Quick Answer
For French Government Scholarships, you typically need a strong academic record of 14/20 or higher (Mention Bien or Très Bien). The most competitive programmes expect 16/20+.
16-20
Très Bien
Highly Competitive
14-15.9
Bien
Competitive
12-13.9
Assez Bien
Borderline
Below 12
Passable / Below
Unlikely
👉 Use our France GPA Calculator to see how your French grades convert to US GPA—and whether you meet the academic threshold for French Government Scholarships.
📌 Quick Navigation
What Are French Government Scholarships?
French Government Scholarships are a diverse range of funding programmes offered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attract international talent to French higher education institutions. These scholarships are managed through Campus France and various bilateral agreements between France and partner countries.
🇫🇷 Key Facts
- Funded by: French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Managed by: Campus France
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, research stays
- Fields: All academic disciplines
- Types: Eiffel, Égalité des Chances, bilateral agreements, regional scholarships
💰 What They Typically Cover
- Tuition fees (partial or full)
- Monthly stipend (varies by programme)
- Travel expenses (sometimes covered)
- Health insurance (social security coverage)
- Housing assistance (sometimes included)
Important: Not All French Government Scholarships Are the Same
French Government Scholarships are not a single programme. They include the prestigious Eiffel Scholarship, Égalité des Chances programme, bilateral agreements with specific countries, and regional scholarships. Each has different requirements, deadlines, and application processes. Research the specific scholarship that fits your profile.
Types of French Government Scholarships
Here are the main categories of French Government Scholarships available to international students:
🇫🇷 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
France’s flagship scholarship for international Master’s and PhD students.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+
- Stipend: €1,181/month (Master’s), €1,400/month (PhD)
- Nomination required: Yes
🌍 Bilateral Agreements
Scholarships negotiated between France and specific partner countries.
- Grade requirement: Varies (typically 12-14/20+)
- Stipend: Varies by agreement
- Application: Through French embassy or Campus France
🎓 Égalité des Chances
Scholarships for students from emerging and developing countries.
- Grade requirement: 12-14/20+
- Stipend: Varies
- Application: Through Campus France
🏛️ Regional Scholarships
Scholarships offered by French regional governments (e.g., Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes).
- Grade requirement: Varies by region
- Stipend: Varies
- Application: Through the regional government or institution
💡 Which Scholarship Should You Apply For?
- 16/20+ (Très Bien): Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship—you’re highly competitive
- 14-15.9 (Bien): Apply for Eiffel (competitive) and Bilateral Agreements
- 12-13.9 (Assez Bien): Focus on Bilateral Agreements and Regional Scholarships
- Below 12: Consider Égalité des Chances or country-specific programmes
French Government Scholarships: GPA / Grade Requirements
Grade requirements vary significantly between scholarship types. Here is a general breakdown:
| French Grade (/20) | French Mention | US GPA | Scholarship Competitiveness | Recommended Scholarship Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 – 20 | Très Bien | 4.0 | Exceptional | Eiffel (top tier) |
| 16 – 17.9 | Très Bien | 3.8 – 3.9 | Highly Competitive | Eiffel, Bilateral Agreements |
| 14 – 15.9 | Bien | 3.5 – 3.7 | Competitive | Eiffel (competitive), Bilateral Agreements |
| 12 – 13.9 | Assez Bien | 3.0 – 3.2 | Borderline | Bilateral Agreements, Égalité des Chances |
| Below 12 | Passable or Below | Below 3.0 | Unlikely | Some Bilateral Agreements (country-specific) |
💡 Key Insight
14/20 is the sweet spot. While the Eiffel Scholarship is the most prestigious, there are many other French Government Scholarships that accept 12-14/20—particularly bilateral agreements and regional scholarships. Don’t assume you’re ineligible if you have 12/20. Research all available options.
How French Grades Convert to US GPA for French Government Scholarships
Many French Government Scholarship applications require a US GPA equivalent for international comparison. Here is the conversion reference:
| 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- |
| 10 – 11.9 | Passable | 2.0 – 2.6 | C |
| Below 10 | Échec | Below 2.0 | D / F |
📊 Worked Example
Student: Aisha, applying for French Government Scholarships
- Overall average: 14.8/20
- Mention: Bien
- US GPA equivalent: 3.6
- Recommended scholarships: Eiffel (competitive), Bilateral Agreements
Aisha’s 14.8/20 is within the Bien range. She is competitive for both the Eiffel Scholarship and bilateral agreements. She should apply to multiple scholarships to maximise her chances.
Important: Context Matters for Scholarships
A 14/20 from a Grande École is viewed as more competitive than a 14/20 from a public university. Scholarship committees consider the rigour of your institution. If you’re from a Grande École or CPGE, highlight this in your application.
Tip: Use our France GPA Calculator to convert your French grades to US GPA instantly.
French Government Scholarships: Application Process
The application process for French Government Scholarships varies by scholarship type. Here are the most common pathways:
1️⃣
Research Scholarship Types
Visit Campus France to explore available scholarships. Check both national programmes and bilateral agreements with your country.
2️⃣
Check Eligibility
Verify grade requirements, nationality restrictions, and field of study limitations. Each scholarship has unique criteria.
3️⃣
Apply Through the Right Channel
Apply through your French institution, the French embassy, or directly to Campus France—depending on the scholarship.
4️⃣
Await Results
Results are typically announced 3-6 months after the deadline. Successful candidates are notified directly.
