Are you aiming to pursue your postgraduate studies in Europe without taking on heavy student debt? The University of Orléans Scholarships 2027 in France offer an extraordinary gateway for international students to earn a Master’s or PhD degree at a historic institution. Situated in the heart of France’s Loire Valley, the University of Orléans collaborates with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (notably through the flagship France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship scheme) and regional research councils to offer fully funded and partial funding packages.

The Eiffel scholarship program is a tool developed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to enable French higher education institutions to attract the best international students to Master’s and doctoral degree programs . Whether you want to study in English or French, this comprehensive guide walks you through key deadlines, degree tracks, financial benefits, living expenses, and step-by-step application instructions for the 2027 academic year.

Basic Information About the Scholarships

The scholarship opportunities at the University of Orléans cater to high-achieving international candidates who wish to pursue full-time Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) studies in France.

• Host Country: France
• Host Institution: University of Orléans (Université d’Orléans)
• Scholarship name: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
• Funding body: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
• Study levels: Master’s and PhD
• Purpose: To attract excellent international students to French universities and prepare future leaders in the public and private sectors.4
• Two parts:
  • Master’s Scholarship: Provides funding for a Master’s degree for 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on the program.
  • PhD Scholarship: Provides funding for research stays in France for 12, 18, or 36 months, depending on the applicant’s situation and the scholarship rules.
• Application Deadlines for 2027 Intake:
  • Internal University Eiffel Pre-Selection Deadline: The deadline for the University of Orléans’ 2027–2028 Eiffel Scholarship campaign is November 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (UTC+1).
  • National Campus France Deadline: Wednesday, January 6, 2027.

Scholarship Duration

Your study period must begin between September 1 and November 30, 2027.

For Master’s students:

• First year of Master’s (M1): Up to 24 months.
• Second year of Master’s (M2): Up to 12 months.
• Engineering degree: Up to 36 months.

For PhD students:

• Up to 36 months for eligible first-year PhD students who are new to France and meet the program conditions.
• Up to 18 months for eligible students in the first or second year.
• Up to 12 months for eligible students in the second or third year.
• The exact duration depends on the applicant’s PhD year and eligibility.

University/Institution Details: The Orléans Advantage

Founded originally in 1306, the University of Orléans is one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions, modernly restructured into a leading multidisciplinary research center. Located just one hour south of Paris in the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, the university boasts a expansive, green campus in Orléans-La Source alongside specialized satellite campuses in Chartres, Bourges, and Châteauroux.

The university maintains strong ties with top French research bodies such as the CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) and BRGM (French Geological Survey). Its close proximity to Paris combined with lower regional living costs makes it an ideal environment for international scholars seeking high-impact research opportunities in a safe, historic setting.

Study Areas & Available Programs

The scholarship frameworks at the University of Orléans cover a broad selection of programs across both English-taught and French-taught tracks.

Eligible Fields of Study Under the Eiffel Framework:

1. Science and Technology:
   • Biology and Health
   • Ecological Transition (Environmental Sustainability)
   • Mathematics and Digital Technology
   • Engineering Sciences
2. Humanities and Social Sciences:
   • French History, Language and Civilization
   • Law and Political Science
   • Economics and Management

Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients

If you receive the Eiffel Scholarship, you must:

• Attend classes and participate regularly in your academic program.
• Sit all required examinations.
• Follow the rules and discipline of your university.
• Submit your enrollment certificate at the beginning of each academic year.
• Provide proof of social security registration within the required period.
• Send academic progress information to Campus France twice a year when requested.
• Inform Campus France before an internship, international exchange, or gap year.
• Acknowledge the scholarship in publications produced as part of the funded project.

University of Orléans Scholarships Benefits:

Recipients of the premier France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship at Orléans receive a comprehensive financial package designed to cover major living and operational costs:

• Monthly allowance for Master’s students: €1,200.
• Monthly allowance for PhD students: €2,000, according to the 2027 program implementation information. Campus France
• International travel: Support for travel between France and the recipient’s home country, subject to program rules.
  • The scholarship covers eligible international travel in economy class.
  • The journey is based on the international airports nearest your home and your French study destination.
  • Return travel after graduation
    • You have 12 months after your scholarship ends to request your return ticket.
• Local transportation: Certain transportation costs within France are covered.
• Insurance: Health insurance support.
• Accommodation: Assistance with finding accommodation.
• Cultural activities: Opportunities to participate in cultural activities in France.
  • Short cultural trips lasting approximately three to four days.
  • Visits to French regions or European capitals.
  • Sports and recreational activities.
  • Cultural performances and events.
  • Activities that help international students meet other scholarship recipients.

