Are you aiming to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies at one of Europe’s top academic institutions? The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship at Université Paris-Saclay 2027 is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for international Master’s and PhD students worldwide. Developed by the Ministry in charge of Foreign Affairs, the France Excellence Eiffel scholarship program enables future foreign decision-makers from the public and private sectors to be trained each year in degree programs at Master’s and Doctoral level. It is the University of Paris-Saclay that accepts, supports and submits the application file to Campus France.
Established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship program attracts high-achieving international talent to build future global decision-makers. Université Paris-Saclay—consistently ranked among the best universities globally for Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering—acts as a premier host institution for these awards. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Université Paris-Saclay Eiffel Scholarship 2027 application cycle. From internal university deadlines and program eligibility to realistic living costs and application tips, here is your roadmap to studying in France.
Basic Information About the Scholarship 2027
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is an institution-nominated grant designed to fund international candidates applying for Master’s (M1 or M2) and PhD programs in France. You cannot apply directly to Campus France; you must first apply to Université Paris-Saclay, which selects top candidates and submits their applications to the national selection committee on their behalf.
- Host University: Université Paris-Saclay, France
- Funding Body: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (managed by Campus France)
- Study Level: Master’s (M1 for 24 months, M2 for 12 months) and PhD (12 to 18 months under joint supervision / cotutelle)
- Target Audience: International students from all countries (excluding French citizens)
- Internal Paris-Saclay Deadlines (Academic Year 2027–2028):
- PhD Internal Deadline: Early November 2026 (typically November 6 via ADUM)
- Master’s Internal Deadline: Late November 2026 (typically November 26 via program coordinators)
- Campus France National Deadline: January 6, 2027
- Official Result Announcement: April 12, 2027
University & Institution Details: Université Paris-Saclay
Located just south of Paris, Université Paris-Saclay is an elite research university hub. It combines top French engineering schools (Grandes Écoles such as CentraleSupélec and AgroParisTech), cutting-edge laboratories (CNRS, CEA, Inria), and major academic faculties into an interdisciplinary ecosystem.
Paris-Saclay is internationally recognized for scientific research, topping European rankings in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, and Life Sciences. Scholars at Paris-Saclay gain access to world-class facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a global network of industrial and academic research partners.
Eligible Study Areas & Available Programs
The Eiffel Scholarship is restricted to specific priority fields defined by Campus France. At Université Paris-Saclay, your degree program must fall into one of the following official domains:
Science and Technology
- Biology and Health: Biotechnology, Medical Sciences, Genetics, Integrated Immunology, Bioinformatics.
- Ecological Transition: Environmental Sciences, Energy Transition, Agronomy, Sustainable Development.
- Mathematics and Digital Sciences: Pure/Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity.
- Engineering Sciences: Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science.
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Economics and Management: Economics, International Business, Innovation Management, Finance.
- Law and Political Science: European/International Law, Public Governance, Political Economy.
- Humanities: History, Philosophy, Digital Humanities, Applied Languages.
Université Paris-Saclay Eiffel Scholarship Benefits
The Paris-Saclay University International Scholarship 2026 provides generous financial support to help you cover living and study-related costs.
Main benefits include:
Master’s Level
- Monthly allowance: €1,200 per month.
- Accommodation assistance: Support in finding suitable accommodation in France.
- Travel expenses: Coverage of international travel costs, including transportation to and from France.
- Health insurance: Medical and social insurance coverage.
- Cultural activities: Access to cultural activities and opportunities to experience French culture.
- Additional services: Direct coverage of several services provided under the Eiffel programme.
Doctoral Level (PhD)
- Monthly allowance: €2,100 per month.
- Accommodation assistance: Support in finding accommodation.
- Travel expenses: Coverage of eligible international travel costs.
- Health insurance: Medical and social insurance coverage.
- Cultural activities: Opportunities to participate in cultural activities.
- Additional services: Direct coverage of several services under the programme.
Scholarship Duration
- Master’s 1: Up to 24 months.
