The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarships in the world. Established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the program aims to attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and PhD studies at top French universities.

The Eiffel Scholarship promotes France as a global education destination, enhances cultural diplomacy, and supports the country’s commitment to international academic cooperation. Highly competitive, prestigious, and generous, the Eiffel program opens doors to world-class research, professional networks, and long-term career opportunities.

Table of Contents

1. About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

2. Key Features & Benefits

3. Eligible Levels of Study

4. Eligible Fields of Study

5. Scholarship Coverage & Financial Benefits

6. Eligibility Requirements

7. Documents Required

8. How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

9. Selection Process

10. Application Timeline

11. Tips for Winning the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

12. Why Study in France?

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme was launched in 1999 to help French universities attract the world’s best students for graduate-level training. Unlike many global scholarships that accept direct applications, the Eiffel Scholarship is:

• Submitted exclusively through a French institution

• Designed for top-performing international students

• Focused on strategic fields aligned with France’s development priorities

Each year, several hundred scholars from around the world are selected based on:

• Academic excellence

• Research potential

• Leadership qualities

• International impact

The scholarship supports both Master’s degrees and PhD programs, making it one of the most inclusive funding opportunities in Europe.

2. Key Features of the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The Eiffel Scholarship stands out for several reasons:

✔ Government-Funded Programme

It is financed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).

✔ Prestigious and Highly Competitive

Recognized globally and awarded to top-performing international students.

✔ Available for Master’s & PhD

Covers a wide range of study areas across top French universities.

✔ Universities Apply on Your Behalf

Applicants cannot apply directly — institutions must submit nominations.

3. Eligible Levels of Study

The Eiffel Scholarship supports study at two levels:

A. Eiffel Master’s Scholarship

• Duration: 12, 24, or 36 months

• Covers full master’s degree programs or specific training modules

B. Eiffel Doctoral Scholarship

• Duration: Up to 12 months (joint supervision or co-supervision PhD)

• Supports students conducting research aligned with French priorities

4. Eligible Fields of Study

The Eiffel Programme focuses on disciplines essential for global development and French influence:

A. Science & Technology

• Biology and Health

• Ecological Transition

• Mathematics and Digital Sciences

• Engineering Sciences

B. Humanities & Social Sciences

• History, Civilization & French Language

• Law

• Economics

• Management

• Political Sciences

These fields reflect France’s commitment to training innovators, researchers, and future leaders in crucial sectors.

5. Scholarship Coverage & Financial Benefits

The Eiffel Scholarship provides generous financial support, covering nearly all academic and living expenses.

A. Financial Benefits for Master’s Scholars

✔ Monthly stipend: €1,181

Includes:

• €1,031 monthly allowance

• €150 monthly stipend

✔ Free international return airfare

Covers travel from the home country to France.

✔ National health insurance

✔ Housing assistance

Students may apply for additional accommodation support.

✔ Cultural activities

Special events and cultural programs organized for scholars.

B. Benefits for PhD Scholars

✔ Monthly stipend: €1,700

✔ Return airfare

✔ Health insurance

✔ Cultural activities

What the Eiffel Scholarship Does Not Cover

• Tuition fees
  French universities, however, offer low-tuition or tuition-free programs, making overall costs manageable.

6. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

A. Nationality

• Applicants must be non-French citizens.

• Dual nationals with French citizenship are not eligible.

B. Age Requirement

• Master’s applicants: must be 25 years old or younger (at the time of the application deadline).

• PhD applicants: must be 30 years old or younger.

C. Academic Requirements

• Strong academic record

• Relevant bachelor’s degree for Master’s

• Strong research background for PhD applicants

D. Application Channel Requirement

• Applications must be submitted by a French institution

• Candidates cannot apply directly

E. Previous Attempts

• Candidates previously rejected by Eiffel cannot reapply at the same level

• For advancement (e.g., Master’s → PhD), reapplication is allowed

7. Required Documents

While requirements vary by institution, a complete Eiffel dossier typically includes:

• CV/Resume

• Academic transcripts

• Degree certificates

• Passport copy

• Motivational letter (very important)

• Recommendation letters

• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

• Proof of language proficiency (English or French)

• Application form provided by the university

Universities must upload all documents to Campus France’s platform.

8. How to Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship (Step-by-Step Guide)

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship uses an indirect application method. Here is the process:

Step 1: Choose a French University

Identify universities offering programs in your field of interest.

Step 2: Contact the International Office

Email the admissions or international office, stating:

• You wish to apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

• Your academic profile

• Your program of interest

Step 3: University Reviews Your Request

If the institution supports your application:

• They will include you in their Eiffel nomination

• They will ask for application documents

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

Prepare and send all required documentation to the university.

Step 5: University Submits Your Eiffel Application

The university uploads your documents to Campus France.

Step 6: Scholarship Results Announcement

The MEAE publishes results between April and June.

9. Selection Process

The final selection is made by the Campus France Eiffel Committee, which evaluates candidates based on:

• Academic excellence

• International profile

• Professional or research potential

• Alignment with France’s policy priorities

• Strength of motivation and references

• University’s support and involvement

Only the most outstanding candidates are selected, making the Eiffel scholarship highly competitive.

10. Application Timeline

The Eiffel Scholarship follows a strict annual schedule:

• Call for applications: October

• Deadline for universities to submit applications: January

• Selection results: March/April

• Start of studies: September/October

Candidates should start preparing six months before the deadline.

11. Tips to Win the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

✔ 1. Start Early

Identify your university and program at least 4–6 months before the official deadline.

✔ 2. Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain:

• Why France

• Why the specific university

• Your career goals

• How the scholarship will enable your impact

• Your future contributions to your home country

✔ 3. Demonstrate Leadership

Highlight roles in:

• Research groups

• Student organizations

• Community service

• Professional internships

✔ 4. Show Academic Excellence

Use quantifiable achievements, research projects, publications, or awards.

✔ 5. Align With France’s Priorities

Ensure your field of study fits into the scholarship’s target areas.

✔ 6. Let the University Support Your Candidacy

A motivated institution greatly increases your chance of success.

12. Why Study in France?

✔ World-class education and research

✔ Affordable tuition compared to other European countries

✔ Rich culture, history, and language

✔ Strong job market and international career pathways

✔ Home to top institutions like Sorbonne, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, and more

✔ Ideal for innovation, engineering, business, and social sciences

France remains one of the top destinations for international scholars seeking advanced, globally competitive training.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Eiffel scholarship fully funded?

Yes—living expenses, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities are covered. Tuition fees are not covered directly.

2. Can I apply directly?

No. Only French universities can submit applications.

3. Can I apply for more than one university?

No. A candidate can only be nominated once per year.

4. Is French language required?

Not always. Many Eiffel-eligible programs are taught in English.

5. How competitive is it?

Extremely competitive. Applicants must have strong academic credentials and leadership potential.

Final Thoughts

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for international students aspiring to study in France. Its generous funding, global prestige, academic recognition, and strong professional networks make it one of the most valuable scholarships worldwide.

If you are ambitious, internationally minded, and academically strong, Eiffel can be your gateway to a world-class education and a transformative global career.