Are you dreaming of pursuing higher education in France without the burden of heavy living costs? The University of Toulouse Eiffel Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students seeking Master’s or PhD degrees in Europe. Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France, this award offers generous monthly allowances, travel coverage, health insurance, and administrative assistance.
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme is designed to support incoming mobility for international students with outstanding academic records. This step-by-step guide walks you through the eligibility criteria, eligible study areas, required documents, step-by-step application procedures, budget estimates, and expert application tips to maximize your chance of winning this scholarship.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | University of Toulouse (Université de Toulouse) & affiliated schools |
| Host Country | France |
| Funding Level | Fully funded monthly living stipends + major travel & health benefits |
| Degree Levels | Master’s, Engineering Degrees, and Doctoral (PhD) |
| Master’s Pre-Application Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| PhD Pre-Application Deadline | 29 November 2026 |
| University Submission to Campus France | 6 January 2027 |
| Results Announcement | Week of 12 April 2027 |
Important Note: You cannot apply directly to Campus France. The University of Toulouse evaluates your pre-application file first and submits nominations on behalf of selected top candidates.
Masters Scholarship Duration
Programme Maximum Duration Master’s first year (M1) 24 months Master’s second year (M2) 12 months Engineering degree 36 months
PhD Scholarship Duration
The scholarship can cover a maximum of 12, 18, or 36 months in France.
| Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 36 months | First-year PhD students arriving in France for the first time |
| 18 months | First- or second-year PhD students under joint supervision or a joint PhD arrangement |
| 12 months | Second- or third-year PhD students under joint supervision or a joint PhD arrangement |
Additional conditions:
- For 12- or 18-month scholarships, the funded period can be divided into several stays.
- Each funded stay must last at least 6 months.
- The total mobility period must not exceed 3 years.
- Funding is provided only for periods spent in France.
University and Institution Details
Located in the heart of Southwestern France, the University of Toulouse (Université de Toulouse) is an umbrella consortium of France’s top higher education institutions and research organizations. Toulouse is globally celebrated as Europe’s aerospace and technological hub, boasting a vibrant international student community and historic university culture.
Key Member Institutions Participating in Eiffel Nominations:
- Université Toulouse Capitole (UT Capitole): Renowned worldwide for Law, Economics, and Management.
- Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès (UT2J): Specializes in Arts, Humanities, History, and Social Sciences.
- Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier (UT3): Focuses on Science, Engineering, Health, and Technology.
- Toulouse School of Management (TSM) & Toulouse School of Economics (TSE): Top-ranked global institutions for business and economic sciences.
- ISAE-SUPAERO & INSA Toulouse: Premier engineering institutes for aeronautics, space, and applied sciences.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
1. Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship supports:
- Master’s programmes officially accredited by the French government.
- Engineering degree programmes.
- Master of Science (MSc) programmes accredited by the Conférence des grandes écoles (CGE).
Not eligible:
- Distance-learning programmes.
- Programmes offered outside France.
- Apprenticeship programmes.
- Professional training contract programmes.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Eiffel Scholarship supports seven main fields, divided into two broad categories.
A. Science and Technology
- Biology and Health (e.g., Biotechnology, Immunology, Public Health, Structural Biology)
- Ecological Transition (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Climate Change Studies, Sustainable Energy)
- Mathematics and Digital Technology. (e.g., Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity)
- Engineering and Engineering Sciences. (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science)
B. Humanities and Social Sciences
- History, French Language, and Civilization (e.g., European History, Linguistics, Comparative Literature)
- Law and Political Science (e.g., International Law, Public Policy, European Studies)
- Economics and Management (e.g., Finance, Econometrics, Global Business Administration, Strategic Management)
PhD Eligible Fields
The same seven fields are also eligible for doctoral-level scholarships:
Science and technology
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital Technology
- Engineering and Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
- French History, Language and Civilisation
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
University of Toulouse Eiffel Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship enjoy generous financial package options:
Masters Scholarship Benefits
€1,200 per month
The scholarship provides:
- Monthly allowance: €1,200.
- International travel: Round-trip economy-class airfare.
- Local transportation: Certain transportation costs within France.
