Scholarship guideOfficial-source based

Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships (IDEX)

Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships (IDEX) support high-level international students admitted to eligible master's programs delivered by Paris-Saclay member institutions. The scholarship is aimed at facilitating access to master's studies in France and can renew from M1 to M2 under progression rules. Selection is coordinated through the master's program team and the official Paris-Saclay scholarship workflow.

FranceMastersPartially FundedDeadline: March 25, 2026 (program coordinator pre-selection) and March 31, 2026 at 23:59 Paris time (candidate scholarship form and references, if applicable)

Official source: Université Paris-Saclay Last updated:

Quick summary

Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships (IDEX) support high-level international students admitted to eligible master's programs delivered by Paris-Saclay member institutions. The scholarship is aimed at facilitating access to master's studies in France and can renew from M1 to M2 under progression rules. Selection is coordinated through the master's program team and the official Paris-Saclay scholarship workflow.

Scholarship at a glance

University
Université Paris-Saclay
Award
International Master's Scholarships Program IDEX
Level
Master's
Value
EUR 10,000 per academic year
Travel/visa support
Up to EUR 900 depending on country of origin
Payment period
September to June after arrival and registration
Application route
Nomination/pre-selection by eligible master's programme

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships Program is an IDEX-funded award for strong international students admitted to eligible master's programmes. It is designed to attract high-level students to research-intensive master's study in France, especially students who may later continue toward doctoral research.

The headline value is EUR 10,000 per year, paid during the academic year from September to June. A travel and visa contribution of up to EUR 900 may also be awarded depending on the student's country of origin. This is generous support, but it is not the same as a guaranteed full-cost package for every expense.

Who this scholarship is best for

This scholarship is best for international students who already have a strong academic profile and a clear fit with a Paris-Saclay master's programme. It is especially relevant for students who want a research-oriented master's environment and may be considering a PhD, research career, or advanced technical profession after graduation.

It is not a scholarship where students apply directly first and then choose a course later. The course application comes first. The master's programme team must identify or pre-select eligible candidates for the scholarship workflow. That means your programme fit, academic record, and admission file are central to scholarship access.

Students who need a guaranteed tuition waiver, housing, and living allowance before making any move should read the payment rules carefully. Paris-Saclay states that scholarship and travel expenses are paid only after arrival in France and registration in the admitted programme. No advance payment is made.

Eligibility explained

Eligibility is not only about nationality. The selected master's programme, admission status, age rule, prior French higher-education history, and funding compatibility all matter. A student can be academically excellent but still not eligible if the programme is outside scope or the student already receives incompatible funding.

The first-enrollment rule is especially important. The scholarship is aimed at international students newly entering French higher education, with limited exceptions stated by the university. If you have already studied in France, check the official rule rather than assuming you are either eligible or ineligible.

  • You must be a student of foreign nationality.
  • You must be admitted to an eligible Université Paris-Saclay master's programme.
  • M1 and M2 levels can be eligible under the programme rules.
  • The scholarship is intended for students entering French higher education for the first time, with limited official exceptions.
  • Applicants must be under 30 during the application year.
  • Apprenticeship-based master's tracks are excluded.
  • The award cannot be combined with certain major scholarships, including Eiffel, Europa, or Erasmus Mundus funding.

What the funding covers

The main scholarship amount is EUR 10,000 per academic year. Paris-Saclay states that it is paid monthly for the duration of the academic year, usually September to June. The amount may be reduced during months spent abroad or during internships outside Université Paris-Saclay affiliated laboratories, so students should not assume identical payments in every situation.

The travel and visa contribution can be up to EUR 900 per year depending on country of origin. This is helpful for arrival costs, but it is paid after arrival and registration. Students should therefore have enough money to travel, settle, and complete early administrative steps before scholarship funds arrive.

The award does not automatically remove every cost. Students should still plan for tuition or registration charges where applicable, accommodation deposit, food, transport, health insurance or complementary coverage if needed, study materials, winter clothing, and emergency savings. France can be more affordable than some destinations, but arrival cash flow still matters.

How the application process works

The key point for students is that there is no simple public scholarship form to complete before admission. The master's programme controls pre-selection. This makes the course application itself very important: transcripts, motivation, academic fit, references, and programme relevance can influence whether the scholarship path opens.

Deadlines may be split between programme coordinator pre-selection and candidate scholarship-form submission. Missing either stage can end the opportunity for that cycle. Students should track both dates and not assume that submitting the course application automatically completes the scholarship application.

  1. Choose an eligible Université Paris-Saclay master's programme.
  2. Submit the master's admission application through the official route.
  3. Wait for the programme coordinator or admissions team to assess scholarship nomination/pre-selection.
  4. If pre-selected, complete the scholarship form sent through the official workflow.
  5. Submit any required references or supporting information before the final scholarship deadline.
  6. Wait for jury review and scholarship results.
  7. If selected, arrive in France, register in the programme, and then receive scholarship and travel/visa payments under university rules.

