Eiffel Scholarship 2027 in France: Benefits and Eligibility

The Eiffel Scholarship, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France, offers fully funded study opportunities in France for international students. It supports Master's, Engineering, and PhD programs, providing a monthly allowance and various support services. Students must be nominated by a French university or higher education institution; direct applications to Campus France are not accepted. The 2027 campaign opened on October 2, 2026.

Financial Benefits: Master's and Engineering recipients receive a monthly allowance of €1,200. Doctoral funding is €2,000 per month according to 2027 regulations, though some university pages list €2,100; applicants should confirm the exact amount with their nominating institution. Additional Services: The scholarship includes eligible international travel, certain transport costs within France, and health coverage. Campus France also assists with accommodation searches (though free housing is not guaranteed) and offers access to cultural activities. Tuition Fees: The Eiffel program generally does not directly cover tuition fees. However, eligible French-government scholarship holders pursuing national degrees or accredited engineering qualifications at qualifying public institutions can receive a registration-fee exemption. Tuition for private schools and other program charges are not automatically covered; applicants should confirm the university's fee policy and any remaining costs. Duration: For Master's study, the maximum award is 24 months for M1 (first year) or 12 months for M2 (second year). Eligible engineering programs can receive up to 36 months. Doctoral awards can last 12, 18, or 36 months, depending on the research stage and supervision arrangement, with the 36-month route intended for first-year doctoral candidates arriving in France for the first time.

Nationality: Open to eligible international candidates worldwide, excluding French nationals (including those with dual nationality that includes French citizenship). Age Limits: For the 2027 selection, Master's applicants must be 29 years old or younger (born after March 31, 1997). Doctoral applicants must be 35 years old or younger (born after March 31, 1991). Study Location: Applicants already studying in France are not eligible for the Master's component. Doctoral candidates already in France may qualify under specific conditions, but applicants studying abroad receive priority. Academic Level: The scholarship supports accredited Master's programs, engineering qualifications, and qualifying doctoral projects. Exclusions: Continuing education, apprenticeship, and professional training routes are excluded. Academic Merit: Academic excellence and a convincing study or research project are crucial. Previous unsuccessful Eiffel applications, earlier awards, and other funding can affect eligibility.

General Documents: Common requirements include an identity document, a current CV, academic diplomas, transcripts, evidence of academic ranking, a current enrolment certificate (if applicable), a career plan, and language evidence (with required translations). Recommendation letters may also be requested. Doctoral Specifics: Research candidates should prepare a thesis proposal, evidence of supervisor support, and a funding plan for the project. An expert assessment or joint-supervision agreement may be needed for specific routes. Language Proficiency: While IELTS is not always mandatory, applicants must provide language evidence. An English Proficiency Certificate or Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter may be accepted if it meets the program's rules. French-taught courses may require French-language evidence. Applicants must confirm acceptance of alternative language proof with their chosen program.

Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. The application process begins by contacting a French higher education institution. Choose an eligible program and carefully read its specific Eiffel scholarship call for 2027. Follow the university's specified application portal, pre-application form, or contact procedure. Some institutions require a separate admission application first, while others integrate scholarship preselection. Prepare and submit all requested documents to the French institution before its internal deadline. Only one institution may nominate a student in the same Eiffel selection round. The nominating institution is responsible for sending the final national application file to Campus France by the institutional deadline.

The student application deadline varies significantly by university and is much earlier than the national institutional deadline of January 6, 2027. For example, deadlines can range from late October to late November 2026. Applicants must confirm the exact deadline for their chosen program directly with the university. Results from Campus France are expected during the week of April 12, 2027. All information should be confirmed with the nominating institution and official award documents, as details can change.