Embassy of France Scholarship Requirements and Online Application

The Embassy of France in South Africa, in collaboration with Campus France South Africa and various South African partners, offers the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme. 

This fully-funded scholarship targets South African, Lesotho, and Malawian nationals who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in France, beginning in September 2026. 

The programme provides an opportunity to access high-level study abroad and to strengthen academic links between France and Southern Africa. 

The call for applications for the 2026 intake is open, and the deadline is 8 October 2025 at 23:59 South African time.

Who is eligible to apply for the Embassy of France Scholarship?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
2. Have been born on or after 1 January 1996. (Some earlier versions of the call list birth on or after 1995 or 1992; check the 2026 rulebook for the exact age cut-off.)
3. Be eligible for admission to a recognised French higher education institution for a Master’s or PhD programme, starting in September 2026.
4. Be willing to follow a preparatory track in South Africa (from February to July 2026) that includes online French language lessons via the network of the Alliance Française and possibly an internship with a French organisation in South Africa. 

The scholarship is open to all fields of study, though preference may be given to science, engineering and technology or niche fields not available in South Africa.

What the scholarship covers

The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme offers strong benefits:

1. Full scholarships include tuition fees (up to about €5 000 per year for eligible programmes) and exemption from certain registration fees.
2. A return flight ticket to France.
3. Monthly allowance: roughly €700 for Master’s students and about €1 400 for PhD students.
4. Accommodation aid from the French government: approximately €150 per month.
5. Social security coverage, priority access to student housing, visa fee exemption and assistance from Campus France Paris. 
6. The cost-sharing scholarship option: allows a partner (company, institution or funding agency) to fund the monthly stipend fully or partially while the other benefits remain the same.

Embassy of France Scholarship Application process and timeline

The application is fully online via the dedicated platform for the 2026 intake. Key dates:

1. Deadline for applications: 8 October 2025 at 23:59 (“SA time”).
2. A webinar with guidance for applicants is scheduled for July 2025.
3. Interviews of shortlisted candidates: November 2025.
4. Announcement of shortlisted laureates: end of November/early December 2025.
5. Pre-departure programme (French lessons, internship) in South Africa: February – July 2026.
6. Departure to France for studies: Begin September 2026.

Required documents include a completed online form, a certified passport copy, academic transcripts, a CV, a covering letter, proof of admissions eligibility, a language certificate if needed and possibly letters of recommendation. 

Applicants are encouraged to read the rulebook and FAQ available on the official site.

1. Applicants must confirm that their chosen French programme is recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Some MSc programmes may not be considered “Master’s degrees” in the French system.
2. The scholarships are highly competitive. For example, in the 2025 intake, 393 applications were received and 20 candidates were selected (18 Master’s, 2 PhD).
3. Applicants are advised to submit as early as possible and avoid leaving it to the last minute.
4. Make sure to check the precise age cut-off, eligibility criteria and field preferences in the official rule-book for 2026.
5. The scholarship is active and running; there is no indication that it has been discontinued.

Who should apply for the Embassy of France Scholarship?

This scholarship is ideal for South African students with strong academic records who wish to undertake postgraduate study abroad (Master’s or PhD) and who are ready to engage in an international academic setting. 

If you are passionate about a field, willing to commit to French preparation, and meet the eligibility requirements, this is a strong opportunity for you.

FAQs