Fully Funded Scholarships in France: 2025 Guide

The fully funded scholarships provided by prestigious French universities significantly support the aspirations of international students to study in esteemed universities across the country. Some of the top scholarships include:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
• École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection Scholarship 
• Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
• Ampère Scholarships of Excellence – ENS de Lyon
• Emile Boutmy Scholarship – Sciences Po

The fully funded scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. With a diverse range of programs taught in English, a vibrant student life, and some of the best scholarship opportunities, France stands out as a top destination for international students seeking higher education. 

This article will guide aspiring higher education aspirants seeking fully funded scholarships in France to know all about the eligibility, application process, and other key features of scholarship programs in France.  

Also read: Study in France for Free: Top Scholarships Every International Student Should Know About.

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in France in 2025

International students interested in pursuing higher education in France can apply for several fully funded scholarships. Popular options include the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence, offered by top organizations and universities. You can explore these options based on your study plans and eligibility requirements.  

External Fully Funded Scholarships 

External Fully Funded Scholarships are provided by organizations, governments, or MNCs, covering full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs for international students. 

Here are a few key external scholarships in France for International students: 

Scholarship	Offering Institution	Coverage
French Government Charpak Scholarship – For Indian Students	The French Government, through Campus France India	·        Tuition grant (varies between € 3000 to € 13000 depending on the year of the study program).
Erasmus+ Scholarships	The European Union	·        Travel and daily living expenses ·        Tuition Fees ·        Registration and examination fees ·        Charges for access to laboratories or libraries
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program	French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs	·        Monthly Stipend ·        Travel Assistance ·        Accommodation ·        Insurance
Emile Boutmy Scholarship – Sciences Po	Chalhoub Group, Foundation Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart, L'Oréal, and others	·        Tuition fees ·        Student Welfare and Support ·        Housing ·        Bursaries and Financial Aid
Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship	INP Foundation	·        Up to € 5000 (INR 48,496) per semester, for a maximum duration of 2 semesters

Also read:  Universities Offering 50% Scholarships for International Students.

University-Specific Scholarships

University-specific scholarships are grants provided directly by individual universities to support their students, often based on academic merit, talent, or financial need.

Here are a few key university-specific scholarships in France for International students: 

Scholarship	Offering Institution	Coverage
École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection Scholarship	École Normale Supérieure (ENS) University	·        € 1,000 (INR 96,946) a month for 36 months
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships	IDEX initiative (Initiative d'Excellence)	·        € 1000 (INR 96,946) paid over the 10 months of the academic year (September to June) ·        € 900 transport and Visa grant
Ampère Scholarships of Excellence – ENS de Lyon	École Normale Supérieure de Lyon University	·        € 1,000 (INR 96,946) per month for 12 months
HEC Paris MBA Scholarships	HEC Foundation, Laidlaw Foundation, and other external organizations	·        Varies (determined by the scholarship committee) ·        Grant offered based on application, SOP, work history, and candidate’s background
INSEAD Scholarships	INSEAD Institute and others	·        Ranges from € 1,000 (INR 96,946) to € 25,000 (INR 24,24,800) depending on the scholarship you are eligible for

Also read: Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students.

Types of Fully-Funded Scholarships in France

France offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships tailored to attract talented international students and promote academic excellence across disciplines. From government-funded programs to university-specific and research-focused scholarships, these opportunities make studying in France more accessible while encouraging global collaboration.

1.French Government Scholarships

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs awards numerous government-funded scholarships to international students studying at a bachelor’s, master's, or doctoral level, as well as Research Internships

Exchange Programs.

Examples:

• France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Program
• France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program
• Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
• Scholarships for French Language Teachers

2.Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships

Erasmus+ is a European Union program that supports education, training, youth, and sports. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's program offers scholarships to top students from around the world to study for one or two years in any field..

Examples:

• The Erasmus Mundus joint Master's offer
•  Erasmus+ mobility scholarships from and to France

3.Franco-Indian Education Trust

Franco- Indian Education Trust that supports the exchange of students, teachers, researchers, and young professionals between India and France. Students can participate in academic or training programs with the assistance of grants, scholarships, or fellowships.

Examples:

• Legrand Empowering Scholarship
• AMBA Damia Scholarship

Also read: Cost of Living in France for Indian Students: A Budget Guide.

4.Co-Financed Scholarships

The students selected for this scholarship receive the status of French government scholarship holder and several benefits, including a tuition fee waiver offered by French institutions, social security coverage, and exemption from visa fees.

