Eiffel Excellence Scholarship| Fully Funded

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, created by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 1999, is one of France’s most prestigious international scholarship initiatives. Designed to attract the world’s brightest students to French universities and grandes écoles, the program reflects France’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence, diplomacy, and global cooperation. Named after Gustave Eiffel an emblem of French innovation the scholarship supports future leaders who will strengthen ties between France and their home countries. France’s world-class education system, rich cultural heritage, and reputation for scientific and artistic innovation make it an inspiring destination for ambitious international students.

For the 2026 academic year, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship continues to offer fully funded opportunities for outstanding international students pursuing Master’s or PhD studies at top French institutions. Unlike many scholarships, Eiffel uses a nomination-based system: students cannot apply directly. Instead, French universities select and nominate exceptional candidates, ensuring that only highly qualified applicants compete. The program focuses on strategic areas where France has strong expertise: engineering sciences, economics and management, law and political science at the master’s level, and all academic fields at the doctoral level. This targeted approach helps develop future professionals who can contribute meaningfully to global development and international cooperation.

The Eiffel Scholarship provides generous financial support, including monthly stipends, accommodation assistance, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and cultural activities. Scholars immerse themselves fully in French academic life while studying at some of the best universities in the world, including Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, Sorbonne University, and leading engineering and research institutions. Beyond academic excellence, recipients gain access to exclusive networks, professional development events, and a global alumni community of influential leaders across public, private, and international sectors.

For exceptional students seeking world class education, cultural immersion, and pathways to global leadership, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most intellectually vibrant and culturally rich countries.

Scholarship Summary

Programs:

1. Eiffel Excellence Master’s Scholarship Programme

• Prestigious scholarships for outstanding international students pursuing master’s degrees at French institutions.
• Monthly allowance of €1,300 for the duration of the master’s program (maximum 36 months).
• Restricted to three priority fields: Engineering Sciences, Economics & Management, and Law & Political Science.
• Students must be nominated by French higher education institutions direct applications not accepted.
• Maximum age of 30 years at time of application.
• Covers up to three years for master’s programs (engineering schools often have three-year curricula).
• Approximately 400 scholarships awarded annually at master’s level.
• Highly competitive with success rates typically below 20%.

Also check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

2. Eiffel Excellence Doctoral Scholarship Programme

• Supports exceptional international PhD candidates conducting research in France.
• Monthly allowance of €1,700 for up to 10 months annually (doctoral scholarships are shorter-term mobility grants, not full program funding).
• Open to all academic disciplines no field restrictions for doctoral level.
• Must be enrolled in co-tutelle (joint supervision) PhD programs between French and foreign institutions.
• Maximum age of 35 years at time of application.
• Maximum duration of 10 months, non-renewable.
• Designed to support research stays in France as part of international doctoral programs.
• Fewer scholarships available at doctoral level (approximately 30-50 annually).

3. Fields and Disciplines

Master’s Level Priority Areas:

Engineering Sciences:

• Computer science and digital technology
• Nanotechnology and materials science
• Environmental sciences and sustainable development
• Energy and climate science
• Mathematics and applications
• Civil engineering and urban planning
• Aerospace engineering
• Biotechnology

Economics & Management:

• International business and finance
• Development economics
• Management and entrepreneurship
• Public policy and administration
• Digital economy
• Banking and insurance

Law & Political Science:

• International law and human rights
• European law and institutions
• Public law and constitutional studies
• International relations and diplomacy
• Political science and governance
• Intellectual property law

Doctoral Level: All academic disciplines are eligible, with particular interest in candidates whose research aligns with France’s strategic priorities and bilateral cooperation objectives.

Also check: DAAD Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Germany

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s Level:

• Must be an international student (non-French national).
• Maximum age of 30 years at the time of selection (students born after January 1, 1996 for 2026 intake).
• Must be nominated by a French higher education institution (cannot apply directly).
• Applying for master’s-level programs in one of the three priority fields only.
• Must not have lived in France for more than one year at the time of application.
• Strong academic record demonstrating excellence (typically top 10% of class).
• Not already benefiting from another French government scholarship.
• Candidates already enrolled in French institutions for one academic year or more are not eligible.

Doctoral Level:

• Must be an international student (non-French national).
• Maximum age of 35 years at the time of selection.
• Must be enrolled in a co-tutelle (joint supervision) doctoral program between a French institution and a foreign university.
• Nominated by the French institution hosting the research stay.
• Must not already hold French nationality or be a French resident.
• Not already benefiting from another French government doctoral scholarship.
• Any academic discipline eligible.

General Requirements:

• French institutions can nominate up to three candidates per field for master’s programs.
• Candidates can only be nominated by one institution.
• Priority given to students from targeted countries (varies annually based on French foreign policy priorities).

Also check: Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Australia

Scholarship Benefits

Master’s Level Benefits:

• Monthly Allowance: €1,300 per month for the program duration (12-36 months depending on program structure).
• Accommodation Support: Monthly allowance includes contribution toward housing costs.
• Health Insurance: Full health coverage through French social security system.
• Cultural Activities: Access to exclusive cultural events, seminars, and networking opportunities organized specifically for Eiffel scholars.
• Return Airfare: One round-trip ticket between France and home country.
• Transportation: Coverage for local transportation within France.
• Student Services: Access to Campus France support services and facilitated administrative procedures.

