France, known for its rich culture, history, and excellent education, is becoming a top choice for international students. While tuition at French public universities is relatively affordable, scholarships can make studying in France even easier. Luckily, many scholarships are available for international students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
Here’s a simple guide to some of the best options and resources to help fund your studies.
Top Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
While many well-known French scholarships, like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, are mostly for Master’s or PhD students, there are programs specifically for undergraduates:
1. Émile Boutmy Scholarship – Sciences Po
- Provider: Sciences Po University, one of France’s top social sciences and humanities schools.
- Who it’s for: Outstanding international students from outside the EU.
- What it covers: Tuition fees or a larger amount that may help with living costs. The amount depends on your merit.
- How to apply: First, get admitted to Sciences Po’s undergraduate program. The scholarship application is part of the general admission process.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many French universities offer scholarships to attract top international students. These vary by institution and can include tuition support or a stipend.
- Example: The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) offers International Selection programs, which may include financial support for students in advanced Bachelor’s or combined Bachelor’s/Master’s tracks.
Check the “International,” “Admissions,” or “Financial Aid” pages of each university for details.
3. French Embassy and Government Scholarships
The French government also offers scholarships through embassies and cultural programs in many countries.
- Charpak Scholarship (for Indian students): Provides support for living costs, visa fees, and accommodation for some Bachelor’s programs.
- How to apply: Contact the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department (SCAC) at the French Embassy or Consulate in your country for details on scholarships available to you.
Other countries may have similar embassy-based scholarships.
4. Regional and Local Scholarships
Some French regional councils and city governments provide small scholarships for international students studying in their area. While these are usually smaller, they can often be combined with other awards.
- Tip: Contact the local or regional council where you plan to study.
Essential Resources to Find Scholarships
Campus Bourses
This is an official online database by Campus France listing scholarships from universities, governments, foundations, and companies. You can filter by:
- Nationality
- Field of study
- Level of study
Campus France Office in Your Country
Campus France has offices worldwide. They provide reliable guidance on scholarships and programs specific to your nationality.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Start Early: Deadlines can be much earlier than university admissions, so start planning at least a year ahead.
- Show Excellence: Most scholarships are merit-based, so strong high school grades are important.
- Write a Strong Essay: Your statement of purpose should explain your academic goals, why you chose France, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the scholarship is available for undergraduate students, as many are only for graduate levels.
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