- Health coverage: Temporary health coverage upon arrival and supplementary insurance after joining the French Social Security system.
- Accommodation assistance: Help finding accommodation, including possible access to CROUS university residences or private housing.
- Cultural activities: Access to cultural, sports and leisure activities at preferential rates.
Tuition fees:
- The Eiffel Scholarship itself does not cover tuition fees.
- However, students enrolled in eligible national degree or accredited engineering programmes at public institutions under the French Ministry of Higher Education may be exempt from registration fees under applicable regulations.
PhD Scholarship Benefits
€2,000 per month
Recipients receive:
- Monthly allowance: €2,000.
- International travel expenses.
- Certain transportation costs within France.
- Health coverage.
- Assistance with finding accommodation.
- Access to selected cultural activities.
Not covered:
- Tuition fees.
- The scholarship does not directly pay university tuition fees.
- However, recipients may be exempt from registration fees when preparing a national degree at eligible French public institutions.
Benefits Not Included
While the Eiffel Scholarship provides extensive financial support, candidates should be aware of costs that are not covered directly:
- Official University Tuition Fees: The Eiffel award does not pay tuition fees directly. (Note: Students admitted to public degree programs in French state institutions generally receive an official registration fee waiver).
- Visa and Passport Fees: Costs for consular processing, passport issuance, and local residency permit renewals (VLS-TS).
- Dependent Allowance: Additional financial support is not provided for spouses, children, or family members.
- Pre-Arrival Personal Expenses: Bank transfers, early luggage shipping, or excess baggage costs outside international travel allowances.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Toulouse Eiffel Scholarship
To qualify for nomination by the University of Toulouse, applicants must meet strict criteria:
Masters Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a foreign national. French citizens and dual nationals with French citizenship are not eligible.
- Be 29 years old or younger at the time of selection (born after March 31, 1997).
- Not be studying in France at the time of application.
- Apply for an eligible Master’s programme.
- Not have previously received an Eiffel Scholarship at Master’s level.
- Not have previously applied unsuccessfully for the Eiffel Master’s scholarship. Such candidates cannot apply again, even through another university or in another subject.
Important:
- Students cannot apply directly to Campus France.
- A French university must nominate the candidate.
- Each applicant can be nominated by only one institution.
PhD Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a foreign national. French citizens and dual nationals holding French citizenship are not eligible.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of selection (born after March 31, 1991).
- Have a PhD research proposal in an eligible academic field.
- Obtain support from a lecturer-researcher or researcher at the University of Toulouse.
- Be enrolled or intend to enrol in a doctoral school at the University of Toulouse.
- Not have previously received an Eiffel Scholarship at PhD level.
- Not have previously applied unsuccessfully for an Eiffel PhD scholarship.
Important: Applicants already living or studying in France may apply, but priority is given to candidates currently studying abroad.
Required Documents for the Application
All documents must be uploaded in clear PDF format, translated into French or English:
- Valid Passport / National Identity Document (showing clear personal details).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed 1–2 page resume emphasizing academic achievements, research experience, and awards.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Marksheets for the last 3 to 4 years of higher education.
- Degree Certificates & Diplomas: Graduation certificates or official certificates of completion.
- Academic Class Ranking: Official letter from your university showing rank (e.g., Top 5%, 1st out of 50) if available.
- Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement: Explaining your motivation, career plans, and why Toulouse is your destination.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: Test results matching program requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or DALF/DELF).
- PhD Specifics (For Doctoral Applicants Only):
- Thesis project proposal (3 to 5 pages).
- Official written agreement from a supervisor at a University of Toulouse research laboratory.
University of Toulouse Eiffel Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Masters Application Procedure
To apply through the University of Toulouse:
- Choose a programme: Find a suitable Master’s programme from the University of Toulouse course catalogue.
- Submit pre-application: Complete the university’s pre-application form before November 15, 2026.
- University review: Programme coordinators review applications between November 16 and 29.
- Selection: Successful candidates are notified from November 30.
- Prepare the Eiffel application: Selected candidates work with the university to prepare the full scholarship application.
- Final submission: The University of Toulouse submits nominated applications to Campus France by January 6, 2027.
