For many, scholarships in France are the last straw that will allow them to fulfill their ambition of studying there! France is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, offering world-class education, and diverse academic opportunities. However, the cost of studying abroad can be daunting. Fortunately, several scholarships make education in France more accessible for international students covering the cost of plane tickets, lodging, and other expenditures.
We have compiled a list of the top scholarships in France for international students to help you fulfill your ambition of studying there, as there are so many of them available! There are numerous scholarships in France, some of which are fully or partially supported. To facilitate your search, we have compiled a list of the top fully and partially financed scholarships in France together with their qualifying requirements!
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Why Study in France?
Studying in France offers a life-changing combination of global opportunities, cultural enrichment, and academic excellence. From business and engineering to the arts and humanities, France—known for its prominent universities including École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, and Sorbonne University—offers first-rate instruction in some areas. With tuition costs lower than those of many other study destinations and a variety of scholarships designed to assist international students, such as the École Normale Supérieure Scholarships and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Scholarship, France stands out for its commitment to accessibility.
Studying in France means being engaged in the rich cultural legacy of the nation, which spans everything from flourishing art and fashion industries to historic buildings and wonderful food outside of the classroom. Apart from texts, the experience helps one to grasp one of the most important civilizations on Earth. Additionally, because of its close relations with global organizations, France provides access to overseas markets for those looking for jobs, notably in industries like technology, banking, and the luxury industry.
Though many courses are taught in English, students have the fantastic possibility to study or enhance their French, an ability that is greatly sought in foreign contexts. France’s center location in Europe provides the added advantage of convenient access to nearby nations, widening horizons on both a personal and academic level. Studying in France is more than just obtaining a degree; it’s a life-changing journey of opportunity, growth, and discovery.
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Top 10 Scholarships in France for International Students
Partially Funded Scholarships In France
Certain forms of financial aid, known as partially funded scholarships, only pay for a fraction of your tuition costs; it’s like receiving a tuition discount! Here is a list of the best partially supported scholarships in France for international students!
1. École Normale Supérieure Scholarships
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- Scholarship Amount: €1000 per month
The École Normale Supérieure Scholarships are a financial aid program sponsored by École Normale Supérieure (ENS) that selects the most talented international students in the arts and humanities or science to study a Master’s degree at their university each year! One of the greatest scholarships in France for international students is offered by ENS, which offers a wide range of courses, including biology, earth science, anthropology, archaeology, classical studies, cinema, and more!
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You have to be below 26 years of age.
- It must be your first time applying for the international selection.
- You must have been in France for no more than ten months during the selection’s academic year!
2. INSEAD MBA Scholarships
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- Scholarship Amount: Up to €25,000
The greatest university to pursue an MBA is INSEAD if you plan to do so! Do not be alarmed if you think INSEAD will be costly; they offer MBA scholarships to aid you with your tuition! Regardless of your financial status or experience, INSEAD wants to draw the brightest and greatest students to their institution, this vision made the INSEAD MBA scholarship one of the best scholarships in France for international students.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- To be eligible for a need-based scholarship, you must prove that you are in need of financial assistance.
- Scholarships based on merit require you to demonstrate your leadership skills, professional background, gender, academic merit, and area of prior study, among other things!
3. Ampère Excellence Scholarships
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- Scholarship Amount: €1,000 monthly in a year
ENS de Lyon offers many scholarships in France for international students, including the Ampère Excellence Scholarship. If you are selected to receive the Ampère Excellence award, you can enroll in one Master’s program at ENS de Lyon that qualifies. A variety of courses are offered in the departments of the arts, human and social sciences, and exact sciences. This grant is renewable for the next year if you perform well in your first year of a master’s program! Keep in mind that you need to apply for a French student visa because it’s a formal document that you might need to provide to receive a scholarship!
- Eligibility Criteria:
- The age limit must not be above 26 years.
- You must demonstrate that you have a license, which is equal to 180 ECTS European credits, or an equivalent diploma or level to be admitted to a Master’s program in its first year.
- You must demonstrate that you have earned a Masters Year 1 level or an equivalent diploma or level, which is equal to 240 ECTS European credits, to be admitted to your second year of master’s.
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4. MILYON Scholarships
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- Scholarship Amount: €1000 monthly for 10 months
One of the top international scholarships in France is the MILYON scholarship, which is particularly attractive to students who want to study computer science and mathematics. After ten months of assessing your success in the course, you may be eligible to extend the scholarship. MILYON is a leading provider of partially funded scholarships in France for international students.
- Eligibility Criteria: One of the MILYON Master or Licence 3 programs is where you need to apply!
5. HEC Paris MBA Scholarship For Excellence
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- Scholarship Amount: 50% of your tuition fees
If you are thinking about pursuing an MBA in Paris, HEC Paris is one of the greatest universities that provides scholarships in France for international students. Their French business schools will persuade you to do the same! This French scholarship is among the greatest because it offers 50% off your tuition expenses. If you have talent and a strong academic record, you can attend one of the top business schools in France for half the cost!
- Eligibility Criteria:
- After being accepted to HEC Paris, you are immediately eligible for the merit-based scholarship.
- You lose your eligibility if you receive government or corporate sponsorship for the remaining 50% of your tuition costs.
6. Rennes Business School Talent Scholarship
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- Scholarship Amount: €5000 /month
Rennes Business School is another well-known French business school that provides a fantastic partially financed scholarship that will help you save about €5,000 on tuition! Students who demonstrate their readiness to contribute to all facets of the program and have a clear professional merit are the only ones given this talent scholarship. To be eligible for this French grant, students must apply to a Master’s program in France!
