40 Free Scholarships in France for International Students

France is a popular study destination for international students. Many French universities offer scholarships and financial support. Some scholarships cover tuition fees. Others give students money for living costs, travel, or other study expenses.

In this guide, we list 40 scholarship and funding opportunities in France. Some are fully funded, while others cover part of the study costs. Always check the official website before applying because rules, deadlines, and scholarship amounts can change.

1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the most famous scholarships in France. It is offered by the French government. It is for international students who want to study for a Master’s or PhD degree in France. Students can study subjects such as engineering, economics, management, law, political science, mathematics, digital science, and health. For 2026, the Master’s allowance is €1,200 per month. PhD students receive €2,100 per month. Applications must be sent by French universities.

Benefits: €1,200/month for Master’s; €2,100/month for PhD; travel support; insurance; other services.

Official link: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship – Campus France

2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po

The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is offered by Sciences Po in Paris. It is for international students from outside the European Union. Students can apply for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. The scholarship is based on academic merit. At the Master’s level, students can receive a tuition fee reduction of €18,500 per year for two years. Bachelor’s students can receive a full or partial tuition fee exemption. Students must first apply for admission to Sciences Po.

Benefits: Up to €18,500/year for Master’s; tuition support; Bachelor’s funding.

Official link: Émile Boutmy Scholarship – Sciences Po

3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po supports talented students from Africa. The program is for students who have strong academic results and face financial barriers. Selected students can receive major financial support for their Master’s studies. The program can cover tuition, living costs, accommodation, and other study needs. It also provides academic and career support. This scholarship is only for eligible African students, so applicants should check the nationality rules before applying.

Benefits: Tuition support; living costs; accommodation; academic support; career support.

Official link: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Sciences Po

4. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship is for international students with strong academic results. It is available for selected Master’s programs. The university offers many study areas, including science, engineering, economics, management, and social sciences. The scholarship can provide €10,000 per year. A travel and visa allowance may also be available. Students must first apply to an eligible Master’s program.

Benefits: €10,000/year; travel and visa support; Master’s study.

Official link: Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

5. Paris-Saclay France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

Paris-Saclay also supports students who apply for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship. The scholarship is for excellent international students. It is available for selected Master’s and PhD programs. Study areas include mathematics, digital science, engineering, biology, health, economics, management, law, and political science. Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. The French university must submit the application.

Benefits: Monthly allowance; travel support; insurance; other services.

Official link: Paris-Saclay Eiffel Scholarship

6. ENS International Selection Scholarship

The École Normale Supérieure, or ENS, offers scholarships through its International Selection. It is for excellent international students in science and humanities. Successful students receive financial support and can study in a strong research environment in Paris. The scholarship is very competitive. Students should have excellent academic results and a strong study plan. It is a good option for students who want to continue their studies and research in France.

Benefits: Monthly scholarship; accommodation; Master’s study; research opportunities.

Official link: ENS International Selection

7. PSL PhD Track Scholarship

PSL University offers PhD Track programs for students who want to continue from a Master’s degree to a PhD. Students can study areas such as computer science, physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and life sciences. During the Master’s stage, selected students can receive financial support. During the PhD stage, students can receive a doctoral contract. This makes the program useful for students who want a long-term research career in France.

Benefits: Master’s funding; funded PhD; doctoral salary.

Official link: PSL PhD Tracks

8. PSL Computer Science Scholarship

The PSL Graduate Program in Computer Science offers scholarships for talented students. It is suitable for students interested in computer science, artificial intelligence, data, and related fields. Selected students can receive a monthly scholarship during the academic year. The program is a good choice for international students who want to study computer science in Paris. Applicants should check the current program and scholarship rules before applying.

Benefits: Monthly scholarship; computer science; AI and data study.

Official link: PSL Computer Science Scholarships

9. PRAIRIE AI Scholarship

The PRAIRIE Institute is part of the French AI research community. It offers funding opportunities for students interested in artificial intelligence and data science. The scholarship is linked to selected Master’s programs at PSL. It is a good choice for students who want to build skills in AI, machine learning, mathematics, and data. The scholarship is based on academic quality and the selected study program.

Benefits: Up to €12,000; AI study; data science; research.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Financial Aid

10. PGSM Mathematics Scholarship

The PGSM Master program supports talented students in mathematics. It is linked to the Paris mathematical research community. International students can apply for eligible Master’s programs. The scholarship can provide a monthly allowance and other support. It is a strong option for students who want to study mathematics and later continue to a PhD. Applicants should have very good academic results in mathematics.

