Full Sponsorship Scholarships for International Students in France

Full sponsorship scholarships for international students in France are opening doors for thousands of bright, talented individuals who dream of studying in one of Europe’s most prestigious academic environments—without worrying about tuition, accommodation, or living expenses.

Whether you’re aiming to study engineering in Paris, literature in Lyon, or international relations in Strasbourg, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about fully funded opportunities in France—and how to apply successfully.

Why Study in France?

A Global Education Hub

France is home to some of the world’s best universities and Grandes Écoles. With globally respected institutions like Sciences Po, Sorbonne University, and HEC Paris, France offers top-tier education that competes with Ivy League and Russell Group schools.

Affordable Living With the Right Scholarship

While the cost of living in cities like Paris can be high, many full sponsorship scholarships cover:

• Tuition fees

• Monthly living stipend

• Travel allowances

• Health insurance

• French language training (if required)

Top Full Sponsorship Scholarships for International Students in France

Let’s dive into the most trusted, prestigious, and achievable fully funded scholarships available for international students in France—covering both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme

Offered By: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Level: Master’s & PhD
Fields: Science, economics, law, political science, engineering

What It Covers:

• Full tuition

• Monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,700 for PhD)

• Travel, insurance, and cultural activities

• Accommodation assistance

Eligibility: Open to international students under 25 (Master’s) or 30 (PhD)

Deadline: Around January each year (check your institution’s timeline)

2. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)

Offered By: Sciences Po, Paris
Level: Undergraduate & Master’s
Who It’s For: Non-EU international students

Coverage Includes:

• Full tuition waiver

• Up to €13,000 per year for living expenses

• Renewal possible for multi-year programs

Key Advantage: You only need to apply to Sciences Po—no separate scholarship form required.

3. ENS International Selection Scholarships

Offered By: École Normale Supérieure (ENS)
Level: Master’s
Fields: Science & Humanities

What You Get:

• Monthly grant of €1,000

• Accommodation on campus

• Access to elite French research networks

Highly Competitive: Only about 20 students are selected per year globally.

4. Erasmus+ Scholarships (Study in France via Partner Institutions)

Offered By: European Union
Level: Bachelor, Master’s, Doctorate
Available Through: Partnered French universities

Benefits:

• Full tuition

• Monthly living stipend

• Health insurance

• Travel support

Note: You apply through a specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) program that includes a French university.

5. French Government Scholarships via Campus France

Campus France operates as the official portal for international students seeking scholarships.

Includes Programs Like:

• Charpak (for Indian students)

• BGF (for Colombian students)

• Eiffel (mentioned earlier)

Visit: www.campusfrance.org

6. AFD Digital Challenge Scholarships

Focus: Students in tech, development, AI, and sustainability
Eligibility: Young entrepreneurs and graduate students from Africa and Asia

What You Get:

• Full scholarship

• Mentorship

• Networking with global tech leaders

• Funded trips to France for bootcamps

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in France

1 – Research & Shortlist Your Options

Use trusted portals like:

• Campus France

• Official university websites

• Erasmus Mundus Catalogue

• European Commission portals

Make sure the program:

• Offers your preferred major

• Accepts students from your country

• Offers 100% sponsorship (not just partial aid)

Step 2 – Prepare Your Application Documents

Most full sponsorship applications require:

Key Documents

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of English or French proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, or DALF)

• Recommendation letters

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter

• Research proposal (for PhD programs)

• Valid passport

Tip: Tailor every document to the specific program or university.

3 – Apply Early and Follow Up

Deadlines range between October to February depending on the program. Don’t wait until the last minute—apply early and double-check every upload.

Use email to follow up politely with the admissions office if needed. It shows initiative and interest.

Sample Motivation Letter Tips

What Makes a Winning Motivation Letter?

• Clear passion for your field

• Alignment with the university’s values

• A concrete career plan

• Mention of how you’ll use your education to make a difference

Structure:

1. Introduction (who you are)

2. Why France and this program

3. Your background and achievements

4. Your goals

5. A thank-you note

Scholarship-Friendly Courses in High Demand

Looking for degrees that increase your chances of full sponsorship? These are popular among scholarship boards:

• Environmental Sciences

• Artificial Intelligence and Data

• Biotechnology

• International Business

• ‍⚖️ Law and Human Rights

• Arts and Cultural Studies

• Global Health and Public Policy

What Fully Funded Scholarships Actually Cover

Who Can Apply? Countries Commonly Targeted

Many French scholarships focus on diversity and development. Priority is often given to applicants from:

• Nigeria

• India

• Kenya

• Pakistan

• Ghana

• Mexico

• Brazil

• Philippines

• Egypt

• Vietnam

Even if your country isn’t on a priority list, you can still apply. Merit is a major factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply without IELTS or French proficiency?

Yes! Many programs accept English-taught degrees without IELTS if your previous education was in English. Some also offer language training before classes begin.

Q: Is there an age limit for applying?

Usually, yes. For example:

• Eiffel: Under 25 for Master’s, under 30 for PhD

• ENS: Under 26
  Always check the specific scholarship’s eligibility page.

Q: Can I work while studying in France?

Yes. International students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week).

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Full sponsorship scholarships for international students in France are more accessible than ever.

If you’re willing to put in the effort—polishing your application, writing compelling essays, and meeting deadlines—you can secure an opportunity that will shape your life forever.

The best part? You’ll gain world-class education, experience French culture, and graduate debt-free.

So, take the first step now. Your dream university in France might just be waiting for your application.