Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded Master’s and PhD in France) Deadline: 8 January, 2026

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is France’s most prestigious government scholarship program, established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s, PhD, or engineering programs in France in fields of strategic importance. The scholarship promotes excellence, leadership, and international cooperation.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Summary

Levels of Study

• Master’s degree programs
• Engineering programs
• Doctorate (PhD)

Areas of Study

The scholarship covers two main categories:

1. Science & Technology

• Biology & Health
• Ecological Transition
• Mathematics & Digital
• Engineering Sciences

2. Humanities & Social Sciences

• French History, Language & Civilization
• Law
• Political Science
• Economics & Management

Benefits of the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

• Monthly stipend:
  • Master’s: €1,181 per month
  • PhD: €1,800 per month
• Travel costs: round-trip airfare from home country + domestic train transfers within France
• Health insurance: full coverage, plus supplemental insurance where necessary
• Cultural activities: organized trips and networking opportunities
• Other support: assistance in finding accommodation and settling in France
• Note: Tuition fees are generally not covered, but most French public universities charge low or symbolic tuition, and scholarship recipients often benefit from fee exemptions.

Eligibility Criteria of the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

• Nationality: Must be a non-French citizen (dual nationality with France is excluded)
• Age:
  • Master’s: born after 31 March 1998 (under 28 years)
  • PhD: born after 31 March 1993 (under 33 years)
• Level of study: Only for Master’s or PhD; not for undergraduate programs
• Residency: Applicants should not already be studying in France at the same level
• Nominations: You cannot apply directly; only French higher education institutions can submit applications on your behalf
• Excellence requirement: Strong academic record, leadership potential, and a clear project relevant to France’s priority fields

Required Documents for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

Exact requirements may vary by institution, but generally include:

1. Completed application form (via the nominating institution).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Academic transcripts and diplomas.
4. Motivation letter (statement of purpose).
5. Research project or professional plan (especially for a PhD).
6. Letters of recommendation (academic/professional).
7. Copy of passport or national ID.
8. Proof of language proficiency (French or English, depending on program).

How to Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

Step 1: Contact Campus France or the French Embassy

• Reach out to the Campus France office in your home country, or the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department at the French Embassy.
• They will provide guidance on:
  • Study opportunities in France.
  • Scholarship details.
  • Application procedures and deadlines.
• At the same time, research French universities that match your study goals (via university websites, international relations offices, or direct emails).

Remember: You must first choose a French institution; the Eiffel program is only open to candidates nominated by an institution.

Step 2: Get Institutional Nomination

• Once you identify a program and institution, contact their international relations department to express interest in applying with an Eiffel Scholarship.
• The institution will review your academic profile and documents.
• If the institution supports your application, they will officially nominate you and prepare your application package.

Step 3: Submission by the Institution

• The French institution submits your application online via the official Campus France portal.
•  Very important:
  • Applications sent directly by students or by foreign universities are not accepted.
  • Only French higher education institutions can submit valid applications.

Duration of the Scholarship

• Master’s
  • Up to 12 months for M2 (2nd year of Master’s).
  • Up to 24 months for M1 (1st year of Master’s).
  • Up to 36 months for engineering programs.
• PhD
  • Maximum 36 months (full PhD in France).
  • 12–18 months for joint supervision (cotutelle) or if partially enrolled already.

2026 Timeline

• Opening of call for applications: October 1, 2025
• Institutional deadline to submit applications: January 8, 2026
• Publication of results: Mid-April 2026
• Start of studies: September–December 2026