The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 is now open for international students planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in France during the 2027–2028 academic year.
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France, the programme supports academically outstanding international students in selected fields of study.
For the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 intake, Master’s scholarship recipients receive €1,200 per month, while doctoral recipients receive a higher monthly allowance. Additional benefits include eligible international travel, health insurance, accommodation assistance and cultural activities.
The official application deadline for French universities is 6 January 2027. However, students must apply much earlier because each participating institution sets its own internal deadline, with some closing applications in November 2026.
Important: Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. Only French higher education institutions can nominate candidates for the Eiffel Scholarship.
This guide explains the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 eligibility requirements, funding, age limits, application deadlines, required documents, participating universities and how to secure a university nomination.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship |
| Funding authority | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
| Programme administrator | Campus France |
| Host country | France |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Degree levels | Master’s and PhD |
| Eligible nationality | Foreign nationals |
| Master’s age limit | 29 years |
| PhD age limit | 35 years |
| Master’s stipend | €1,200 per month |
| PhD stipend | €2,000–€2,100 per month, subject to official clarification |
| Scholarship duration | 12–36 months, depending on programme |
| Application opening | 2 October 2026 |
| National nomination deadline | 6 January 2027 |
| Student application deadline | Varies by university |
| Results announcement | Week of 12 April 2027 |
| Application process | Through a French institution |
| Tuition fees | Not directly covered by Eiffel; certain exemptions apply |
Official website: Campus France – France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
What Is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is a French government initiative designed to attract outstanding international students to French higher education institutions.
The programme aims to support future leaders, researchers and professionals in fields considered important for international cooperation and economic development.
Unlike university scholarships that students apply for independently, the Eiffel Scholarship follows an institutional nomination system.
A French university or eligible higher education institution must first select and support the candidate. The institution then submits the official scholarship application to Campus France.
Being nominated by a university does not guarantee selection. The final decision is made through the national Eiffel Scholarship selection process.
Students interested in other European funding opportunities can also explore the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Benefits
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship provides a monthly allowance alongside several additional services.
Master’s Scholarship Benefits
Master’s students selected for the Eiffel Scholarship receive:
- €1,200 monthly living allowance.
- Eligible round-trip international transportation.
- Certain domestic transportation expenses in France.
- Health insurance support under programme conditions.
- Assistance in finding accommodation.
- Access to cultural, sporting and leisure activities organised through Campus France.
PhD Scholarship Benefits
Doctoral recipients receive a higher monthly allowance, together with similar travel, insurance, housing-search and cultural benefits.
Important funding clarification: Official Campus France sources currently publish conflicting doctoral stipend amounts.
The Campus France English programme page and some official 2027 announcements state €2,100 per month, while the French programme information page states €2,000 per month.
Applicants should confirm the applicable 2027 doctoral rate with their nominating institution or Campus France before making financial commitments.
Does the Eiffel Scholarship Cover Tuition Fees?
The Eiffel Scholarship does not directly pay tuition fees.
However, eligible French government scholarship recipients enrolled in national degree programmes or qualifying engineering programmes at public institutions under the relevant ministry may receive an exemption from registration fees.
This distinction is important: a registration-fee exemption is not a guarantee that every university, private institution or specialised programme will be free.
Applicants should check the tuition policy of their chosen institution before accepting an offer.
Does Eiffel Provide Free Accommodation?
The scholarship includes assistance with finding accommodation, and recipients may be offered a place in a university or private student residence, depending on availability.
However, accommodation is not automatically free. Students should budget for rent and other living expenses.
Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Duration
The maximum scholarship period depends on the degree programme and entry level.
