If you’re considering studying in Paris, the question of funding is likely top of mind. The good news: yes, many Paris universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. However, the landscape is diverse, ranging from government-funded programs to institution-specific grants. This guide breaks down the main opportunities, eligibility requirements, and practical steps to secure financial aid.
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Types of Scholarships Available in Paris
Scholarships for international students in Paris generally fall into four categories:
- French Government Scholarships – such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the French Embassy grants.
- University-Specific Scholarships – offered by individual institutions like Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, or Université Paris Cité.
- EU and International Organization Grants – including Erasmus+ for European students and programs like the Fulbright for Americans.
- Private and Foundation Scholarships – from entities like the Fondation de France or corporate sponsors.
Top Paris Universities That Offer Scholarships for International Students
While not every university has a dedicated scholarship fund, many of the major institutions do. Below is a list of prominent Paris universities and their scholarship offerings for international students.
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University offers a limited number of scholarships for master’s and PhD students based on academic excellence. International students can apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship through Sorbonne, which covers tuition, living expenses, and travel. Additionally, the university has its own Master’s Scholarships for outstanding candidates.
PSL University (Université Paris Sciences et Lettres)
PSL University provides several funding options, including the PSL International Scholarships for master’s students and the PSL PhD Scholarships for doctoral candidates. These are highly competitive and cover tuition and a monthly stipend.
Sciences Po Paris
Sciences Po has a robust scholarship program for international students, especially from non-European countries. The Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship is a merit-based award that can cover full or partial tuition. There are also need-based grants and specific scholarships for students from certain regions (e.g., Africa, Asia).
Université Paris Cité
Université Paris Cité offers the International Master’s Scholarships for students from outside the EU. These are merit-based and provide a monthly allowance of €1,000 for up to 10 months. PhD students can apply for doctoral contracts.
Université Paris-Saclay
Paris-Saclay University awards the Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships to outstanding international students. The scholarship covers €10,000 per year for tuition and living costs, plus a travel grant. It is available for most master’s programs taught in English or French.
École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris
ENS Paris offers the International Selection Scholarships for students in sciences and humanities. Selected students receive a monthly stipend of about €1,000 and access to university housing. The scholarship is for the duration of the master’s program.
French Government Scholarships for International Students
The French government is a major source of funding for international students. Here are the most notable programs:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship is for master’s and PhD students in fields like engineering, economics, law, and political science. It covers tuition, monthly allowance (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD), health insurance, and international travel. Applications must be submitted through a partner French university.
French Embassy Scholarships
French embassies in many countries offer scholarships for students to study in France. These are often country-specific and may cover tuition, living expenses, or both. Check the France Campus website or your local embassy for details.
Erasmus+ and Other EU Programs
If you are from an EU/EEA country, Erasmus+ provides grants for study mobility. Non-EU students can also benefit from Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programs, which offer full scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
How to Apply for Scholarships to Paris Universities
Applying for scholarships requires careful planning. Here is a step-by-step checklist:
- Research early – Start at least 12 months before your intended start date.
- Identify your eligibility – Check nationality, academic background, and language requirements.
- Prepare documents – Transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs, DELF/DALF for French).
- Apply to the university first – Many scholarships require you to be admitted or have applied to a program.
- Submit scholarship application – Follow the specific instructions for each scholarship (often online).
- Meet deadlines – Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than program deadlines. For example, the Eiffel Scholarship deadline is usually in January for the following academic year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Missing deadlines – Create a calendar with all deadlines.
- Applying for too few scholarships – Apply to multiple to increase chances.
- Ignoring language requirements – Some scholarships require a certain level of French, even for English-taught programs.
- Submitting generic applications – Tailor your motivation letter to each scholarship.
- Overlooking small grants – Even partial scholarships can reduce costs significantly.
Practical Tips for Securing Funding
Beyond scholarships, consider these strategies:
- Work part-time – International students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours/week) in France.
- Apply for student housing subsidies – APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) from CAF can reduce rent.
