France South Africa Scholarship Requirements and Online Application

The France – South Africa Scholarship Programme is offered by the Embassy of France in South Africa in partnership with Campus France South Africa. 

It supports South African, Lesotho and Malawian students to pursue full‑time Master’s or PhD studies at recognised higher‑education institutions in France. 

The 2026 call is open for studies beginning in September 2026.

France South Africa Scholarship Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
2. Be born on or after 1 January 1996.
3. Intend to enrol for a Master’s degree or a PhD programme at a French higher‑education institution.
4. Ensure the chosen French institution and programme are recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

France South Africa Scholarship Application process

1. Applications must be submitted online via the designated scholarship platform.
2. Prepare required documents: an online application form; passport copy; CV including academic history; cover letter explaining motivations; academic certificates (degree/diploma) and transcripts for the last two years.
3. For Master’s applicants: include proof of acceptance (or correspondence with the institution) for one of the selected programmes in France.
4. For PhD applicants: include supervisor commitment or cotutelle agreement and research project description.

Field of study

All fields of study are eligible. Priority may be given to science, engineering, technology or niche courses not offered in South Africa.

Scholarship offer

1. Full‑scholarship scheme includes: monthly allowance (approx. €850 for Master’s students), social security, priority access to student housing, visa fee exemption, assistance by Campus France, return flight to France.
2. Tuition fees are not always covered, unless certain conditions apply.
3. A “cost‑sharing” scheme exists where a partner institution or company can contribute and the benefits remain similar.

France South Africa Scholarship Closing date

The call for the 2026 intake closes on 8 October 2025 at 23:59 South African time. 

• Interview of the eligible candidates: November 2025.
• Announcement of shortlisted candidates: end of November/early December 2025.
• Online French courses and possibly an internship in South Africa: February 2026 – July 2026.

Applicants and Scholarship laureates will be contacted individually when needed. Due to the high number of applications, follow-up requests by candidates will not be answered.

France South Africa Scholarship Contact details

For further advice or queries:

• Email: [email protected]
• Visit the official scholarship site

FAQs