Master’s and Engineering Programmes
| Programme | Maximum duration |
|---|---|
| Master’s second year (M2) | 12 months |
| Master’s first year (M1) | 24 months |
| Engineering degree | 36 months |
PhD Programmes
| Doctoral category | Maximum duration |
|---|---|
| Eligible first-year PhD newcomers | 36 months |
| Eligible joint-supervision or mobility arrangement | 18 months |
| Eligible shorter doctoral mobility arrangement | 12 months |
The 36-month doctoral scholarship is intended for eligible first-year doctoral students arriving in France for the first time and is not compatible with an international joint doctoral degree agreement (cotutelle).
Shorter PhD scholarships have their own enrolment and supervision requirements.
The exact duration is determined according to the candidate’s approved study arrangement and official award conditions.
Source: Campus France – Eiffel Scholarship Programme
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, age, academic and nomination requirements.
1. Nationality Requirements
The Eiffel Scholarship is available to foreign nationals.
Applicants with dual nationality are not eligible if one of their nationalities is French.
International students from countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana and other eligible foreign nationalities may apply, provided they satisfy the remaining requirements.
2. Age Requirements
The official 2027 age limits are:
| Study level | Maximum age | Date-of-birth requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | 29 years | Born after 31 March 1997 |
| PhD | 35 years | Born after 31 March 1991 |
Students should calculate their age using the official date-of-birth requirement rather than simply comparing their age on the day they submit documents.
3. Academic Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and possess qualifications relevant to their chosen programme.
For Master’s applications, candidates generally need a suitable Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
For doctoral applications, candidates must meet the requirements of the intended PhD programme and have an appropriate research project supported by the French institution.
Strong academic ranking, research achievements, publications, awards and relevant professional experience may strengthen an application.
There is no universal minimum GPA published for the entire Eiffel Scholarship programme. However, universities may establish their own academic selection thresholds.
4. Current Residence and Study Location
For the Master’s component, applicants who are already studying in France are generally ineligible.
For the PhD component, candidates already in France may be eligible, although applicants studying abroad receive priority under the programme rules.
5. Previous Eiffel Applications
Applicants who have already received an Eiffel Scholarship at the same degree level cannot receive another award at that level.
The programme also restricts repeat applications from candidates whose previous Eiffel applications at the same level were unsuccessful.
Candidates should read the relevant 2027 rules carefully before applying again.
6. Other Scholarship Restrictions
Students already receiving another French government scholarship are generally ineligible for an Eiffel award.
The programme also restricts combining Eiffel funding with certain other scholarships, including Erasmus+ and awards from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.
7. University Nomination
Every applicant must be selected and nominated by an eligible French higher education institution.
A candidate cannot submit an Eiffel application directly to Campus France or be nominated by multiple institutions during the same selection cycle.
Official eligibility source: University of Rennes – Eiffel Scholarship 2027
Eligible Fields of Study for Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship covers seven academic fields grouped into science and technology and humanities and social sciences.
Science and Technology
- Biology and Health: Relevant biological, biomedical and health sciences programmes.
- Ecological Transition: Programmes relating to environmental sustainability and ecological challenges.
- Mathematics and Digital Sciences: Relevant mathematics, computing and digital technology programmes.
- Engineering Sciences: Eligible engineering and applied science programmes.
Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French Language and Civilization
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
Applicants must choose a programme that falls within an eligible field and meets the official accreditation requirements.
Eligible qualifications include recognised Master’s degrees, engineering degrees and qualifying MSc programmes accredited by the Conférence des grandes écoles.
Distance-learning programmes, courses delivered outside France, apprenticeship arrangements and certain professional training programmes are not eligible.
A programme’s academic subject alone does not guarantee Eiffel eligibility. Students should confirm its status with the university.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The official national nomination deadline is 6 January 2027.
This is the deadline for French higher education institutions to submit selected candidates’ applications to Campus France.
It is not a universal application deadline for students.
