Dreaming of studying in France feels exciting and overwhelming at the same time. France offers some of the world’s richest cultural heritage, top research universities, and vibrant cities, but high living costs and confusing funding options often block that dream. Fortunately, France Scholarships for International Students in 2026 are opening doors wide for global learners, with many programmes covering tuition, living expenses, insurance, and even travel support. Scholarships like the Université Paris‑Saclay award up to €10,000 per year plus travel help, making world‑class education in France much more reachable. For ambitious students who worry about tuition fees, housing challenges, and visa costs, these fully funded opportunities are game‑changers that make studying in France a real possibility.
Still, many students struggle with uncertainty and stress as they plan for 2026. Confusion about eligibility, unclear application steps, and questions about costs often slow people down. International students sometimes wonder if all expenses really are covered, if language tests like IELTS are needed, or how to stand out in competitive selections. Other concerns include whether scholarships support research projects, monthly expenses, or travel to and from France. These worries can make even qualified applicants hesitate or miss their chance at life‑changing funding.
This page will guide you through the best Fully Funded France Scholarships for International Students with practical answers and real application links. You’ll learn what programmes exist, who qualifies, what each scholarship covers, and simple step‑by‑step instructions to help you submit strong applications. No confusing jargon or scattered advice, just clear, honest insights that turn your study abroad goals into a plan you can follow with confidence.
10 Fully Funded France Scholarships for International Students
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – French Government Fully Funded Support
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is one of the most well‑known French Scholarships for International Students. It is funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and supports international students at master’s and PhD levels in fields like science, engineering, economics, law and political science. Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend (€1,200 for master’s or €2,100 for PhD as of 2026) plus other services while studying in France. You must be nominated by a French university (such as Université Paris‑Saclay) and then submit the official application form during the application window (usually early October to early November 2025 for the 2026 intake). Strong academic results, a clear career plan, letters of recommendation, and motivation are key for winning this prestigious support.
Apply here: https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/eiffel-master-universite-paris-saclay (or the PhD form equivalent).
2. Université Paris‑Saclay International Master’s Scholarships – 10,000 € Support
This France Scholarships for International Students award from Université Paris‑Saclay helps top international master’s applicants afford study in France. Each year, recipients receive €10,000 paid monthly during the academic year plus up to €900 for travel and visa costs. To get this funding you must first apply for a master’s degree at Université Paris‑Saclay before the set scholarship selection deadline (usually March 25, 2026). After being accepted into the university programme, you submit the scholarship application and recommendation forms as instructed. The selection looks at academic merit, motivation, and how well you fit the programme.
3. Émile Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po – Merit‑Based Coverage
The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is a high‑value France Scholarships for International Students offered by Sciences Po University in Paris. This award helps non‑EU international students pay for tuition and sometimes living costs while they study a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. For master’s level, recipients can get a tuition fee exemption worth about €18,500 per year, and for undergraduate level they may receive tuition exemptions and allowances depending on the award level. To be considered you must first apply and be admitted to a Sciences Po programme, then indicate your scholarship interest in the “financial information” section of your application. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability for the institution.
Apply here: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/emile-boutmy-scholarship/
4. Ampère Excellence Scholarships – ENS de Lyon Merit Scholarships
The Ampère Excellence Scholarships are merit‑based France Scholarships for International Students offered at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon). These awards support international students who want to study a master’s in sciences, arts, social sciences or humanities. Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of around €1,000 for the academic year, renewable under certain conditions. To get this sponsorship you must apply online for a master’s programme at ENS de Lyon and include the scholarship option in your application. You will need strong academic records, a CV, motivation letter and sometimes language test results. The admission committee reviews all applications and selects students based on excellence.
Apply here: https://www.ens-lyon.fr/en/studies/admissions/application-masters-degrees-and-scholarships
5. Université Paris‑Saclay International Scholarships
The France Scholarships for International Students is another support opportunity from Université Paris‑Saclay aimed at attracting top international applicants. Like the main International Master’s Scholarship, it awards financial support tied to academic merit and helps cover living expenses and some travel costs. To be considered, you must complete two steps: submit your application for a master’s degree at the university first, and then complete the scholarship application and submit the required documentation before the scholarship deadline. The selection focuses on academic achievement and motivation to study at Paris‑Saclay.
Apply here: use the same Paris‑Saclay scholarships page above and follow the instructions for the International Master’s Scholarships.
6. Erasmus Mundus IMAPP Scholarships (Fully Funded Masters in Physics & Related Fields)
The Erasmus Mundus IMAPP Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for International Students opportunity under the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme. This scholarship supports a two‑year joint master’s degree called International Master of Advanced Methods in Particle Physics (IMAPP) taught across universities in France, Germany, and Italy. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, visa costs, airfare, accommodation, food, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend so you can study without financial worry. Applicants must have (or be about to complete) a bachelor’s degree and apply online between January 2 and March 15, 2026. Strong motivation, good grades, a CV, and reference letters increase your chance of getting a scholarship.
Apply here: https://imapp.eu/scholarships‑fees/erasmus‑scholarships/
7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships (French Government Scholarships)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships, managed through Campus France, are major French Scholarships for International Students offered by the French government. These awards are open to many students who want to study at public universities in France. They usually include tuition waivers, monthly stipends, health insurance, and sometimes travel allowances. To get this sponsorship, you must contact the French Embassy / Cultural Services in your country, submit the required forms and documents between November and January, and then be nominated to Campus France. These scholarships aim to help international students focus on their studies without financial burden.
Apply here: https://www.campusfrance.org/en (Search “scholarship catalog & application”)
8. Université de Lorraine Scholarships
Université de Lorraine Scholarships are part of larger France Scholarships for International Students that help master’s and PhD level learners. This fully funded offer typically supports tuition fees and a living stipend for international students who study science, engineering or humanities. To get this funding you must first apply for admission to a degree programme at Université de Lorraine, and then tick the scholarship option on your application form. Good academic results and a complete application improve your chances. The university selects candidates and awards scholarships based on merit and study plans.
Apply here: https://www.univ‑lorraine.fr (search “scholarships / international students”)
9. Université Toulouse 1 Capitole Scholarships
Université Toulouse 1 Capitole Scholarships are offered to international students interested in law, economics, management, or social sciences, and are part of broader France Scholarships for International Students available in 2026. These fully funded awards often cover tuition and provide a living stipend during your study period in France. To receive this scholarship you must apply for a degree programme at Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, submit the scholarship request with your application, and meet academic requirements. Strong motivation and clear study plans help in selection because the university chooses recipients who show academic promise and future potential.
Apply here: https://www.ut‑capitole.fr (search “international students / scholarships”)
10. TotalEnergies International Masters Degree Scholarship (Corporate‑Sponsored)
The TotalEnergies International Masters Degree Scholarship is a company‑sponsored France Scholarships for International Students opportunity that helps students from certain countries (for example Nigeria) pursue a master’s degree in France in fields like engineering, management science, or geosciences. This fully funded scholarship typically covers tuition, living costs, and sometimes travel support for the duration of your study. To get this sponsorship you must meet the eligibility requirements (such as holding a relevant bachelor’s degree and any national service requirements), create an account on the scholarship platform, complete the application form, and upload the required documents before the deadline (often around January 31, 2026). This opportunity connects corporate sponsorship with higher education in France so talented students can access global education without financial barriers.
Apply here: https://csr‑ngscholarship.totalenergies.com/ (search “International Masters Degree Scholarship”)