France has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. Renowned for its high-quality education, rich cultural heritage, and affordability, it also offers a number of attractive scholarship programs. In 2025, several prestigious scholarships are available for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and MBA-level students. This guide walks you through the best opportunities, eligibility, application steps, and what to expect when studying in France.
1. Why Choose France?
- Affordable Education: Public universities in France are highly subsidized. Tuition is around €243/year for EU students and approximately €3,770/year for non-EU students.
- Excellent Academic Reputation: France hosts top-ranked institutions, including “Grandes Écoles” like Sciences Po, ENS, and HEC Paris.
- Cultural & Research Hub: World-class centers for arts, science, and gastronomy enhance life both academically and personally.
- Supportive Living Ecosystem: Programs like CROUS offer housing assistance, subsidized meals, and cultural programs.
2. Top Scholarships You Must Know in 2025
Here’s an overview of the most prominent and competitive scholarships open for application in 2025:
| Scholarship | Degree Level | Benefits | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence | Master’s & PhD | Full tuition, stipend, travel, insurance | Apply Oct 2024 – Jan 2025 |
| Émile Boutmy (Sciences Po) | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Up to €14,720/year for undergrads; €13,100/year for masters | Undergrad: Mar 4, 2025; Master’s: Dec 1, 2025 |
| ENS International Selection | Bachelor’s & Master’s | €1,000/month stipend, no tuition, free accommodation | Deadline: Dec 12, 2025 |
| SMARTS-UP (Paris Cité) | Master’s | €10,000 scholarship | Nov 2024 – Jan 2025 |
| ICP Connect Scholarships | Master’s | Covers tuition, travel, living expenses | Oct 2024 – Jan 2025 |
| HEC Paris MBA Scholarships | MBA | Partial/full tuition; based on essays, GMAT, background | Rolling Sept 2024 – May 2025 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | Master’s | Tuition support, possible stipend | Deadlines vary by program |
| Aix-Marseille University | Master’s | €10,000/year + travel expenses | Varies |
| French Government Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Tuition waiver + monthly stipend (embassy-dependent) | |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Master’s | Covers tuition, subsistence, travel |
Other specialized programs like Charpak_, EDISS, and CROUS bursaries are available, especially for applicants from certain countries or backgrounds.
3. Voices from Students
Real feedback from those who have walked this path:
“ATM students can apply for CAF and other housing aids once they have a social security number.”
Regarding the Émile Boutmy Scholarship:
“It’s awarded to IIRC 250 people each year out of a few thousands… plenty of scholarships for masters in France.”
Such insights showcase both the opportunities and challenges—including reliance on social support systems and fierce competition.
4. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify Your Fit
- Choose the scholarship based on your degree level and field.
- Note key deadlines: e.g., Eiffel (€ Oct 2024–Jan), Boutmy (Master’s: Dec 2025), ENS (Dec 2025), HEC MBA rolling.
Step 2: Secure University Admission
- Apply to target universities via platforms like Études en France
- Your admission is typically a prerequisite for scholarships like Émile Boutmy or Eiffel.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Ensure you have:
- Academic transcripts & diplomas
- CV and personal statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Passport copy
- For some programs: financial need documents, language certificates (English/French)
Step 4: Apply via Official Channels
- Eiffel via Campus France/government pages
- Émile Boutmy and ENS via university-specific portals
- HEC through MBA application platform
- Government and embassy scholarships via official outreach.
Step 5: After Submission
- Be prepared for interviews, additional essays, or portfolio submission.
- Track via application portals.
- Scholarships often offer living stipends, fee waivers, and more.
Step 6: Upon Award
- Arrange visa (France student visa via Campus France).
- Access support like CROUS housing aid and student benefits. WikipediaReddit
5. Final Recommendations
- Start your search early to avoid missing deadlines.
- Apply to multiple scholarships to diversify your chances.
- Tailor your applications to each scholarship’s mission—academic excellence, leadership, or community impact.
- Stay proactive—regularly check embassy websites or Campus France announcements.
- Leverage student forums for updates on delays or new calls, such as France Excellence Europa.