Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme 2027 is a competitive, fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s or doctoral degrees at French higher education institutions. Established by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program specifically targets future decision-makers from the private and public sectors in priority study areas.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, the Eiffel Scholarship represents one of the most prestigious pathways to study in France without personal financial burden. The program covers living expenses, travel, and support services—though tuition fees remain the responsibility of the student or host institution.
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Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship is restricted to seven priority areas across two disciplinary fields:
Science and Technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French Language and Civilization
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
Applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries with backgrounds in climate adaptation, public health, or governance will find strong alignment with the Ecological Transition and Economics and Management priorities.
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Degree Levels and Duration
Master’s Level
- M2 enrollment: Maximum 12 months
- M1 enrollment: Maximum 24 months
- Engineering degree: Maximum 36 months
Doctoral Level
PhD scholarships run 12–36 months starting September 1, 2027. Doctoral candidates must be enrolled in joint programs with international partnership components, including joint dissertation supervision or dual degrees.
Financial Benefits
| Level | Monthly Allowance | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | €1,200 | International and national transportation, insurance, housing search assistance, cultural activities |
| Doctorate | €2,100 | Same services as Master’s level |
Important: Tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel program. Applicants must confirm fee waivers or alternative funding with their host institution.
Application Process
Unlike direct-application scholarships, the Eiffel Programme requires institutional nomination. Individual candidates cannot apply independently.
- Identify a French host institution offering your desired program in an eligible field. Contact international offices or program coordinators directly.
- Secure institutional support by demonstrating academic excellence and alignment with Eiffel priority areas. Institutions select candidates to nominate.
- Institution submits application to Campus France by January 6, 2027.
- Await results announced the week of April 12, 2027.
Key Dates
- Application period opens: October 2, 2026
- Institutional webinar: November 4, 2027
- Institutional deadline: January 6, 2027
- Results notification: Week of April 12, 2027
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be foreign nationals (non-French)
- Be nominated by a French higher education institution
- Pursue study in one of the seven designated priority areas
- For Master’s: be under 30 years old at application (not explicitly stated but standard for Eiffel)
- For PhD: be under 35 years old at application (not explicitly stated but standard for Eiffel)
Priority is given to candidates from emerging countries, including African nations, who have not previously studied in France.
Strategic Advice for African Applicants
Given the institutional nomination requirement, Zimbabwean and SADC applicants should:
- Contact French embassy education services or Campus France offices in Pretoria or Harare for institutional contacts
- Target institutions with existing African partnerships (Sciences Po, Sorbonne University, INSA Lyon, AgroParisTech)
- Emphasize return-to-region career plans in application materials
- Begin institutional outreach 12–18 months before deadline
Limitations and Considerations
- Tuition fees must be covered separately—verify institutional fee policies before accepting nomination
- Scholarship cannot be combined with other French government scholarships
- Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress
- No extension beyond maximum durations stated
Official scholarship page: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
