France is a popular choice in Europe for international students, thanks to its extensive range of higher education institutions offering diverse courses. There are more than 100 universities in France and many more private and specialised higher education institutions to choose from, so students have ample options. Studying in French can also provide future job prospects, as it is the second most spoken language globally.
France has four universities in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University rankings and includes 42 French institutions in total.
While the cost of living in France is relatively high, university fees are more affordable than in other countries. There are also a range of scholarships that international students can take advantage of and which can support them financially when you are studying in France.
Find out more about scholarships for international students here.
Types of scholarships
1. University scholarships – most universities offer financial aid specifically for international students. It’s a good idea to check with your chosen institution for available funding options.
2. Financial scholarships – these scholarships are based on the financial needs of students. They provide assistance to those who require financial support to pursue their studies.
3. Merit scholarships – merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have exceptional academic achievements, excelled in sports or demonstrated outstanding community or entrepreneurial work.
4. Country-based scholarships – some scholarships are targeted towards students from specific countries, especially those from developing nations. However, there might also be scholarships available for students from any country.
5. Government-funded scholarships – governments, such as the French government, offer various scholarship programmes for international students. These provide financial assistance for studying abroad.
6. Privately funded scholarships – private businesses or donors sometimes fund scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships might be focused on supporting students from developing countries, minority groups or specific fields of study.
7. Partial scholarships – partial scholarships can come in different forms, ranging from a small one-time payment that can be used towards fees, to larger payments disbursed over time to cover specific university costs.
Remember to explore these scholarship opportunities to find the best financial support for your studies.
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Government and private scholarships
The Sophie Germain Scholarship offers scholarships to international students who are studying postgraduate degrees in mathematics at Université Paris-Saclay or Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
Master’s students will receive €11,000 (£9,400) for study and an added €2,000 for various expenses for up to two years, while PhD students receive €10,000 towards their tuition and a fixed compensation of €2,000 for expenses, with accommodation organised for them for up to four years.
French Government MOPGA Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to 40 researchers from abroad who are looking to continue their research studies in France each year. Research must be focused on environmental issues such as climate change, sustainability and energy transition. The scholarships will be awarded over a 12-month period, with a monthly allowance of €2,500 and a moving allowance of €500.
Eiffel Scholarship Programme of Excellence
This programme is for graduate and PhD international students. To be eligible, a student must be enrolled or expecting to be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme at a French university to study engineering, economics and management, politics or law.
Students cannot apply directly to this scholarship, but if they are interested they can contact their university to submit an application on their behalf. All universities in France are eligible for this scholarship.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students
These scholarships are exclusively for master’s or doctoral students from EU and non-EU countries that have been selected for an Erasmus Joint Programme. Students are split into two groups: group A are nationals from outside the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein and group B are nationals from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Successful candidates will receive an award that will cover the cost of the programme, travel and a living allowance.
University scholarships
Ampere Scholarship of Excellence
This scholarship is from École Normale Supérieure de Lyon and offers scholarships to outstanding international students looking to study master’s in the exact sciences, the arts, and human and social sciences. It is open to students of all nationalities and covers €1,000 a month for one academic year and is potentially renewable based on results.
The Emily Boutmy Scholarship is a scholarship for students from outside the EU looking to study at Sciences Po. There are different forms of the scholarship depending on the type of degree a student is completing. The award is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Paris-Saclay University International Master’s IDEX Scholarship
The Paris-Saclay University International Master’s IDEX Scholarship is available for international master’s students who have applied to study at Paris-Saclay University. The scholarships are awarded for one to two years and can only be applied to on invitation from the university.
SMARTS-UP Scholarship Programme
The SMARTS-UP Scholarship Programme is available for students wishing to study a master’s programme at Université Paris Cité. It is open to all nationalities and is awarded for one academic year. Recipients of the scholarship will receive €8,000 for one year, once they have successfully enrolled with the university.
Rennes School of Business Scholarships
The Rennes School of Business offers a few different scholarships for international students looking to study a master’s at the business school. There is the Talent Scholarship for high-achieving individuals, the Unframed Scholarship for those who can demonstrate a unique life experience, and the Bienvenue en France Scholarship for students who are looking to learn French before they arrive.
This scholarship is funded by the Université de Lyon and is open to both international students and French students. It is given to master’s and bachelor degree-level students looking to study at the university. The scholarships are renewable subject to an evaluation and students are provided with €1,000 per month.
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