Benefits Not Included

While the overall package is generous, applicants should budget for a few specific out-of-pocket items:

• CVEC Fee: The mandatory French student life and campus tax (Contribution de Vie Etudiante et de Campus), which is around €100–€105 per year.
• Personal Laptop/Tech Upgrades: You must supply your own computer and academic electronics.
• Family/Dependent Support
• Security Deposits: Upfront rental deposits for housing (often refundable upon lease completion).

The scholarship does not automatically cover all tuition or program fees. Check the fees and any applicable exemptions with your chosen university

Eligibility Criteria for the University of Orléans Scholarships

To qualify for the 2027 scholarship selection at the University of Orléans, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Applicants must be foreign nationals. Applicants with dual nationality that includes French nationality are not eligible.
• Age limit for
  • Master’s: Applicants must meet the 2027 age rule—generally born after March 31, 1997.
  • PhD: Applicants must meet the 2027 age rule—generally born after March 31, 1991.
• Eligible study levels: Master’s degrees, eligible engineering degrees, and qualifying PhD arrangements.
• Master’s applicants: Those already studying in France at the time of application are generally not eligible.
• Academic profile: The program is highly competitive and targets academically excellent students.
• Previous applications: Previous Eiffel scholarship awards or unsuccessful applications at the same study level can make an applicant ineligible under the program rules. Check the current rules before applying. Université Paris-Saclay+2
• Master’s programs must be officially accredited by the French government.
• PhD applicants must apply through a joint-supervision or co-supervision arrangement with a partner institution abroad.
• Applicants cannot apply directly to Campus France; a French institution must nominate them.
• Others
  • The Eiffel Scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
  • Students must be nominated by a French university or higher education institution. Students cannot apply directly to Campus France.
  • Campus France manages the scholarship and supports students during their stay in France.
  • The scholarship cannot be combined with:
    • Another French government scholarship.
    • An Erasmus+ scholarship.
    • A scholarship from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.
  • If you receive an incompatible scholarship, you must give up one of them.
  • You must enroll at the French institution that nominated you.

Rules and Conditions

• Application through a university: Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. A French university must select and nominate them.
• One institution only: Applicants cannot be nominated by multiple institutions for the same application campaign.
• Enrollment requirement: Successful applicants must enroll at the French institution that nominated them.
• Start date: Studies must begin between September 1 and November 30, 2027.
• No postponement: The scholarship cannot be deferred to a later academic year.
• Academic progress: Recipients must attend classes, take examinations, and meet their university’s academic requirements.
• Reporting requirements: Recipients must provide proof of enrollment and report their academic progress to Campus France as required.

Splitting a PhD Scholarship into Several Periods

• Certain PhD scholarships can be divided into multiple stays in France.
• The 36-month scholarship cannot be divided in this way.
• Each funded stay must last at least six months.
• The funded stays must fit within a total period of three years.
• For example, an 18-month scholarship may be divided into three stays of six months each.
• You must provide Campus France with your schedule during your first stay.
• Any changes must be reported at least two months before the next stay.
• A salaried doctoral contract is incompatible with the Eiffel Scholarship and results in immediate termination.

Mandatory internships or exchanges

• An internship or exchange must be officially required for your degree and listed in the course curriculum.
• You must obtain approval from your academic supervisor.
• You must inform Campus France before leaving France.
• For an internship, the required agreement must be sent to Campus France at least one week before it begins.
• Funding may continue for certain mandatory placements abroad, subject to the scholarship’s rules and duration limits.

Optional internships or exchanges

• If an internship or exchange is optional, your scholarship allowance will normally stop for the period spent on it.
• If you undertake an internship in your home country or in a country whose nationality you hold, the scholarship stops during that period, even if the internship is mandatory.

Required Documents for the Application

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic standing, achievements, publications, and relevant work experience.
2. Statement of Purpose / Cover Letter: A clear, well-structured letter explaining your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the University of Orléans.
3. Official Academic Transcripts: Transcripts covering the last three years of higher education.
4. Proof of Ranking: Official documentation from your university indicating your class rank (e.g., top 5% or top 10% of your graduating class).
5. Language Proficiency Certificates: Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL) or French (DELF B2/DALF C1) proficiency.
6. Copy of Passport: Valid passport identification page.
7. Research Proposal (PhD Candidates Only): A detailed research plan co-signed or endorsed by an Orléans research laboratory supervisor.

