What Is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme supports selected international students who intend to study in France in priority academic fields. French higher education institutions identify suitable candidates and submit their applications to Campus France.

Unlike scholarships where students submit an application directly to a central funding agency, the Eiffel process requires a French higher education institution to support and submit the candidate’s application. Students should therefore contact universities early and follow their internal selection procedures.

• Scholarship authority: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
• Programme administration: Campus France.
• Study levels: Eligible master’s programmes, engineering programmes and doctoral arrangements covered by the programme rules.
• Target applicants: High-achieving international students who meet the programme and institutional criteria.
• Study destinations: Participating institutions throughout France, not only universities in Paris.

France Eiffel Scholarship 2027: Important Dates

The official 2027 call for applications opened on 2 October 2026. The deadline below is the deadline for French institutions to submit applications to Campus France; an individual university may set an earlier deadline for students.

These dates are for the 2027 session. The deadline for a student to contact a university and submit documents may be considerably earlier. Contact the international relations or scholarship office of your chosen institution as soon as possible.

Official calendar: France Excellence Eiffel 2027 – Call for Applications

Who Is Eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship?

Eligibility depends on the scholarship level, age limits, academic profile and the requirements of the participating French institution. The 2027 programme highlights the following age limits:

• Master’s level: Applicants must be no older than 29 under the programme’s applicable age calculation.
• Doctoral level: Applicants must be no older than 35 under the applicable programme rules.
• Nationality: The programme is intended for international students; check the current rules for nationality and previous scholarship status.
• Academic profile: Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability and a suitable background for the proposed programme.
• Institutional nomination: A French higher education institution must support and submit the application.
• Eligible subject: The proposed study must fall within the programme’s specified academic fields.

Meeting the age and academic requirements does not guarantee selection. Institutions may apply their own admission standards and internal deadlines, and the national scholarship competition is selective.

Check the official 2027 regulations for detailed age calculations, restrictions, repeat applications and other eligibility conditions before preparing an application.

Which Subjects Are Covered?

The France Excellence Eiffel programme focuses on seven areas grouped under science and technology, and humanities and social sciences.

The exact course must be eligible under the current programme rules and offered by a participating institution. Do not assume that every course within a broad subject area automatically qualifies.

Scholarship Benefits and Monthly Allowance

The scholarship provides financial support and specified services to selected students. The exact package depends on the level of study and the applicable regulations.

Benefits are governed by the official regulations and the recipient’s award letter. Do not assume that the scholarship pays every expense or that the same financial conditions apply to every institution and programme.

Official benefits information: Campus France – Scholarship Benefits and Duration

How Long Does the Eiffel Scholarship Last?

The maximum duration depends on the study level and the type of programme approved.

• Master’s M2 entry: Up to 12 months.
• Master’s M1 entry: Up to 24 months.
• Engineering degree: Up to 36 months under the programme conditions.
• Doctoral level: Generally between 12 and 36 months, according to the approved award and applicable regulations.

The actual funded period is determined by the scholarship award and programme rules. Only eligible study periods in France are funded, subject to the exceptions set out in the official regulations.

How to Apply for the France Eiffel Scholarship 2027

Students cannot submit an eligible Eiffel scholarship application directly to Campus France. A French higher education institution must select and nominate the candidate and submit the application through the designated system.

1. Identify your academic goal: Decide whether you want to pursue an eligible master’s, engineering or doctoral pathway.
2. Find French institutions: Search for universities and higher education institutions offering programmes in one of the eligible academic fields.
3. Contact the institution: Write to its international relations office, admissions team or scholarship coordinator to ask about Eiffel nomination.
4. Check internal deadlines: Ask when the institution needs your admission application and scholarship documents. Its deadline may be earlier than 6 January 2027.
5. Prepare your academic file: Follow the institution’s instructions for transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation statement and other requested evidence.
6. Apply for admission if required: Complete the institution’s course-admission process according to its rules.
7. Request institutional support: The institution evaluates candidates and decides whom it will nominate.
8. Institution submits the application: If selected by the institution, your application is sent to Campus France through the official process.
9. Monitor communications: Stay in contact with the institution and check official messages for selection results or additional requirements.

Critical application rule: Applications submitted directly by students or by foreign institutions are declared ineligible under the programme rules. Your French institution must submit the Eiffel application.

Documents You May Need

The exact documents depend on the institution, study level and proposed programme. Commonly requested materials may include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Detailed CV or résumé.
• Motivation letter explaining academic interests and career goals.
• Research proposal or project outline for a doctoral application, where requested.
• Proof of language proficiency if required by the course.
• Passport or identity details needed for the application.
• Letters of recommendation or evidence of relevant experience, if requested.
• University admission documents and other institution-specific forms.

This is a general checklist, not a universal official document list. Follow the latest instructions provided by your chosen institution and the Campus France Eiffel application guide.

Tips to Strengthen Your Eiffel Scholarship Application

• Show academic excellence: Present your strongest relevant academic results, research, projects or professional achievements.
• Choose a coherent programme: Explain how the proposed course connects to your background and long-term plans.
• Explain your impact: Describe how the education could help you contribute to your professional field or community.
• Prepare a focused motivation letter: Use specific examples rather than generic claims about being hardworking or ambitious.
• Build a strong institutional relationship: Contact the relevant university office early and follow its instructions.
• Check every deadline: Keep a calendar for university admission, internal nomination and the official programme schedule.
• Follow document requirements: Submit complete, accurate information and any requested translations or certifications.
• Confirm language requirements: Check whether the course is taught in French, English or another format and provide the required evidence.

The Eiffel Scholarship is competitive. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination by a university or final selection by the scholarship programme.

Can You Study Only in Paris?

No. Although Paris is a popular destination for international students, the Eiffel Scholarship is not restricted to institutions in Paris. Eligible programmes may be offered by participating higher education institutions in other parts of France as well.

When comparing universities, consider the academic programme, research facilities, language requirements, housing availability, cost of living, transport and the institution’s internal scholarship deadline. The most suitable option is the one that matches your academic profile and study objectives, not necessarily the most famous city.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying to submit the Eiffel scholarship application directly to Campus France as an individual student.
• Contacting a university after its internal nomination deadline has passed.
• Assuming that every French university or every degree programme qualifies.
• Assuming that the scholarship automatically covers all tuition fees and living expenses.
• Ignoring the programme’s age limits and academic eligibility requirements.
• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents.
• Relying on unofficial websites for scholarship amounts or deadline changes.
• Paying an agent who claims to guarantee a scholarship or nomination.

Official France Eiffel Scholarship Resources

• France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship – Campus France — eligibility, benefits, duration and application procedure.
• Eiffel 2027 Call for Applications — official 2027 timeline and subject areas.
• Campus France Eiffel Master Application Information — official programme deadline and institutional submission process.
• Eiffel Scholarship Implementation — guidance for selected scholarship recipients.

Frequently Asked Questions