Official Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Eiffel 2027 campaign opens | 2 October 2026 |
| University applications | October–December 2026, depending on institution |
| National Campus France deadline | 6 January 2027 |
| Scholarship results | Week of 12 April 2027 |
| Scholarship-supported study period begins | Autumn 2027, under programme conditions |
Important: Some versions of Campus France’s English announcement mention 8 January. The official updated 2027 calendar and French-language call confirm 6 January 2027 as the institutional submission deadline.
Applicants should follow their chosen university’s earlier deadline.
Official announcement: Campus France – Eiffel 2027 Call for Applications
Universities Accepting Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Applications
Several French institutions have already published their internal deadlines for the 2027 scholarship cycle.
The following are examples confirmed through official university announcements.
| University | Programme | Student application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| University of Rennes | Master’s and PhD | 6 November 2026 |
| University of Toulouse | Master’s | 15 November 2026 |
| University of Toulouse | PhD | 29 November 2026 |
| Université Bourgogne Europe | Master’s | 4 December 2026 |
These deadlines are specific to the listed institutions and their published application procedures.
University of Rennes
The University of Rennes accepts Eiffel 2027 pre-applications for eligible Master’s and PhD programmes until 6 November 2026.
Applicants must follow the university’s published submission requirements, including supporting academic documents.
For doctoral applications, candidates must secure support from a prospective supervisor.
Read the University of Rennes Eiffel 2027 instructions.
University of Toulouse
The University of Toulouse has separate Master’s and PhD application procedures.
Master’s applicants must submit their university pre-application by 15 November 2026. They do not need to contact the programme coordinator beforehand under Toulouse’s current Master’s procedure.
PhD applicants must apply by 29 November 2026 and obtain support from a university researcher willing to supervise or co-supervise their research.
Read the University of Toulouse Eiffel 2027 application guide.
Université Bourgogne Europe
Université Bourgogne Europe has set 4 December 2026 as its internal deadline for Master’s candidates.
Applicants must first contact the intended programme coordinator. After receiving a positive response, they contact the university’s International Office to obtain the scholarship application instructions.
The university submits selected candidates’ nominations to Campus France.
Read the Université Bourgogne Europe application procedure.
Important Note About Sciences Po
Not every French university participates in every Eiffel Scholarship cycle.
For example, Sciences Po has officially announced that it will not participate in the 2027 Eiffel selection and will not submit applications for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Applicants considering Sciences Po should not rely on previous years’ Eiffel application information.
They may instead explore other funding options, such as the Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027, subject to its separate eligibility requirements.
Official Sciences Po Eiffel Scholarship notice
Documents Required for France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The exact document list can vary by university and degree level.
Documents for Master’s Applicants
Commonly requested documents include:
- Valid passport or national identity document.
- Updated academic CV, usually one or two pages.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or other relevant qualifications.
- Academic transcripts, often covering the previous three years.
- Academic ranking or evidence of outstanding performance, where available.
- Career plan or statement of motivation, generally one or two pages.
- Language proficiency evidence, if required for the chosen programme.
- Recommendations or other supporting documents requested by the university.
- Candidate declaration and any institutional application forms.
Some universities also request proof of current enrolment for students who have not yet graduated.
Additional Documents for PhD Applicants
Doctoral candidates may also need:
- Research proposal outlining the intended doctoral project.
- Confirmation of support from a prospective supervisor.
- Information about the host research laboratory or doctoral school.
- Independent expert evaluation of the research proposal.
- CV of the independent research expert.
- Doctoral funding plan.
- Joint-supervision or co-supervision agreement, where applicable.
- Evidence of research achievements, including publications or conference presentations where relevant.
For some institutions, the research proposal may be limited to five pages.
Applicants should follow the document requirements published by their selected institution rather than treating this as a universal checklist.
How to Apply for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The Eiffel application process begins with a French university, not Campus France.
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Master’s or PhD Programme
Search for recognised degree programmes in the Eiffel Scholarship’s seven eligible academic fields.
Check whether the programme accepts international students and whether the university is participating in the 2027 Eiffel campaign.
