Are you interested in studying in France? International students have an exciting opportunity to pursue higher education in France, which has several popular universities and a strong cultural history. These are the top 12 most sought-after scholarships for the spring 2025 admission.
These fully funded scholarships are available for graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies, so if you’re passionate about engineering, the arts, or business, there are lots of scholarships available in France to support your academic journey, regardless of your field of interest.
They not only help ease financial burdens but also open doors to unique experiences. With a student visa, you can travel to 26 different countries in Europe, extending your academic journey through travel and cultural engagement.
Studying in France Has Its Benefits
1. Opportunity to learn A Little French
While learning French can improve your experience, many people in France can converse in English. Seize the opportunity to become fluent in one of the world’s most spoken languages. When traveling or residing overseas, this ability can lead to new chances and strengthen cross-cultural relationships.
2. Opportunity to combine Work and School
You can work and continue your studies at the same time with your residency visa.
The key points are as follows:
Work Schedule: 20 hours or more a week.
Wage: The minimum hourly wage is at €9.60.
Qualifications: You have to be in your first year of study.
Your living expenses throughout your studies are partially covered by this agreement.
3. French Universities are among the Top in Global Rankings
Three French universities are included in the world’s top 100 lists. Five French universities are also among the top 200. Paris Science et Lettres-PSL Research University Paris, which is ranked 45th by Times Higher Education, is the top university in the nation.
4. Instruction Provided in English, French, or Both
Your course language might be either French, English, or a combination of the two. Select the option that best suits your level of comfort and comprehension for a stimulating learning environment. Your educational path is shaped by your preferences.
5. Use Your Student Visa to Visit 26 Countries in Europe!
You can travel to any 26 European nations with your VLS-TS student visa. This permits you to travel freely, providing you with access to well-known locations like: Germany, Switzerland, and Spain
Additionally, working up to 964 hours annually gives you the chance to fund your education while getting to know new cultures. Keep in mind that since the UK is not a part of the European Agreement, travel to the UK is not allowed with this visa. Enjoy the liberty of traveling and fully engage with a variety of European environments!
6. Adopt the cultural practices of the Area
Studying in France provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with rich cultural legacy and history on a daily basis. If you are a student in the EU under 26, You can enter a lot of important historical sites, galleries, and museums for free. With this chance, you can explore the cultural landscape and take amazing pictures without going over budget. Make sure your camera is ready!
7. Reasonably affordable tuition
Particularly when compared to institutions in Europe and North America, tuition at French universities is thought to be reasonable. For example, a bachelor’s degree costs €2,770, a master’s degree costs €3,770, and a doctorate costs just €380 a year at public universities. On the other hand, tuition at private colleges can range from €3,000 to €20,000 per year. Because of this variance, it is imperative that you think carefully about the kind of university you want to attend.
Top 12 Scholarships in France for Foreign Students 2025
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The purpose of the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, established by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is to draw exceptional foreign students to master’s and doctoral programs offered by French universities. It aims to develop future leaders in the public and private spheres, with a focus on certain academic specialties. Candidates for master’s degrees under 25 and for PhDs under 30 may apply to the program.
Opens: October 2024
Closes: January 2025
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Apply Here: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
2. International Students’ Scholarships From The French Government
International students can apply for scholarships from the French government by contacting the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. These scholarships are for training, education, and language study in France. The exact details differ per program and embassy, but they often consist of monthly stipends and waivers of school fees.
Eligibility: International students
Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Apply Here: French Government Scholarships
3. Scholarships from ICP Connect
Scholarships from ICP Connect are available to students in 29 qualifying Latin American, Asian, and African nations. The scholarships pay for living expenses, travel, and tuition for master’s programs offered by Flemish universities in English.
Opens: October 2024
Closes: January 2025
Degree Level: Master’s
Apply Here: ICP Connect Scholarships
4. SMARTS-UP Scholarships By Université Paris Cité
Scholarships worth €10,000 are available to foreign students enrolled in master’s programs at Université Paris Cité under the SMARTS-UP initiative. These scholarships cannot be coupled with other French scholarships and are only available to students who have never studied in France.
Opens: November 2024
Closes: January 2025
Degree Level: Master’s
Apply Here: SMARTS-UP Scholarships
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Students from all around the world are invited to study at several universities in Europe and beyond through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master program. Full scholarships are awarded to the top applicants.
Opens: October 2024
Closes: March 2025
Degree Level: Master’s
Apply Here: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
6. Emile Boutmy Scholarship
The Émile Boutmy Scholarship was established by Sciences Po in order to draw exceptional non-EU international students. It is funded by numerous charities, businesses, and donors.
Students must be accepted into Sciences Po’s undergraduate or graduate programs and be first-time applicants from non-EU nations whose households do not pay taxes within the EU in order to qualify.
Opens: October 2024
Closes: December 2024 – January 2025
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Apply Here: Emile Boutmy Scholarship
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7. Ampère Excellence Scholarships
Outstanding international students can apply for scholarships (Ampère, GRADUATE +) from ENS de Lyon and its partners to enroll in master’s programs.
Opens: November 2024
Closes: January 2025
Degree Level: Master’s
Apply Here: Ampère Excellence Scholarships
8. ENS International Selection Scholarships
International students can apply for scholarships from the Ecole Normale Supérieure to begin their master’s program or third year of bachelor’s degree. The scholarships include a monthly stipend in addition to covering tuition.
Opens: November 2024
Closes: January 2025
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Apply Here: ENS International Selection Scholarships
9. HEC Paris MBA Scholarships
MBA candidates can apply for scholarships at HEC Paris. Scholarships for excellence and diversity are awarded to all applicants. Along with your MBA application, you must submit an essay to be eligible for the Forte and L’Oreal scholarships. Based on your application, essays, background, employment experience, GMAT score, and interview outcomes, the Scholarship Committee will award you with different sums.
Opens: Rolling admissions (September 2024 – May 2025)
Closes: Varies per round
Degree Level: MBA
Apply Here: HEC Paris MBA Scholarship
10. Master’s Scholarships for International students at Université Paris-Saclay
International students can apply for scholarships at Université Paris-Saclay to pursue master’s degrees. The purpose of these scholarships is to support internationally qualified students who wish to pursue doctoral-level research at the university.
Opens: October 2024
Closes: Varies by program (November 2024 – January 2025)
Degree Level: Master’s
Apply Here: Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
11. Aix-Marseille University Scholarships for International Students
International students can apply for Aix-Marseille University Scholarships to pursue master’s degrees. The scholarships include funding, accommodation, and an individualized welcome.
Degree Level: Master’s
Benefits: €10,000 per year and travel expenses.
Apply Here: Aix-Marseille University Scholarships for International Students
12. Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)
International students can apply for scholarships from Open Society Foundations in partnership with select French universities to pursue master’s degrees. The scholarships include Tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance, and professional development funds.
Level: Master’s
Benefits: Tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance, and professional development funds.
Apply Here: Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA)
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