France Excellence Europa Scholarship for Master’s Students Requirements and Online Application

The France Excellence Europa scholarship programme is offered by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France (Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères) and enables students from select European Union countries to study a full-time Master’s degree at a French higher education institution.

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For the 2026-26 academic year the official call for applications was open until 30 April 2026.

What does the France Excellence Europa Scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers a half-yearly allowance of €6,850 and an installation allowance of €1,700.

It also includes exemption from registration fees for national diplomas in public institutions under the French Ministry of Higher Education, priority housing assistance in CROUS residences (rent still paid by the student), initial insurance plan for non-EU health card holders, and cultural activity discounts.

Note: The scholarship does not cover course tuition fees (where applicable) nor travel costs (international or national) to/from France.

France Excellence Europa Scholarship Eligibility requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

Be a national of one of the 26 eligible EU member states other than France (see list: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden).
Be at least 18 years old at the start of the programme in France. Some listings specify an upper age limit around 26 years.
Be admitted to a French higher education institution for Master 1 (M1) or Master 2 (M2) for the academic year 2026-26. If admission is not yet secured, the applicant may attach a sworn statement indicating anticipated programme and institution.
Must not already hold a French higher education diploma nor be currently enrolled in France for a degree.
Must not be the recipient of other scholarships funded by the French ministry or via Erasmus+/Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).
Study areas must align with eligible themes (for example: culture & heritage; education; French language & civilization; foreign languages and civilizations & European studies; law & political science; health sciences; environmental sciences; digital/computer science) depending on the year.

France Excellence Europa Scholarship Application process

Applicants should follow this general process:

Secure admission to a French higher education institution for M1 or M2 for 2026-26. If admission is pending, attach a sworn statement and proof of application status.
Prepare application documents: completed application form (“France Excellence Europa Scholarship”), CV (in French or English), cover letter (French or English), copy of most recent diploma or high school diploma if still undergraduate, transcripts for last two years, copy of passport/ID. Language certificates (French/English) and letters of recommendation may be optional.
Submit the full application file electronically to the relevant French embassy or via the designated national platform (varies by country). For example: in Denmark applications go to fee.danemark@campusfrance.org.
Await pre-selection by the French cooperation service at the embassy, followed by evaluation by the ministry. If successful, the final award letter and instructions follow.
After awarding, ensure enrolment in French institutions and compliance with scholarship terms (e.g., beginning studies in France between 1 Sept and 31 Dec of the award year) and submit enrolment certificate.

Closing date for the France Excellence Europa Scholarship

The most recent call sets the closing date as 30 April 2026 for the 2026 academic year.

Applicants from non-eligible countries or outside the EU cannot apply under this programme.

Since the deadline has passed, this cycle may be closed; prospective applicants should monitor official updates for future years.

Contact details the France Excellence Europa Scholarship

For questions and latest updates:

Visit the official page via Campus France on the France Excellence Europa programme.
Contact the French embassy or Campus France office in your country.

Email general enquiries to bursiers.europe@campusfrance.org.

Because this programme is strictly for nationals of certain EU countries, students from other regions (including many South African students) are not eligible for this scholarship.

Therefore, for students outside the 26 eligible EU states this opportunity is unfortunately not open.

FAQs

1. + Who can apply for the France Excellence Europa scholarship?

Applicants must be nationals of one of 26 EU member states other than France. They must be at least 18 years old, admitted to a French Master’s programme (M1 or M2), not hold a French degree, and not already hold certain French ministry or Erasmus+ scholarships.

2. + Which fields of study are eligible?

Eligible themes include culture & heritage, education, French language & civilization, foreign languages & civilizations & European studies, law & political science, health sciences, environmental sciences, and digital/computer science. Applicants should verify the eligible fields each year.

3. + When is the application deadline?

For the 2026-cycle the deadline was 30 April 2026. Applicants should check the official website for future cycles or extensions.

4. + What costs does the scholarship cover?

It provides a half-yearly allowance of €6,850 and an installation allowance of €1,700, plus exemption from registration fees at public institutions. It does not cover tuition (if applicable) or travel costs.

5. + How do I apply?

Secure admission to a French institution, compile application documents (form, CV, cover letter, diploma/transcripts, passport ID), and submit the file electronically to the French embassy or Campus France office in your country before the deadline.

6. + Can a student from South Africa apply?

No. The programme is restricted to nationals of the 26 eligible EU member states. Students from South Africa or other non-eligible countries cannot apply to this specific scholarship.

7. + Is there a service obligation after completion?

The official documentation does not mention a mandatory service obligation in France following study; however recipients must enrol and complete their programme and submit required reports for continuation of funding.

8. + What happens if I already hold another French ministry scholarship?

You would be ineligible. One of the requirements is that applicants must not already be recipients of a French Ministry scholarship, Erasmus+ or AUF funding.

9. + Is the scholarship available for PhD students?

No. The France Excellence Europa scholarship is specifically for Master’s level (M1 or M2) study. PhD-level students must look for other programmes such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for research degrees.

10. + How will I know if I am selected?

After the application deadline, pre-selection is handled by the French embassy cooperation service and then analysed by the French ministry. If successful, you will receive an award letter and further instructions from Campus France or the embassy. Make sure to monitor your email and your institution’s updates.

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