Step 2: Read the University’s Eiffel Scholarship Instructions
Visit the institution’s official website and find its 2027 Eiffel Scholarship application page.
Identify the internal submission deadline and document requirements.
Universities may use different procedures, such as online pre-application forms or email submissions.
Step 3: Contact the Relevant University Department
For Master’s applications, contact the international office or programme coordinator when the university’s procedure requires it.
Some universities, such as Toulouse, accept initial Master’s pre-applications without prior coordinator contact.
For PhD applications, identifying a prospective supervisor and obtaining research support is particularly important.
Step 4: Prepare a Strong Application
Organise the required academic documents and explain why your qualifications match the chosen programme.
For Master’s applicants, the career plan should connect previous studies, the proposed degree and future professional goals.
For PhD applicants, the research proposal should communicate the research question, objectives, methodology, originality and expected contribution.
Step 5: Submit the University Pre-Application
Apply using the process specified by the chosen university before its internal deadline.
Keep copies of submitted documents and any confirmation messages.
Step 6: University Selection and Nomination
The institution evaluates candidates and decides whom to nominate.
If selected, the university prepares and submits the official Eiffel Scholarship application through the designated Campus France system.
Students must not submit separate applications directly to Campus France.
Step 7: Await the Final Selection Results
The 2027 results are scheduled for the week of 12 April 2027.
Candidates and nominating institutions will receive information through the official selection process.
University nomination does not guarantee a scholarship award.
Official application information: Campus France – How to Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship
Is IELTS Required for the Eiffel Scholarship 2027?
There is no single IELTS score requirement for every Eiffel Scholarship applicant.
Language requirements depend primarily on the language of instruction and the admission rules of the selected Master’s or doctoral programme.
English-taught programmes may request IELTS, TOEFL or other accepted evidence of English proficiency.
French-taught programmes may require an appropriate French-language qualification.
Some institutions may accept alternatives, but this must be confirmed directly through their official admissions criteria.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every Eiffel Scholarship programme is available without IELTS.
Can Pakistani Students Apply for Eiffel Scholarship 2027?
Yes. Pakistani students are eligible to compete for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship if they satisfy the programme’s general requirements and obtain nomination from a participating French institution.
Pakistani applicants should focus on four important areas:
- Programme compatibility: Choose a degree that matches previous education and falls within an eligible Eiffel field.
- University deadline: Apply before the institution’s internal deadline rather than waiting until January.
- Academic competitiveness: Prepare strong transcripts, evidence of achievements and a convincing career or research plan.
- University nomination: Ensure the institution is willing to support and submit the Eiffel application.
Applicants should also check whether their intended programme has separate admissions procedures through the French higher education system.
How Competitive Is the Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship is a selective national programme intended for academically excellent international candidates.
Selection considers the academic quality of the applicant, the suitability of the proposed programme and the quality of the institutional nomination.
For Master’s candidates, useful strengths include excellent academic results, a clear study plan and relevant achievements.
For PhD candidates, the quality of the research proposal, supervision arrangement and academic preparation are particularly important.
There is no guarantee of selection based solely on grades, university admission or obtaining a supervisor’s agreement.
Applicants should aim to demonstrate why their academic and professional plans are a strong match for the programme.
Common Eiffel Scholarship Application Mistakes
Mistake 1: Waiting Until 6 January 2027
January 6 is the deadline for institutions. Many student applications close in November or December 2026.
Mistake 2: Applying Directly to Campus France
Students cannot submit their own Eiffel Scholarship nominations. Applications must come through French higher education institutions.
Mistake 3: Assuming Eiffel Pays Every Tuition Fee
The scholarship does not directly cover tuition. Some public-degree registration-fee exemptions apply, but costs vary by institution and programme.
Mistake 4: Assuming Every French University Participates
Participation and programme availability must be verified each year. Sciences Po, for example, is not participating in the 2027 selection.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Age Limit
The 2027 call has strict age and date-of-birth requirements for both Master’s and PhD applicants.
