The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue Master’s and doctoral studies in France with substantial financial support.
Officially known as the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program, it is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France.
The scholarship helps French universities attract outstanding international students in selected academic fields.
For the 2027 campaign, successful applicants can receive:
- €1,200 per month at Master’s level
- €2,100 per month at doctoral level
- International travel support
- Health insurance arrangements
- Assistance with finding accommodation
- Additional services and cultural activities
However, the Eiffel program does not directly cover tuition fees. Eligible recipients at certain French public institutions may benefit from tuition exemptions under separate rules.
Applications for the 2027 campaign are open. French higher education institutions must submit nominations to Campus France by January 6, 2027.
Students must contact their chosen university because each institution sets its own earlier deadline.
You can review the current program on the official Campus France Eiffel Scholarship page.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | France Excellence Eiffel |
| Country | France |
| Funding Organization | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
| Administrator | Campus France |
| Study Levels | Master’s and PhD |
| Master’s Allowance | €1,200 per month |
| PhD Allowance | €2,100 per month |
| Tuition | Not directly covered by Eiffel |
| Master’s Age Limit | Maximum 29 years |
| PhD Age Limit | Maximum 35 years |
| Eligible Applicants | International students |
| Applications Opened | October 2026 |
| Institutional Deadline | January 6, 2027 |
| Student Deadline | Depends on the French university |
| Expected Results | Week of April 12, 2027 |
| Application Route | Through a French higher education institution |
What Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a French government scholarship designed to attract talented international students to French higher education institutions.
The program focuses on preparing future leaders and decision-makers in the public and private sectors.
It supports selected academic fields at two levels:
- Master’s degree programs
- Doctoral research programs
Unlike scholarships that allow students to apply directly to a central government portal, Eiffel follows an institutional nomination system.
This means a French university must select and support your application before submitting it to Campus France.
Students cannot independently submit their applications to Campus France.
Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Fully Funded?
The scholarship offers significant financial assistance, including monthly allowances, travel-related benefits and health coverage.
However, it is important to understand its funding structure.
The Eiffel program itself does not pay tuition fees.
Certain French government scholarship recipients studying for eligible national degrees at public higher education institutions may qualify for tuition exemptions under French regulations.
Other institutions or programs may charge fees that require separate arrangements.
Therefore, applicants should confirm both the scholarship benefits and their chosen university’s tuition policy before accepting an offer.
Eiffel Scholarship Benefits for Master’s Students
Selected Master’s students receive a monthly allowance of:
€1,200
The scholarship also provides access to additional services under the applicable program rules.
These can include international transportation, domestic travel arrangements, insurance support, housing assistance and cultural activities.
The exact benefits depend on the award conditions.
How Much Can Master’s Students Receive?
The allowance depends on the approved scholarship duration.
For example:
| Scholarship Duration | Total Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| 12 months | €14,400 |
| 24 months | €28,800 |
| 36 months | €43,200 |
These calculations represent the monthly allowance only. They do not include the value of other eligible services.
The 36-month duration applies to eligible engineering-degree pathways rather than a standard two-year Master’s program.
Eiffel Scholarship Benefits for PhD Students
For the 2027 campaign, the published doctoral allowance is:
€2,100 per month
Doctoral scholars may also receive international and domestic travel support, insurance arrangements and other eligible services.
How Much Can PhD Students Receive?
| Scholarship Duration | Total Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| 12 months | €25,200 |
| 18 months | €37,800 |
| 36 months | €75,600 |
These figures are illustrative totals based on the published monthly allowance.
The actual award duration depends on the approved doctoral arrangement and eligibility conditions.
Does Eiffel Cover Tuition Fees?
No. The Eiffel scholarship does not directly fund tuition fees.
However, French regulations provide tuition exemptions for certain recipients of French government scholarships enrolled in eligible national-degree programs at qualifying public institutions.
This distinction matters because tuition arrangements can vary between universities and degree programs.