- Master’s 2: Up to 12 months.
- PhD: 12, 18, or 36 months, depending on the enrolment year and eligibility conditions.
Benefits Not Included
Despite its strong package, the Paris-Saclay University International Scholarship does not cover every possible expense. Typical items not included:
- Direct Academic Tuition Fees: The Eiffel Scholarship program does not pay a separate “tuition fee” grant directly to universities. However, public university tuition in France for national diplomas is exempted or significantly reduced for Eiffel scholars. (Note: Specialized private Master’s or university-specific fees must be verified with Paris-Saclay).
- Visa Application Fees: Administrative fees charged by French Consulates or VFS Global in your home country are generally paid out of pocket.
- Dependent Support: The scholarship does not provide additional financial allowances, travel tickets, or housing support for spouses or children.
- Initial Security Deposit: You must cover the standard 1-month rental security deposit upon arrival before housing subsidies kick in.
Eligibility Criteria for the Université Paris-Saclay Eiffel Scholarship
The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships target new international students who have never or rarely studied in France and who show strong academic potential.
Master’s Degree
- Must be an international student (French citizens and dual nationals with French citizenship are not eligible).
- Must be born after March 31, 1997 (29 years or younger on March 31, 2027).
- Must apply for a Master’s programme under initial education.
- Must apply in one of the eligible academic fields:
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital Technology
- Engineering Sciences
- History
- French Language and Civilization
- Law
- Political Science
- Economics and Management
- Students already studying or living in France are not eligible.
- Only first-time applicants can apply.
- A candidate can be nominated by only one French institution.
- The scholarship cannot be combined with another French government scholarship.
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
- Must be an international applicant.
- Must be born after March 31, 1991 (35 years or younger on March 31, 2027).
- Must apply for a PhD in one of the eligible academic fields listed above.
- Only first-time doctoral scholarship applicants are eligible.
- Only one French institution can nominate a candidate.
- The scholarship cannot be combined with another French government scholarship.
Required Documents for the Application
To build a strong Paris-Saclay University International Scholarship 2026 application, you will usually need:
Master’s Level
Prepare the following documents:
- Copy of passport or national identity card.
- Updated CV (1–2 pages, in English or French).
- Copies of previously obtained degrees.
- Official academic ranking certificate.
- Academic transcripts from all higher education years.
- French language proficiency certificate (if the programme is taught in French and applicable).
- Professional project statement (1–2 pages, in English or French).
The professional project statement should explain:
- Your academic background.
- Why you selected the programme.
- Why you want to study in France.
- Your future professional goals.
A recommendation letter from someone outside your educational institution, such as an employer or internship supervisor, may also be included.
PhD
Applicants must submit:
- Copy of passport or national identity card.
- International joint-supervision agreement or supporting document.
- Overall thesis funding plan.
- CV (1–2 pages).
- Current academic-year enrolment certificate, if applicable.
- Academic transcripts from the last three years.
- Copies of postgraduate degrees.
- Cover letter and professional career plan (1–2 pages).
- Thesis research proposal and progress report (1–5 pages).
- Academic assessment of the research topic by an independent university professor or research director.
Shortlisted candidates may also need:
- Research-language proficiency certificate, if applicable.
- Assessment from the Paris-Saclay thesis supervisor.
- Recommendation from the host laboratory director.
- Recommendation from the doctoral school director.
- CV of the independent professor who evaluated the research proposal.
Université Paris-Saclay Eiffel Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Application Process – Master’s Degree
- Visit the Paris-Saclay Master’s programme catalogue.
- Select a suitable Master’s programme.
- Contact the programme coordinator before November 26, 2026.
- Introduce your academic background, grades, class ranking, professional experience, and future career goals.
- The programme coordinator will consider your application for the Eiffel Scholarship.
- The university will conduct an internal selection process.
- Selected candidates will be nominated to Campus France.
Important:
- Only one application per student will be considered.
- Engineering programmes at Polytech Paris-Saclay are not eligible.
