France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026: Get Up to €2,100/Month (Master’s & PhD)

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has officially opened the call for applications for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026. This is France's most prestigious scholarship, designed to attract top international students to enroll in Master’s and PhD programs at French higher education institutions.

Selected scholars will receive a generous monthly allowance—€1,200 for Master’s students and €2,100 for PhD researchers—along with travel and health benefits. However, the application process is unique: you cannot apply directly. You must be nominated by a French university. The deadline for institutions to submit nominations is January 8, 2026, so you need to contact universities immediately.

Scholarship Overview & Key Details

Eligible Fields of Study

The program focuses on training future decision-makers in the public and private sectors. Scholarships are awarded in the following two major disciplines:

1. Science and Technology

• Biology and Health
• Ecological Transition
• Mathematics and Digital Sciences
• Engineering

2. Humanities and Social Sciences

• French History, Language, and Civilization
• Law and Political Science
• Economics and Management

Eligibility Criteria (Age Limit is Critical)

To be nominated, you must meet strict age and nationality requirements:

• Nationality: You must be a foreign national. (Candidates with French dual nationality are not eligible).
• Age Limit (Master’s): You must be 29 years old or younger at the time of the 2026 application campaign.
• Age Limit (PhD): You must be 35 years old or younger at the time of the 2026 application campaign.
• Location: For Master's, candidates already studying in France are generally ineligible. For PhD, students already in France can apply (if they are in their first year of thesis).

Scholarship Benefits

The Eiffel Scholarship is known for its high value. Living Allowance: Master’s: €1,200 per month. PhD: €2,100 per month. Other Benefits: Round-trip international airfare. Domestic travel support (train/bus) to your university. Health insurance and supplemental coverage. Housing assistance (in CROUS dorms or private housing). Cultural activities.

Note: Tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel program directly. However, public universities typically waive tuition fees for Eiffel scholars.

How to Apply (Crucial Step)

You cannot submit an application yourself. Follow this process:

1. Contact a French University: Find a Master’s or PhD program in France that matches your goals.
2. Request Nomination: Contact the International Relations department of that university and express your interest in the "Eiffel Scholarship."
3. University Selection: If the university decides to support you, they will submit the application on your behalf to Campus France.

Important Dates

• Deadline for Universities: January 8, 2026. (You must contact them weeks before this date!).
• Results Announced: Week of March 30, 2026.

Official Link: Click Here to Visit Campus France Eiffel Page