Last Updated on February 3, 2022
Are you searching for scholarships to study abroad in France? To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of Free Scholarships in France for international students.
Free Scholarships in France are offered by the French government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to finance their education.
There are application processes individual applicants must follow in order to forestall their scholarships. It is also necessary to note the deadlines and apply before the closure so as not to be rejected. Also, there are limited French scholarships.
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Why Study in France?
According to students reporting on what it was like to study in France, the country offers a great multicultural study experience, bringing together cultures from all over the world. Students appreciate the beautiful, developed cities and the great variety of social life available. Impressions about French culture and city life were overall more positive than the European average. Even the smaller cities offered opportunities for fun student activities.
Students were also pleased with the close proximity to other European countries and major cities, commenting on opportunities to explore the country and its surroundings. Reviewers seem pleased with the events organized by universities in France and the friends they made during their international study experience. Students rarely complain about the weather in France, considering it better than in many other parts of Europe.
If you wish to study in Italy but are confused about your decision, then don’t be. Take a look at the following excellent reasons that will make you want to go to Italy just today:
1. The number of English-taught degrees is growing
To attract more international students, both public and private universities in France have been increasing the number of English-taught study programmes in their academic offer.
There are over 1,500 courses taught in the English language, and the number is growing every year.
2. Excellent opportunities to learn or improve your French
Although English remains the primary international language in many sectors, you shouldn’t overlook French. It is the third most common business language and the official language in over 30 countries worldwide.
Remember that people who speak at least two foreign languages have better chances to get higher salaries or apply for positions at large multinational corporations and institutions.
French is also famously known as “the language of love” (la langue de l’amour), and we must admit, there’s something quite special about the words, the sounds, the accents, and how everything blends together beautifully.
3. France is a hub for research and innovation
Many French higher education institutions invest a lot of resources in their research facilities and staff. If you see yourself spending long hours in laboratories, conducting experiments, and working on humanity’s next breakthrough, France is the place to go.
Over 64 Nobel Laureates and 15 Fields Medals highlight the importance that France places on research and progress.
4. Visit famous tourist attractions
From human-made wonders to natural beauties, there’s so much to see in the Hexagon (popular nickname for France).
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You can enjoy the French Riviera, explore the Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux, take a photo from the top of the Eiffel Tower, and quench your thirst for history at the Louvre Museum — these and many other attractions have transformed France into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Cost of Studying & Living in France
Living in a beautiful country like France can be amazing, but it sure is expensive. Because of its very desirable capital, Paris, France is much more expensive to live in than most countries in Europe. The cost of living in France varies depending on the area you want to live in and the type of accommodation you’re looking for.
Cost of University Tuition in France
If you’re a European student looking to study in a public institution of higher education in France, you’re in luck! Despite its pricey housing, the French government assumes a large share of your tuition cost, so you will be paying approximately:
- €170 per year (Bachelor).
- €243 per year (Master).
- €380 per year (Doctoral level).
- €601 per year in an engineering school.
For non-European students: you will be required to pay different tuition fees if:
- It’s the first time you’re enrolling for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or an engineering programme
- You are within a higher education establishment that is under MESRI (The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation)
- You are not permanently settled in France
The state will cover two thirds of the cost and you are required to pay:
- €2,770 per year (Bachelor).
- €3,770 per year (Master).
Non-EU doctoral students are not required to pay different tuition fees
Cost of Rent (Student Housing and Private Accommodation)
The University tuition is all settled but you need a place to live right? Don’t worry, we got you. Whether you’re looking for student housing in France or renting out an apartment, we have found the cheapest options for you to accommodate yourself as comfortably as possible.
The countryside of France along with some other parts are the least expensive. Creuse, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is one of the cheapest departments in France for property and has a population density of just 22/km² so it would be easy to find a bargain rural retreat here. Other cities like Metz, Versailles, and Montpellier are also cheaper than other mainstream cities in France.
Options for Student Housing
University residence halls managed by CROUS (Centre régional des œuvres universitaires et scolaires) – The residences managed by France’s regional centers for student services, known as CROUS are publicly owned and subsidized by the French government. The CROUS buildings are the first choices students make for cheaper accommodation.
Monthly rent:
- Paris – €400
- Other cities in France – €200 on average
Occupants qualify for housing assistance from CAF (France’s family assistance fund) and the rooms are near campus which means plenty of interactions with other students.
Eligibility for French Universities
You will need to provide transcripts from previous education, prove your financial capabilities and medical coverage. You will also need to prove your major when applying for most French universities.
Higher education in France is not that much different from what you’ll find in the EU Bologna system. It is also organized on 3 levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.
If you intend to do a Bachelor’s degree in France, you will need to have graduated from high school or be about to graduate.
If you want to pursue a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. programme in France, you will also have to check specific requirements on each programme website.
Free Scholarships in France for International Students
The following are some of the free scholarships available in France and the required information necessary for their application.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
The Eiffel scholarship program was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a tool to allow French higher education institutions to attract the best foreign students for master’s and PhD degree programs. Eiffel scholarship-holders on Master’s courses receive an allowance of €1,181 and scholarship-holders on PhD courses receive an allowance of €1,400. In addition, the programme meets various expenses including return trip, health insurance and cultural activities. Scholarship-holders might also be eligible for additional accommodation allowance. The programme does not cover tuition fees.
École Normale Supérieure International Selection
Each year, the ENS organizes an international selection allowing about thirty of the most promising international students, either in Science or in Humanities, to follow a two or three-year course at the ENS. They receive a monthly stipend of approximately 1,000 Euros for 2-3 years. About 30 foreign students are awarded each year.
Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon
The ENS de Lyon and its partners offer scholarships for excellent international students to enrol in its Masters programs in the Exact Sciences, the Arts, and Human and Social Sciences (excluding Professional Masters in teaching) through the Ampere Scholarships of Excellence. The scholarships cover €1000/month for a duration of 12 months and is renewable with conditions.
Emile Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po University
Sciences Po created the Emile Boutmy Scholarships after the founder of Sciences Po in order to attract the very best international students from outside of the European Union who are applying and previously admitted to Sciences Po University. The scholarships can take different forms ranging from €5,000 to €10,000 for 2 years of postgraduate study or €3,000 to €12,300 for 3 years of undergraduate study.
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
The Université Paris-Saclay would like to promote access to its master’s (nationally-certified degree) programs to international students, taught in its member establishments. The scholarship is €10,000 per year and a maximum of €1,000 for travel and visa expenses is also awarded.
Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation Scholarships
The Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation supports a scholarship program for international students who wish to pursue an international master program at Grenoble INP. The grant amounts to 5,000 euros per semester.
INSEAD MBA Scholarships
The INSEAD Scholarships are limited in number and there is significant competition for each award. These scholarships are granted under various criteria and fall into two major categories: need-based and non-need based (based on either merit, nationality, gender, professional background, leadership abilities, field of previous studies etc.). The value of the scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000.
HEC Paris MBA Scholarships
HEC Paris offers generous scholarships to international students from different countries and backgrounds. HEC scholarships fall into various categories: merit-based, need-based or based on specific criteria. The amount of the scholarship varies from €6,000 to €24,000.