The 2026 call for applications for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is now open. French higher education institutions have until January 8, 2026 to submit applications for outstanding international students.
Created by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France, the Eiffel Scholarship Program is one of France’s most prestigious international scholarship schemes. It enables French universities to attract top foreign talent to pursue Master’s and Doctoral studies in priority academic fields.
About the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen France’s academic influence and international cooperation. It offers financial and academic support to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.
The program’s mission is to train future foreign decision-makers, both in the public and private sectors, while promoting France as a global hub for higher education and research excellence.
Fields of Study Covered by the Eiffel Scholarship
The Eiffel Scholarship is open to students pursuing studies in seven priority academic areas, grouped into two major fields:
Science and Technology
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Biology and Health
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Ecological Transition
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Mathematics and Digital Technology
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Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
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French History, Language and Civilization
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Law and Political Science
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Economics and Management
These fields reflect the French government’s priority to support international students whose education will contribute to global progress in sustainable development, innovation, governance, and cultural exchange.
Who Can Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship Program is open to international students; however, candidates cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted by French higher education institutions that select the international students they wish to host.
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Master’s level applicants: Must be aged 29 years or younger at the time of the application.
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Doctoral level applicants: Must be aged 35 years or younger at the time of the application.
Foreign students interested in the Eiffel Scholarship should contact French institutions of their choice to find out if the institution will sponsor their application.
Key Dates for the 2026 Eiffel Scholarship Session
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Opening of the call for applications: October 1, 2025
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Webinar for institutions: Mid-October 2025
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Deadline for institutions to submit applications to Campus France: January 8, 2026 inclusive
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Announcement of results: March 30, 2026 (results communicated by email to institutions and winners)
It is important to note that students should not wait until the deadline to approach universities, as internal deadlines may vary depending on the institution.
Selection Process
The selection of Eiffel Scholarship recipients is managed by experts appointed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Each expert is a research professor with proven international experience and the qualification of doctoral research supervisor.
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Academic excellence and achievements
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Quality and relevance of the proposed study plan
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Candidate’s motivation and potential as a future leader
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Contribution to priority fields of study
The evaluation is conducted using established rating grids for Master’s and Doctoral applications to ensure fairness and transparency.
Benefits of the Eiffel Scholarship Program
Successful applicants benefit from significant support during their studies in France, which may include:
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Monthly allowance for living expenses
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Coverage of international and domestic travel
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Health insurance coverage
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Access to cultural activities
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Professional networking opportunities
The scholarship provides international students not only with the means to complete their degree but also with valuable exposure to French culture, research, and professional environments.
How to Apply for the 2026 Eiffel Scholarship
Applications can only be submitted by French higher education institutions.
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Institutions that have already participated in the Eiffel Scholarship Program will receive instructions by email on how to access the application system.
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Institutions participating for the first time must contact Campus France to request access to application files.
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Students cannot submit applications independently. They must contact the French institution where they wish to study and confirm whether the institution will sponsor them for the 2026 campaign.
APPLY AND FIND MORE INFO TODAY!
Contact Information
Campus France – France Excellence Eiffel Program
28 rue de la Grange-aux-Belles
75010 Paris, France
For more details and access to the application guide and regulations, visit the official Campus France website.
Conclusion
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 offers international students a unique opportunity to pursue world-class higher education in France while developing as global leaders in science, technology, law, politics, and the humanities.
French higher education institutions are now invited to identify and sponsor the most outstanding international candidates. The deadline for submissions is January 8, 2026.
Students aspiring to apply should contact their chosen French universities as soon as possible to be considered for sponsorship under this prestigious scholarship program.
Consult the call for applications for the 2026 campaign .