Before applying, ask your chosen university:
- Whether your degree qualifies for a tuition exemption
- Whether additional program fees apply
- Whether the institution provides supplementary financial support
Do not assume that every university or every degree will be completely tuition-free.
Does Eiffel Provide Accommodation?
Campus France assists scholarship recipients with accommodation options.
These may include university residences and other housing arrangements.
However, housing assistance does not automatically mean free accommodation.
Students should confirm rent, deposits and other housing costs with the institution or Campus France.
International Travel Support
The Eiffel scholarship includes eligible international transportation benefits.
Travel support follows the program’s official rules and approved arrangements.
Applicants should not assume that any flight they book independently will be reimbursed in full.
Selected students should wait for the official travel instructions before making arrangements.
Health Insurance Benefits
Eiffel scholars receive assistance with health insurance arrangements.
This can include temporary coverage during the transition to the French national health insurance system and supplementary insurance support under applicable conditions.
Recipients must complete the required registration procedures after arriving in France.
Fields of Study Available
The 2027 Eiffel scholarship covers seven priority academic fields.
These are divided into two broad groups.
Science and Technology
1. Biology and Health
This area includes eligible programs connected with biological sciences, healthcare research and related subjects.
2. Ecological Transition
Programs can involve environmental sustainability, climate-related challenges and ecological systems.
3. Mathematics and Digital Sciences
This field includes relevant mathematics, computing and digital-science disciplines.
4. Engineering Sciences
Eligible engineering programs may cover a range of technical and applied scientific subjects.
Humanities and Social Sciences
5. History, French Language and Civilization
This field includes relevant historical, linguistic and cultural studies.
6. Law and Political Science
Students interested in legal studies, political institutions and governance may find eligible programs.
7. Economics and Management
This area includes economics, business-related research and management disciplines.
Not every degree within these broad subjects is automatically eligible.
Applicants should confirm that their selected program fits the Eiffel scholarship requirements.
Who Can Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships?
The scholarship targets outstanding international students who want to study at eligible French higher education institutions.
Applicants must satisfy the scholarship’s requirements and the admission criteria of their selected university.
Important considerations include:
- Nationality
- Age
- Academic qualifications
- Selected study level
- Eligible field
- Previous scholarship history
- Institutional nomination
Eligibility rules also differ between the Master’s and doctoral components.
Age Limit for Master’s Applicants
The 2027 program targets international applicants aged:
29 years or younger
for Master’s-level scholarships.
Applicants should consult the official 2027 regulations for the precise date used to assess age eligibility.
Age Limit for PhD Applicants
For doctoral scholarships, the published maximum age is:
35 years.
Again, applicants should check the applicable reference date in the official 2027 regulations.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
The Eiffel scholarship is designed for foreign students.
However, applicants must satisfy the nationality conditions in the official program rules.
French nationality, including dual-nationality situations, can affect eligibility.
Students should verify their circumstances before asking a French university to nominate them.
Can Bachelor’s Students Apply?
The Eiffel scholarship does not fund an ordinary Bachelor’s degree.
However, students completing a Bachelor’s degree may seek nomination for an eligible Master’s program if they satisfy the university’s admission requirements.
Can Master’s Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible students can seek nomination for Master’s-level funding.
The program supports approved Master’s pathways, including relevant engineering programs.
Applicants should check whether their intended entry point is M1, M2 or another eligible route.
Can PhD Students Apply?
Yes.
The doctoral component supports eligible international research candidates.
However, doctoral funding has additional requirements concerning research supervision, institutional partnerships and the proposed period of study.
Students should coordinate closely with their prospective doctoral supervisor and host institution.
Eiffel Scholarship Duration
The maximum duration depends on the selected degree.
Master’s Level
- Up to 12 months for entry into the second year of a Master’s program (M2)
- Up to 24 months for entry into the first year of a Master’s program (M1)
- Up to 36 months for an eligible engineering-degree program
Doctoral Level
Doctoral awards can support approved research periods of:
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 36 months
The applicable route depends on the candidate’s doctoral status and the research arrangements.