📅 Key Deadlines (Typical)
- Eiffel Scholarship: January (for the following academic year)
- Bilateral Agreements: Varies by country—typically October to March
- Égalité des Chances: Varies—check Campus France
- Regional Scholarships: Varies by region
⚠️ Important: Application Channels Vary
Some scholarships require nomination by a French institution (like Eiffel). Others allow direct application through your home country’s French embassy. Check the specific requirements for each scholarship you’re interested in.
Country-Specific Bilateral Agreements
France has bilateral agreements with many countries that offer government scholarships to citizens of those nations. Here are some key examples:
🇮🇳 India
The French Government Scholarship for Indian Students is offered through the Embassy of France in India.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (typically)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Application: Through Campus France India
🇨🇳 China
The French Government Scholarship for Chinese Students is administered through the French Embassy in Beijing.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (typically)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Application: Through Campus France China
🇧🇷 Brazil
The French Government Scholarship for Brazilian Students is offered through the French Embassy in Brasília.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (typically)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Application: Through Campus France Brazil
🇵🇰 Pakistan
The French Government Scholarship for Pakistani Students is offered through the French Embassy in Islamabad.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (typically)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Application: Through Campus France Pakistan
🇲🇦 Morocco
The French Government Scholarship for Moroccan Students is offered through the French Embassy in Rabat.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (typically)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Application: Through Campus France Morocco
🇺🇸 United States
The French Government Scholarship for US Students is offered through the French Embassy in Washington, D.C.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (typically)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD, research stays
- Application: Through Campus France USA
📌 Note on Country-Specific Scholarships
This is not an exhaustive list. Check with the French embassy in your home country to see if a bilateral agreement exists. Many countries—including Mexico, Argentina, Vietnam, South Korea, and many African nations—have active agreements with France.
Tips for a Successful French Government Scholarship Application
Here is how to maximise your chances:
📚 Research All Available Options
- Don’t just apply for the Eiffel Scholarship—apply for multiple
- Check regional scholarships in your target region
- Explore bilateral agreements with your home country
🎯 Match Your Profile to the Scholarship
- If you have 14/20+, apply for Eiffel and bilateral agreements
- If you have 12-13.9, focus on bilateral agreements and Égalité des Chances
- If you have less than 12, consider country-specific programmes
🌍 Highlight Your Institutional Context
- If you’re from a Grande École or CPGE, mention it
- Explain the rigour of your programme
- Include any honours or distinctions
✍️ Prepare a Strong Application
- Write a compelling motivation letter
- Include letters of recommendation
- Demonstrate language proficiency (French or English)
💡 Pro Tip: Apply Early and Strategically
French Government Scholarships are competitive. Start your research at least 12 months before your intended start date. Apply to multiple scholarships—including those with lower grade requirements—to maximise your chances.
Sample Student Profiles: French Government Scholarship Applicants
👨🎓
Carlos, Mexico
Eiffel Scholar 2024-2025
- Field: Data Science
- French average: 16.2/20 (Très Bien)
- Institution: Télécom Paris
- Languages: Spanish (native), English (C1), French (B2)
👩🎓
Priya, India
French Government Bilateral Scholar 2024-2025
- Field: International Relations
- French average: 14.5/20 (Bien)
- Institution: Sciences Po
- Languages: Hindi (native), English (C1), French (B1)
Key Takeaway
Carlos (16.2/20) was competitive for the Eiffel Scholarship. Priya (14.5/20) was competitive for a bilateral agreement. Both succeed by matching their grades to the right scholarship type. Research which scholarships fit your profile.
❓FAQs About French Government Scholarships
🎓 What GPA do I need for French Government Scholarships?
▼
There is no single minimum GPA. However, most French Government Scholarships require a strong academic record—typically 14/20 or higher (Bien or Très Bien). In US terms, this is approximately a 3.5 GPA or higher. Some bilateral agreements may have lower requirements.
🇫🇷 Can I apply for French Government Scholarships directly?
▼
It depends. Most French Government Scholarships are administered through Campus France and may require a nomination from a French institution. Some bilateral agreements allow direct application through your home country’s French embassy or Campus France office.
🏆 What is the difference between Eiffel and other French Government Scholarships?
▼
The Eiffel Scholarship is the flagship programme for international Master’s and PhD students. Other French Government Scholarships include bilateral agreements (between France and specific countries), the Égalité des Chances programme, and regional scholarships. Eiffel is the most competitive and prestigious.
📊 Can I apply with a 12/20 (Assez Bien)?
▼
It is possible but challenging. A 12/20 is considered borderline for most French Government Scholarships. You would need exceptional research experience, language proficiency, and a compelling personal statement to compensate. Some less competitive bilateral agreements may accept 12/20.
🌍 Do I need a WES evaluation for French Government Scholarships?
▼
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 or the scholarship committee may request an evaluation.
🗓️ When is the deadline for French Government Scholarships?
▼
Deadlines vary by scholarship type and country of origin. Eiffel Scholarship deadlines are typically in January. Bilateral agreements may have deadlines between October and March. Check with the French embassy in your home country or Campus France for specific deadlines.
🎓 Are French Government Scholarships only for Master’s students?
▼
No. French Government Scholarships are available for various levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and even short-term research stays. However, most scholarships target Master’s and PhD levels. Check specific programme requirements.
External Resources
Official French Government Scholarship information
Official French study information
🇫🇷 French Ministry of Education
Official French education information
Reviewed by the LearnViaHub academic team – based on official Campus France scholarship guidelines.
Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education, GPA systems, and study-abroad guidance for international students.Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.