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Funding

Scholarships

Explore government, institutional, and regional funding routes, understand realistic application timelines, and learn what selection committees typically expect from a strong application.

General information only — not official guidance. Rules change, so confirm with the official source before you act.
Guides

Key topics in scholarships

Each topic gives you the essentials, what to prepare and an official source to check before you act.

National
Government scholarship programmes

National excellence programmes for international masters and doctoral candidates.

Last verified 28 April 2024Official source: Campus France
Institution
Institutional scholarships

Merit-based grants, diversity scholarships, or tuition fee waivers offered directly by universities and 'grandes écoles'. These are often decided automatically alongside your admission decision, so check the institution's website carefully.

Local
Regional and local aid

Support programmes from French regions, departments, and cities, which can include grants for mobility, housing, or public transport. Eligibility often depends on your study location and specific criteria.

Home-country funding

Funding provided by your own country's government (e.g., LPDP, CONAHCYT), private foundations, or employer sponsorship. A formal award letter from these sources is excellent proof for your visa file.

Fees
Fee exemptions

Mechanisms by which public universities grant partial or full exemption from the higher differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students. This is often based on nationality, academic merit, or specific bilateral agreements.

Application dossier tips

Guidance on preparing a compelling scholarship application, including securing strong reference letters, providing a clear budget justification, and crafting a project statement that coherently matches your academic record and career goals.

Use this guide

How to work through scholarships

Start with the decisions that affect your route, get your documents in order, then confirm the latest rule with the official source before submitting or paying for anything.

01

Orient yourself

National excellence programmes for international masters and doctoral candidates.

02

Prepare deliberately

Use the checklist to organise documents, dates and decisions before you start a time-sensitive step.

03

Verify before acting

Use the dated official links on this page to confirm the process for your nationality, institution and situation.

Your checklist
  • List scholarships you are actually eligible for
  • Note each deadline — many close before admission results
  • Prepare two strong reference letters
  • Keep a single master CV and tailor per application
  • Save proof of every submission

Frequently asked

Latest updates

What changed recently in scholarships

These short updates highlight recent rule, deadline or process changes that are worth checking before you apply or renew.

Universities
Medium impact
Sample: several universities publish earlier master application deadlines

Earlier closing dates for selected programmes.

Affects: Master applicants

Official source: Institution websites
Tuition
Low impact
Sample: student contribution amount confirmed for the coming year

The annual campus-life contribution and its exemption categories.

Affects: All enrolling students

Official source: cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr
CROUS
Medium impact
Sample: returning students get a clearer CROUS file renewal reminder

A reminder to update the student social file before the new cycle opens.

Affects: Students applying for campus housing again

Official source: etudiant.gouv.fr
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Related guides

Sources & disclaimer

France Student Hub publishes general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace an official decision from an administration, consulate or institution. Every page shows when it was last checked and links to the official source so you can verify before you act.

If a rule affects your status, confirm it with the relevant official body or a qualified professional before you act on it.