Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme

French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (managed by Campus France)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

International students (not French nationals) nominated by a French higher-education institution, for a Master's or PhD in the call's priority fields (biology and health, ecological transition, maths and digital sciences, engineering, history/French language and civilisation, law and political science, economics and management). Apply to the French institution first; it files your Eiffel application.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Created by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship is designed to attract top-tier foreign students to French higher education institutions for Master’s and PhD programs. It operates across 7 strategic fields, including Science & Technology (Biology, Mathematics, Engineering, Ecological Transition) and Human & Social Sciences (Law, Economics, Political Science, History/French Civilization).

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. International students (not French nationals) nominated by a French higher-education institution, for a Master's or PhD in the call's priority fields (biology and health, ecological transition, maths and digital sciences, engineering, history/French language and civilisation, law and political science, economics and management). Apply to the French institution first; it files your Eiffel application.
2. Note the deadline. Jan 6 (annual; French institutions submit candidates by 6 Jan 2027 - the page also shows 8 Jan, so confirm with your institution. Students do not apply directly) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. University Admission / Enrollment Proof: Official acceptance or application receipt from the French university supporting the candidate.; Academic Records & Rankings: Certified transcripts and proof of class rank or honors from prior degrees.; Professional Project Statement: Detailed CV and personal statement outlining career goals in the home country (supported by the host institution).; Passport & Language Certificates: Valid passport copy and French/English language test scores..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic excellence of the student (evaluated by expert committees in France), institutional internationalization strategy, and economic relevance of the applicant's professional project to their home country.

Profile of past winners

Exceptional international applicants who initiate contact with French department heads early in Autumn to secure institutional sponsorship before the January deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme?

International students (not French nationals) nominated by a French higher-education institution, for a Master's or PhD in the call's priority fields (biology and health, ecological transition, maths and digital sciences, engineering, history/French language and civilisation, law and political science, economics and management). Apply to the French institution first; it files your Eiffel application.

What does Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme cover?

Monthly allowance (about EUR 1,181 for Master's and EUR 1,400 for PhD), return travel, health cover and cultural activities for 12 to 36 months (amounts per recent calls; confirm in the current call)

When is the deadline for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme?

Jan 6 (annual; French institutions submit candidates by 6 Jan 2027 - the page also shows 8 Jan, so confirm with your institution. Students do not apply directly) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme?

Host countries: France.

What documents do I need for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme?

University Admission / Enrollment Proof: Official acceptance or application receipt from the French university supporting the candidate.; Academic Records & Rankings: Certified transcripts and proof of class rank or honors from prior degrees.; Professional Project Statement: Detailed CV and personal statement outlining career goals in the home country (supported by the host institution).; Passport & Language Certificates: Valid passport copy and French/English language test scores..

How are applicants selected for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme?

Academic excellence of the student (evaluated by expert committees in France), institutional internationalization strategy, and economic relevance of the applicant's professional project to their home country.

How much work is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme application?

Very High: University Admission Dossier + Institutional Nomination by French University