For example, certain shorter doctoral awards involve joint supervision or co-supervision arrangements between institutions.
A 36-month doctoral award is subject to different conditions.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The official 2027 campaign opened in October 2026.
French higher education institutions must submit their selected applications to Campus France by:
January 6, 2027
This is the institutional submission deadline, not a universal deadline for students.
French universities need time to review applications, select nominees and prepare the required documents.
As a result, individual university deadlines may be several weeks earlier.
Students should contact their chosen institution immediately rather than waiting until January.
When Will Results Be Announced?
According to the updated Campus France 2027 campaign calendar, scholarship results are expected during the:
Week of April 12, 2027
Successful candidates and their nominating institutions will receive information through the official process.
How to Apply for Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
The application process is different from many international scholarships.
Students do not apply directly to Campus France.
Step 1: Find an Eligible French University
Start by researching French higher education institutions that offer programs in your chosen field.
Make sure the degree matches your academic background and career plans.
You can explore study options through the Campus France website.
Step 2: Check the University’s Eiffel Scholarship Procedure
Visit the international relations or admissions section of the university’s website.
Look for information about:
- Eiffel nominations
- Master’s or doctoral admission
- Internal application deadlines
- Required documents
- Selection criteria
If the information is unclear, contact the university directly.
Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check the age, nationality, academic and study-level conditions.
For doctoral applications, discuss the research supervision arrangements with the relevant academic department.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Gather the documents requested by the French institution.
These may include academic records, a CV, motivation materials and other supporting evidence.
Doctoral candidates may also need research-related documents.
Step 5: Submit Your Application to the University
Follow the university’s own procedure.
The institution may require you to complete an admission application, a scholarship request or both.
Do not send your application directly to Campus France.
Step 6: Wait for Institutional Selection
The university reviews candidates and decides which applications it will support.
Not every student admitted to a degree program will receive an Eiffel nomination.
Step 7: University Submits the Nomination
If selected, the French institution submits your scholarship application to Campus France through the official system.
Step 8: Wait for Final Results
Campus France coordinates the national selection process.
Final results are expected in April 2027.
Documents Required
The exact document list depends on the university and whether the application is for Master’s or doctoral study.
Common documents may include:
- Passport or identification information
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation statement
- Academic recommendations
- Proof of language proficiency, where required
- Study plan
- Research proposal for relevant doctoral applications
- Supporting documents requested by the institution
Applicants should follow the university’s official checklist rather than assuming every institution requires the same documents.
Is IELTS Required?
There is no single IELTS score that applies to every Eiffel scholarship candidate.
Language requirements depend primarily on the chosen degree program and French university.
Some programs are taught in English, while others require French-language proficiency.
Applicants may need IELTS, TOEFL, another accepted English test or French-language evidence depending on the institution.
Always check the requirements of the actual degree.
Do You Need an Admission Offer First?
The application route depends on the university.
Some institutions may assess admission and Eiffel nomination together. Others may require an initial admission application before considering a student for nomination.
Therefore, there is no universal process that every French university follows.
Contact the institution early to understand the correct sequence.
Can Students Apply Directly to Campus France?
No.
This is one of the most important rules.
Only French higher education institutions can submit Eiffel scholarship nominations.
Applications sent directly by students or by foreign institutions are not accepted under the standard Eiffel nomination process.
Can You Apply Through More Than One University?
Applicants should be careful about duplicate nominations.
The Eiffel selection framework restricts multiple institutional submissions for the same candidate.
Therefore, do not ask several universities to submit competing Eiffel nominations without first checking the official rules.
You can research different institutions, but coordinate your scholarship nomination carefully.
Is Previous Research Experience Required?
Requirements depend on the study level and institution.
Master’s applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and suitability for their chosen program.
Doctoral applicants generally need a well-developed research plan and appropriate academic supervision arrangements.
Previous research experience can strengthen an application, especially for PhD candidates.
However, applicants should follow the actual requirements rather than assuming every Master’s candidate needs publications.
How Competitive Is the Eiffel Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly selective.