Benefits: Monthly support; university fees; social security; accommodation support.

Official link: PGSM Master – Paris Mathematical Sciences Foundation

11. Qlife Master Scholarship

Qlife is a graduate program in life sciences at PSL. It is designed for students who want to study modern biology and related subjects. The program connects education with research. International students can apply if they meet the program rules. Funding opportunities are available for selected students. This scholarship is suitable for students interested in biology, quantitative biology, health, and research.

Benefits: Master’s funding; life sciences; research training.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

12. PSL Engineering Excellence Grant

PSL offers Excellence Grants for some engineering Master’s programs. These programs cover modern areas such as energy, materials, biomedical engineering, and nuclear energy. International students can be considered for these grants if they meet the academic requirements. The funding depends on the program. Students should check the specific Master’s page for the current amount and deadline.

Benefits: Engineering funding; Master’s study; international students.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

13. PSL Chemistry Excellence Grant

The PSL Graduate Program in Chemistry offers funding opportunities for excellent students. It is suitable for students who want to study chemistry at the Master’s level. The program also gives students access to research laboratories and experts. International students can apply if they meet the program requirements. The exact funding amount can change each year, so applicants should check the official page before applying.

Benefits: Chemistry Master’s; financial support; research opportunities.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

14. PSL Physics Excellence Scholarship

PSL offers funding opportunities for students in selected physics Master’s programs. This scholarship is suitable for students who want to study modern physics and continue with research. International students may be eligible. The program provides access to strong research centers in Paris. Applicants should have good academic results and a clear interest in physics.

Benefits: Physics study; financial support; research opportunities.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

15. PSL Religious Studies Grant

PSL offers funding opportunities in some humanities programs. Religious studies is one of the areas where students can find graduate funding. The programs cover subjects such as religion, philosophy, culture, history, and society. International students can apply for eligible programs. The exact scholarship amount depends on the program and academic year.

Benefits: Master’s funding; humanities; research opportunities.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

16. PSL Management Excellence Scholarship

Students interested in management can find Excellence Scholarship opportunities at PSL. The programs cover areas such as strategic management, marketing, digital business, audit, and sustainable development. The scholarships are mainly based on academic merit. International students can apply to eligible programs. Students should check the program page for the latest funding details.

Benefits: Management study; financial support; international students.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

17. Dauphine-PSL Merit Scholarship

Dauphine-PSL offers merit scholarships for some international students from outside the European Economic Area. Selected students can receive a 50% or 100% tuition fee exemption in eligible programs. This scholarship is useful for students who have strong academic records but need help with tuition costs. Applicants must first be admitted to an eligible program.

Benefits: 50% or 100% tuition exemption; Master’s programs; non-EU students.

Official link: Dauphine-PSL Scholarships

18. Mines Paris Foundation Scholarship

Mines Paris – PSL offers financial support for some international students. The scholarship is mainly for students in engineering programs. Selected students can receive a monthly payment during their studies. Mines Paris is one of the leading engineering schools in France. This opportunity is useful for students interested in engineering, science, energy, and technology.

Benefits: Monthly support; engineering study; international students.

Official link: Mines Paris International Scholarships

19. ESPCI-PSL Excellence Scholarship

ESPCI Paris – PSL offers funding opportunities for excellent international students. The school is well known for science, engineering, and research. The scholarship is useful for students who want to study advanced science and engineering. Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the admission rules of the selected program.

Benefits: Engineering support; science study; research opportunities.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

20. Paris School of Economics Scholarship

The Paris School of Economics offers financial support for some international students. Programs can focus on economics, development, public policy, and related areas. This is a good option for students who want to work in economics, government, development, or international organizations. Applicants should check the specific program for the latest scholarship rules.

Benefits: Economics study; scholarship support; international students.

Official link: PSL Scholarships and Grants

21. Université Côte d’Azur IdEx Scholarship

Université Côte d’Azur offers IdEx scholarships for excellent international Master’s students. The university gives a limited number of scholarships each year. Selected students can receive a tuition fee exemption and a €5,000 grant. Programs include areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, health, neuroscience, environment, and plant science.

Benefits: Tuition exemption; €5,000 grant; Master’s study.

