Dreaming of pursuing a Master’s or PhD in France with a fully-funded scholarship? The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is a prestigious opportunity for top international students like you. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Eiffel Scholarship, including deadlines, eligibility, and the crucial steps to apply.
What is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?Â
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a flagship initiative designed to attract the world’s best international students to French universities. Its primary goals are:
To enable French higher education institutions to recruit top foreign talent for their master’s and PhD programs.
To train the future decision-makers of the private and public sectors in priority areas of study.
This prestigious award is a mark of excellence and a significant step toward a global career.
Eiffel Scholarship 2026: Key Eligibility CriteriaÂ
Before you start your application, it’s essential to check if you meet the core requirements:
Nationality: The scholarship is for foreign students. Dual nationals (including French) are not eligible.
Age Limit:
For Master’s level: You must be under 30 years old born on or after March 31, 1996.
For PhD level: You must be under 35 years old born on or after March 31, 1991.
Field of Study: The program prioritizes key sectors, typically including Engineering, Sciences, Economics, Law, and Political Science.
Eiffel Scholarship 2026 Deadline & Important Dates
Mark your calendar! The timeline for the 2026 academic session is strict.
Application Portal Opens:Â October 1, 2025
Application Deadline:Â January 8, 2026Â (Applications must be received by Campus France by this date).
Results Announcement: Starting March 30, 2026
Pro Tip: The direct application deadline is January 8, 2026, but the real deadline for students is much earlier. You must be admitted and nominated by a French university before this date, so start preparing now!
How to Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship: The #1 RuleÂ
(LSI Keyword: “How to apply for Eiffel scholarship”)
This is the most critical aspect of the process that many students miss:
You cannot apply for the Eiffel Scholarship directly.
All applications must be submitted by French higher education institutions on your behalf. Your role is to secure admission and be nominated by them.
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Get the Eiffel Scholarship:
Research & Shortlist: Find French universities offering your desired Master’s or PhD program. Use the official Campus France website and university international pages.
Apply for Admission:Â Contact the international relations or admissions office of your shortlisted universities. Apply for your academic program directly and excel in your application.
Request Nomination: Express your interest in the Eiffel Scholarship during your application process. Ask the institution to consider you for their nomination.
Information for French InstitutionsÂ
French universities and schools are the backbone of the Eiffel program.
Returning Institutions:Â You should have received login details. If not, please [Contact us].
New Institutions:Â To participate for the first time, please [Contact us] to gain access to the application portal.
Contact and Official ResourcesÂ
For the most authoritative information, always refer to the official sources.
Official Eiffel Program Page for Students: Click Here (Link to the official Campus France page)
Contact Address:
Campus France – Programme France Excellence Eiffel
28 rue de la Grange-aux-Belles
75010 Paris
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