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

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026 Deadline Confirmed: January 8, 2026 for Master’s and PhD Programs

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026 has officially confirmed its final submission deadline as January 8, 2026, marking a crucial date for international students aiming to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD programs in France. Managed by Campus France and funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship is one of Europe’s most prestigious government-funded programs, designed to attract top global talent to French higher education institutions.

This highly competitive scholarship supports outstanding international students in priority academic fields, offering generous financial coverage and access to world-class French universities. With the deadline approaching, prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early, as applications must be submitted through French institutions, not directly by students.

What Is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme was established to strengthen the international competitiveness of French higher education by attracting exceptional students from around the world. It targets future global leaders in both the public and private sectors, particularly in fields that align with France’s academic and economic priorities.

For the 2026 academic year, the Eiffel Scholarship is open for Master’s (M1/M2) and Doctoral (PhD) level studies, allowing international students to benefit from high-quality education while receiving full financial support.

Fully Funded Benefits of the Eiffel Scholarship 2026

One of the main reasons the Eiffel Scholarship is so popular is its comprehensive funding package, which significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad.

For Master’s students, the scholarship provides:

• A monthly allowance of €1,200
• International and domestic travel costs
• Health insurance
• Cultural and academic activities support
• Housing assistance (indirect support)

For PhD students, the scholarship includes:

• A monthly stipend of €1,800
• International travel and relocation support
• Health insurance coverage
• Support for academic mobility within France

While the Eiffel Scholarship does not directly pay tuition fees, most public universities in France have very low tuition costs for international students, making the overall package effectively fully funded.

Eligible Fields of Study (Priority Areas)

The French government has identified specific academic areas as priorities under the Eiffel Scholarship Programme. Applicants must ensure their chosen program falls within these fields.

Science and Technology:

• Biology and Health
• Digital and Information Sciences
• Engineering and Mathematics
• Ecology, Environmental Sciences, and Energy Transition

Humanities and Social Sciences:

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

Programs outside these categories are generally not eligible, so confirming alignment with priority fields is essential before applying.

Eligibility Criteria for Eiffel Scholarship 2026

To be considered for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements:

• Be an international student (non-French nationality)
• Apply for a Master’s or PhD program at a French higher education institution

Meet age requirements:

• Master’s applicants must generally be under 30
• PhD applicants must generally be under 35

• Demonstrate strong academic excellence
• Apply in one of the priority fields
• Be nominated by a French institution

Students cannot apply directly to Campus France; nominations are strictly handled by universities.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The Eiffel Scholarship application process is institution-driven, which makes early planning critical.

 Step 1: Choose a French University and Program
 Identify eligible Master’s or PhD programs at French universities that align with the Eiffel priority fields.

 Step 2: Apply to the University
 Submit your academic application directly to the chosen institution. Each university has its own internal deadlines, which are often weeks or months before  January 8, 2026.

 Step 3: Institutional Nomination
 If the university selects you, it will nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship and submit your application to Campus France.

 Step 4: Final Submission Deadline
 All nominated applications must be submitted by institutions to Campus France by January 8, 2026.

 Step 5: Results Announcement
 Final results are typically announced between March and April 2026.

Why the Eiffel Scholarship Matters

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it is a gateway to global academic and professional opportunities. Scholars gain access to France’s internationally respected education system, multicultural academic environments, and strong industry-academia connections.

Graduates of Eiffel-funded programs often go on to become leaders in government, research, business, and international organizations, strengthening global ties with France.

Tips for a Strong Eiffel Scholarship Application

• Start early: University deadlines come much earlier than January 8, 2026.
• Focus on academic excellence: Strong grades and research potential are essential.
• Align with priority fields: Ensure your study plan clearly fits Eiffel’s academic priorities.
• Contact international offices: French universities guide applicants through their internal selection process.
• Prepare documents carefully: Motivation letters, CVs, and academic records must be clear and compelling.

Final Thoughts

With the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026 deadline confirmed as January 8, 2026, now is the time for international students to take action. As one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in Europe, the Eiffel Programme offers a rare opportunity to study in France with comprehensive financial support.

Students interested in Master’s or PhD studies should immediately begin contacting French universities, monitoring internal deadlines, and preparing strong academic applications to maximize their chances of success.