Mistake 6: Applying Without a Suitable Programme
An eligible academic field does not automatically mean every degree within that field qualifies for Eiffel funding.
Mistake 7: Submitting Through Multiple Universities
The programme does not permit a candidate to be nominated by multiple institutions in the same selection cycle.
Other Scholarships for Studying in Europe
Students exploring Master’s and research opportunities in Europe can also consider the following scholarships:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027: Competitive international Master’s programmes offered jointly by universities in multiple countries.
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship 2027: Tuition-fee support for eligible international students applying to Sciences Po.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28: Research and doctoral opportunities in Switzerland, with country-specific application requirements.
- Master’s Scholarships for International Students: Browse more Master’s funding opportunities.
Applicants interested in the scholarship’s previous selection cycle can also read our Eiffel Scholarship Results 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. The official 2027 campaign opened on 2 October 2026. Applicants should check participating universities for their individual application deadlines.
What is the deadline for Eiffel Scholarship 2027?
The national institutional nomination deadline is 6 January 2027. Student deadlines are earlier and vary by university.
What is the monthly stipend for the Eiffel Scholarship?
Master’s recipients receive €1,200 per month. Official sources currently differ on the doctoral rate, reporting either €2,000 or €2,100 per month. Applicants should confirm the applicable 2027 PhD amount.
Is the Eiffel Scholarship fully funded?
It offers a living allowance and additional services such as eligible travel, insurance and housing assistance. However, it does not directly cover tuition fees, and accommodation is not automatically free.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. Eligible Pakistani nationals can apply through participating French higher education institutions.
Is there an application fee for Eiffel?
The Eiffel Scholarship programme itself does not require students to pay Campus France to submit a direct scholarship application. However, some institutions or degree admission procedures may involve separate application fees.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Not universally. Language requirements depend on the chosen university and programme.
Can I apply with a low GPA?
The programme does not publish a single minimum GPA for all candidates. Nevertheless, it targets academically outstanding students, and individual universities may impose minimum academic requirements.
Can I apply without a supervisor for PhD?
PhD nominations generally require an appropriate research and supervision arrangement. Universities may require written support from a prospective supervisor before considering a candidate.
Can students already studying in France apply?
Master’s candidates already studying in France are generally not eligible. Certain PhD candidates already studying in France may qualify, although overseas applicants receive priority.
Can I apply to several universities?
You may explore different institutions, but the Eiffel programme does not permit multiple institutional nominations for the same candidate in one selection cycle.
Can I apply again if I was previously rejected?
The programme restricts repeat applications from candidates whose previous Eiffel application at the same degree level was unsuccessful. Applicants should consult the 2027 eligibility rules before reapplying.
When will Eiffel Scholarship 2027 results be announced?
Campus France has scheduled the results for the week of 12 April 2027.
Where can I find the official Eiffel Scholarship application form?
Students should first use the official application instructions of their selected French institution. The university submits the final nomination to Campus France.
Final Thoughts
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 offers international students substantial financial support for Master’s and PhD studies in France.
The programme provides a monthly living allowance, travel-related benefits, health insurance support and accommodation assistance. It is especially relevant to applicants with excellent academic records and clear academic or research goals.
However, successful applicants must understand the scholarship’s nomination system.
The most important step is to secure consideration from a participating French university before its internal deadline. The national deadline of 6 January 2027 applies to university submissions, not to all students.
Applicants should begin by identifying an eligible programme, checking the university’s 2027 Eiffel instructions and preparing their documents before the relevant deadline.
For authoritative information, consult the official Campus France programme pages and your chosen institution.
Official Scholarship Website: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship – Campus France
Official 2027 Application Calendar: Campus France 2027 Call
Last verified: 12 October 2026. Scholarship amounts, admission requirements and university application arrangements should be confirmed through official sources before applying.