Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — French Government Grant for Top International Students
€1,181/month (Master's) or €1,400/month (PhD) for 1 to 3 years — applied for by the institution, not by you
The Programme Eiffel is the French government's flagship scholarship for attracting top international students to French universities and grandes ecoles. It is managed by Campus France and awarded annually to approximately 400-500 students worldwide.
Key figures
| Level | Monthly amount | Duration | Age limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's (M1 or M2) | €1,181/month | 12 to 36 months | Under 30 |
| PhD | €1,400/month | 10 to 36 months | Under 35 |
Eligibility conditions
- Not French nationality
- Under 30 (Master's) or 35 (PhD) years old at the time of application
- Not have studied in France in the 12 months before the application
- Nominated by a French higher education institution
- Excellent academic record
- Priority given to students from emerging economies and strategic countries
How it works — institution nominates, you don't apply directly
- October-December: Apply and get admitted to a Master's or PhD programme at a French institution
- October-January: Ask the international office to nominate you for Eiffel before the January 15 deadline
- January: The institution submits your application to Campus France
- January-March: Campus France selection committee reviews applications
- April: Results announced — successful candidates receive the award letter
- September: Start of studies with first monthly payment
What the scholarship covers
- Monthly stipend (€1,181 or €1,400 depending on level)
- Return travel costs (one round trip per year)
- Cultural activities and excursions
- Health insurance supplement
- Often includes waiver of university registration fees