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Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027 | France Master’s & PhD

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is a French government initiative funding outstanding international students for master's and doctoral degrees in priority fields. Applications for 2027 open 1 October 2026 with a deadline of 15 November 2026.

November 7, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 15, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryFrance
University/OrgMultiple French higher education institutions (including University of Angers)
Degree LevelMasters, PhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyBiology and Health, Ecological Transition, Engineering Sciences, French History Language and Civilisation, Mathematics and Computer Science
DeadlineNovember 15, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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What Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is a competitive French government scholarship managed by Campus France and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It enables French higher education institutions to attract top international talent for master’s and doctoral degrees in strategic fields. The programme specifically targets future decision-makers in both public and private sectors, with priority given to candidates from developing countries, including African nations.

For Zimbabwean and SADC region applicants, this represents a significant opportunity to study in France without tuition fees while receiving a monthly living allowance. The scholarship is not directly awarded to individuals but through French host institutions, meaning you must secure institutional nomination.

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Eligible Fields of Study

The Eiffel Scholarship covers two broad disciplinary areas:

Science and Technology

  • Biology and health
  • Ecological transition
  • Mathematics and computer science
  • Engineering sciences and engineering

Humanities and Social Sciences

  • French history, language and civilisation
  • Law and political science
  • Economics and management

At the University of Angers specifically, English-taught master’s programmes eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship include: Law & Finance (M2), Light, Molecules, Matter – LUMOMAT (M2), and Nanomed – Nanomedicines and Pharmaceutical R&D (M1 and M2).

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Master’s Level Requirements

Academic Background

You must be, or have been, a student at an international partner institution of your target French university. Academic excellence is mandatory: you should be top of your year or among the highest-ranked students in your programme.

Age Limit

Candidates must have been born after 31 March 1997. This means applicants for the 2027 intake must be under 30 years old at the time of application.

Nationality and Residence

  • Foreign nationality only (dual nationals with French citizenship are ineligible)
  • Not enrolled in France during the 2026–2027 academic year

Scholarship Exclusions

You cannot hold any other French government scholarship, Erasmus+ funding, or an Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie scholarship simultaneously.

Duration

  • Maximum 12 months for Master’s year 2 (M2)
  • Maximum 24 months for Master’s year 1 (M1)
  • Maximum 36 months for Engineering degrees

Doctoral Level Requirements

Academic Background

Current students are eligible, including those already in France, though international candidates receive priority. You must demonstrate excellent academic results: top of your year or among the highest-ranked.

Age Limit

Candidates must be born after 31 March 1991, meaning doctoral applicants for 2027 must be under 36 years old.

Nationality

Foreign nationality required; dual French nationals excluded.

Scholarship Exclusions

No concurrent French government, Erasmus+, or Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie funding permitted.

Duration

  • 12 to 36 months total
  • 36 months only for first-year PhD enrolment (limited places)
  • 18 or 12 months for ongoing theses or joint supervision arrangements

Joint supervision (co-direction) or international joint PhD programmes (co-tutelle) are permitted but not required.

Language Requirements

Programme Type Required Level
French-taught Master’s B2 to C1 in French
English-taught Master’s B2 in English

Doctoral applicants should verify language requirements directly with their prospective thesis supervisor and doctoral school.

Application Process

For Master’s Applicants

  1. Verify your home institution is a partner of your target French university (e.g., University of Angers)
  2. Review Campus France regulations on the official website
  3. Contact the admissions office for your target programme to confirm eligibility
  4. If eligible, the admissions office provides the official application form
  5. Submit complete application before the deadline

For Doctoral Applicants

  1. Identify a thesis supervisor at a French institution
  2. Review programme presentation and regulations on Campus France
  3. Your thesis supervisor must submit the application on your behalf
  4. Direct applications from candidates are not accepted

Key Dates

Application opens: 1 October 2026
Application deadline: 15 November 2026

These dates apply to both master’s and doctoral applications for the 2027 scholarship cycle.

What the Scholarship Covers

The research material does not specify exact monthly stipend amounts or comprehensive benefit details. Campus France typically provides a monthly allowance, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities, but applicants should consult the official Campus France regulations for confirmed 2027 funding levels. Tuition fees are not charged to scholarship holders.

Tips for African Applicants

  • Start early: Identify French partner institutions in your country and establish contact before October 2026
  • Secure strong academic references: Your ranking matters significantly
  • Prepare language certifications: DELF/DALF for French, IELTS/TOEFL for English programmes
  • Research English-taught options if your French is not yet at B2 level
  • For doctoral study, initiate supervisor contact at least 6–12 months before application
  • Ensure your passport shows no French nationality if you hold dual citizenship

Related Opportunities

If you are considering French higher education, also explore the ENS-PSL International Selection Scholarship 2027 for fully funded master’s study at École Normale Supérieure.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Monthly living allowance, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities; tuition fees waived. Exact 2027 amounts not specified in source material—consult Campus France regulations.

Eligibility Criteria

Foreign nationals only (no dual French citizenship); born after 31 March 1997 for master's, after 31 March 1991 for PhD; not enrolled in France during 2026–2027 academic year (master's); no concurrent French government, Erasmus+, or AUF scholarships; top academic ranking required

Required Documents

Official application form provided by host institution; proof of academic excellence; language certification (B2-C1 French or B2 English); passport/nationality documentation; institutional partnership verification

Application Process

Master's: Verify institutional partnership, contact admissions office, receive application form from institution if eligible, submit by deadline. PhD: Identify thesis supervisor, supervisor submits application on candidate's behalf; direct applications not accepted.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Applications must be submitted through French higher education institutions. For master's, your target university's admissions office provides the form if you're eligible. For PhD, your thesis supervisor submits on your behalf.
African applicants are explicitly targeted as priority candidates, especially from developing countries. However, competition is intense: you must be top-ranked in your class and meet all eligibility criteria. Institutional partnership with your home university significantly improves access.
For French-taught programmes, B2 to C1 French is required. However, several English-taught master's programmes are Eiffel-eligible, requiring only B2 English. Doctoral language requirements vary by discipline and supervisor.
No. You cannot combine the Eiffel Scholarship with any French government scholarship, Erasmus+ funding, or Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie support. Private or home-country funding may be permissible—verify with your host institution.
Master's applicants cannot be enrolled in France during 2026–2027. PhD applicants currently in France are eligible but receive lower priority than international candidates applying from abroad.
Yes. For master's: born after 31 March 1997 (under 30). For PhD: born after 31 March 1991 (under 36). These are strict cutoffs with no exceptions.