Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes, France offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are available through the French government, specific universities, and private organizations, and they are designed to attract talented students from around the world. Here’s an overview of some of the main scholarships available for international students:

1. Government Scholarships

1.1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

- Offered by: The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

- Target Audience: International students at the master’s and PhD levels.

- Fields of Study: Engineering, law, economics, management, and political sciences, as well as science, technology, and health.

- Coverage:

- Master’s Level: Monthly allowance of around €1,181, travel expenses, health insurance, and cultural activities.

- PhD Level: Monthly allowance of around €1,700, travel expenses, health insurance, and cultural activities.

- Does not cover tuition fees, but many universities offer reduced or waived tuition for Eiffel scholarship recipients.

- Duration: Up to 12 months for master’s programs and 36 months for PhD programs.

- Eligibility: Students from developing and industrialized countries outside the EU.

1.2. Erasmus+ Program

- Offered by: The European Union.

- Target Audience: Students from Erasmus+ program countries (including non-EU countries).

- Fields of Study: Available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, as well as for internships and exchange programs.

- Coverage: Grants cover living expenses, travel costs, and possibly tuition fees, depending on the program and host country.

- Eligibility: EU and non-EU students can apply if their home institution participates in the Erasmus+ program.

1.3. French Government Scholarships via Campus France

- Offered by: The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies through Campus France.

- Target Audience: International students at all levels (bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD).

- Fields of Study: Varies by scholarship.

- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs. Each scholarship program has different conditions and benefits.

- Eligibility: Varies depending on the scholarship program and the country of origin of the student.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Many French universities offer scholarships specifically for international students to help offset tuition fees and living expenses. Here are a few examples:

2.1. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)

- Offered by: Sciences Po, one of France’s most prestigious political science institutions.

- Target Audience: Non-EU international students applying for undergraduate or master’s programs.

- Fields of Study: Political science, law, economics, history, and more.

- Coverage:

- Undergraduate Level: Scholarships range from €3,000 to €12,300 per year.

- Master’s Level: Scholarships range from €5,000 to €10,000 per year.

- Eligibility: Merit-based, for students from outside the European Union.

2.2. ENS International Selection Scholarships (École Normale Supérieure)

- Offered by: École Normale Supérieure (ENS), one of France’s top research institutions.

- Target Audience: International students at the master’s level.

- Fields of Study: Humanities, sciences, arts, and social sciences.

- Coverage: Monthly grant of around €1,000 for 2-3 years and access to student housing at ENS.

- Eligibility: Highly competitive, merit-based selection process.

2.3. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships

- Offered by: Université Paris-Saclay, a top-ranked research university.

- Target Audience: International students pursuing a master’s degree.

- Fields of Study: Science, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, and more.

- Coverage: €10,000 per year, plus up to €1,000 for travel and visa expenses.

- Eligibility: Merit-based, for students from outside France.

3. Business School Scholarships

France is home to some of the world’s top business schools, and many of them offer scholarships to international students.

3.1. HEC Paris Scholarships

- Offered by: HEC Paris, one of the top business schools globally.

- Target Audience: International students pursuing an MBA or other business-related master’s degrees.

- Fields of Study: Business, management, finance, and related fields.

- Coverage: HEC Paris offers multiple scholarships, some of which can cover up to 50% of tuition fees. Examples include the Forté Foundation Scholarship (for women), the Excellence Scholarship, and regional scholarships for students from specific countries.

- Eligibility: Merit-based and needs-based scholarships are available for international students.

3.2. INSEAD Scholarships

- Offered by: INSEAD, a leading international business school with campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.

- Target Audience: International students pursuing an MBA or other advanced business degrees.

- Fields of Study: Business administration, finance, and management.

- Coverage: Various scholarships are available, including the INSEAD Diversity Scholarship and INSEAD Africa Leadership Fund, covering part of the tuition fees (ranging from €10,000 to €40,000).

- Eligibility: Scholarships are awarded based on merit, financial need, or diversity criteria.

4. Private Organization Scholarships

Several private organizations, foundations, and companies also provide scholarships for international students in France.

4.1. Charpak Scholarship (for Indian Students)

- Offered by: The French Embassy in India.

- Target Audience: Indian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in France.

- Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines.

- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, and medical insurance.

- Eligibility: Academic excellence and financial need.

4.2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (for African Students)

- Offered by: The Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with several French universities, including Sciences Po.

- Target Audience: African students.

- Fields of Study: Various fields, depending on the partner institution.

- Coverage: Full scholarship covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other costs.

- Eligibility: Based on academic excellence and leadership potential.

5. Regional and Country-Specific Scholarships

5.1. A*STAR France Scholarship (for Singaporean Students)

- Offered by: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, in collaboration with French institutions.

- Target Audience: Singaporean students pursuing PhDs in France in fields related to science and technology.

- Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance, travel expenses, and other research-related costs.

- Eligibility: Science and research students from Singapore.

6. Other Scholarships and Financial Aid

- CROUS Scholarships: The CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) offers need-based scholarships to international students, but these are primarily for students from EU countries. Some non-EU students may qualify based on family income and other factors.

- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD): Funded by the European Commission, these scholarships are awarded to top students worldwide to pursue joint master’s degrees across several European universities, including French institutions.

Conclusion:

France offers numerous scholarships for international students from various countries and academic backgrounds. Whether through government programs, university-specific scholarships, or private organizations, international students have a variety of financial support options. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs, making studying in France more affordable and accessible.