Official link: Université Côte d’Azur Excellence Scholarships

22. Grenoble INP International Excellence Scholarship

Grenoble INP offers an International Excellence Scholarship for international students. It is mainly for students entering selected engineering programs. The scholarship can provide €5,000 per semester. Grenoble is a major science and technology center in France. This scholarship is a good choice for students interested in engineering, technology, energy, and science.

Benefits: €5,000 per semester; engineering; international students.

Official link: Grenoble INP Scholarships

23. Persyval-Lab Master Scholarship

The Persyval-Lab scholarship supports excellent students who want to study a Master’s degree at Université Grenoble Alpes. It is especially useful for students interested in mathematics, computer science, control, data, and related fields. Selected students can receive €8,000. The scholarship is also useful for students who want to continue their research through a Master’s thesis.

Benefits: €8,000; research Master’s; science and technology.

Official link: Grenoble INP Scholarships

24. MIAI AI Scholarship

MIAI is an artificial intelligence research institute in Grenoble. It supports students interested in AI and related fields. The scholarship is linked to selected study programs. It can help international students pay for their studies in France. This is a good option for students interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and computer systems.

Benefits: AI funding; Master’s study; international students.

Official link: Grenoble INP Scholarships

25. Lyon 1 GI-EIF Excellence Scholarship

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 offers the GI-EIF Excellence Scholarship for international students in selected engineering Master’s programs. The scholarship can provide €1,000 per month for 10 months. It can also cover Master’s registration fees for selected students. The programs include areas such as energy, electronics, data, automation, and engineering.

Benefits: €1,000/month; €10,000 total; registration fees.

Official link: Lyon 1 GI-EIF Scholarship

26. University of Lille Graduate Fellowship

The University of Lille offers fellowships for international students in selected Graduate Programs. These programs cover many research areas. The fellowship is designed for talented students with good academic results. Some recent fellowships have provided up to €8,500. Students should check the selected Graduate Program because each program can have different rules.

Benefits: Up to €8,500; Master’s study; international students.

Official link: University of Lille Graduate Fellowships

27. C2EMPI Mathematics Scholarship

C2EMPI offers scholarships for students who want to study mathematics at the University of Lille. International students studying outside France can be eligible for an €8,500 scholarship. The program is designed for students with strong results in mathematics. It can also help students prepare for future PhD research.

Benefits: €8,500; mathematics; research path.

Official link: C2EMPI Fellowships

28. C2EMPI Physics Scholarship

C2EMPI also offers scholarships for students interested in physics. One of the study areas is quantum and photonic technologies. International students can receive up to €8,500 under the current funding scheme. This opportunity is suitable for students with a strong background in physics who want to continue to advanced study and research.

Benefits: €8,500; physics; quantum technology; research.

Official link: C2EMPI Fellowships

29. ChEMoinformatics+ Scholarship

ChEMoinformatics+ is an international Master’s program that combines chemistry and computer science. The program is linked with European universities, including the University of Strasbourg in France. Students can study areas such as chemical information, data, and computer-based chemistry. Scholarship availability can change by year. Some admitted students may receive a tuition fee exemption.

Benefits: Tuition support; international Master’s; chemistry and computer science.

Official link: ChEMoinformatics+ Funding

30. GeoPlaNet Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

GeoPlaNet is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in planetary geosciences. It is suitable for students interested in Earth science, planets, geology, and space research. Erasmus Mundus scholarship students can receive €1,400 per month for 24 months. The scholarship also supports other study costs. This is a strong choice for students who want international study and research experience.

Benefits: €1,400/month for 24 months; travel support; insurance; fees support.

Official link: GeoPlaNet Scholarship

31. Choreomundus Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Choreomundus is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program about dance, movement, culture, and heritage. The program includes study in several European countries. Selected Erasmus Mundus scholars can receive €1,400 per month for 24 months. Some students may also receive tuition support. This program is a good choice for students interested in culture, art, dance, heritage, and social research.

Benefits: €1,400/month; 24 months; tuition support; international study.

Official link: Choreomundus Funding

32. PANGEA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

PANGEA is an international Master’s program in palaeontology, palaeobiology, and geoheritage. The program is linked with the University of Lille and other European universities. Erasmus Mundus scholarships can support tuition, travel, living costs, and other expenses. The program is suitable for students with a background in Earth science, biology, geology, or related fields.

Benefits: Tuition support; travel support; living allowance; international study.

