Hey Bursaries Room fam! Ready for an epic opportunity that could take your studies all the way to France? We’re talking about the incredible France–South Africa Scholarship Programme Bursary 2026!
If you’re dreaming of pursuing your Master’s or PhD in the beautiful land of baguettes and Eiffel Towers, this bursary could be your golden ticket. It’s designed to help talented South African, Lesotho, and Malawian students achieve their academic goals in France, covering a significant portion of your expenses and making your international study dreams a reality.
What is the France–South Africa Scholarship Bursary?
So, what’s the deal with this amazing programme? The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme Bursary is a fantastic opportunity for students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at a university or higher education institution in France. This isn’t just a small contribution; it’s a comprehensive bursary that aims to make your dream of studying abroad a reality, supporting you through your academic journey.
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you fit the bill? Here’s who the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme Bursary is looking for:
- You must be born on or after 1 January 1996.
- You need to be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi. (Sorry, dual French citizens, this one’s not for you!)
- You must be planning to enrol (or already be enrolled) in a French Higher Education institution for your Master’s or PhD.
This bursary is specifically for studies starting in September 2026. The duration of the bursary matches your degree: Master’s students get funding for up to two years, while PhD candidates can be supported for up to three years, subject to annual progress reviews.
What Does It Cover?
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff: what exactly does this bursary pay for? This is a full scholarship provided by the Embassy of France, giving you the prestigious status of a France Excellence scholarship holder. This includes:
- Healthcare: Comprehensive social coverage and supplementary health insurance.
- Accommodation: Priority access to student housing – super helpful!
- Visa Fees: Exemption from those pesky visa application fees.
- Support System: Assistance from Campus France Paris to help you settle in.
- Student Contributions: Exemption from the student and campus life contribution (CVEC).
- Tuition Fees (Conditional): You might even get conditional exemption from registration fees if your chosen programme is at a public university under the French Ministry of Higher Education and doesn’t require extra training fees. It’s important to note that generally, tuition fees are NOT included unless these specific conditions apply.
- Travel: A return flight ticket to France.
- Living Allowance: A generous monthly allowance (around €850 for Master’s students and €1700 for PhD students – amounts are subject to annual review).
- Extra Accommodation Aid: You can also get an additional individualised accommodation aid (approximately €150/month) from the French Government (CAF).
So, while you might still need to factor in some tuition fees depending on your chosen course and institution, this bursary takes care of a huge chunk of your study abroad costs!
How to Apply?
Feeling excited? Here’s how you can throw your hat in the ring for the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme Bursary:
- The entire application process is done online only.
- Make sure you have all your documents ready:
- A completed online application form.
- A copy of your passport.
- An up-to-date CV that clearly outlines your full academic history.
- A compelling cover letter explaining why you want to study in France and what your academic project involves.
- Copies of all your previous academic degree certificates.
- University transcripts (academic marks) for at least two years of study.
Remember, the application deadline is 8 October 2025 at 23:59 SAST, so make sure you submit everything well before then! Eligible candidates will be interviewed in November 2025, and shortlisted candidates will be announced by early December 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit the official webpage: France–South Africa Scholarship Programme Official Webpage
If studying in France sounds like the adventure you’ve been waiting for, then this is your sign! Don’t let this incredible chance slip by. Get your application in before the deadline, and remember to keep exploring more amazing bursary opportunities right here on Bursaries Room! Your future awaits!