Imagine arriving in France with tuition largely covered or exempted, a monthly living allowance in your account, return flights arranged, and health insurance in place—all without taking on heavy debt. For ambitious international students targeting the 2026/2027 or 2027/2028 academic years, fully funded or near-fully funded France scholarships remain realistic. France continues to invest heavily in attracting top global talent through government programs, university awards, and European joint degrees.
Public university tuition in France is already low compared with many destinations (especially once differentiated non-EU fees are considered), and government scholarship holders are often exempt from registration fees for national master’s, doctoral, or engineering degrees at public institutions. Combined with living stipends, this package can make studying in France genuinely affordable or even cost-neutral for the strongest applicants.
This guide focuses on the most competitive and generous fully funded options available now, centered on the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship (2027 campaign currently open) and complementary pathways such as Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
Why France Stands Out for Fully Funded International Study
France ranks among the top non-English-speaking destinations for higher education. Strengths include research-intensive universities, Grande Écoles in engineering and business, and a large number of English-taught master’s programs. Living costs vary by city—Paris is expensive, while cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, or Nantes offer better value—but scholarships help offset rent, food, and transport.
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Key advantages for scholarship recipients include:
- Exemption from or significant reduction in tuition/registration fees at public institutions for many government awards
- Access to student housing networks (CROUS) and preferential rates for cultural activities
- A clear pathway through Campus France for visa support once admitted and funded
The official hub for discovering opportunities is Campus France’s Campus Bourses database, which lists hundreds of awards filterable by nationality, level, and field. You can also explore broader guidance on studying in France at the main Campus France website.
The Flagship: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is France’s most prestigious merit-based government award for international students at master’s and doctoral levels. Managed by Campus France on behalf of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, it aims to train future decision-makers in priority fields. Roughly 300–350 awards are granted annually.
Critical process note: Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. French higher education institutions nominate candidates. You must first secure (or be in the process of securing) admission or strong interest from a French university or Grande École, then work with its international relations office to be put forward. Full official details appear on the Campus France Eiffel program page and the 2027 call for applications.
Benefits of the Eiffel Scholarship
- Monthly living allowance (from January 2026 figures): €1,200 for master’s students; approximately €2,000–€2,100 for doctoral students (confirm the exact current rate on the official Campus France regulations)
- International return airfare and some domestic travel support
- Health insurance coverage
- Assistance with housing search and access to cultural activities
- Tuition/registration fee exemption for national diplomas or accredited engineering degrees at public institutions under the relevant education code provisions
Duration typically ranges from 12 months (M2) to 24 months (M1) or up to 36 months for certain engineering programs at master’s level, and 12–36 months at doctoral level depending on the award.
Eligibility and Priority Fields
- Non-French nationals (dual nationals holding French citizenship are generally ineligible)
- Age limits at the time of selection: maximum 29 years for master’s (often interpreted as born after a specific cutoff such as 31 March 1997 for the 2027 round); maximum 35 years for PhD
- Outstanding academic record; many institutions prioritize candidates ranking at the top of their class
- Priority fields include biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital sciences, engineering sciences, history/French language and civilization, law and political science, and economics and management
2027 Campaign Timeline
The call opened in early October 2026. French institutions must submit complete files to Campus France by 6 January 2027. Results are typically announced around the week of 12 April 2027. Individual universities set much earlier internal deadlines (often October–December 2026) for students to express interest and submit documents. Always verify the latest dates and rules on the official Campus France Eiffel page.
Action step: Contact the international office of your target French institution immediately and ask about their Eiffel nomination process and internal deadline.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: Fully Funded Multi-Country Degrees
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) offer one of the most complete fully funded packages available anywhere. These EU-funded programs are delivered by consortia of universities in at least two countries (often including French partners). Scholarship holders receive:
- €1,400 per month for up to 24 months
- Full coverage of participation/tuition costs
- Support toward travel, visa, and installation costs
Applications go directly to each program consortium, not through a central Campus France portal. Most deadlines fall between October and January for the following September intake. No more than 10% of scholarships on a given program may go to any single nationality, so competition is often among applicants from the same country.
Search the official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue for programs with French partners in your field, or start from the Erasmus+ student overview page. These awards are ideal if you want an international degree with mobility between countries and a strong living stipend.
See Also:
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students: Your Complete Guide to Studying Free
- How International Students Get Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain in 2026 (Complete Guide)
- Türkiye Scholarships 2026: How International Students Can Secure a Fully Funded Education in Turkey
University-Specific and Other Fully Funded Options
Many French universities run their own excellence scholarships that can function as fully funded or near-fully funded awards when combined with low public tuition:
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships: substantial annual stipends plus travel support for first-time enrollees under age limits
- Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship: significant tuition reductions or waivers for high-achieving non-EU students
- Institution-specific awards at places such as ENS de Lyon (Ampère), Grenoble Alpes, or engineering schools
French embassies and Campus France offices in your home country also administer Bourses du Gouvernement Français (BGF) and country-specific schemes. These often include monthly allowances, tuition exemptions, and insurance. Amounts and eligibility vary by country—check your local Campus France site (search for “yourcountry.campusfrance.org”) early.
Additional searchable options appear in the Campus Bourses directory.
Step-by-Step Application Strategy
- Identify programs and funding early — Use Campus Bourses and university websites. Target institutions that actively nominate for Eiffel.
- Secure academic admission — Most scholarships require an admission offer or nomination by the host institution. Apply through the appropriate platform (Études en France for many non-EU students, or directly to the university). Guidance is available on the main Campus France site.
- Contact international offices — Email with your CV, transcripts, and statement of interest specifically mentioning Eiffel or other scholarships. Ask for internal deadlines.
- Prepare strong documents — Academic excellence, a clear motivation letter linking your background to the program, research proposal (for PhD), and language certificates if required.
- Meet all deadlines — University internal deadlines come first; the national Eiffel cutoff is 6 January 2027 for institutions. Confirm on the official Eiffel call page.
- Explore parallel options — Apply to Erasmus Mundus programs and any embassy or university scholarships for which you are eligible.
Tips to Strengthen Your Chances
- Demonstrate top academic performance with rankings, distinctions, or publications where possible.
- Show clear alignment with priority fields and France’s research or policy priorities.
- Highlight leadership, international experience, or potential to contribute as a future decision-maker.
- Start language preparation (French is an asset even for English-taught programs) and research housing and cost-of-living differences between cities.
- Apply to multiple institutions and funding streams; success rates for Eiffel are competitive.
Common Questions
Can non-EU students receive fully funded awards? Yes. Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, many embassy BGF schemes, and university scholarships are open to non-EU applicants.
Does Eiffel cover full tuition? The program provides a living allowance plus services; tuition exemption applies for national degrees at public institutions for government scholars. Private institutions or certain fees may differ. Check the latest regulations on the Campus France Eiffel page.
When should I start? For 2027 entry, contact universities now while the Eiffel call is open. Erasmus Mundus and university scholarships follow their own calendars, mostly autumn–winter.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded or near-fully funded study in France is achievable for strong international candidates who act early and strategically. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship remains the gold-standard government award, with its 2027 campaign underway and institutional deadline of 6 January 2027. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters provide an excellent fully funded multi-country alternative, while university and embassy schemes add further pathways.
Begin by exploring the official Campus France Eiffel resources and the Campus Bourses database, then reach out to the international offices of your preferred French institutions. With careful preparation and timely action, a funded academic year in France can move from aspiration to reality.
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