The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships programme is one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarship schemes globally. Created by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, it is designed to attract exceptional international students to undertake Master’s and PhD studies at leading French higher education institutions.
Through the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, France strengthens its position as a global education hub, advances cultural and academic diplomacy, and reinforces its commitment to international cooperation in higher education. Highly competitive and generous in scope, the programme provides recipients with access to world-class academic training, cutting-edge research environments, influential professional networks, and strong long-term career prospects.
Table of Contents
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About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
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Key Features & Benefits
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Eligible Levels of Study
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Eligible Fields of Study
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Scholarship Coverage & Financial Benefits
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Eligibility Requirements
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Documents Required
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How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Selection Process
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Application Timeline
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Tips for Winning the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
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Why Study in France?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships programme was established in 1999 to enable French universities to attract some of the world’s most outstanding international students for advanced graduate-level training. Unlike many international scholarship schemes that allow direct student applications, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships are submitted exclusively through accredited French higher education institutions.
The programme is specifically designed for top-performing international candidates and focuses on strategic fields that align with France’s national development and global cooperation priorities. Each year, several hundred recipients from across the world are selected through a highly competitive process based on:
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Exceptional academic achievement
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Strong research and innovation potential
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Demonstrated leadership qualities
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Clear international and societal impact
By supporting both Master’s and PhD programmes, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships stand out as one of Europe’s most comprehensive and prestigious funding opportunities for international graduate students.
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
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Duration: 12, 24, or 36 months
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Covers full master’s degree programs or specific training modules
B. Eiffel Doctoral Scholarship
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Duration: Up to 12 months (joint supervision or co-supervision PhD)
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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
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Biology and Health
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Ecological Transition
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Mathematics and Digital Sciences
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Engineering Sciences
B. Humanities & Social Sciences
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History, Civilization & French Language
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Law
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Economics
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Management
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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:
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€1,031 monthly allowance
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€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
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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
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Applicants must be non-French citizens.
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Dual nationals with French citizenship are not eligible.
B. Age Requirement
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Master’s applicants: must be 25 years old or younger (at the time of the application deadline).
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PhD applicants: must be 30 years old or younger.
C. Academic Requirements
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Strong academic record
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Relevant bachelor’s degree for Master’s
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Strong research background for PhD applicants
D. Application Channel Requirement
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Applications must be submitted by a French institution
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Candidates cannot apply directly
E. Previous Attempts
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Candidates previously rejected by Eiffel cannot reapply at the same level
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For advancement (e.g., Master’s → PhD), reapplication is allowed
7. Required Documents
While requirements vary by institution, a complete Eiffel dossier typically includes:
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CV/Resume
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Academic transcripts
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Degree certificates
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Passport copy
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Motivational letter (very important)
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Recommendation letters
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
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Proof of language proficiency (English or French)
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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:
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You wish to apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
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Your academic profile
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Your program of interest
Step 3: University Reviews Your Request
If the institution supports your application:
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They will include you in their Eiffel nomination
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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:
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Academic excellence
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International profile
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Professional or research potential
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Alignment with France’s policy priorities
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Strength of motivation and references
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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:
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Call for applications: October
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Deadline for universities to submit applications: January
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Selection results: March/April
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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:
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Why France
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Why the specific university
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Your career goals
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How the scholarship will enable your impact
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Your future contributions to your home country
✔ 3. Demonstrate Leadership
Highlight roles in:
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Research groups
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Student organizations
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Community service
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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.