French Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme 2026 – Fully Funded Study in France

Applications are now open for the French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme 2026, an initiative by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs that enables outstanding international students to pursue Master’s or Doctoral studies in France.

This prestigious and fully funded scholarship aims to develop future leaders in key sectors by offering them access to France’s world-class institutions, cutting-edge research, and global academic networks.

What Is the Eiffel Excellence Programme?

The Eiffel Excellence Programme was created to attract top international talent to French universities and research institutions. It supports students at both the Master’s and PhD levels — including engineering degrees and joint doctoral programmes (co-supervised or dual degrees) — with the goal of preparing future decision-makers to tackle global challenges in areas of strategic importance to France.

The programme prioritises academic excellence, leadership potential, and the ability to make a positive impact within one’s home country after completion of studies.

Areas of Study

The Eiffel Scholarship covers seven key fields, grouped into two major categories:

Science and Technology

• Biology and Health
• Ecological Transition
• Mathematics and Digital Sciences
• Engineering Sciences

Humanities and Social Sciences

• History, French Language, and Civilisation
• Law and Political Science
• Economics and Management

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a non-French national. Dual nationals with French citizenship are not eligible.
• For the Master’s track, applicants must be under 29 years old at the time of application.
• For the PhD track, applicants must be under 35 years old.
• Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential.
• All applications must be submitted through a French higher education institution that agrees to sponsor the candidate. Individual applications without university nomination will not be considered.

Duration of the Scholarship

The duration of funding depends on the level of study:

• Master’s degree: Up to 12 months for the second year (M2), up to 24 months for the first and second years (M1 + M2), and up to 36 months for engineering programmes.
• Doctoral degree (PhD): Up to 12 to 36 months, depending on the project and institutional structure.

Scholarships typically begin in September 2026, aligning with the French academic calendar.

Scholarship Benefits

The Eiffel Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies and research without financial stress. Benefits include:

• Monthly allowance: Approximately €1,200 for Master’s students and around €2,100 for PhD students.
• International travel: A return air ticket from the scholar’s home country to France.
• Domestic travel support: Transport assistance within France for study-related purposes.
• Health and social insurance coverage.
• Housing support and cultural activities.
• Assistance in securing accommodation through Campus France and partner institutions.

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While tuition fees are not directly covered by the programme, most public institutions in France already offer affordable education, and many partner universities provide tuition waivers to Eiffel scholars.

Application Timeline

Here are the key dates for the 2026 application cycle:

Application Process

1. Identify a French institution that offers your desired Master’s or PhD programme.
2. Contact the institution early to express your interest in being nominated for the Eiffel Scholarship.
3. The institution will evaluate your profile and decide whether to support your nomination.
4. If nominated, the institution will submit your application to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on your behalf.
5. Wait for the results to be announced in March 2026.

Applicants are typically required to submit:

• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Proof of nationality and age
• Research proposal or motivation statement (for PhD applicants)
• Letters of recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

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Why This Scholarship Matters for Nigerian and African Students

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship opens doors to an extraordinary academic and cultural experience in France. It gives young Africans the chance to gain world-class education, expand their professional networks, and contribute to solving pressing global issues upon returning home.

Beyond academic excellence, this scholarship promotes cultural exchange and innovation. It strengthens international cooperation and creates a new generation of leaders who are globally minded yet locally impactful.

For many Nigerian students, studying in France under the Eiffel Programme represents not just an academic journey, but a life-changing opportunity to grow, connect, and lead on the world stage.

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 is more than a funding opportunity, it’s an investment in leadership, knowledge, and cross-cultural collaboration.

If you’re an ambitious graduate or researcher with strong academic performance and a passion for impact, this scholarship could be your pathway to world-class education and transformative global exposure.

Start preparing now, contact your preferred French institution, and submit your application before 8 January 2026. France awaits your brilliance.

APPLY HERE