France is widely regarded as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for higher education. Renowned for its academic excellence, cultural richness, and commitment to accessible education, France welcomes thousands of international students every year. While tuition fees at public universities are relatively low compared to other developed countries, living expenses can still be a concern especially for students coming from outside the European Union. This is where education grants and scholarships play a crucial role. They can significantly reduce the financial burden and open doors to prestigious institutions across France. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of getting an education grant in France. Whether you’re an EU citizen, a non-EU international student, or a researcher, you’ll find detailed insights into eligibility criteria, application procedures, types of grants, and tips to improve your chances of success.
Understanding the French Higher Education System
Before diving into the grants, it’s important to understand the structure of higher education in France. French universities fall into two broad categories: public universities and Grandes Écoles. Public universities are state-funded institutions that offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across all major disciplines. Grandes Écoles are highly selective institutions that focus on engineering, business, and public administration. Both types of institutions offer academic programs that may qualify for government or private grants. Tuition fees at public universities are relatively modest, typically ranging from €170 to €601 per year for European students. For non-EU students, tuition has been adjusted to around €2,770 for undergraduate and €3,770 for master’s programs. However, many students can reduce or even eliminate these costs through scholarship programs.
Types of Education Grants Available in France
France offers a wide range of grants and financial assistance programs tailored to different categories of students. These include:
- Government-funded scholarships
- Institution-specific grants
- Regional scholarships
- Merit-based and need-based aid
- Private foundation and NGO scholarships
- Grants for research and doctoral studies
Each type of grant has its own eligibility requirements and application processes. Many are offered in collaboration with Campus France, the national agency for promoting French higher education abroad.
Government Scholarships for International Students
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is the flagship grant for top international students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees in France. It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and aims to attract future leaders in fields such as engineering, law, economics, and political science. Benefits include a monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for doctoral), international travel allowance, health insurance, and assistance with housing. Applicants must be nominated by a French higher education institution. The deadline typically falls in January each year, and final selections are announced by spring.
CROUS Grants Based on Social Criteria (Bourses sur critères sociaux)
Administered by the CROUS, the regional student services organization, these grants are primarily for French and EU students, but certain non-EU students who have lived in France for over two years or have family ties in France may qualify. The grant amount varies depending on the family’s income and ranges from €1,042 to €5,736 annually. Applications are submitted through the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE) portal on etudiant.gouv.fr.
AMI (Aide à la Mobilité Internationale)
The International Mobility Assistance Grant is intended for French students who wish to study or complete internships abroad, but some institutions also extend AMI-type support to international exchange students. The typical amount is €400 per month, granted for up to nine months.
Scholarships Offered by French Universities
Many universities and Grandes Écoles offer their own scholarship programs, either independently or in partnership with Campus France or local governments.
Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Sciences Po offers the Emile Boutmy Scholarship for non-EU students based on merit and financial need. Awards range from €3,000 to €12,300 annually and may cover the full duration of study.
École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection
The ENS International Selection is a highly competitive program that awards scholarships to students under 26 years old who have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies. Selected students receive a monthly grant of €1,000 for two to three years.
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
This scholarship is available to international students accepted into a master’s program at Université Paris-Saclay. It offers €10,000 per year, plus up to €1,000 for travel and visa expenses.
Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarships
Grenoble Institute of Technology provides merit-based scholarships for international students enrolled in engineering programs. Awards typically range from €5,000 to €8,000 per academic year.
Regional and Local Government Scholarships
Several French regions and departments provide additional funding to attract international talent and support student mobility.
Île-de-France Masters Scholarship
The Île-de-France region offers scholarships to foreign students pursuing a master’s in the Paris area. The grant provides €10,500 per year and is administered in collaboration with participating universities.
Occitanie International Mobility Grants
Students attending universities in the Occitanie region (e.g., Toulouse, Montpellier) can benefit from regional mobility grants that support internships or research stays. Eligibility varies, and applications are managed at the institutional level.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes International Scholarship
This region supports international students through its Soutien à la mobilité grant program. Benefits include stipends for exchange semesters, research stays, or full-degree programs.
Private and Institutional Scholarships
Numerous private organizations, foundations, and NGOs offer education grants to students studying in France.
Fulbright Program (U.S. Students)
American students can apply for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which funds master’s, Ph.D., or research projects in France. Grants cover travel, tuition, health insurance, and living expenses.
Erasmus+ Program (EU and Partner Countries)
Students enrolled in Erasmus+ partner institutions can receive mobility grants to study in France. The Erasmus+ grant covers part of the travel and living costs and is applicable for both semester exchanges and full-degree programs.
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships
Students participating in AIFS programs in France may be eligible for merit-based or need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000. Details can be found on the AIFS website.
Research and Doctoral Funding
France offers substantial funding for Ph.D. and postdoctoral research, often in partnership with public research institutions.
CIFRE Ph.D. Contracts
The CIFRE program (Conventions Industrielles de Formation par la Recherche) allows doctoral students to work on a research project co-supervised by a university and a private company. Students are employed full-time and receive a gross annual salary of around €23,000.
Campus France Doctoral Scholarships
Campus France administers several doctoral-level scholarships under programs like Eiffel, Make Our Planet Great Again, and joint degree partnerships with institutions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Research Laboratory Assistantships
Many universities and CNRS-affiliated laboratories offer doctoral and postdoctoral assistantships with funding that includes tuition waivers, stipends, and research allowances. These positions are typically advertised on university websites and EURAXESS France.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Research and Identify Grants
Start by visiting the Campus Bourses portal, which lists hundreds of scholarship opportunities. Filter by level of study, nationality, field of study, and type of funding.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Typical required documents include:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Proof of admission or application to a French institution
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation
- Language proficiency test scores (DELF/DALF for French, TOEFL/IELTS for English)
Make sure to tailor your application to the specific scholarship criteria.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Pay close attention to deadlines, which vary by program. For instance, the Eiffel Scholarship deadline usually falls in January, while university scholarships may have spring or summer deadlines.
Step 4: Attend Interviews or Additional Assessments
Some competitive grants, such as Fulbright or Emile Boutmy, may require interviews or additional documentation. Prepare to articulate your academic goals, research interests, and reasons for choosing France.
Step 5: Receive Notification and Fulfill Enrollment Requirements
If selected, follow through with visa applications, housing arrangements, and enrollment procedures. Scholarship letters can also support your application for the French student visa.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Start early: Begin your research and applications at least a year in advance
- Meet all eligibility requirements: Double-check nationality, academic level, and program compatibility
- Customize each application: Tailor your essays and documents for each grant
- Highlight academic excellence and leadership: Demonstrate potential impact and relevance
- Secure strong references: Choose recommenders who can speak specifically about your capabilities
- Learn some French: Even for English-taught programs, basic French can improve your integration and application strength
Conclusion
Pursuing higher education in France can be both enriching and financially viable especially with the support of education grants and scholarships. Whether you’re targeting a master’s in engineering, a doctoral fellowship in climate science, or a semester abroad in Paris, there is likely a funding opportunity that fits your profile. By understanding the various grant types, proactively researching programs, and preparing strong applications, you can unlock the doors to one of Europe’s most prestigious education systems. For the latest information, visit the Campus France website and connect with your local French embassy or consulate. With the right preparation and determination, your academic journey in France can begin with confidence and financial peace of mind.