If you are aiming for a top-ranked Master’s or PhD in France, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program (Eiffel) is one of the biggest names you will hear again and again. It is backed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed through Campus France, and it is designed to attract outstanding international students into priority fields.
But here’s the part many people miss: you cannot apply directly as a student. A French university must nominate you and submit your file to Campus France.
What is the Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship is a government excellence program that supports high-achieving international students to study in France at:
- Master’s level (including engineering programs)
- Doctoral level (PhD) (often through joint supervision / partnership with a foreign institution)
The goal is to train future decision-makers for public and private sectors in specific priority study areas.
Eiffel Scholarship 2026: Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program |
| Who applies | French higher education institutions (not students) |
| Deadline (Campus France receives files) | 8 January 2026 |
| Results | From 30 March 2026 |
| Master’s monthly allowance | EUR 1,200 (from Jan 2026) |
| PhD monthly allowance | EUR 2,100 (from Jan 2026) |
| Tuition fees | Not covered by Eiffel |
Fields of Study (Very Important)
Eiffel is not for every subject. Campus France highlights these priority areas (for both Master’s and PhD tracks):
Science and Technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French language and civilization
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
If your program fits one of these, you are in the right direction.
Eligibility (Who Can Apply?)
Eligibility depends on your level:
Master’s level
- You must be an international candidate (Eiffel targets foreign students).
- Age limit: candidates are encouraged up to 29 years old (as stated by Campus France for the program).
- Your profile should be strong academically, and aligned with a priority field.
Doctoral level (PhD)
- Age limit: candidates up to 35 years old.
- Typically linked to joint supervision or partnership with an institution abroad (common in Eiffel PhD nominations).
Super important rule
- Students cannot submit applications directly. If you submit yourself, it will be rejected as ineligible.
- Only a French institution can submit your file.
What Does Eiffel Cover?
This is where people get confused, so let’s keep it clear.
Monthly allowance (from January 2026)
- Master’s: EUR 1,200 per month
- PhD: EUR 2,100 per month
Additional services (commonly included)
Campus France mentions services such as:
- International transportation support
- National transport support
- Insurance
- Help with housing search
- Cultural activities
What Eiffel does NOT cover
- Tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel scholarship itself.
So yes, it is a big scholarship, but not a full tuition waiver program by default. Many students handle tuition through:
- University tuition reductions (case by case)
- External funding
- Paying tuition themselves (often the hard part)
Scholarship Duration
Master’s
- Up to 12 months for M2
- Up to 24 months for M1
- Up to 36 months for some engineering degrees
Doctorate (PhD)
- Campus France states Eiffel can be awarded for 12 to 36 months, starting from September 1 of the award year.
This is why you must plan your program length properly before asking a university for nomination.
Eiffel Scholarship Timeline (2026 Campaign)
Based on Campus France’s published timeline:
- Call opened: 1 October 2025
- Campus France deadline: 8 January 2026
- Results: from 30 March 2026
Important note: universities usually set their internal deadlines earlier (often November or December), because they need time to review candidates and prepare nominations.
How to Apply (Real Step-by-Step Process)
Since students cannot apply directly, your strategy should be:
Step 1: Pick your target French universities (shortlist 5 to 10)
Choose programs that match Eiffel’s priority fields and your background.
Tip: do not shortlist randomly. Choose universities where:
- Your profile matches their program strongly
- They have an active international office
- They have previously nominated Eiffel candidates (many universities mention this on their site)
Step 2: Contact the International Relations Office (or program coordinator)
Your message should be short, direct, and professional:
What to include:
- Your CV (1 page is best)
- Academic transcripts
- Brief motivation (5 to 8 lines)
- Your intended program and intake
- A clear line: “I would like to be considered for Eiffel nomination.”
Step 3: Apply for admission (if the university requires it first)
Many universities only nominate students who have:
- already applied, or
- already been shortlisted for admission.
Some universities even have a separate internal Eiffel form.
Step 4: University selects nominees
This is the real competition.
Universities often nominate only a few candidates per department.
Step 5: University submits your file to Campus France
If the university nominates you, they upload and submit your application through the Campus France process.
Step 6: Wait for results
Results are typically announced from late March.
Document Checklist (Prepare These Early)
Different universities may ask different formats, but usually you should keep these ready:
- Updated CV (strong, achievement-focused)
- Passport copy
- Degree certificates + transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters (academic is safest)
- Statement of purpose / motivation letter
- Research proposal (for PhD candidates)
- Proof of language (if required by your program)
- Any ranking, awards, publications, portfolio (if relevant)
How to Increase Your Chances (Practical Tips)
- Target the right programs
Do not force Eiffel on a subject that does not match the priority fields. - Show leadership potential
Eiffel is not only grades. Universities look for “future decision-maker” vibe: projects, leadership, impact. - Make your email impossible to ignore
Keep it clean: subject line, 2 short paragraphs, attach CV, ask clearly for nomination. - Apply early
Universities close nominations earlier than the official Campus France deadline. - If you are PhD level
Try to secure a supervisor agreement first. A strong supervisor backing often makes nomination realistic.
Common Mistakes That Get People Rejected
- Thinking it is a direct student application
- Missing the internal university deadline
- Applying to non-priority fields
- Sending generic emails to 50 universities
- Weak motivation letter (copy paste style)
- Not explaining why France and why that university
Final Words
The Eiffel Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for serious students who want France for Master’s or PhD. But it’s not a “click and apply” scholarship. It’s a nomination-based competition, and your job is to make a French university want to nominate you.
If you build your shortlist smartly and approach universities professionally, you can genuinely put yourself in the running.
APPLY HERE