France’s Flagship Opportunity: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Open exclusively to non‑French nationals with exceptional academic records. Age limits include under 27 years old for Master’s applicants and under 32 for PhD applicants. Applications must be submitted through a French higher education institution that nominates the candidate—direct applications by students are not permitted
Priority fields include:
- Science & Technology (Biology, Engineering, Digital Tech, Environment)
- Humanities & Social Sciences (Law, Political Science, Economics, Management, History, French culture
Financial Support & Benefits
Master’s level recipients receive a monthly stipend of approximately €1,181 (comprising a maintenance allowance and stipend); PhD recipients receive around €1,700 per month. Additional coverage includes:
- Round-trip international airfare
- National transportation support
- Health and social insurance
- Housing assistance
- Access to cultural integration programs
Tuition fees are not included by the Eiffel scholarship itself, but public French universities typically waive enrollment fees for Eiffel scholars.
Duration of Award
- Master’s scholarships may cover 12 to 36 months, depending on program level.
- PhD scholarships are awarded for up to 36 months, including joint-supervision ("cotutelle") arrangements.
Application Timeline
- October 2025: French institutions begin the nomination process.
- January 2026: Deadline for institutions to submit applications to Campus France (exact date to be confirmed).
- April 2026: Award notifications are issued to selected candidates.
Candidates must first apply for admission to a participating French university, communicate interest in Eiffel, and be selected internally for nomination before submission to Campus France.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This is France’s flagship scholarship for international academic and leadership potential, offering top-tier students full support to study in world-class institutions. The Eiffel program blends financial backing, cultural immersion, and global networking—preparing scholars for influential roles across academia, business, and public policy.