France · Fully funded
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 for Masters and PhD Students
Updated 18 October 2026
Open
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is the French government's flagship scholarship for top international students. It is run by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through Campus France, and supports master's and PhD students at French universities and schools.
Important: Students cannot apply to Campus France directly. You apply through the French university or school you want to join, and it submits your file. Each university has its own deadline, often in November or December, well before Campus France's 6 January 2027 deadline.
What the scholarship covers
- Master's: €1,200 a month
- PhD: €2,100 a month
- International return travel
- Some travel within France
- Health insurance
- Help finding accommodation
- Cultural activities
Not covered: tuition fees. Public universities in France charge relatively low fees, but private schools can be expensive, so check before you apply.
How long it lasts
- Master's: up to 12 months for a Master 2, 24 months for a Master 1, and 36 months for an engineering degree
- PhD: depends on the project. Mobility of 12 or 18 months must be part of a joint or co-supervised thesis (cotutelle or codirection). Some universities also offer a longer option. Check with the university.
Who can apply
- Foreign nationals of any country, including Nigerians. French dual nationals are not eligible.
- Age: up to about 29 for master's and 35 for PhD (for the 2027 call, PhD applicants must be born after 31 March 1991)
- You must not already hold another French government scholarship
- Master's applicants should not already be studying in France
- You must meet the language level your programme requires (many programmes are taught in English)
Eligible fields
Sciences and technology
- Biology and health
- Ecological transition
- Mathematics and digital
- Engineering sciences
Humanities and social sciences
- History, French language and civilisation
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
How to apply
- Choose a master's or PhD programme at a French university or school in an eligible field.
- Contact the programme or the international office to ask about its Eiffel process and internal deadline.
- Apply for admission and the Eiffel nomination through the university.
- If the university selects you, it sends your complete file to Campus France by 6 January 2027.
- Results are announced in the week of 12 April 2027.
Tips
- Start early. Many universities choose their Eiffel candidates in November.
- Apply to programmes where your profile is strong. The university only nominates its best candidates.
- For a PhD, find a French supervisor first; you will usually need their support for the Eiffel nomination.
Related: University of Lille Eiffel Scholarship for PhD students
Campus France: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship