students at universities in Lyon, Grenoble, and Clermont-Ferrand.
- Normandy Region Scholarships – Encourages students to study in Rouen, Caen, and Le Havre.
Application Process:
- Apply for admission to a public university in a specific region.
- Submit academic transcripts, SOP, and proof of residency (if required).
- Some regional scholarships require separate applications through the local government portal.
Deadline: Varies by region – Usually between January and April.
Selection Rate: Moderate – Regional scholarships are less competitive than Eiffel or university-specific scholarships, making them a great funding option for international students.
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