Scholarships in France for International Students

Studely
July 3, 2026

Want to study in France but wondering how to finance your project? Good news: many scholarships are available to international students. They are offered by French universities, the government, and also by several foundations and international organizations.

Some cover all your tuition and living expenses, while others offer partial financial aid. In this article, discover the main scholarships you can apply for.

The different categories of scholarships in France

Scholarships available for international students can be grouped into three main categories:

  • university-funded scholarships;
  • scholarships funded by the French government;
  • scholarships offered by private organizations or foundations.

Depending on the programs, these grants can be fully or partially funded.

Scholarships funded by French universities

Many French universities offer their own funding schemes. Selection criteria vary by institution and generally consider academic background, results, study project, and financial resources.

1. The Ampère Excellence Scholarship

The Ampère Excellence Scholarship is offered by ENS de Lyon and is for international students enrolled in a Master's program.

It provides a monthly allowance of approximately €1,000 for the entire duration of the program to cover major student living costs.

More information on the ENS Lyon website.

2. The Stephen M. Kellen Scholarship

This merit-based scholarship is offered to international students at Sciences Po.

Fully funded, it covers two years of study and is awarded to top academic achievers.

Find out the conditions on the official Sciences Po website.

3. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is one of the most prestigious offered by Sciences Po.

It is exclusively for international students enrolled in Bachelor's or Master's programs.

Find all the information on the official website.

Before applying for a university scholarship, remember to check the institution's website directly. Some scholarships require prior admission.

French Government-Funded Scholarships

The French government offers several programs designed to attract the best international students.

1. The Eiffel Scholarship Program

The Eiffel program is one of the most well-known programs.

It funds studies for Master's and Doctorate degrees in fields such as:

  • engineering;
  • sciences;
  • economics;
  • law;
  • political science.

To be eligible, you must already have been admitted to a French institution.

All information is available on the Campus France website.

2. The Erasmus+ Scholarship

The Erasmus+ program is now one of the most significant student mobility schemes in Europe.

This aid can cover:

  • tuition fees;
  • mobility costs;
  • living expenses;
  • certain relocation expenses.

Learn more on the official Erasmus+ website.

3. The Chateaubriand Scholarship

Funded by the French Embassy, the Chateaubriand fellowship is for American researchers wishing to conduct research in France.

It funds stays of four to nine months.

All information is available on the official website.

Like university scholarships, government scholarships have their own eligibility criteria based on nationality, level of study, or host institution.

Scholarships offered by private organizations

Many foundations and international organizations also fund studies for international students.

1. The Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright program is one of the most prestigious in the world.

Each year, it enables several international students to pursue a Master's or Doctorate with full funding.

Find out more on the Fulbright website.

2. The Alexandre Yersin Scholarship

This scholarship is for students from Hong Kong and Macao wishing to pursue a Master's in France.

Information is available on the official website.

3. The Civil Society Leadership Award (CSLA) scholarship

The CSLA recognizes committed young leaders who want to make a positive impact on their society.

It primarily funds Master's programs and covers all study-related costs.

Find all the information on the Open Society Foundations website.

Scholarships offered by private organizations primarily concern Master's or PhD students and often target specific fields of study.

The Studely Scholarship

In addition to existing schemes, Studely also offers its own Studely Scholarship for international students.

It helps students with funding their studies and settling in France.

Applications are submitted entirely online.

How to choose the right scholarship?

Many scholarships are available. To find the one that matches your profile, you should consider several criteria:

  • your country of origin;
  • your level of study;
  • your field of study;
  • the university you choose;
  • your potential acceptance into a French institution.

By preparing your application well in advance and targeting scholarships suited to your profile, you will significantly increase your chances of obtaining funding for your studies in France.

Studely
July 3, 2026