Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028: Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in France
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program |
| Funded by | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (via Campus France) |
| Coverage | Fully funded (stipend, travel, health insurance, housing allowance) |
| Level | Master’s and PhD at French higher education institutions |
| Deadline | Call opens ~October 2026; Campus France receives files early January 2027 (2026 cycle: Jan 8) |
| Results | From ~April 2027 |
| Age limit | Up to 29 (Master’s), up to 35 (PhD) |
| Who applies | Only French universities/schools can nominate you — you cannot apply directly |
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is France’s flagship government award, created to attract the world’s most promising future leaders and decision-makers to study at French universities. Managed by Campus France on behalf of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, it funds roughly 1,500 new scholarships every year across Master’s and PhD programs. If your goal is a fully funded degree in France, this is the program to target.
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What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | ~€1,031/month (Master’s) and ~€1,700/month (PhD) — verify exact figure in the current call regulations |
| International travel | One round-trip international flight |
| Health insurance | Covered for the duration of the scholarship |
| Housing allowance | Partial support toward accommodation costs |
| Cultural activities | Access to cultural and networking events for Eiffel scholars |
| Duration (Master’s) | Up to 24 months (entering M1) or 12 months (entering M2) |
| Duration (PhD) | 12, 18, or 36 months from September 1 of the award year |
The scholarship cannot be combined with another French government scholarship, an Erasmus+ scholarship, or funding from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie — if you win two, you must choose one.
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Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be up to 29 years old for a Master’s, or up to 35 years old for a PhD (at the time of application)
- Be a foreign national (non-French) applying to study in France
- Hold the academic level required for entry into the Master’s or PhD program you are targeting
- Be nominated by a French higher education institution — the university submits your file to Campus France
- Apply in a priority area of study (engineering, science, economics, law, political science, and related fields — check the current call)
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are a French citizen or dual French national
- You already hold a French government scholarship or Erasmus+ funding for the same program
- You are applying for a professional training program, an MBA (unless part of a recognized priority track — check), or a distance-learning program
- You are already enrolled in a French institution as a regular student (the program targets new candidates)
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How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your French Institution
Pick the university or grande école where you want to study. The Eiffel program funds study in France only, so your degree must be at a French higher education institution.
Step 2: Apply for Admission First
Apply to your chosen Master’s or PhD program before the scholarship — every university has its own course-application deadlines, usually between November and January. Contact the International Relations office directly to ask about their internal Eiffel deadline.
Step 3: Get Nominated
If the institution supports your application, it will send you the Eiffel application form, help you complete it, and submit your file on your behalf through the dedicated Campus France online portal. You never submit the Eiffel file yourself.
Step 4: Campus France Review
Campus France receives all institution-nominated files by the call deadline (early January 2027 for the 2027-2028 cycle) and shortlists candidates for the selection commission.
Step 5: Results
Results are published from April 2027. If selected, your scholarship begins with the start of your program between September 1 and November 30, 2027 — the start date cannot be postponed.
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Insider Tips
1. Apply to the University First, Then the Scholarship
The single biggest mistake is treating Eiffel like a normal scholarship. You cannot apply directly — your university must nominate you. That means your admission application must be strong enough for the institution to invest its nomination quota in you.
2. Target Institutions That Have Submitted Eiffel Files Before
Universities that have participated in the program have established relationships with Campus France and clear internal timelines. Ask the International Relations office directly: “What is your internal deadline for Eiffel nominations?”
3. Polish Your Research Proposal or Project
For PhD applicants, a precise, fundable research project aligned with the priority areas is what separates winners. For Master’s applicants, a clear professional trajectory showing you will become a decision-maker in your home country is essential.
4. Respect the Age Limits
Master’s applicants must be under 30 and PhD applicants under 36 at application time. If you’re close to the limit, don’t wait for the next cycle — the 2027-2028 call is your window.
5. Start Your French Course Application in September
Many French universities open course applications in September-October and close by December. Contact the International Relations department before October so you know their internal Eiffel deadline.
6. Prepare a Backup Plan
Because Eiffel only covers the years of your French degree and cannot be combined with other French funding, have an alternative funding plan — university scholarships, the DAAD scholarship guide, or personal funds — in case you aren’t selected.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly to Campus France for Eiffel?
No. Only French higher education institutions can submit Eiffel applications. You apply through your chosen university.
What is the Eiffel deadline for 2027-2028?
The call typically opens around October 2026 and Campus France must receive files by early January 2027 (the 2026 cycle closed January 8, 2026). Your university’s internal deadline will be earlier — confirm it directly.
Does Eiffel cover living costs in full?
It provides a generous monthly stipend plus travel, health insurance, and housing allowance, but you should budget for additional living expenses in Paris or other French cities.
Can I do a PhD with Eiffel?
Yes — Eiffel funds doctoral programs for 12, 18, or 36 months for new PhD candidates, with a higher monthly stipend.
Is an MBA covered?
Generally no — professional programs and most MBAs are excluded. Check the current call regulations for your specific program.
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Timeline Table
| Phase | Date (2027-2028 cycle) |
|---|---|
| French course applications open | September – October 2026 |
| Eiffel call opens | ~October 2026 |
| University internal nomination deadlines | November 2026 – December 2026 |
| Campus France receives files | Early January 2027 |
| Results published | From ~April 2027 |
| Program starts | September 1 – November 30, 2027 |
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Your Action Plan
1. This week: Shortlist 3-5 French institutions offering your program and note their course-application deadlines.
2. By September 15: Contact the International Relations office of each institution to confirm whether they participate in Eiffel and their internal deadline.
3. By October: Submit your university admission applications.
4. November-December: Complete your Eiffel file with your nominating institution.
5. January 2027: Confirm Campus France received your file; prepare backup funding.
6. April 2027: Check results and accept your scholarship in time. While you wait, compare other fully funded European options in our Erasmus Mundus guide.
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France’s flagship scholarship is one of the most generous in Europe — if you’re targeting a Master’s or PhD in France, start your university applications this month. Share this with someone planning to study in France.