Applications Open for the Fully Funded Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026
Unlock Your Future: A Complete Guide to the 2026 Eiffel Scholarship
Dreaming of pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. amidst the rich history, culture, and academic excellence of France? That dream could be fully funded.
Applications are now open for one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe: the French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program for 2026. This is your chance to study at world-class universities in France with all expenses covered.
Why the Eiffel Scholarship Stands Out
Simply put, the Eiffel Scholarship is the crown jewel of French scholarships for international students. It’s highly competitive, incredibly comprehensive, and designed to attract the brightest minds from around the world to study in France.
Prestige: Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, it's a mark of academic excellence.
Flexibility: It covers almost all academic fields, from the sciences to law and economics.
Freedom: You can study at any participating public or private university or grande école in France, from Paris to Lyon to Toulouse and beyond.
What Does "Fully Funded" Actually Cover?
The financial benefits are designed to let you focus entirely on your studies, not your expenses.
For Master’s Students:
Monthly Allowance: €1,181 total (a €1,031 monthly stipend + a €150 additional monthly grant).
International Travel: A round-trip airline ticket from your home country to France.
Housing Assistance: A subsidy to cover your accommodation costs.
Cultural Activities: Access and funding for cultural events and experiences.
For Ph.D. Students:
Monthly Stipend: €1,400.
International Travel: A round-trip airline ticket.
Housing Assistance.
Cultural Activities.
Are You Eligible?
Before you start dreaming of cafés along the Seine, check these key criteria:
Nationality: This is for international students only. French citizens are not eligible.
Age:
For a Master's degree: You must be 30 years old or younger at the time of the 2026 selection committee (i.e., born on or after March 1996).
For a Ph.D.: You must be 35 years old or younger (i.e., born on or after March 1991).
Field of Study: Your program must fall into one of these two broad categories:
Science and Technology: Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Nano-biotech, Environmental Sciences, etc.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Law, Economics, Political Science, Management.
Language Requirements: Good news! Many French universities offer programs in English and may grant admission without an IELTS/TOEFL score based on your previous education. However, proficiency in French is a significant advantage for daily life and is required for French-taught programs.
Important Duration Details
The scholarship is awarded for a specific period to complete your degree:
Master's (M1 level): Up to 12 months.
Master's (M2 level): Up to 24 months.
Engineering degree: Up to 36 months.
Ph.D.: Up to 12 months, but it can be extended to 36 months when paired with a French doctoral school.
The Critical Application Process (Read This Carefully!)
This is the most important part. You cannot apply directly as an individual.
Step 1: Find a French Institution That Will Adopt You.
Your first and most crucial task is to be accepted by a French university or school for a program that starts in the 2026/2027 academic year. You must then convince that institution to nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship.
How? Contact the international relations or admissions office of the universities you are interested in. Browse their websites for Eiffel Scholarship information. Your application must have their full endorsement.
Step 2: The Institution Applies For You.
Once a French school accepts you and agrees to sponsor your candidacy, they will handle the online application through the dedicated Campus France portal before their internal deadline.
Your deadline is their deadline. French institutions typically set internal deadlines in November or early December 2025 to prepare their nominations. The official national deadline for institutions to submit applications is usually in early January 2026.
Key Takeaway & Next Steps
The official call for applications for students is now open.
The deadline for institutions to submit applications is expected to be in early January 2026.
Your personal deadline is much sooner—aim to be accepted by a French university by November/December 2025.
Your action plan right now:
Research: Find French universities and programs that fit your academic goals.
Reach Out: Immediately contact their international offices. Inquire about their application process for the program and their internal procedures and deadlines for Eiffel Scholarship nominations.
Prepare: Work on your motivation letters, CV, and research proposal (for Ph.D.) to impress both the university and, subsequently, the Eiffel selection committee.
This is a life-changing opportunity that requires initiative and early preparation. Don't wait until the last minute!