35+ Scholarships for Master’s Degrees in French Universities

Let’s be honest: pursuing a Master’s degree is a big decision, and when that dream involves studying in France, the financial side of things can feel daunting. But what if I told you that France is one of the most generous countries when it comes to funding higher education for international students? The opportunities are vast, if you know where to look.

This list isn’t just a random collection of names. It’s a curated starting point to show you the incredible breadth of funding available, from prestigious government awards to specialized university grants. Your Master’s degree in France is more affordable than you think.

The Big Ones: Prestigious National Scholarships

These are the flagship programs, the ones that carry serious weight on a CV and offer comprehensive funding.

1. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: This is the crown jewel. Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, it targets high-achieving international students. It covers monthly allowances, travel costs, health insurance, and sometimes even cultural activities. Remember, you can’t apply directly; a French university must nominate you.
2. French Government Scholarships (BGF): Often administered through French Embassies in your home country, these scholarships support Master’s students. The benefits and application process vary, so your first stop should be the website of your local French Embassy.

Scholarships from Leading Universities and Grandes Écoles

Many French institutions have their own substantial funding to attract the best global talent.

3. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships: Designed to draw top international students to their research-intensive programs, these scholarships provide a generous grant of €10,000 per year.
4. Emile-Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po: This is a major scholarship for non-EU students applying to Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, offering significant tuition reduction or coverage.
5. HEC Paris Foundation Scholarships: For their Master in Management and MBA programs, HEC offers a wide array of merit-based and need-based scholarships that can cover up to 100% of tuition fees.
6. ESSEC Business School Scholarships: ESSEC provides numerous scholarships for its international Master’s students, including the Excellence and Ambition Awards.
7. ENS de Lyon Ampere Scholarships of Excellence: This scholarship offers €1,000 per month for two years and covers tuition fees for international students admitted to a Master’s program at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon.
8. EDHEC Business School Scholarships: Offers merit-based awards for its Master’s programs that can cover up to 50% of tuition fees.
9. EMLYON Business School Scholarships: Provides a variety of merit-based scholarships for international applicants to its Master’s programs.
10. INSA Lyon Scholarships for International Students: This network of engineering schools offers scholarships covering tuition and providing a monthly stipend.
11. Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarships: Awards scholarships to international Master’s students in science and engineering, covering tuition and providing a living allowance.
12. Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT) Scholarships: Provides scholarships for its Master’s programs in engineering and technology.
13. The American University of Paris (AUP) Scholarships: Offers merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students, directly deducted from tuition costs.
14. Université de Lyon Scholarships: The University of Lyon consortium offers specific scholarships for international Master’s students, which include tuition fee waivers.
15. Neoma Business School Scholarships: Offers a range of merit-based scholarships for its Master’s programs.
16. Audencia Business School Scholarships: Awards scholarships to high-potential international students across its programs.
17. KEDGE Business School Scholarships: Provides scholarships to attract a diverse international cohort to its Master’s programs.
18. Burgundy School of Business Scholarships: Awards excellence scholarships to outstanding international applicants.
19. Toulouse School of Management (TSM) Scholarships: Offers scholarships for its Master in Management and other specialized Master’s programs.
20. Rennes School of Business Scholarships: Provides a variety of merit-based scholarships for international Master’s students.

European and International Programs

These programs often involve partnerships between French universities and other institutions.

21. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD): A flagship EU program where you study in at least two countries. The consortium awards full scholarships that cover tuition, travel, and a living allowance. Many are coordinated by French universities.
22. The Charpak Scholarship Program: Specifically for Indian students, this includes the Charpak Master’s Program which covers tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance.
23. Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Scholarships: For students focused on climate change and sustainability, this government initiative offers scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies.
24. Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA): For students from specific countries, this award provides full funding for master’s studies, including full tuition, at selected partner universities.
25. The Fontainebleau Schools Scholarships (INSEAD): INSEAD offers a range of scholarships for its MBA program that can cover 50% or more of tuition fees.

Regional and Specialized Scholarships

Don’t overlook these more specific, but equally valuable, opportunities.

26. Scholarships from French Regional Councils: Many of France’s regional councils (like Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine) offer their own scholarships to international students studying in their territory. A quick online search for the region you’re interested in is essential.
27. IRD Sustainable Development Scholarships: The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development offers scholarships for Master’s students from developing countries.
28. The Ministry of Higher Education and Research Scholarships: Offers scholarships for international students, particularly at the PhD level, but some are available for Master’s students in specific fields.
29. Foundation of France Scholarships: Various foundations under the umbrella of the Foundation of France offer scholarships for specific fields of study.
30. Air Liquide Scholarship Program: For students in engineering and technology fields, particularly those related to the group’s activities.
31. Total Foundation Scholarships: For students in fields related to energy, climate, and the environment.
32. L’Oréal Foundation Scholarships: For women in science, particularly at the Master’s and PhD levels.
33. The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry Scholarships: Various chambers offer scholarships for business-related studies.
34. CROUS Scholarships: While often for French students, the CROUS agency sometimes manages need-based grants for international students who have been residents in France for at least two years.
35. University-Specific Scholarships for Specific Master’s Programs: Always, always check the website of the specific Master’s program you are applying to. Many departments have small, program-specific grants or tuition waivers that aren’t widely advertised.

Your Next Step is Simple

This list might seem long, but it’s a testament to the opportunities available. Your journey starts with focus. Identify your field of study, your top 3-5 university choices, and then cross-reference them with the scholarships here.

Bookmark the official pages, note the deadlines (they are often almost a year in advance!), and start preparing your application. Your funded Master’s degree in France is not just a dream—it’s a goal waiting for you to take the first step.

Your Master’s Scholarship Questions, Answered

Navigating the world of scholarships can bring up many questions. Here are clear answers to some of the most common ones we hear.

What is the single most important part of a scholarship application?

While your grades are crucial, the statement of purpose is often what makes or breaks an application. This is your chance to tell your story. Don’t just list your achievements; connect them into a narrative. Explain your academic journey, your passion for your field, and why this specific program in France is the perfect next step for your goals. A generic, copy-pasted essay is the fastest way to get overlooked.

I don’t speak French. Will this hurt my chances?

For the vast majority of these scholarships, especially for the English-taught Master’s programs they support, it will not disqualify you. However, even basic French skills are viewed very favorably. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to integrating into French culture and can be a positive differentiator between two equally qualified candidates. It shows you’re not just a student, but a future community member.

How does the nomination process for the Eiffel Scholarship work?

This is a common point of confusion. You cannot apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship. The process works like this:

1. You apply and are accepted into a Master’s program at a French university.
2. The university’s international team identifies the most outstanding candidates from their pool of admitted students.
3. The university chooses which students to nominate and submits their applications to the Eiffel selection committee.
   Your goal is to make your application to the university so impressive that they are eager to nominate you.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?

Yes, and you absolutely should. Applying to multiple scholarships significantly increases your chances of securing funding. However, it is critical to read the fine print for each award. Some major scholarships, particularly full-ride ones like Eiffel, may not allow you to hold another significant scholarship concurrently. It’s smart to cast a wide net, but you may have to choose if you are fortunate enough to win more than one.

When should I realistically start the application process?

Much earlier than you think. The application cycle for scholarships for a September intake often begins a full year in advance. You should be actively researching and preparing your applications between September and January. Prestigious programs like Eiffel have deadlines typically in early January. Starting early gives you the time to craft strong essays, gather all necessary documents, and secure compelling letters of recommendation without a last-minute panic.