How to make the application stronger

A strong Paris-Saclay application should show why the chosen master's programme is academically necessary. Mention the specialization, labs, research environment, methods, faculty areas, or professional skills that make the programme a fit. Do not rely only on the university's reputation.

If your goal is a PhD, make that connection credible. Explain the research area you want to build toward, the academic preparation you already have, and why this master's is the right bridge. If your goal is industry or public-sector work, explain the technical or analytical skills you need and how the programme develops them.

International applicants should also show readiness for France. That can include language preparation where relevant, understanding of programme structure, ability to live independently, and a realistic funding plan before the first scholarship payment. Reviewers want students who can succeed after arrival, not just students who like the idea of studying abroad.

Budgeting before arrival

The most important budgeting detail is timing. Paris-Saclay states that laureates receive scholarship and travel expenses only after arrival in France and registration in the programme. Students need upfront funds for travel, first accommodation costs, deposits, food, transport, phone setup, and administrative expenses.

Build a first-month budget separately from the annual scholarship amount. Even if EUR 10,000 is enough to support a large part of the year, the first weeks can require cash before the monthly payment begins. This is where many students feel pressure if they treat the scholarship as immediate pre-arrival money.

If your programme includes mobility, internship periods, or time outside affiliated labs, read the payment-reduction rule carefully. A reduced scholarship month can affect rent and living costs. Ask the programme coordinator how the structure of your specific master's might interact with scholarship payments.

Programme-fit checklist

This checklist matters because Paris-Saclay is a large university ecosystem with many master's tracks and partner institutions. Students should not treat the scholarship as one identical experience across every programme. The academic expectations, language requirements, internship structure, and research environment can vary.

A strong applicant can explain why the selected track is the right one. For example, a data-science applicant might discuss mathematical preparation, programming experience, and intended research area. A physics applicant might discuss lab experience and future doctoral interests. A public-policy or management applicant might focus on methods, sector goals, and evidence of previous preparation.

The scholarship review benefits from clarity. If your application shows that you understand the programme structure, the funding conditions, and your own next step, you look more prepared than a student who simply says Paris is attractive or the university is highly ranked.

  1. Confirm the master's programme is part of the eligible Paris-Saclay scholarship scope.
  2. Check whether you are applying for M1 or M2 and how renewal or continuation works.
  3. Review language of instruction and any French or English language evidence needed.
  4. Identify the academic track, laboratory links, internship expectations, and research orientation.
  5. Ask whether mobility or external internships could affect monthly scholarship payments.
  6. Prepare a motivation statement that explains the programme fit rather than only the university brand.
  7. Keep contact details for the programme coordinator because pre-selection happens through the programme route.

Common mistakes to avoid

The safest strategy is to treat Paris-Saclay IDEX as a programme-linked scholarship. First build a strong master's application, then follow the official nomination workflow exactly, and finally plan finances around the real payment timing rather than the headline annual value.

  • Trying to apply for the scholarship before applying to an eligible master's programme.
  • Assuming admission automatically guarantees scholarship nomination.
  • Ignoring the under-30 and first-entry rules.
  • Forgetting that payments begin only after arrival and registration.
  • Treating the travel/visa contribution as guaranteed at the maximum amount.
  • Combining the scholarship with incompatible awards.
  • Missing the separate coordinator and candidate-form deadlines.

Eligibility

Study location
France
Academic background
Must meet admission/academic requirements for Masters study (check official source)
Minimum GPA/grades
Merit threshold is provider/program-dependent (confirm official source)
Work experience
Requirement varies by scholarship type and provider
Field of study
Program-dependent; applicants must match eligible disciplines listed by the provider
Residency requirement
May apply for country-targeted or region-targeted schemes
Document language/translations
Certified translations/legalization may be required for non-native-language documents
Current enrollment status
Depends on call rules (new-admit vs currently-enrolled categories may differ)
Language requirements
Set by the host institution/program; accepted tests or exemptions vary by provider
Eligible nationalities
Students of foreign nationality
Degree level
Master's (M1 and M2 are both eligible)
Admission required
Must be admitted to an eligible Université Paris-Saclay master's program operated by listed member institutions
First-enrollment rule
Intended for students entering French higher education for the first time, with limited exceptions stated by Paris-Saclay
Age requirement
Under 30 during the application year
Program scope
All academic fields are eligible except apprenticeship-based master's tracks
Funding compatibility
Ineligible if receiving other funding above €600/month
Non-cumulative rule
Cannot be combined with France Excellence Eiffel, France Excellence Europa, or Erasmus Mundus scholarships

