Dreaming of pursuing a top-tier Master’s or PhD degree on the breathtaking Mediterranean island of Corsica without worrying about living costs? The University of Corsica Eiffel Scholarship 2027 in France offers international students a prestigious opportunity to achieve academic excellence at one of Europe’s most unique public universities. The Eiffel scholarship program developed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs allows French higher education institutions to attract the best first-time foreign students to Master’s and PhD degree programs. Combining fully funded financial allowances with the world-class academic environment of the University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli (Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli), this scholarship opens doors to high-impact international careers.
This guide details everything you need to know about the 2027 application cycle, including program options, benefits, step-by-step submission rules, living expenses, and insider tips.
Basic Information About the Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (Bourse d’Excellence Eiffel) is designed for outstanding foreign students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs in France.
- Host Institution: University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli (Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli)
- Official name: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship.
- Funded by: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
- Purpose: To attract outstanding international students to study in France.
- Study levels: Master’s and PhD.
- Important: Students cannot apply directly. A French university must nominate and submit their application.
- Degree Levels: Master’s (M1, M2, or Engineering Degree) and PhD / Doctorate
- Target Audience: Non-French international students under specific age limits
- Internal University Deadline: Typically ranges from November 15 to December 1, 2026 (to allow internal screening).
- National Campus France Deadline: January 6, 2027.
- Results Announcement: Mid-April 2027.
Duration of the Scholarship
Master’s level
- M1 (first year): Up to 24 months.
- M2 (second year): Up to 12 months.
- Engineering degree: Up to 36 months.
- Intensive preparatory language training may receive up to one additional month of scholarship support, but the training cost itself is not covered.
PhD level
- First-year PhD, eligible new arrivals: Up to 36 months, subject to the program’s conditions.
- First- or second-year PhD: Up to 18 months.
- Second- or third-year PhD: Up to 12 months.
- Some 12- or 18-month awards can be divided into separate stays in France, subject to the rules.
- The funded stay must begin in France between 1 September and 30 November 2027.
- Scholarship funding covers eligible periods spent in France, subject to specific exceptions.
- Deferring the scholarship is not permitted.
- Master’s students cannot hold an apprenticeship or work-study contract while receiving the scholarshi
University Details: The University of Corsica Experience
Founded in 1765 and reopened in 1981, the University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli is located in Corte, the historic heart of Corsica. Hosting roughly 4,600 students, it delivers a deeply supportive, tight-knit academic atmosphere alongside cutting-edge research facilities.
The university is renowned for its specialized research in renewable energy, environmental science, Mediterranean ecosystems, and digital technologies. Through its engineering school (Paoli Tech), specialized faculties, and joint CNRS research units (like Sciences pour l’Environnement), the university bridges academic research with sustainable development.
Study Areas & Available Programs
The Eiffel Scholarship covers seven core academic fields split across two broad categories:
The scholarship covers seven broad thematic fields.
Science and technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital Technology
- Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
- French History, Language and Civilization
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
Important for social science students: Public Administration, Development Studies, Sociology, and Urban Planning are not explicitly listed as separate fields. Eligibility depends on the selected program’s subject area and how the French institution classifies it. You should confirm this with the university before applying.
University of Corsica Eiffel Scholarship Benefits: What is Funded?
The Eiffel Scholarship offers high-level financial support, shielding international scholars from financial burden:
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- Master’s Candidates: €1,200 per month (approx. $1,300 USD).
- PhD Candidates: €1,800 per month (approx. $1,950 USD).
- International Travel: Round-trip economy flight between your home country and France.
- Domestic Transport: Train travel inside France to reach Corte/Corsica upon arrival.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Social Security coverage paired with supplemental insurance.
- Housing Assistance: Priority access to public student housing (CROUS residences) and rental subsidies.
- Cultural Activities: Access to subsidized international excursions and leadership events.
Benefits Not Included
While the Eiffel award is extensive, candidates should account for certain personal costs:
- University Tuition Fees: The Eiffel scholarship itself does not pay tuition fees directly to the university. However, French public universities waive administrative tuition fees for French Government Scholarship (BGF) winners pursuing national diplomas.
- Visa Application Fees: Local VFS/Campus France processing charges in your home country.
- Family Expenses: Additional allowances for spouses or dependents are not covered.
- Pre-Departure Tech Supplies: Personal laptops or specialized research gear.
Eligibility Criteria for University of Corsica Eiffel Scholarship
To qualify for nomination by the University of Corsica, applicants must meet the following requirements set by Campus France:
For Master’s applicants
- Must be a foreign national.
- Must be 29 years old or younger under the 2027 campaign rules.
- Must have been born after 31 March 1997.
- Must apply for an eligible Master’s or engineering program.
- Must meet the academic and language requirements of the chosen university.
- Must be nominated by a French higher education institution.
- Must be applying for the first time at the Master’s level under the Eiffel program.
- Must not already be studying in France at the Master’s level.
For PhD applicants
- Must be a foreign national.
- Must be 35 years old or younger under the 2027 campaign rules.
- Must have been born after 31 March 1991.
- Must meet the doctoral program’s academic requirements.
- Must be nominated by a French university.
- Must not have previously received an Eiffel doctoral scholarship.
Other important conditions
- Applicants with French nationality alongside another nationality are not eligible.
- Applicants cannot combine the Eiffel scholarship with another scholarship funded by the French government.
- The proposed degree must fall within an eligible field of study.