- Eligibility Criteria: You must have a strong academic record and have clear professional merit.
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Fully-Funded Scholarships In France
We now reach the best of the best. Your tuition fees as well as additional expenses like airfare, lodging, a stipend, and more will be covered by these scholarships in France for international students. Being one of the most sought-after scholarships in France, you will need to be prepared for a competition to get one!
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Scholarship
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- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and travel expenses
The French scholarship you’ve been looking for is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Scholarship! Your complete tuition will be paid for by this fully funded scholarships in France for international students, which will also provide you with a monthly allowance of €1100 to €1500 and cover your travel expenses, provided that your total expenses do not exceed €49,000! You should be on the lookout for this merit-based scholarship!
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be in your final year of college or have a bachelor’s degree.
- You have to graduate before your Master’s program begins if you are in your final year.
2. Sophie Germain’s Master’s Scholarships
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- Scholarship Amount: €11,000 per year, accommodation costs
The Sophie Germain Master’s Award is a French award available only to students who choose to study mathematics at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris or the University Paris Saclay. It is one of the top scholarships in France for international students, providing you with €11,000 annually and covering your living expenses.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must apply to the Institut Polytechnique de Paris or the University Paris Saclay for the Master of Mathematics and Applications program.
- You need to have a solid academic background.
3. Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships
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- Scholarship Amount: €10,000 yearly, €1,000 for travel
Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships, which provide €10,000 annually to assist you pay for all of your fees, are arguably among the best scholarships in France for international students. Additionally, you receive €1,000 for your trip and a visa, which you will receive once you are in France! Expect a fierce battle because students are chosen based on their merit!
- Eligibility Criteria:
- The Master’s program at Université Paris-Saclay, which is provided by AgroParisTech, is where you should apply.
- ENS Paris-Saclay, INSTN-CEA, IOGS, UEVE, UPSaclay, UVSQ, and CentraleSupelec all provide.
- During the selection year, you must be 30 years of age or younger.
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4. International Fashion Academy Scholarships in Paris
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- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fees
One of the top fashion schools in France that many people wish to attend is the International Fashion Academy (IFA) in Paris! One of the most prominent colleges in France, it offers fully financed scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition, even though some students cannot afford the fees! In the event that you are not awarded the full scholarship, other scholarships in France for international students will pay for a portion of your tuition.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- To enroll in the course of your choice, you must fulfill all prerequisites.
- All English language entry criteria, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, must be met.
- This award is only available to new students; current students are not eligible.
Difference between Grants and Scholarships in France
For international students seeking higher education in France, scholarships and grants are crucial sources of financial assistance. Typically, scholarships involve financial aid given out according to merit, academic performance, or predetermined standards established by governments, organizations, or institutions. These grants often cover tuition, living expenses, or both. Grants for foreign students in France, however, include a wider range of financial support. Governmental agencies, academic institutions, and business groups are just a few of the sources from which they may originate.
Certain fields of study, research, or cultural exchange programs may be the focus of need-based grants, which are designed to help students from low-income families. The French Government Scholarship class includes some noteworthy awards, such as the Charpak Scholarship for Indian students, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for exceptional international students, and the Erasmus+ program, which provides mobility funds for students around Europe. Human rights studies students are the focus of the René Cassin Foundation’s Human Rights Grants.
Getting a scholarship is a relatively simple process. Some scholarships are submitted straight after you are accepted to the university offering them, but many have their websites! To find out the precise steps involved in applying for the scholarship, you can go to their website.
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How to Choose the Right Scholarship?
Selecting the right scholarship is a critical step in your educational journey, as it can significantly impact your academic and personal goals. Here are some tips for choosing wisely:
1. Start by aligning the scholarship with your field of study: Make sure the program suits your academic interests, whether they are in the arts, business, or engineering, as some grants are specialized in particular fields. Next, carefully go over the eligibility conditions. Fulfilling the precise terms of scholarships, which may include nationality, academic accomplishments, or language skills, is important to the success of your application.
2. Financial need is another key factor: Some scholarships may only give partial finance, whereas others may cover tuition. Determine which scholarship best meets your financial circumstances by assessing your overall expenses, including living expenses. Beyond money, think about how well the scholarship matches your career ambitions. For example, some scholarships involve internships or mentorships, which can result in priceless career ties.
3. Finally, research the application process and deadlines well in advance: It takes time to create a solid application, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. You may boost your chances of success and get the most out of your study abroad experience by picking a scholarship that corresponds with your interests and undertaking considerable preparation.
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In conclusion, France is a top choice for international students since it delivers a range of scholarship alternatives that cut costs and enable access to high-quality education. These efforts include a diversity of academic topics and backgrounds, ranging from major programs like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship to institution-specific alternatives like The Émile Boutmy Scholarship | Sciences Po Students. In addition to giving financial aid, scholarships in France allow students access to worldwide networks, cutting-edge research possibilities, and cultural immersion in one of the world’s most lively nations.
France’s scholarships are meant to help students reach their academic and career goals, regardless of their interests in engineering, business, the social sciences, or the arts. Students can minimize their financial anxieties and concentrate on making the most of their educational chances by carefully assessing and picking the ideal program. France is still a popular solution for people looking for a lively education and a springboard to worldwide opportunities.