Benefits

Tuition
Listed as partial (confirm coverage on official source)
Stipend
Varies by provider/call; check official source for amount and payment terms
Accommodation
Provider-dependent; may be included, subsidized, or unavailable by scheme
Travel
Included/available (check official source)
Health insurance
Coverage depends on scholarship conditions and host-country rules
Other benefits
Additional support may include research, books, or orientation allowances (scheme-dependent)
Visa/residence support
Some schemes provide limited support; verify visa-fee or permit support on official source
Application fee
Fee policy is portal/provider-specific; confirm before submission
Scholarship amount
€10,000 per year
Travel/visa support
Annual flat support up to €900 (country-dependent)
Payment schedule
Paid monthly during the academic year (September to June)
Renewal route
M1 laureates can continue to M2 scholarship year when admitted and academically eligible
Administrative support
Laureates receive support for administrative procedures and housing search guidance

Application process

  1. Where to apply: First apply for admission to an eligible Université Paris-Saclay master's program
  2. Program pre-selection: The program coordinator selects candidates for scholarship nomination before the published coordinator deadline
  3. Scholarship invitation: Pre-selected candidates receive an official email link to the scholarship application form
  4. Form and references: Candidate submits the scholarship form and references (if applicable) before the final scholarship deadline
  5. Jury review: Applications are assessed under official program regulations
  6. Result publication: Scholarship decisions are announced around mid-May
  7. Documents: Prepare and upload the required documents listed by the provider (transcripts, ID, letters, etc.). Provide certified translations if required.

Required documents

  • Master's admission application materials required by the selected Paris-Saclay program
  • Academic transcripts and degree records required by the admissions process
  • Scholarship application form received via official invitation link
  • Reference/recommendation submissions where requested in the scholarship workflow
  • Passport/identity and visa-related documents required for enrollment in France
  • Degree certificates / diplomas (if applicable)
  • CV/Resume
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
  • Language test score (IELTS/TOEFL) if required
  • Certified translations (if required)
  • Portfolio / research proposal (if required)
  • Medical / health certificate (if required)

Good to know

  • You cannot directly apply to the scholarship without first being pre-selected by the master's program coordinator.
  • Scholarship and travel support are disbursed after arrival in France and registration in the admitted program.
  • Coordinator and scholarship-form deadlines are separate; missing either deadline ends eligibility for that cycle.

FAQ

Is the Paris-Saclay IDEX master's scholarship fully funded?

It is usually treated as partially funded because the award is €10,000/year plus up to €900 travel/visa support, rather than full-cost institutional funding.

Can I apply directly to the scholarship portal first?

No. You must first apply to an eligible master's program and be pre-selected by the program coordinator.

Can I combine this scholarship with Eiffel or Erasmus Mundus?

No. The official rules state that this scholarship cannot be combined with Eiffel, Europa, or Erasmus Mundus funding.

What are the 2026 key deadlines?

Coordinator pre-selection closes March 25, 2026, and scholarship form/reference submission closes March 31, 2026 at 23:59 (Paris time).

Broaden this shortlist

Use these routes to move from one scholarship page into the wider country and hub structure before you make a final choice.

Scholarships in France Compare this opportunity with other scholarships in France before you decide.

Europe scholarships 2026 Compare this scholarship with opportunities in other European destinations.

Scholarships still open 2026 Use this when active deadlines matter more than a single scholarship profile.

Related scholarships

View all
RussiaOpen / expected

Open Doors Scholarship Motivation Letter: Structure, Examples and Mistakes

Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project official rules

The Open Doors motivation letter is part of the Stage 1 portfolio and should connect the applicant’s academic background, selected subject area, achievements, reasons for studying in Russia, intended program direction and future goals.

Deadline
Motivation letter must be completed before the Stage 1 portfolio deadline on November 1, 2026
Updated

Open Doors Scholarship Stage 2: Proctored Exam, Sample Tasks and Results

Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project official rules

Open Doors Scholarship Stage 2 is the subject-specific proctored online exam for applicants who pass the portfolio stage. Candidates register with passport details and photo, choose or receive a test time, complete written tasks and an oral response under screen, webcam and audio monitoring, then wait for results and appeal instructions.

Deadline
Second-stage registration and test dates depend on official participant account instructions after Stage 1 results
Updated

Open Doors Scholarship Documents After Selection: Translation, Attestation and Upload Guide

Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project official rules

After Open Doors selection, documents become the biggest practical risk. Applicants may need to upload a signed scanned application PDF, passport, education certificates, transcripts, translations and country-specific approvals such as notarization, attestation or embassy/government authentication where requested.

Deadline
Document deadlines depend on post-selection instructions in the participant account and university/Ministry systems
Updated

Open Doors Scholarship University Selection, Offer Letter and Interviews

Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project official rules

After Open Doors selection and document upload, applicants move toward university and program processing. Bachelor’s and Master’s winners rank institutions offering the relevant specialization; PhD applicants need supervisor fit; and an offer or invitation comes only after university and official processing.

Deadline
University and offer-letter timelines depend on post-selection account, Ministry and university instructions
Updated

Ready to apply?

Applications are completed on the official provider website. Be cautious with third-party sites and always verify scholarship details at the source.

Go to official application page →