- Students cannot apply directly to Campus France; the French university must submit the application.
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Applicants with dual nationality, including French nationality.
- Master’s applicants already studying in France.
- Applicants whose previous Eiffel application was rejected at the same study level, even if they apply through a different university or field.
- Applicants who have already received an Eiffel Master’s scholarship and want another Eiffel Master’s scholarship.
- Applicants who have already received an Eiffel PhD scholarship and want another one at the doctoral level.
- Applicants pursuing a Master’s program that does not meet the scholarship’s eligibility rules.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted directly to Campus France rather than through an eligible French institution.
Selection Criteria
The scholarship aims to select outstanding international candidates. Important considerations include:
- Academic excellence.
- Strength of the candidate’s application.
- Relevance of the chosen field of study.
- Quality and clarity of the professional or research project.
- Suitability for the chosen Master’s or PhD program.
- The university’s assessment and nomination.
Required Documents for the Application
All official documents must be translated into French or English:
For Master’s applicants
- Passport or national identity document.
- CV (maximum two pages).
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or latest available academic degree documents.
- Academic transcripts for the last three years.
- Academic ranking or other evidence of academic excellence, if available.
- English or French language certificate, if required.
- Professional career plan (one to two pages).
- Signed candidate declaration and commitment form.
- Curriculum and complete academic calendar of the selected program.
- Accreditation documents for eligible MSc programs, where applicable.
- Double-degree agreement, if applicable.
Additional documents for PhD applicants
- Research proposal (maximum five pages).
- External expert’s evaluation of the research project’s scientific value.
- Expert’s CV (maximum two pages).
- Overall PhD funding plan.
- Signed co-supervision or joint-supervision agreement, where applicable.
Note: The French university may request additional documents for its internal selection process.
University of Corsica Eiffel Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Because individual direct submissions are rejected by Campus France, you must strictly follow this internal nomination sequence:
You must follow these steps:
- Choose a French university offering an eligible Master’s or PhD program.
- Contact the university’s international relations office or relevant department.
- Prepare your pre-application according to that university’s internal deadline.
- The university evaluates candidates and decides whom to nominate.
- The selected university submits your application to Campus France.
- Wait for the official results, expected in April 2027.
Remember: You cannot submit your own application directly to Campus France.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Connect Early with Supervisors: For research and PhD applicants, securing early support from a research director at the University of Corsica dramatically boosts your chances of university nomination.
- Align with Corsica’s Research Priorities: Highlight how your studies align with regional priorities, such as Mediterranean environmental protection, smart grid energy, or local economic innovation.
- Show Global Ambition: The Eiffel award targets future decision-makers. Clearly explain how your education in France will enable you to solve key challenges in your home country or sector.
- Polish Your CV: Structure your CV using European formatting standards (e.g., Europass or standard French academic templates).
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Corsica (in USD)
Corte is a university town, making living costs lower than major metropolitan French cities like Paris or Lyon. Below is an estimated breakdown converted into USD ($):
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Accommodation | $300 – $550 | CROUS student housing vs. private studio rentals in Corte |
| Food & Groceries | $220 – $320 | Cooking at home and eating at subsidized CROUS dining halls |
| Transport & Travel | $30 – $60 | Local buses, trains, and bike rentals across the island |
| Utilities & Phone/Internet | $40 – $70 | Electricity, heating, and mobile data plans |
| Health Insurance / Extras | $30 – $50 | Out-of-pocket health items and personal insurance |
| Social Life & Recreation | $120 – $200 | Cafes, hiking trips, outdoor activities, and leisure |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $740 – $1,250 / month | Fully covered by your €1,200 – €1,800 monthly stipend! |
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)
- Unmatched Financial Support: A monthly stipend of €1,200 to €1,800 plus free flights and healthcare guarantees a stress-free academic experience.
- Specialized Research Hubs: Access state-of-the-art research laboratories focusing on renewable energy (Paoli Tech), environmental preservation, and Mediterranean studies.
- High Quality of Life: Study in a safe, scenic environment surrounded by mountains and beaches, offering a healthy study-life balance.
- Priority Student Housing: Eiffel Scholars receive priority placement in affordable, government-backed student housing (CROUS).
- Gateway to European Networks: Earn a globally recognized French national degree that opens career opportunities across Europe and worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for the Eiffel Scholarship directly on Campus France?
No. Direct student applications are rejected. You must apply through an eligible French university (like the University of Corsica), which submits the application on your behalf.
Do I need to speak fluent French?
Not necessarily. While many programs are taught in French, the University of Corsica offers English-taught modules and programs. However, basic French skills are helpful for daily life on the island.
Is tuition completely free for Eiffel winners?
Eiffel recipients pursuing national Master’s or PhD degrees at public French universities are exempt from standard public tuition fees under government regulations.
Can I work part-time while on this scholarship?
Yes. International students in France holding a valid student residence permit are legally allowed to work part-time (up to 60% of the annual legal limit), though your monthly stipend is usually sufficient to cover all living costs.
Important Dates
| Event | Deadline/date |
|---|---|
| Application campaign opens | 2 October 2026 |
| Student pre-application deadline at the University of Corsica | 27 November 2026, 5 p.m. |
| University selection begins | 1 December 2026 |
| Final deadline for French institutions to submit applications | 6 January 2027 |
| Results announced | Week of 12 April 2027 |
These dates are specifically for the University of Corsica’s 2027 campaign. Other French universities may set different internal deadlines.
