The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship program 2026 is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in Europe, designed to attract top international students to study in France. This scholarship is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, enabling outstanding students from around the world to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees at leading French higher education institutions.
This program is launched to strengthen France’s international higher education appeal. The Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence provides recipients with the opportunity to experience world-class education, cutting-edge research, and rich cultural exposure in one of the most academically advanced countries in the world.
Through this initiative, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs aims to nurture future global leaders who can contribute to innovation, diplomacy, and sustainable development in their home countries and beyond.
The scholarship covers all major expenses, including monthly stipends, airfare, insurance, housing assistance, and tuition exemptions. In this session around 350 awards are each year. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship stands as a gateway for ambitious students seeking to elevate their academic and professional careers at some of France’s top-ranked universities.
Interested candidates can apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship program 2026 before the deadline January 8, 2026.
In this article, we explored every key detail of this scholarship.
About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026
The Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence was created by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract international students with exceptional academic records. It supports candidates pursuing higher education at the Master’s and Doctoral levels in France.
The program encourages the inclusion of students from developing and emerging economies while promoting the global influence of French education and research.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Host Country | France |
| Degree Levels | Master’s and PhD Programs |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Number of Scholarships | Approximately 350 awarded annually |
| Funded By | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
| Host Institutions | All French Higher Education Institutions |
| Eligible Nationalities | International students (non-French citizens) |
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | January 8, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March–April 2026 |
| Program Start Date | September 2026 (Fall Intake) |
Financial Coverage
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 offers full financial support to ensure that students can focus entirely on their academic and research pursuits in France. The funding includes:
- A monthly allowance for Master’s and Doctoral students
- International round-trip airfare between the home country and France
- Domestic travel support within France
- Comprehensive health and accident insurance
- Assistance in securing accommodation
- Access to cultural enrichment programs and activities
- Exemption from tuition fees for national diploma programs and accredited engineering degrees at French public institutions
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Fields of Study Available
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship covers a wide variety of academic disciplines grouped into seven broad categories.
Science and Technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French Language, and Civilization
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
These diverse fields provide students with the opportunity to engage in both scientific research and the humanities, fostering a balanced academic and cultural exchange between France and the rest of the world.
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Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship duration varies depending on the degree level and program type:
- Master’s Level:
- Up to 12 months for M2 (second year of Master’s)
- Up to 24 months for M1 (first year of Master’s)
- Up to 36 months for Engineering degrees
- Doctoral Level:
- Between 12 and 36 months, depending on the research program
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be international students who are not citizens or permanent residents of France.
- Age limit:
- Master’s applicants: 27 years old or younger
- Doctoral applicants: 32 years old or younger
- Applicants must apply through a French higher education institution that agrees to nominate and submit the application on their behalf.
- Candidates already receiving another French government scholarship are not eligible
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background and present a clearly defined study or research project that aligns with France’s academic and scientific priorities.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 is January 8, 2026.
Applications received after this date will not be accepted.
How to Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026
Applicants cannot submit applications directly to Campus France or the French Ministry. Instead, they must follow the official two-step process:
Step 1: Choose Your Institution
- Visit the Campus France website: https://www.campusfrance.org/en
- Search for participating universities and select the program that matches your academic goals.
- Contact the Campus France office in your home country for guidance:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/recherche/type/espace
Step 2: Institutional Nomination
- Once your chosen institution agrees to support your application, they will submit it online via the Campus France portal.
- Applications sent directly by students or foreign universities will be considered ineligible.
Step 3: Selection and Notification
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed of their results through the nominating French institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to international students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees at top universities in France.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
International students under the age of 27 for Master’s programs and 32 for PhD programs are eligible, provided they apply through a French institution.
3. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers monthly stipends, airfare, health insurance, housing assistance, cultural activities, and tuition exemptions.
4. Can I apply directly to Campus France?
No. Students cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted by French higher education institutions on behalf of candidates.
5. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Approximately 350 scholarships are awarded annually under the Eiffel Program.
6. When is the application deadline?
The final deadline for applications is January 8, 2026.