Important: You do not need to contact the programme coordinator before submitting your pre-application. Completing the pre-application form is sufficient.
Important Information for Applicants
- The scholarship is highly competitive.
- Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
- The University of Toulouse conducts the initial selection.
- Only university-selected candidates can proceed with the Eiffel Scholarship application.
- Final selection is made by Campus France.
PhD Application Procedure
Applicants must follow these steps:
- Find a PhD supervisor: Search the University of Toulouse’s doctoral schools and research laboratories.
- Contact a researcher: Find a lecturer or researcher willing to supervise or co-supervise your PhD.
- Obtain their support: Get their agreement to support your Eiffel Scholarship application.
- Submit the pre-application: Complete the University of Toulouse’s PhD pre-application form.
- Prepare the final application: If your pre-application is approved, the university will help you prepare the Eiffel Scholarship application.
- University nomination: The University of Toulouse submits the application to Campus France by January 6, 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight Class Rank: Campus France prioritizes academic excellence. Providing documented proof that you graduated in the top tier of your class significantly increases selection probability.
- Write a Clear Professional Project Statement: Articulate how studying in Toulouse directly supports your 5-year career ambitions and contributes to your home country or global industry.
- Reach Out to Supervisors Early (PhD Applicants): Secure written commitments from research faculty well before the late-November deadline.
- Ensure Language Readiness: Even for programs taught in English, basic French skills (A2/B1 level) demonstrate enthusiasm for integrating into French society.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Toulouse
Toulouse offers an affordable quality of life compared to Paris. Below is a realistic estimated monthly breakdown in USD ($1 USD ≈ €0.92 EUR):
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Housing (CROUS Dorms / Private Apartments) | $330 – $650 |
| Food & Groceries | $220 – $330 |
| Local Public Transit (Subway, Bus, Tram – Student Pass) | $20 – $35 |
| Utilities & Internet | $50 – $90 |
| Health Insurance & Personal Expenses | $80 – $150 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Budget | $700 – $1,255 USD |
Because Master’s scholars receive around $1,300 USD/month and PhD scholars receive around $2,160 USD/month, the Eiffel stipend easily covers all living expenses with extra room for travel and personal savings!
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Key Reasons)
- Complete Financial Security: High monthly stipends (€1,200 for Master’s, €2,000 for PhD) remove financial stress, letting you focus fully on academic performance.
- Access to Top European Aerospace & Tech Hubs: Toulouse is home to Airbus, CNES, and world-leading research centers, offering unparalleled networking opportunities.
- Dedicated Campus France Support: Recipients get direct assistance with housing placement, international travel booking, and legal residency registration.
- Enhanced CV Prestige: Being named an “Eiffel Scholar” is a lifelong academic badge recognized by global employers and top universities worldwide.
- Vibrant Mediterranean-Style Lifestyle: Known as the “Pink City” (La Ville Rose), Toulouse offers warm weather, historic architecture, rich cuisine, and an exciting student atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply directly to Campus France for the Eiffel Scholarship?
No. Direct applications to Campus France are rejected. You must apply through a host institution like the University of Toulouse, which submits dossiers on your behalf.
Does the scholarship cover 100% of my university tuition fees?
The Eiffel grant provides a monthly stipend rather than paying tuition fees directly. However, Eiffel scholars admitted to eligible public degree programs in French public universities benefit from registration fee waivers.
Are English-taught programs eligible for the Eiffel scholarship?
Yes. Many Master’s and PhD programs at the University of Toulouse are taught entirely in English, particularly in Engineering, Economics, Data Science, and Management.
What are the main age cutoffs for 2027 applications?
- Master’s level: Must be born after 31 March 1997.
- PhD level: Must be born after 31 March 1991.
Can I defer the Eiffel Scholarship to the following academic year?
No. The Eiffel award is non-deferrable and valid only for the specific academic year for which it is granted.
Important Dates
- Pre-application deadline: November 15, 2026.
- Review of applications: November 16–29, 2026.
- Selected candidates notified: From November 30, 2026.
- University submission deadline to Campus France: January 6, 2027.
- Final results: Week of April 12, 2027.
Official Link:
Université Paris-Saclay Eiffel Scholarship 2027 in France
