Top 12 Scholarships in France for International Students 2025 (Spring Intake)

For international students looking to further their education in a dynamic cultural environment, studying in France presents an exciting opportunity. France is known for its popular universities and strong cultural history.

There are many scholarships available in France to assist your academic journey, regardless of your field of interest, if you’re passionate about engineering, arts, or business. These fully funded scholarships are available for graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies.

They not only reduce financial burdens but also provide access to unique experiences. With a student visa, you can travel to 26 different European countries, expanding your academic experience through travel and cultural interaction.

Advantages of Studying in France

1. Opportunity to learn A Little French

While many people in France can communicate in English, taking the opportunity to learn French can enhance your stay. Fluency in this widely spoken language opens up new chances and encourages cross-cultural connections, which are especially useful when living abroad.

2. Opportunity to Work and Study Simultaneously

With your resident visa, you can work while you study. This policy can be helpful in various ways:

Work Schedule: You can work 20 or more hours each week.
Earnings: The minimum wage is €9.60 an hour.
Eligibility: You must be in your first year of study to be considered.

This flexibility enables you to cover your living expenses while acquiring practical experience.

3. French universities are among the top in global rankings

Three French universities are ranked among the world’s top 100. Five French universities are also ranked in the top 200. Paris Science et Lettres-PSL Research University Paris, ranked 45th by Times Higher Education, is the nation’s leading university.

4. Instruction is given in English, French, or both

Your course language could be French, English, or a combination of both. Choose the setting that best suits your level of comfort and comprehension for a better learning environment. Your educational route is determined by your preferences.

5. You can Travel Easily Across Europe

Your VLS-TS student visa allows you to travel to any of the 26 European countries. This allows you to travel freely, giving you access to well-known destinations like Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.

Additionally, working up to 964 hours each year allows you to pay for your studies while also learning about other cultures. Keep in mind that because the United Kingdom is not a member of the European Union, this visa cannot be used to go there. Enjoy the freedom to travel and actively engage with various kinds of European environments!

6. Follow the cultural practices of the area

Studying in France provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the country’s rich cultural heritage and history on a daily basis. If you are a student in the EU under the age of 26, you can visit several famous historical sites, galleries, and museums free of charge. With this opportunity, you can explore the cultural landscape while taking amazing pictures without going over budget.

7. Reasonably reasonable tuition

French universities are believed to have affordable tuition, especially when compared to institutions in Europe and North America. A bachelor’s degree costs €2,770, a master’s degree costs €3,770, and a doctorate costs only €380 a year at public universities. In contrast, private college tuition can range from €3,000 to €20,000 per year. Because of this disparity, it is critical that you carefully choose the type of university you want to attend.

Top 12 Scholarships in France for International Students 2025

1. International Student Scholarships From the French Government

International students can apply for French government scholarships by contacting the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. These scholarships cover training, education, and language study in France. Each program and embassy has different specifics, but generally speaking, they include monthly stipends and tuition waivers.

Eligibility: International Students
Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee waiver; monthly stipend.
Degree level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD.
Apply here: French Government Scholarships

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master program invites students from all around the world to study at various universities in Europe and beyond. The most qualified applicants receive full scholarships.

Opens: October 2024
Closes: March 2025.
Apply here: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program.

3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, established by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to attract excellent overseas students to master’s and doctorate programs offered by French universities. It seeks to produce future leaders in both the public and private sectors, with a focus on certain academic specialties. Candidates for master’s degrees under 25 and PhDs under 30 can apply to the program.

Opens in October 2024.
Closes in January 2025.
Degree Level: Master’s or PhD degree.
Apply Here: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

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4. Civil Society Leadership Award (CSLA)

International students interested in pursuing master’s degrees can apply for scholarships from the Open Society Foundations in cooperation with chosen French universities. The scholarships cover tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance, and professional development grants.

Level: Master’s program
Benefits: tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance, and professional development funding.
Apply here: Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLAs)

5. Master’s Scholarships for International Students at the Université Paris-Saclay

Université Paris-Saclay offers scholarships to international students pursuing master’s degrees. The goal of these scholarships is to assist internationally qualified students who want to pursue doctoral-level research at the university.

Opens in October 2024.
Closing: varies by program (November 2024 – January 2025).
Degree Level: Master’s
Apply here: Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships.

6. Aix-Marseille University Scholarships for International Students.

International students may apply for Aix-Marseille University Scholarships to study for master’s degrees. The scholarships provide funding, accommodation, and a unique warm welcome.

Degree: for Master’s degree holders.
Benefits: €10,000 annual salary and travel expenses
Apply here: Aix-Marseille University scholarships for international students.

7. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship

Sciences Po established the Émile Boutmy Scholarship to draw brilliant non-EU international students. It is supported by a number of charities, businesses, and donors.

To be eligible, students must be admitted into Sciences Po’s undergraduate or graduate programs and be first-time applicants from non-EU nations whose households do not pay EU taxes.

Opens in October 2024.
Closes: December 2024 to January 2025.
Degree level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Apply here: Emile Boutmy’s Scholarship

8. Ampere Excellence Scholarships

Outstanding international students can apply for scholarships (Ampère, GRADUATE PLUS) from ENS de Lyon and its partners to pursue master’s degrees.

Opens in November 2024.
Closes in January 2025.
Qualifications: Master’s degree.
Apply here: Ampère Excellence Scholarships

9. 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 a bachelor’s degree. The grants give a monthly stipend in addition to tuition.

Opens in November 2024.
Closes in January 2025.
Degree level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Apply here: ENS International Selection Scholarships

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10. HEC Paris MBA Scholarships.

MBA applicants may apply for scholarships at HEC Paris. Scholarships for excellence and diversity are given to all applicants. To be considered for the Forte and L’Oreal scholarships, you must include an essay with your MBA application. The Scholarship Committee will give you varying sums based on your application, essays, background, employment experience, GMAT score, and interview results.

Opens: Rolling admissions (September 2024 – May 2025)
Closes: varies by round.
Degree Level: MBA
Apply here: HEC Paris MBA Scholarship

11. Scholarships from ICP Connect

ICP Connect Scholarships are accessible to students from 29 qualifying Latin American, Asian, and African countries. The scholarships include living expenses, travel, and tuition for English-taught master’s programs at Flemish universities.

Opens: October 2024
Closes: January 2025.
Degree: Master’s degree
Apply Here: ICP Connect Scholarships.

12. Smarts-Up Scholarships By Université Paris Cité

Foreign students enrolling in master’s programs at Université Paris Cité can apply for €10,000 scholarships through the SMARTS-UP initiative. These scholarships cannot be combined with other French scholarships and are exclusively open to students who have never studied in France.

Opens: November 2024
Closes: January 2025.
Degree Program: Master’s degree
Apply Here: SMARTS-UP Scholarships.