Eiffel Excellence Scholarships 2026 in France | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD

Eiffel Excellence Scholarships 2026: France Invites Top International Students for Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Studies

The French Government has officially opened the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program 2026, one of Europe’s most prestigious funding opportunities for outstanding international students seeking to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in France. Administered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented through French higher education institutions, the Eiffel Scholarship aims to attract future global leaders in priority academic fields and strengthen France’s international academic influence.

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 is designed for high-achieving non-French students who demonstrate strong academic merit and leadership potential. Unlike many other global scholarships, students cannot apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship. Instead, candidates must first secure admission to a French university, which then nominates eligible students for the scholarship through Campus France.

What Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

Launched by the French government, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program supports international students at the Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) levels. The program focuses on strategic disciplines that align with France’s academic, economic, and diplomatic priorities.

The scholarship is highly competitive and is considered a mark of academic distinction worldwide. Each year, French institutions nominate only their most promising international candidates, making the Eiffel Scholarship one of the most selective funding schemes in Europe.

Key Benefits of the Eiffel Scholarship 2026

Successful candidates under the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship receive comprehensive financial support, allowing them to focus fully on their studies and research in France.

For Master’s Students:

• Monthly stipend of €1,200
• International round-trip airfare
• Health and social security insurance
• Assistance with housing and accommodation costs
• Access to cultural activities and academic networking events

For PhD Candidates:

• Monthly stipend of €2,100 (effective January 2026)
• Travel and health insurance coverage
• Additional academic and professional support services

It is important to note that the Eiffel Scholarship does not cover tuition fees, but many French public universities offer low-cost or subsidized tuition, making France an affordable study destination even for international students.

Priority Fields of Study

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 supports programs in carefully selected disciplines that reflect France’s global academic priorities.

Science & Technology:

• Engineering
• Mathematics and Digital Sciences
• Biology and Health
• Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Humanities & Social Sciences:

• Economics and Management
• Law and Political Science
• History
• French Language and Civilization

Students applying outside these priority areas are generally not considered for the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Applicants

To qualify for Eiffel Excellence 2026 Scholarship applicants meet the following requirements:

• Must be a non-French national
• Must apply for a Master’s or PhD program at a French higher education institution

Age limit:

• Master’s applicants must be under 29 years old
• PhD applicants must be under 35 years old
• Must demonstrate excellent academic performance
• Must be nominated by a French university
• Must apply for the 2026–2027 academic year

Candidates already living in France or holding long-term French residence permits may face restrictions depending on their status.

How to Apply for Eiffel Excellence 2026 Scholarship 

The application process for the Eiffel Scholarship is institution-driven, making early preparation essential.

Step 1: Choose a French University
Applicants must research French universities offering programs in their field of interest for the 2026–2027 intake.

Step 2: Apply for Admission
Students must submit a complete application for admission to the selected Master’s or PhD program, following the university’s procedures and deadlines.

Step 3: Request Eiffel Nomination
During the admission process, candidates must clearly indicate their interest in being considered for the Eiffel Scholarship. Each university internally selects and nominates candidates.

Step 4: University Submits Nomination
Only the university submits the final Eiffel Scholarship application to Campus France on behalf of the student.

Because internal university deadlines are often earlier than national deadlines, students are strongly advised to apply well in advance.

Why Study in France with the Eiffel Scholarship?

France is one of the world’s leading destinations for international students, offering:

• Globally ranked universities
• Cutting-edge research facilities
• Strong industry-academia collaboration
• Rich cultural heritage and international exposure
• Affordable education compared to other top study destinations

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship further enhances these advantages by providing financial security and international recognition to its recipients.

Final Thoughts

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 represents a unique opportunity for talented international students to study in France with prestigious government backing. With generous monthly stipends, global recognition, and access to France’s top universities, the program is ideal for future leaders in science, technology, economics, law, and social sciences.

Aspiring applicants are encouraged to begin researching French universities early, prepare strong academic profiles, and closely follow institutional deadlines to maximize their chances of selection.