- Look for assistantships – Teaching or research assistant positions at universities sometimes include tuition waivers.
- Check corporate sponsorships – Companies like L’Oréal, Total, and BNP Paribas offer scholarships for specific fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get full scholarships to study in Paris?
Yes, full scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship or the Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship cover tuition and living expenses. However, they are highly competitive.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate international students in Paris?
Most scholarships are for master’s and PhD levels, but some universities offer need-based grants for bachelor’s students. Check individual university websites.
Do I need to speak French to get a scholarship in Paris?
Not always. Many programs are taught in English, and scholarships like the Eiffel Scholarship do not require French proficiency. However, knowing French can broaden your options.
How do I find scholarships for Paris universities?
Use the Campus France website, the scholarship database on each university’s site, and search engines like ScholarshipPortal. Also, consult your home country’s French embassy.
Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Paris?
Yes, unless the scholarship explicitly prohibits it. Most scholarships allow part-time work up to the legal limit of 964 hours per year.
What is the deadline for the Eiffel Scholarship?
The deadline is typically in January for the following academic year. Exact dates vary, so check the Campus France website.
Your Next Steps: A Practical Checklist
To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship to study in Paris, follow this checklist:
- ☐ Identify 3-5 universities and their scholarship offerings.
- ☐ Check eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
- ☐ Prepare required documents (transcripts, CV, letters, test scores).
- ☐ Register for language tests if needed (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, DALF).
- ☐ Submit university applications before scholarship deadlines.
- ☐ Apply for at least two government scholarships (Eiffel, embassy).
- ☐ Apply for university-specific scholarships.
- ☐ Research external funding (Erasmus, foundations, corporate).
- ☐ Plan your budget including part-time work and housing aid.
- ☐ Confirm visa requirements and timeline.
With thorough research and early preparation, you can find the financial support you need. Paris universities do offer scholarships for international students, and many students succeed in funding their studies. Start today, and make your dream of studying in Paris a reality.
Photo by StartupStockPhotos on Pixabay
I noticed the Eiffel Scholarship is mentioned for Sorbonne. Can I apply directly to the university for it?
Good question. For the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, you cannot apply directly. The university nominates selected candidates. So you need to apply to a master’s or PhD program at Sorbonne (or another participating institution) and indicate your interest in the scholarship. The university then decides whether to nominate you.
What about scholarships for non-EU students who want to study in French? Are there programs that don’t require English?
Absolutely. Many scholarships are open to students studying in French, such as the French Embassy grants and some university-specific awards. For example, the Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships are available for programs taught in French as well as English. Just check the language requirements of each program.
Are there any scholarships for undergraduate students, or are they mostly for master’s and PhD?
Great question. While many scholarships are indeed aimed at master’s and PhD levels, there are some options for undergraduates, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (which includes bachelor’s for certain fields) and need-based grants at Sciences Po. Always check each university’s website for specific undergraduate funding.
I’m worried about the application deadlines. Do most scholarships have early deadlines, like in December or January?
Yes, many scholarship deadlines are early, often between December and February for the following academic year. For example, the Eiffel Scholarship deadline is usually in January, and the Paris-Saclay scholarship around February. However, some university-specific grants have later deadlines, so always check each program’s timeline carefully.
Thanks for the detailed guide! I’m particularly interested in Sciences Po’s Emile Boutmy Scholarship. Do you know if it covers living expenses too?
Glad you found it helpful! The Emile Boutmy Scholarship can cover full or partial tuition fees, but it does not typically include living expenses. However, Sciences Po also offers need-based grants that may help with living costs. It’s worth applying for both if you meet the criteria.
This is exactly what I needed. As an American, the Fulbright program sounds promising. Does it cover full tuition?
The Fulbright program for France typically provides a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs, but it does not usually cover full tuition. However, it can be combined with other funding. Also, note that Fulbright is highly competitive and requires a separate application through the Fulbright Commission in your country.