University of Orléans Scholarships Step-by-Step Application Process

You cannot apply directly to Campus France for this scholarship as an individual student. The University of Orléans must pre-select and nominate your file.

1. Choose a French university. Find a university offering a Master’s or PhD program in an eligible field.
2. Check the specific course. Confirm that your chosen program is eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship.
3. Contact the university. Reach out to its international relations office or scholarship coordinator and ask about its internal application procedure.
4. Submit your university application or pre-application. Follow the university’s own requirements and deadline, which may be earlier than the national deadline.
5. Wait for the university’s decision. The university reviews applicants and decides whom to nominate.
6. University submits the scholarship application. If selected, the university sends your application to Campus France.
7. Wait for the final results.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Highlight Class Ranking Early: The Eiffel selection committee prioritizes academic excellence. Having an official certificate stating you were in the top 5% of your graduating class significantly strengthens your file.
• Tailor the Cover Letter specifically to Orléans: Avoid sending a generic cover letter about studying in France. Clearly state why the faculty, research labs, or specific degree modules at the University of Orléans fit your future goals.
• Connect with a PhD Supervisor (Doctoral Candidates): If applying for a PhD, establish contact with an Orléans research director early. A strong research project endorsed by an active laboratory increases your chances of selection.
• Submit Well Before the Deadline: The internal university pre-selection deadline occurs weeks before the national Campus France deadline. Missing the internal university cutoff disqualifies your application for that entire academic cycle.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Orléans (in USD)

Orléans offers a substantially lower cost of living compared to Paris, allowing your monthly stipend to stretch much further. Here is a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses for an international student, converted to USD ($):

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes & Context
Housing / Rent	$350 – $600	CROUS student residence vs. private studio flat
Food & Groceries	$220 – $320	Home cooking and student cafeteria meals (Resto U)
Public Transport	$35 – $50	TAO local transport network monthly pass
Health & Insurance	$25 – $40	CVEC amortized & supplemental insurance (mutuelle)
Utilities & Internet	$40 – $70	Electricity, heating, mobile plan, & high-speed Wi-Fi
Leisure & Personal Expenses	$120 – $200	Books, museum visits, campus sports, and social outings
Total Monthly Budget	$790 – $1,280 USD	Fully covered by the €1,200 – €2,000 monthly stipend!

Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)

1. Complete Financial Security: With tuition covered, international airfare provided, and a monthly stipend of up to €1,200 (Master’s) or €2,000+ (PhD), you can concentrate entirely on your studies.
2. Access to Top European Laboratories: The University of Orléans collaborates with major research organizations like CNRS and BRGM, offering excellent practical research facilities.
3. Strategic Location: Located just one hour from Paris by train, Orléans gives you quick access to the capital’s job markets and cultural hubs while keeping daily living costs manageable.
4. Priority University Housing: Eiffel scholars receive direct support in securing affordable student accommodation through the CROUS network, eliminating housing stress.
5. Career Boost & European Mobility: Earning a state-recognized French Master’s or PhD opens post-study work visa options in France and across the Schengen Zone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for the scholarship directly through Campus France?

No. Individual applications sent directly to Campus France will be declared ineligible. You must apply through the University of Orléans’ internal pre-selection process.

Is French language proficiency mandatory for all programs?

Not for every program. If your chosen Master’s degree is taught entirely in English, you need to provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL). If the program is taught in French, a minimum B2 level is required.

Can I apply if I am already studying in France?

For the Master’s track of the Eiffel Scholarship, students who are already studying inside France are not eligible. For the PhD track, candidates currently residing in France may still be eligible, though priority is often given to candidates applying from abroad.

What happens if I am selected for the Master 1 (M1) program?

If you win the scholarship for an M1 program, funding naturally extends up to 24 months to complete your Master 2 (M2) year, provided you maintain satisfactory academic standing.

Important Dates

• Application opens: October 2, 2026
• Application deadline: January 6, 2027
• Results announced: Week of April 12, 2027
• Study start date: Between September 1 and November 30, 2027
• Important: The scholarship cannot be postponed to another year.

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