Eiffel Scholarship GPA Requirements: What French Grade Do You Need?

Quick Answer

To be competitive for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, you typically need a French grade of 14/20 or higher (Mention Bien or Très Bien). The most competitive candidates often have 16/20+.

👉 Use our France GPA Calculator to see how your French grades convert to US GPA—and whether you meet the academic threshold for the Eiffel Scholarship.

Important: You Cannot Apply Directly

The Eiffel Scholarship requires nomination by a French institution. You must first apply to a French university or Grande École, and if they select you, they will nominate you for the Eiffel programme. You cannot apply to Campus France directly.

French Grade (/20)	French Mention	US GPA	Eiffel Competitiveness
18 – 20	Très Bien	4.0	Exceptionally Competitive — top 1% of candidates
16 – 17.9	Très Bien	3.8 – 3.9	Highly Competitive — strong chance
14 – 15.9	Bien	3.5 – 3.7	Competitive — within the typical range
12 – 13.9	Assez Bien	3.0 – 3.2	Borderline — may need exceptional other factors
Below 12	Passable or Below	Below 3.0	Unlikely — consider improving grades first

💡 Key Insight

Most successful Eiffel scholars have grades of 14/20 or higher. According to Campus France data, the average grade of successful candidates is typically in the Bien to Très Bien range (14-17/20). A 14/20 from a Grande École is viewed as particularly strong.

French Grade (/20)	French Mention	US GPA	WES Equivalent
18 – 20	Très Bien	4.0	A+
16 – 17.9	Très Bien	3.8 – 3.9	A
14 – 15.9	Bien	3.5 – 3.7	B+ / A-
12 – 13.9	Assez Bien	3.0 – 3.2	B / B-
Below 12	Passable or Below	Below 3.0	C or lower

📊 Worked Example

Student: Amira, applying for the Eiffel Scholarship with a French transcript

• Overall average: 15.2/20
• Mention: Bien
• US GPA equivalent: 3.6
• Eiffel competitiveness: Competitive

Amira’s 15.2/20 is within the Bien range. Combined with her research experience and a strong personal statement, she has a solid chance of being nominated by her French institution.

Important: Context Matters for Eiffel

A 14/20 from a Grande École (like École Polytechnique, HEC, or ENS) is viewed as more competitive than a 14/20 from a public university. The Eiffel committee considers the rigour of your institution alongside your raw grades. If you’re from a Grande École or CPGE, highlight this in your application.

📅 Key Deadlines (Typical)

• September-October: Apply to French institutions for the following academic year
• November-December: Institutions submit nominations to Campus France
• January: Campus France application deadline (per institution)
• March-April: Results announced
• September: Start of academic year in France

⚠️ Important: Deadlines Vary by Institution

Each French institution has its own internal deadlines for nominating students. Apply to your target institution early—many have deadlines in October or November for the following academic year. Check with your specific university or Grande École for their exact timeline.

💡 Pro Tip: The “Holy Trinity” of Eiffel Applications

Academic Excellence + Research Experience + Language Proficiency = the most competitive Eiffel profile. If you have all three, your chances are significantly higher—even with a 14/20 rather than a 16/20.

Key Takeaway

Sofia’s 15.8/20 was competitive but not exceptional. What set her apart was her combined profile: strong grades + relevant research experience + multilingual ability + a compelling personal statement. You don’t need 20/20 to win—you need a complete, well-rounded profile.

🎓 What GPA do I need for the Eiffel Scholarship?
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There is no official minimum GPA. However, successful candidates typically have a French grade of 14/20 or higher (Bien or Très Bien). In US terms, this is approximately a 3.5-3.7 GPA or higher.

🇫🇷 Can I apply for the Eiffel Scholarship directly?
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No. You cannot apply directly to Campus France. You must first apply to a French institution. If they select you, they will nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship. This is the only pathway.

💰 How much does the Eiffel Scholarship cover?
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The Eiffel Scholarship covers a monthly stipend of €1,181 for Master’s students and €1,400 for PhD students. It also covers a round-trip flight ticket, health insurance, and assistance with housing and cultural activities.

📊 Can I apply with a 12/20 (Assez Bien)?
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It is possible but challenging. A 12/20 (Assez Bien) is considered borderline for the Eiffel Scholarship. You would need exceptional research experience, strong language proficiency, and an outstanding personal statement to compensate.

🌍 Do I need a WES evaluation for the Eiffel Scholarship?
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Not typically. French institutions are familiar with French grades and do not require WES evaluations for French transcripts. If you have international transcripts, your institution may request an evaluation. See our Complete WES Guide for more information.

🗓️ When is the Eiffel Scholarship deadline?
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The overall Campus France deadline is typically in January for the following academic year. However, each French institution has its own internal deadline—usually October or November. Apply to your target institution early and check their specific deadline.

About the author: This Eiffel Scholarship guide was created by the LearnViaHub academic team and reviewed by a former French university admissions counselor. GPA conversion tables follow official French Ministry of Education guidelines and World Education Services (WES) evaluation standards. Scholarship information is based on official Campus France guidelines.