Official link: PANGEA Erasmus Scholarship

33. FIPDes Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

FIPDes is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in food innovation and product design. Students study food science, product development, innovation, and sustainability. The program includes study in different European countries. Erasmus Mundus scholarships may cover tuition and provide money for living, travel, and other costs. It is a good choice for students interested in food technology and sustainable food systems.

Benefits: Erasmus Mundus funding; international mobility; food science; Master’s degree.

Official link: FIPDes Program

34. TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

TROPIMUNDO is an international Master’s program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students learn about plants, animals, ecology, conservation, and tropical environments. The program includes international study and field work. Erasmus Mundus scholarships may provide strong financial support for selected students. Students should check the current call because scholarship numbers and rules can change.

Benefits: Erasmus Mundus funding; international study; field work; biodiversity.

Official link: TROPIMUNDO

35. EMSHIP+ Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

EMSHIP+ is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in advanced ship design and offshore engineering. It is suitable for engineering graduates. Selected Erasmus Mundus scholarship students can receive €1,400 per month for 24 months. The scholarship can also support tuition, travel, living, and other costs. Students study in different European countries and gain international engineering experience.

Benefits: €1,400/month; 24 months; tuition support; travel support.

Official link: EMSHIP+ Scholarships

36. FUSION-EP Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

FUSION-EP is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in nuclear fusion and engineering physics. It is linked with European universities, including Aix-Marseille Université in France. The program is suitable for students with a background in physics or engineering. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for selected students under the relevant funding call. Students can gain international study and research experience.

Benefits: Erasmus Mundus scholarship; international study; fusion research; engineering.

Official link: FUSION-EP – Aix-Marseille Université

37. University of Bordeaux Eiffel Scholarship

The University of Bordeaux supports international students through the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship. The scholarship is for selected Master’s and PhD programs. Study areas include health, biology, mathematics, digital science, engineering, economics, management, law, and political science. Students must first contact the university and follow its application process. The university submits the final Eiffel application to Campus France.

Benefits: Monthly allowance; travel; insurance; other support.

Official link: University of Bordeaux Eiffel Scholarship

38. Sorbonne University Eiffel Scholarship

Sorbonne University takes part in the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship program. International students can apply for eligible Master’s and PhD programs. The scholarship supports excellent students in different study areas. Students cannot send the Eiffel application directly to Campus France. They must first apply through the university and be selected by the university.

Benefits: Monthly allowance; travel support; insurance; other services.

Official link: Sorbonne University Eiffel Scholarship

39. University of Strasbourg Eiffel Scholarship

The University of Strasbourg offers opportunities through the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship. International students can apply for selected Master’s and PhD programs. The scholarship covers areas such as science, technology, humanities, social sciences, law, and economics. Students must follow the university application process. The university chooses candidates and sends the application to Campus France.

Benefits: Monthly allowance; travel support; insurance; other services.

Official link: University of Strasbourg Eiffel Scholarship

40. Campus France Scholarship Database

Campus France has an official scholarship search tool called Campus Bourses. It is not one scholarship. It is a large database of scholarships and financial support. Students can search by country, field of study, and study level. It includes scholarships from the French government, universities, companies, foundations, and other organizations. It is one of the best places to find more funding opportunities for studying in France.

Benefits: Many scholarships; country search; subject search; degree search.

Official link: Campus France Scholarships

Important Note

Not all scholarships in this list cover every cost.

Some scholarships give a monthly payment. Some cover tuition fees. Some cover both tuition and living costs. Erasmus Mundus scholarships can offer wider financial support.

For example, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship gives €1,200 per month to Master’s students and €2,100 per month to PhD students from January 2026. It also provides several services. However, Campus France states that the Eiffel program itself does not pay tuition fees, although eligible government scholarship holders can receive tuition-fee exemptions under French rules.

Students should always check the official scholarship website before applying.

Who Can Apply?

International students can find scholarships for:

• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees
• PhD programs
• Engineering programs
• Research programs
• Erasmus Mundus programs

The requirements are different for every scholarship.

Some scholarships require excellent grades. Others have nationality restrictions. Some require admission to a specific university before applying.

How to Apply for Scholarships in France

The basic process is usually simple:

1. Choose a scholarship.
2. Check the eligibility rules.
3. Choose an eligible university or program.
4. Prepare your documents.
5. Apply for admission if required.
6. Apply for the scholarship.
7. Submit the application before the deadline.
8. Wait for the result.