- Applying for the Eiffel Scholarship does not replace the regular Master’s admission process.
- Regular Master’s applications will begin in February 2027.
Application Process – PhD
- Applications are open from October 1 to November 6, 2026.
- Applications must be submitted through the ADUM platform.
- Applicants must have or be preparing an international joint-supervision agreement between a French and a foreign university.
- A signed agreement or supporting document proving the joint-supervision arrangement is required.
- The university will conduct an internal selection before forwarding shortlisted applications.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Provide Verified Academic Rankings: The selection jury places immense weight on academic excellence. Including an official, signed certificate showing your class ranking (e.g., ranked 2nd out of 120) significantly boosts your application score compared to presenting a GPA alone.
- Craft a Coherent Professional Project: Your motivation letter shouldn’t just praise France. Clearly explain: What skills will this specific program give you? What exact career position will you hold after graduation, and how will you apply your training?
- Target English-Taught Programs Early: You do not need to be fluent in French to apply. Paris-Saclay offers numerous Master’s and doctoral tracks taught entirely in English. Ensure your English test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) meet department thresholds.
- Beat Internal Deadlines: Many applicants fail simply by confusing the Campus France national deadline (January) with the internal university deadline (November). Always submit your file early to give academic coordinators time to review your application.
Monthly Living Expenses in France for International Students
Although your monthly stipend (€1,200 for Master’s; €2,000–€2,100 for PhD) easily covers your basic costs, knowing how to manage your budget in the Paris metropolitan region is essential. Below is an estimated breakdown of monthly living costs in USD ($):
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Accommodation (Rent) | $500 – $850 | Lower with CROUS student housing and CAF subsidies |
| Food & Groceries | $250 – $400 | Cooking at home and using university dining halls (Resto U) |
| Public Transportation | $45 – $90 | Student Navigo monthly pass for Paris/Île-de-France region |
| Health Insurance & Misc. | $40 – $70 | Covered mostly by French Social Security and Eiffel benefits |
| Academic Supplies & Tech | $30 – $60 | Books, lab accessories, and printing allowances |
| Leisure & Social Life | $150 – $250 | Museums, social outings, and regional travel |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $1,015 – $1,720 / month | Fully offset by your Eiffel Monthly Allowance! |
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Key Reasons)
- Academic Excellence at Paris-Saclay: Studying at Université Paris-Saclay places you inside one of Europe’s top scientific and research institutions.
- Full Financial Independence: The generous monthly stipend allows you to focus 100% on your studies and research without needing part-time jobs.
- Comprehensive Administrative Support: Campus France assists laureates with visa procedures, accommodation arrangements, travel bookings, and health coverage.
- Global Alumni Network: Becoming an Eiffel laureate grants you membership to an elite international community of alumni, connecting you with global decision-makers in research, industry, and governance.
- Gateway to Europe: Living in the Paris region gives you seamless connections to explore France and the Schengen zone, enriching your cultural experience alongside your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply directly for the Eiffel Scholarship without a university?
No. Applications submitted directly by students to Campus France are automatically rejected. You must be nominated by a participating French institution like Université Paris-Saclay.
Do I need to speak French to apply for programs at Paris-Saclay?
Not necessarily. Many Master’s and PhD programs at Paris-Saclay are taught completely in English. You only need to demonstrate language proficiency (French or English) matching your program’s language of instruction.
Can dual citizens holding French nationality apply?
No. Candidates who hold French citizenship, even as a dual nationality, are ineligible for the Eiffel Scholarship.
What happens if I am already studying in France when I apply?
If you are applying for a Master’s degree and are already studying in France, you are ineligible. However, doctoral candidates studying abroad or participating in joint PhD programs may qualify under specific conditions.
Application Calendar
| Important activities | Dates |
|---|---|
| Scholarship call published | October 1, 2026 |
| Internal application deadline | November 26, 2026 |
| Internal selection results | December 7, 2026 |
| Final scholarship results | Week of April 12, 2027 |
