France Excellence Eiffel scholarship for International Students

Scholarship Overview

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program is a prestigious award managed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It provides funding for high-achieving international students to pursue master’s and PhD studies at the University of Paris-Saclay in France. This program is designed to attract future international decision-makers in both the private and public sectors. It is essential to note that the scholarship requires an institutional nomination, meaning you must be accepted into a program at the university to be considered for the funding.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, international students are eligible to apply, provided they meet the specific age, nationality, and academic requirements. While Paris-Saclay University highlights a list of priority countries, international students from nations outside this list—including Pakistan—are generally eligible to compete for the award, provided they meet all other criteria. Pakistani applicants must ensure they are not current residents of France.

Funding and Benefits

The scholarship provides significant financial support to cover living costs and associated services. As of January 2026, the funding components include:

• Master’s level: €1,200 per month.
• PhD level: €2,100 per month.
• Additional Benefits: Recipients gain access to university laboratories, research networks, and the EUGLOH European University Alliance community.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Age Limits: Master’s applicants must be born after March 31, 1996. PhD applicants must be born after March 31, 1990.
• Status: Must be an international student and not currently studying in France. Candidates must not hold any other French government scholarship.
• Application History: This must be your first time applying for the scholarship at the specific level (Master's or PhD).
• Fields of Study: Eligible disciplines include Biology and Health, Ecological Transition, Mathematics and Digital, Science and Engineering, French History/Language/Civilization, Law and Political Sciences, and Economics and Management.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following in either English or French:

• Valid passport or national ID.
• Professional CV (1–2 pages).
• Transcripts and certificates of previous higher education.
• Motivation letter/professional project (1–2 pages).
• Up to 3 letters of recommendation.
• Language proficiency certificate.
• University enrollment certificate (if applicable).
• PhD only: Research project (1–5 pages) and scientific evaluation from a full professor.

Application Timeline

• Master's Application: October 1, 2025, to November 9, 2025.
• PhD Application: October 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet age and nationality criteria.
2. University Admission: Apply directly to your chosen master’s or PhD program at the University of Paris-Saclay, as the Eiffel application is not independent.
3. Prepare Documentation: Organize all required academic and personal documents into single PDF files.
4. Submission: Submit your application through the official university portal by the relevant deadlines in 2025.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

As the Eiffel scholarship is highly competitive, Pakistani students should focus on securing strong academic references and a clear, compelling professional project in their motivation letter. Since the university performs an internal review, ensure your admission application to Paris-Saclay is polished and submitted well before the internal deadlines.

Important Terms and Limitations

French dual citizens are strictly ineligible for this award. Furthermore, the duration of funding varies by program (12 to 36 months) and is subject to the specific terms set by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ensure you verify the exact requirements for your specific degree track on the university's official portal before submitting your documentation.