Example:

• Sciences PO
• The Neemrana Music Foundation
• Paris Tech
• END de LYON

5.Institutional Scholarships

These are scholarships offered by most higher education establishments in France to international students enrolled in their courses. 

Example:

• École de Management de Normandie
• Emile-Boutmy scholarship 
• ENS Paris Saclay

Also read: Scholarship to Study in France 2025: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply.

Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Scholarships in France for International Students

The eligibility for fully funded scholarships in France can vary depending on the university or organization offering them. For example, scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship are often given to students from developing countries to support their higher education in France.

Here are a few scholarships in France for international students and their eligibility criteria:

1.Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships

Eligibility:

• Open to international students under 30 years of age
• Must not have been enrolled in a French higher education institution as a degree-seeking student
• Should not have had a study gap of more than 3 years

2.France Excellence Charpak Bachelor Scholarship

Eligibility:

• Must be an Indian citizen or hold an OCI card
• Should be 23 years old or younger at the time of application
• Must be studying or have completed studies at an Indian senior secondary school 
• Must apply to a French institution before applying for the scholarship
• The course must take place in France
• French language skills are an advantage, but not mandatory
• The scholarship is for full-time bachelor’s degree programs in France
• Students already in France can apply for funding for their 2nd or 3rd year

Also read: Top Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

 

3.PSL University Scholarships - Fellowships funded by Université PSL’s member schools

Eligibility:

• International students are eligible to apply.

4.Émile Boutmy Scholarship

Eligibility:

• First-time applicants to the Sciences
• Must be from a non-European Union country
• The household must not file taxes in any EU country
• Must be admitted to an Undergraduate or Master’s program at Sciences Po

5.ENS de Lyon - (Ampère, Graduate scholarship)

Eligibility:

• To apply for the first year of a Master’s program (M1), the candidate must hold an L3 degree (Bachelor’s – 180 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification for those who studied outside Europe.
• To apply for the second year of a Master’s program (M2), a candidate must hold an M1 degree (240 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification for international applicants.

Application Process for Fully Funded Scholarships in France for International Students

Applying for fully funded scholarships in France requires careful planning and thorough preparation. You must confirm your eligibility for the scholarship, must have all the required documents, and apply in advance to avail of the best benefits. 

 Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

• Research and shortlist universities: Explore universities in Paris and check their scholarship options on the official websites to get all the details.
• Check your eligibility: Make sure to check your eligibility before applying.
• Prepare your documents: Ensure you have all the required documents, such as:
  • Academic transcripts
  • English test scores (like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Apply early: Be mindful of the application deadline and ensure to meet it.
• Customize each application: Give your application a personalized touch and show how you fit the scholarship’s mission and values.

Also read: How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: A Simple Guide.

Why Study in France

Studying in France means immersing yourself in a vibrant, multicultural society that seamlessly blends rich history with forward-thinking innovation. Among the top reasons to study in France are its world-class education system, outstanding research and development opportunities, and vibrant student life. 

Here are some top reasons to study in France:

1. Earning a French degree opens doors to 570+ French companies in India, creating strong career opportunities back home.
2. Indian students can access 500+ French scholarships every year, making quality education more affordable.
3. With a wide variety of programs, the French education system helps you find the perfect fit for your background and future goals.
4. French programs are career-focused, blending theory with hands-on experience and real-world tools.
5. Choose from over 1,700 French programs taught in English so you can study in France without needing to speak French.
6. France ranks as the 4th most popular study destination worldwide, and it’s the top choice among non-English speaking countries.
7. Learning French connects you to over 30 countries, giving you a global edge in communication and culture.
8. France leads in science and innovation, boasting 64 Nobel Prizes and 15 Fields Medals to its name.
9. France offers a startup-friendly environment, perfect for young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Also read: Reasons to Study in France: Benefits for International Students.

How upGrad Can Help 

As a leading global platform for online education, upGrad supports international students dreaming of pursuing higher education in France through fully funded scholarships. From identifying the right opportunities to guiding you through the application process, upGrad simplifies every step, making your dream a reality. 

Here's how upGrad can make your journey smoother:

• upGrad helps in applying for the right scholarships as per your eligibility requirements
• upGrad supports you with applications, including SOP writing and interview preparation
• We offer expert guidance on every step of your university admission and scholarship application process
• upGrad has strong partnerships with top French institutions and connects you with them for better opportunities
• We provide post-admission support to help you settle in France comfortably

With expert guidance from upGrad, you can increase your chances of getting fully funded scholarships in France. Start your journey to world-class education in France with upGrad.