Note: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship does NOT cover tuition fees. Students must secure admission to tuition-free programs (most French public universities) or obtain additional funding for tuition at grandes écoles and private institutions.

Doctoral Level Benefits:

• Monthly Allowance: €1,700 per month for the research stay duration (maximum 10 months).
• Travel Costs: International return airfare covered.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage during the French research stay.
• Research Support: Access to French research facilities, libraries, and academic networks.
• Cultural Activities: Participation in Eiffel doctoral scholar events and networking sessions.

Additional Benefits for All Scholars:

• Access to exclusive Eiffel Excellence alumnus network events
• Professional development workshops and seminars
• Networking opportunities with French businesses and organizations
• Support with visa procedures and administrative integration
• French language courses (often available through host institutions)
• Preferential access to student housing through CROUS

Also check: University of Edinburgh Scholarships 2026 (UK)

Required Documents

Note: Students do not apply directly. The following documents are typically required by French institutions when preparing nominations:

Academic Documents:

• Complete academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Diplomas and degree certificates (with certified translations if not in French or English)
• Proof of current enrollment or admission to French institution
• Academic recommendation letters (usually 2-3)
• CV/Resume in French or English

Personal Documents:

• Copy of valid passport (biographical pages)
• Birth certificate or proof of age
• Proof of nationality
• Recent passport-size photographs

Application Materials:

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter (typically in French)
• Research proposal (for doctoral candidates)
• Study plan outlining program objectives and career goals
• Proof of French and/or English language proficiency
• Letters of recommendation from academic supervisors
• List of publications (for doctoral candidates, if applicable)

Institutional Documents:

• Nomination letter from French institution
• Admission letter or conditional admission from the nominating institution
• Program description and curriculum details
• Letter from doctoral supervisor (for PhD candidates)

Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Application Process

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship has a unique application process that differs from most scholarship programs:

For Students:

1. Research Programs: Identify French master’s or doctoral programs in eligible fields at participating French institutions (universities and grandes écoles).
2. Apply for Admission: Submit regular admission applications to chosen French institutions according to their admission procedures and deadlines (typically between November and March).
3. Express Interest: Clearly indicate in your admission application that you wish to be considered for Eiffel Scholarship nomination.
4. Demonstrate Excellence: Ensure your application materials showcase outstanding academic achievement, research potential, leadership qualities, and clear motivation for studying in France.
5. Wait for Nomination: French institutions independently evaluate applications and select their strongest candidates for Eiffel nomination. Students cannot apply directly to the Eiffel program.

For French Institutions:

1. Internal Selection: Institutions review admitted international students and select up to three candidates per field for master’s level (fewer for doctoral).
2. Prepare Nomination Files: Compile complete application dossiers for nominated candidates including all required documents.
3. Submit Nominations: Upload complete nomination files to the Campus France online platform before the deadline (typically early January).
4. Evaluation: Campus France evaluates all nominations based on academic excellence, quality of study/research project, and strategic fit with French priorities.
5. Results Announcement: Scholarship decisions communicated to institutions (typically March-April), which then notify successful candidates.

Timeline:

• October-February: Students apply for admission to French institutions
• November-January: Institutions select and nominate candidates
• January: Institutional nomination deadline (specific date announced annually)
• March-April: Scholarship results announced
• September: Academic program begins

Also check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

Deadlines

Institutional Nomination Deadline:

• Master’s Level: Early January 2026 (typically first week of January)
• Doctoral Level: Early January 2026 (same deadline as master’s)

Student Application to Institutions:

• Varies by institution, typically between November 2025 and February 2026
• Students should apply to French institutions by December 2025 to be considered for Eiffel nomination

Results Announcement:

• March-April 2026: Scholarship decisions communicated to institutions and candidates

Program Start:

• September 2026: Most programs begin (some may start in January 2027)

Important Notes:

• Students must meet individual institution admission deadlines, which are often earlier than the Eiffel nomination deadline
• Early application to French institutions is crucial for Eiffel consideration
• Institutions have internal deadlines for selecting nominees before the official Campus France deadline
• The scholarship cannot be deferred; it is awarded for a specific academic year only

Also check: University of Minnesota Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (USA)

Duration of Scholarship

Master’s Level:

• Engineering Schools: Maximum 36 months (three-year programs)
• Universities: Typically 12-24 months (one to two-year master’s programs)
• Coverage: Full scholarship benefits for the complete program duration as specified in the nomination

Doctoral Level:

• Maximum Duration: 10 months (non-renewable)
• Flexible Timing: Can be taken continuously or split into multiple research stays
• Purpose: Supports research mobility within co-tutelle doctoral programs, not full PhD funding

Important Conditions:

• Scholarships cannot be extended beyond the initially approved duration
• Scholars must maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Interruptions or suspensions are generally not permitted
• Renewal is automatic for multi-year master’s programs if academic requirements are met

Final Thoughts

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme 2026 represents one of France’s most prestigious international scholarship initiatives, offering exceptional students a unique opportunity to experience French academic excellence, cultural richness, and intellectual vibrancy while preparing for leadership roles in their respective fields. This highly selective program reflects France’s commitment to attracting global talent and fostering international partnerships through education and research collaboration.