Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
French Government scholarship program attracting top international students to French higher education institutions at master's and PhD levels in priority disciplines.
Overview
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a French Government initiative managed by Campus France on behalf of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Launched in 1999, the program aims to attract top international students to French higher education institutions. Scholarships are awarded at two levels: master's level (up to 12 months) and doctoral level (up to 10 months). Priority disciplines at master's level include engineering sciences, economics and management, law and political science; at doctoral level, natural and life sciences, engineering, and humanities and social sciences. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, reimbursement of travel and health costs, and cultural benefits.
What You Can Find Here
- Master's scholarships (12 months maximum) for top international students in priority fields
- Doctoral scholarships (10 months maximum) for doctoral candidates co-supervised by French researchers
- Monthly stipend of around EUR 1,181 (master's) or EUR 1,400 (doctoral)
- International travel reimbursement to and from France
- Health and repatriation insurance coverage
- Cultural activities and events for Eiffel scholars network
Who Should Use This
- International students aged under 30 (master's) or 35 (doctoral) from eligible countries
- Top-performing students in engineering, sciences, economics, law, or humanities seeking French education
- Doctoral candidates whose research involves collaboration with a French research laboratory
- Students nominated by accredited French higher education institutions - individual applications are not accepted
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Individual students cannot apply directly - you must be nominated by a French higher education institution
- Step 2: Contact your target French university or grande ecole to express interest in the Eiffel scholarship
- Step 3: The French institution nominates candidates through the Campus France online portal
- Step 4: Campus France reviews nominations and selects scholarship recipients after expert evaluation
- Step 5: Successful candidates are notified by March-April for studies beginning in September
Things to Check Before Applying
- Eiffel is a nomination-based program - you cannot apply directly; you must be nominated by a French institution
- French nationals and EU/EEA students residing in France are not eligible
- Priority disciplines vary by scholarship level - check Campus France for current priority fields
- The scholarship covers part of your study period, not necessarily the full program duration
- Competition is extremely high - fewer than 400 scholarships are awarded annually across thousands of nominations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly for the Eiffel scholarship?
No. The Eiffel program is nomination-based. Candidates must be nominated by their host French higher education institution. Contact your target institution directly to ask about nomination.
What disciplines are eligible for Eiffel scholarships?
At master's level: engineering sciences, economics and management, law and political science. At doctoral level: natural and life sciences, engineering, and social sciences and humanities.
How many Eiffel scholarships are awarded each year?
Approximately 400 scholarships are awarded per year: around 280 at master's level and around 120 at doctoral level. Competition is very high.
Does the Eiffel scholarship cover the full master's program?
The Eiffel scholarship covers up to 12 months of a master's program. If the program lasts 2 years, the scholarship may cover only part of the total study period.
What countries are eligible for Eiffel?
Eiffel is open to international students from most countries except France. EU/EEA students already residing in France are not eligible.
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