It is designed to attract outstanding international students with strong academic potential and promising career prospects.
Selection involves institutional nomination followed by national evaluation.
Therefore, applicants must first convince a French university to support their candidacy.
A strong academic record alone may not be enough.
Universities can also consider academic fit, motivation, leadership potential and the quality of the proposed study or research plan.
How to Strengthen Your Eiffel Application
Choose the Right University
Look for institutions offering programs that genuinely match your previous education.
A strong academic fit is more important than applying only to a famous university.
Contact Universities Early
Do not wait until the institutional deadline.
Ask about the internal nomination process and the documents required.
Prepare a Strong Academic CV
Highlight your most relevant achievements, including:
- Academic results
- Research projects
- Awards
- Relevant internships
- Leadership experience
- Publications, if applicable
- Technical or professional skills
Explain Your Career Goals
The Eiffel scholarship aims to support future leaders and decision-makers.
Your motivation should explain how your proposed studies connect with your longer-term professional or research goals.
Prepare Research Materials Carefully
Doctoral applicants should develop a clear research plan with their prospective supervisors.
Explain the research question, its importance and the proposed academic approach.
Follow Institutional Instructions
Universities may have different nomination procedures.
Missing an internal deadline can prevent an otherwise strong candidate from being considered.
Eiffel Scholarship vs Other International Scholarships
Students comparing international graduate funding can also explore the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship, which provides a tuition-fee waiver and living support for outstanding Master’s students in Switzerland.
Those interested in studying across European institutions can consider the MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which supports an international Master’s program in higher education research and innovation.
Applicants considering the United Kingdom can explore the Commonwealth Scholarship, which supports eligible students from participating Commonwealth countries.
These opportunities differ in their funding structures, eligibility rules and application procedures.
The Eiffel scholarship is particularly attractive to students who want to pursue eligible Master’s or doctoral studies in France through a university nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. The 2027 institutional nomination campaign opened in October 2026.
What is the deadline?
French universities must submit nominations by January 6, 2027. Students must meet the earlier deadline set by their chosen institution.
How much is the Master’s scholarship?
The current allowance is €1,200 per month.
How much is the PhD scholarship?
The current allowance is €2,100 per month.
Is Eiffel fully funded?
It provides substantial financial support, but tuition is not directly covered by Eiffel. Certain eligible public-institution programs may qualify for tuition exemptions.
Can international students apply?
Yes, subject to the program’s nationality and other eligibility requirements.
What is the Master’s age limit?
The published maximum is 29 years.
What is the PhD age limit?
The published maximum is 35 years.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Students completing undergraduate study may seek nomination for eligible Master’s programs. Eiffel does not fund ordinary Bachelor’s degrees.
Is the scholarship available for PhD study?
Yes, through the doctoral component and its specific research arrangements.
Can I apply without a French university?
No. A French higher education institution must nominate the applicant.
Do I need IELTS?
It depends on the language requirements of the selected university and degree.
Does Eiffel provide accommodation?
Campus France offers accommodation assistance, but housing is not automatically free.
Are flights covered?
The scholarship includes eligible international transportation benefits under the official program rules.
When will results be announced?
Results are expected during the week of April 12, 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is an important funding opportunity for international students planning Master’s or doctoral studies in France.
The scholarship currently provides €1,200 per month for Master’s recipients and €2,100 per month for doctoral recipients, along with eligible travel, insurance and other support.
However, students should understand that tuition is not directly covered by Eiffel, and university-specific fee arrangements must be checked separately.
The most important part of the application process is institutional nomination.
Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. Instead, they must identify an eligible French university, follow its internal application procedure and secure its support.
Although the national institutional deadline is January 6, 2027, individual universities may close applications earlier.
Interested applicants should begin by reviewing the official France Excellence Eiffel Scholarships information and contacting their preferred French institutions.
Last verified: October 2026
Pathfinderly provides educational information about international opportunities. Scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements and application procedures can change. Always verify the current rules with Campus France and your chosen French institution before applying.