France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027

France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027

The France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 provides postgraduate study opportunities in France for eligible citizens of South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi. The programme supports students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD at a French higher education institution.

The scholarship offers financial assistance throughout the study period, including a monthly living allowance, return airfare, health insurance and other support. Applicants from a range of academic disciplines can apply, while priority is given to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and selected areas of the humanities and social sciences.

Applications for the 2027 intake are open until 8 October 2026.

France South Africa Scholarship 2027 – Overview

Scholarship Details	Information
Scholarship Name	France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027
Study Destination	France
Degree Level	Master’s and PhD
Eligible Countries	South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi
Study Start	September 2027
Master’s Allowance	€900 per month
PhD Allowance	€1,850 per month
Airfare	Return flight provided
Health Insurance	Included
Visa Fee	Exempted
Tuition Support	Applicable exemption at eligible public institutions
Application Deadline	8 October 2026
Application Method	Online

What Is the France South Africa Scholarship Programme?

The France South Africa Scholarship Programme is an initiative supporting postgraduate students from selected African countries who want to study in France. The programme is aimed at developing academic and research links between France and participating countries.

Students can apply for Master's programmes as well as doctoral studies. Master's applicants can identify suitable programmes in France as part of their scholarship application, while PhD applicants need to establish contact with a potential French research supervisor.

The scholarship is intended for studies beginning in September 2027, giving successful candidates time to complete admission and other preparation requirements.

France South Africa Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates can receive several financial and academic benefits during their studies in France.

Benefits for Master's Students

Master's scholarship recipients can receive:

• €900 monthly living allowance

• Funding for the normal duration of the Master's programme

• One return international flight

• Visa fee exemption

• French social security and health insurance

• Exemption from the CVEC student contribution

• Priority consideration for student accommodation

• Possible housing assistance through CAF, depending on eligibility

Benefits for PhD Students

PhD candidates can receive:

• €1,850 monthly allowance

• Funding for up to three years, subject to progress requirements

• One return flight

• Visa fee exemption

• Health and social security coverage

• CVEC exemption

• Priority access to student accommodation

The scholarship does not necessarily cover every tuition-related cost. At eligible French public institutions, scholarship holders may benefit from exemption from the standard national tuition fee. Applicants should check the specific fee arrangements of their selected institution.

Fields of Study

The France South Africa Scholarship Programme is available across different areas of study. However, applications related to STEM disciplines receive particular priority.

Relevant areas may include:

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Environmental and related sciences

• Selected humanities and social sciences

• Other eligible academic and research fields

Applicants should choose a programme that matches their previous academic qualifications and clearly explain how their proposed studies fit their academic and professional goals.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the programme's eligibility conditions to be considered for the scholarship.

Generally, candidates must:

• Be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi

• Be born on or after 1 January 1997

• Not have dual French citizenship

• Have obtained at least 60% in their most recently completed degree

• Apply for an eligible Master's or PhD programme in France

• Meet the academic and admission requirements of the selected French institution

Additional requirements apply depending on the level of study.

For Master's applicants, candidates need to identify suitable programmes they intend to pursue in France.

For PhD applicants, having a prospective French supervisor is an important part of the application. Applicants must provide the required supervisor commitment documentation.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the online application. Required documents can include:

• Updated CV

• Cover letter

• Passport copy

• Academic degree certificates

• Academic transcripts

• List of selected Master's programmes

• Research proposal or research description for PhD applicants

• French supervisor commitment letter for PhD applicants

Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, complete and consistent with the information entered in the application form.

How to Apply for France South Africa Scholarship 2027

Applicants need to complete the scholarship application through the designated online application system.

First, candidates should check their eligibility and select suitable study programmes in France. Master's applicants should research potential programmes and include their choices in the scholarship application.

PhD candidates should contact suitable researchers or academic departments in France and discuss their proposed research. A supervisor commitment letter is required for the doctoral application.

After preparing the required documents, applicants can complete the online form, upload their supporting materials and submit the application before the deadline.

The application deadline is 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South Africa time.

France South Africa Scholarship 2027 Important Dates

Event	Date
Applications Open	21 July 2026
Application Deadline	8 October 2026
Interviews	November 2026
Scholarship Results	Beginning of December 2026
Online French Language Preparation	February–July 2027
Scholarship Confirmation	May–July 2027
Studies Begin	September 2027

Applicants should keep track of these dates because late applications may not be considered.

Study in France with the France South Africa Scholarship

France is a popular destination for international higher education, offering universities, grandes écoles and research institutions across a wide range of academic disciplines.

For scholarship recipients, studying in France can provide international academic exposure, access to research environments and opportunities to develop professional connections. Students should nevertheless research their chosen institution carefully and check programme-specific admission, language and financial requirements.

Important Points for Applicants

Before submitting an application, candidates should make sure they:

• Meet the nationality and age requirements

• Have the required academic results

• Select an eligible programme

• Prepare all supporting documents

• Research their intended French institution

• PhD applicants should secure the required supervisor commitment

• Submit the application before the deadline

• Check the official programme information for any updated requirements

Final Thoughts

The France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 offers eligible students from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in France with substantial financial support.

The programme provides monthly allowances, travel assistance, insurance and other benefits for successful Master's and PhD candidates. Students interested in applying should start preparing their academic documents and study plans well before the deadline.

The application deadline is 8 October 2026, so eligible candidates should complete and submit their applications on time and carefully review the official requirements before applying. Apply Now