2026 France Government Eiffel Scholarship Program | Fully Funded Masters & PhD Scholarships
Are you an international student aspiring to study in a top European university? The France Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship offers a fully funded route to pursue your Master’s or Doctoral degree in France. This prestigious scholarship supports future global leaders by covering tuition fees, monthly living stipends, airfare, health insurance, and accommodation benefits.
This comprehensive guide covers the scholarship overview, eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and deadlines to help you maximize your chances of becoming an Eiffel scholar in 2026.
What is the France Government Eiffel Scholarship?
Named after the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative by the French government to attract talented overseas students. Launched to foster international cooperation and academic excellence, it offers scholarships annually to non-French citizens enrolling in Master’s or PhD programs in French institutions.
Key Features
- Fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD students
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and health insurance
- Monthly stipends: €1,200 for Master’s students and €2,100 for PhD students
- Available in a wide range of academic fields including engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences
- No IELTS or TOEFL required for application
- Study in France, one of the world’s leading education destinations
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Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Understanding eligibility is crucial to ensure your application qualifies for this scholarship.
- Applicants must be non-French nationals.
- For Master’s degree applicants: age must not exceed 27 years by the scholarship deadline.
- For PhD degree applicants: age must not exceed 32 years by the deadline.
- Candidates must not hold any other concurrent scholarships.
- Must have applied for admission to a recognized French educational or research institution.
This scholarship aims at future leaders in both the public and private sectors, encouraging diversity and excellence among candidates worldwide.
Scholarship Benefits and Duration
Masters Program Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €1,200 for living expenses
- Additional monthly allowance of €150
- Coverage of return airfare tickets to France
- Housing allowance and health insurance
- Cultural activities and integration support
PhD Program Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €2,100 for living expenses
- Return airfare included
- Health insurance coverage and housing allowances
- Participation in cultural activities and networking
Scholarship duration corresponds to the length of the chosen academic program.
How to Apply for the France Government Eiffel Scholarship 2026
The application process for the Eiffel Scholarship is unique and requires official institutional support. Follow these actionable steps thoroughly:
Step 1: Secure Admission Offer
- Apply for a degree program at a French university or research institute recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Contact the International Relations department of the institution to inquire about application deadlines and eligibility.
- Alternatively, seek assistance from Campus France offices or the French Embassy’s cultural cooperation team in your home country.
Step 2: Application Submission by Institution
- The French institution where you intend to study must endorse and submit your application online via the Campus France platform.
- Direct applications from students are not accepted.
- Ensure all documents and forms meet the requirements set by the admitting institution and the French government.
Step 3: Wait for Selection Notification
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
- Final decisions will be announced before the deadline, January 8, 2026.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | January 8, 2026 |
| Admission application | Start from mid-2025 |
| Notification of results | Early 2026 |
Make sure to apply early to allow time for admission requirements and institutional endorsements.
Why Choose France for Higher Education?
France boasts world-class universities with excellent research facilities, dynamic academic programs, vibrant cultural diversity, and rich history. Studying in France allows you to benefit from:
- Low or zero tuition fees for public universities
- Access to extensive research networks and innovation hubs
- Immersive cultural experiences and European travel opportunities
- Strong global job market recognition and postgraduate employment prospects
Explore more on studying abroad in Europe on naijonline.com’s Scholarships in Europe.
Related Scholarship Opportunities You Should Know
Stay ahead by exploring additional scholarships tailored for international students and Africans:
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 (Doctoral)
- United States Government Fulbright Scholarship 2025
- Mohamed Bin Zayed University Scholarships in UAE (Fully Funded)
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship in Europe
These options provide varied pathways to study abroad with full funding.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The 2026 France Government Eiffel Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious international students to study at top French institutions with full financial support. To maximize your chances:
- Start researching and contacting prospective institutions immediately
- Prepare required academic documents and research proposals in advance
- Monitor deadlines carefully and coordinate early with the institution’s international office
- Join scholarship alert groups on WhatsApp and follow trusted scholarship portals like NaijOnline Scholarships to receive updates consistently
This elite scholarship not only finances your education but also opens doors to an international career network and cultural enrichment in France.





