Hey future global leaders! Dreaming of taking your Master’s or PhD studies to the next level in the beautiful, academic hub of France? Get ready because the incredible France Excellence Eiffel Bursary 2026 is here! This is your golden ticket to world-class education and an international experience that could shape your future, especially if you’re a brilliant South African student looking to make a global impact!
The France Excellence Eiffel Bursary (officially known as the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme) is France’s leading initiative to attract exceptional international students like you to pursue Master’s and PhD studies in top French universities. Managed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this bursary is designed to nurture future global leaders and innovators. It offers comprehensive financial and academic support to students who show outstanding academic merit, strong leadership potential, and a passion for tackling global challenges. Think of it as France investing in your potential to become a change-maker!
For the 2026–2027 academic year, applications are open, with the final deadline for institutions to submit applications being 9 November 2025. The programme aims to boost France’s global academic influence by training the next generation of decision-makers in key fields like science, technology, economics, law, and political science. Many leading French universities, such as Paris-Saclay University, actively participate, supporting and submitting applications on behalf of qualified international candidates.
Who Can Apply?
This fantastic bursary is exclusively for international applicants – meaning you must hold non-French citizenship. Here’s a quick rundown of the main eligibility criteria:
- Age Limits:
- Master’s level: You must be 25 years old or younger by the time of the 2026 call.
- Doctoral level: You must be 30 years old or younger by the time of the 2026 call.
- You cannot have dual French nationality.
- If you’re currently studying in France, you might be eligible under specific conditions (it’s best to check the official Campus France FAQ for details).
- A crucial point: You must be nominated by a French higher education institution (like Paris-Saclay University), which then submits your application to Campus France on your behalf. You can’t apply directly yourself!
- You shouldn’t already be receiving another French government bursary.
What Does It Cover?
The Eiffel Bursary provides generous financial support, letting you fully concentrate on your studies and research without financial stress. Here’s what’s included:
Master’s Level Benefits:
- Monthly allowance: A cool €1,200 to cover your living expenses.
- Travel: One round-trip international flight between your home country and France, plus travel allowance within France when you arrive.
- Health insurance: Full health coverage for your entire stay.
- Cultural activities: Access to awesome cultural enrichment and networking events.
- Housing assistance: Help with finding accommodation and applying for housing benefits (CAF).
PhD Level Benefits:
- Monthly allowance: A generous €1,700 to support your doctoral research.
- Travel: Same international and domestic travel benefits as Master’s scholars.
- Health insurance and cultural activities: Covered under the same terms.
Heads Up: While this bursary is super comprehensive, it generally doesn’t cover tuition fees directly. However, French public universities often have low fees, and participating institutions sometimes offer tuition fee waivers or extra support for Eiffel scholars, so it’s worth asking!
Fields of Study Supported
The Eiffel Programme supports fields that align with France’s international development goals. These include, but are definitely not limited to:
- Science and Technology: Think Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Engineering, Environmental Science, and Digital Technologies.
- Economics and Management: Business, Finance, and Innovation Studies.
- Law and Political Science: International Relations, Public Policy, Human Rights, and Global Governance.
Each university, like Paris-Saclay, might also highlight specific disciplines based on its strengths, so always check with your chosen institution!
Paris-Saclay University Priorities (Master’s Level)
If you’re eyeing Paris-Saclay University, they particularly welcome Master’s-level applicants whose most recent degree was obtained in regions like:
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Including Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Senegal, and yes, South Africa!
- Other regions include Asia–Oceania, Europe, North America, Latin America, and North Africa & Middle East.
How to Apply?
Remember, you cannot apply directly to Campus France for the Eiffel Bursary. Your application must be submitted through a French higher education institution. Here’s the typical process:
- Step 1: Identify the Master’s or PhD programme you’re interested in and apply for admission directly at a participating French institution (e.g., Paris-Saclay University).
- Step 2: Once you’ve applied for admission, make sure to inform the university’s international office or scholarship coordinator that you intend to apply for the Eiffel Programme.
- Step 3: The institution will then review eligible candidates, help prepare your application, and submit the complete package to Campus France by the national deadline on your behalf.
Supporting Documents:
You’ll generally need to provide:
- A completed Eiffel Programme application form (which Campus France provides to the institution).
- Your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) showcasing your achievements.
- A compelling statement of purpose or research proposal.
- Strong recommendation letters, typically from your academic supervisors.
- Proof of language proficiency (French or English, depending on your chosen programme).
For the most accurate and up-to-date application guidelines, always refer to the official Campus France website and the specific French institution you wish to apply to. Start by searching for “Campus France Eiffel Scholarship Programme” to find their official pages and FAQs.
Key Dates
- Call for applications opens: 1 October 2025
- Deadline for institutions to submit to Campus France: 9 November 2025
- Results announced by Campus France: Spring 2026
- Scholarship period begins: Academic year 2026–2027
If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — start preparing your application and reach out to your chosen French institution now! Explore more incredible bursaries and funding opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
