French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programmer 2026
(Fully Funded Master’s and Ph.D. Studies in France)
Date Announced: October 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programmer
Applications are officially open for the 2026 edition of the French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programmer, one of the most prestigious international scholarship opportunities in the world.
Established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Programmer was created to help French universities and higher education institutions attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.) studies in France.
The programmer aims to train the next generation of global leaders and decision-makers across the public and private sectors. It focuses on fields that are strategically important for both France and the world, promoting innovation, research, and international cooperation.
Who the Programmer Is For
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is designed for top-performing international students who wish to study in France and build a career that contributes to sustainable development, innovation, and leadership.
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For Master’s degree applicants: open to candidates up to 29 years old (born on or after March 1996).
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For Ph.D. candidates: open to candidates up to 35 years old (born on or after March 1990).
This scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity to gain world-class education in France while joining a global community of talented young professionals and researchers.
Areas of Study
The Eiffel Programmer supports studies in two main academic fields — Science & Technology and Humanities & Social Sciences — encompassing the following areas:
Science and Technology
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Biology and Health
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Ecological Transition (Environment and Sustainability)
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Mathematics and Digital Sciences
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Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
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History, French Language, and Civilization
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Law and Political Science
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Economics and Management
These fields reflect France’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in disciplines that shape the modern world.
Levels of Study
French higher education institutions that nominate students for the Eiffel Programme agree to enroll them in one of the following academic tracks:
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Master’s Degree Programmes
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Engineering Programmes
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Joint Doctoral Programmes (Co-supervised Ph.D. or Dual Degrees) conducted in partnership with international institutions.
This flexible structure allows scholars to engage in interdisciplinary studies and research collaborations across borders.
Duration of the Scholarship
Master’s Level
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Up to 12 months for students entering directly into the second year (M2).
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Up to 24 months for students beginning in the first year (M1).
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Up to 36 months for students pursuing a full engineering degree.
Doctorate (Ph.D.) Level
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Awarded for a period between 12 and 36 months, beginning on September 1, 2026.
The flexible duration ensures that students have ample time to complete their studies and research projects successfully.
Benefits and Financial Support
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship provides generous funding to cover living expenses, travel, and other essential needs, ensuring that scholars can focus entirely on their academic journey.
Master’s Level Benefits
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Monthly allowance: €1,200 (effective January 2026)
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Additional support includes:
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International and domestic transportation
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Comprehensive health insurance
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Housing assistance
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Access to cultural activities and integration support
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Doctorate Level Benefits
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Monthly allowance: €2,100 (effective January 2026)
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Plus the same additional services as Master’s students:
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Travel coverage
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Insurance and housing support
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Cultural and networking opportunities
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This comprehensive package makes studying in France not only possible but also comfortable and enriching.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening of Applications | October 1, 2025 |
| Deadline for Submission (via Campus France) | January 8, 2026 |
| Announcement of Results | From March 30, 2026 |
Important Note for Applicants
Students cannot apply directly to the Eiffel Scholarship. Applications must be submitted through a French higher education institution. Therefore, prospective candidates should first contact the international office of their chosen French university or program to express their interest in being nominated.
The institution will then prepare and submit the application to Campus France, the organization managing the Eiffel Programme on behalf of the French government.
Why Choose the Eiffel Scholarship?
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Study at top-ranked French universities recognized globally for academic excellence.
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Receive full financial support and live comfortably while studying abroad.
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Build international networks with fellow scholars, professors, and researchers.
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Experience French culture, innovation, and diversity firsthand.
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Join a prestigious community of Eiffel alumni who are shaping industries, policies, and research worldwide.
How to Learn More
For detailed eligibility requirements, nomination procedures, and participating institutions, visit the official webpage of the French Government’s Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme:
Campus France – Eiffel Scholarship Programme
nch Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Programme was created to help French universities and higher education institutions attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.) studies in France.
The programme aims to train the next generation of global leaders and decision-makers across the public and private sectors. It focuses on fields that are strategically important for both France and the world, promoting innovation, research, and international cooperation.
