Let’s be honest. When you hear the word “scholarship,” you might picture it being handed only to the valedictorian with a perfect SAT score or a prodigy violinist. If you’re a solid B student—diligent, committed, but not necessarily top of your class—you might assume financial aid for studying in a place like France is out of reach.
I’m here to tell you that assumption is wrong.
The good news is that France has a deeply inclusive approach to education, and this extends to financial help. The system is often less about rewarding only the absolute highest achievers and more about providing access. So, to answer your question directly: Yes, French universities absolutely offer scholarships for average students. The key is knowing where to look and what “average” really means in this context.
Let’s demystify the options available to you.
It’s Not Just About Grades
First, let’s reframe what “average” means. The French system, particularly for public universities, often considers a broader picture. While academic merit is one factor, many scholarships are heavily influenced by other criteria, primarily:
- Financial Need: This is the biggest one. France uses a system of social equity, meaning your family’s financial situation is a major determinant for the most significant grants.
- Nationality & Country of Origin: Many scholarships are specifically designed for students from certain regions or countries as a form of international cooperation.
- Field of Study: Some grants target students in specific disciplines, like engineering, science, or the arts.
- The University Itself: Individual institutions often have their own pots of money to attract and support international students.
So, if you have decent grades, a clear motivation for studying in France, and can demonstrate financial need, you are a strong candidate. You don’t need to be a genius; you need to be a good fit.
Where to Find These Scholarships
Now for the practical part. Here are the main places an “average” student should be looking for funding.
The Eiffel Scholarship: Busting the Myth
Everyone hears about the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, and yes, it is fiercely competitive and aimed at academic elites. As an average student, you can acknowledge it and then move on. It’s not your target, and that’s perfectly okay. The real opportunities lie elsewhere.
Your Best Bet: The CROUS and Bourses sur Critères Sociaux
For public universities, this is often the golden ticket. The CROUS is a French government organization that manages student life, including housing and financial aid.
They administer the Bourses sur Critères Sociaux (Grants based on Social Criteria). This is a need-based grant for students enrolled in public institutions, and it’s not limited to French citizens. While the application process can be bureaucratic, it is a substantial form of aid that is entirely separate from elite academic performance.
To be eligible, your family’s income must fall below a certain threshold, and you must be under a specific age. The amount is scaled based on your financial need. This is the perfect example of a scholarship for a diligent student who needs financial support to make their studies in France possible.
Scholarships from Your Home Country
Don’t overlook what’s available back home! Many governments offer scholarships or loans for citizens to study abroad. Check with your country’s Ministry of Education or Department of Foreign Affairs. These programs are often less about being the absolute top student and more about promoting international exchange and building skills in specific fields.
Campus France Scholarships
Campus France is the official government agency for promoting French higher education abroad. Their website is a treasure trove. They have a searchable database where you can filter scholarships by your country of origin, level of study, and field.
You will find many programs funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, often in cooperation with your home country. These are fantastic options for average students with a solid academic record and a clear study plan.
Scholarships from Specific Universities and Regions
Once you have shortlisted a few universities, dive deep into the “International Students” or “Financial Aid” section of their websites. Many universities, including the prestigious Grandes Écoles, offer their own merit-based or diversity scholarships to attract a global student body.
Similarly, some French regions (like Île-de-France or Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) offer grants to international students studying within their borders. These are often overlooked but can be a great source of funding.
A Realistic Action Plan for You
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here is a simple step-by-step plan.
- Start with Campus France: This should be your first stop. Use their scholarship search tool to get a comprehensive view of what’s available for someone with your profile.
- Narrow Down Your University Choices: You can’t apply for a university-specific scholarship if you haven’t chosen a university. Pick 3-5 target schools that match your academic level and interests.
- Scour Their Websites: Go to the financial aid page for each of your chosen universities. Look for key terms like “bourses pour étudiants internationaux” (scholarships for international students). Don’t be shy about emailing the international office to ask directly.
- Investigate CROUS: If you’re applying to a public university, research the CROUS and the Bourses sur Critères Sociaux. See if you meet the financial criteria.
- Look Homeward: Simultaneously, research funding options from your own government.
A Final Word of Encouragement
The landscape of scholarships in France is diverse and more accessible than you might think. The system is designed to support a wide range of students, not just the academic superstars.
Your “average” profile, combined with genuine motivation and a proactive approach to searching, makes you a viable candidate for financial aid. Your journey to studying in France may be more affordable than you dreamed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a “B” average. Do I even have a chance?
Absolutely. While a strong academic record helps, many French scholarships, especially those based on social criteria (CROUS) or from specific regions, do not require you to be a top-ranked student. They are often more focused on financial need, your country of origin, and your overall motivation and study plan.
What is the single most important thing for my application?
For need-based grants, it’s proof of your financial situation. For most other scholarships, it’s a compelling and well-written motivation letter. This is your chance to explain your goals, why you chose France, and how you plan to contribute to your field. A genuine, thoughtful letter can often outweigh a less-than-perfect transcript.
Are there scholarships that cover all my expenses?
Full-ride scholarships are rare and highly competitive (like the Eiffel Scholarship). However, it’s very common to receive a scholarship that covers a significant portion of your costs, such as your tuition fees or a monthly stipend for living expenses. Many students combine a partial scholarship with personal savings or a part-time job to make it work.
When should I start looking for scholarships?
The sooner, the better. Scholarship deadlines are often much earlier than university application deadlines, sometimes a full year before your studies begin. Start your search at least 12-15 months in advance to ensure you don’t miss any key dates.
Do I need to speak French to get a scholarship?
Not necessarily. While it always helps, especially for integrating into daily life, there are many scholarships for students enrolled in English-taught programs. However, demonstrating an effort to learn French can strengthen your application by showing a genuine commitment to studying in the country.
Can I work part-time on a student visa in France?
Yes, international students in France are allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (which is about 60% of a full-time job). This is a common way for students to supplement their income and cover living expenses alongside a partial scholarship.