Quick Answer
France offers several scholarships for international students—the most prestigious is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (14/20+), followed by the Erasmus+ exchange programme (12/20+), and various French Government Scholarships (bilateral agreements).
🏆 Eiffel
14/20+ Requirement
Most Prestigious
🇪🇺 Erasmus+
12/20+ Requirement
Exchange Focus
🇫🇷 Government
Varies (12-14/20+)
Country-Specific
👉 Use our France GPA Calculator to see how your French grades compare to scholarship requirements.
📌 Quick Navigation
Scholarship Comparison: Which One Fits You?
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the main scholarship opportunities for studying in France:
| Feature | 🏆 Eiffel | 🇪🇺 Erasmus+ | 🇫🇷 Government |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Grade | 14/20 | 12/20 | Varies (12-14+) |
| US GPA Equivalent | 3.5+ | 3.0+ | 3.0-3.7 |
| Level | Master’s / PhD | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,181-€1,400 | €150-€600 | Varies |
| Tuition Coverage | No (reduced fees) | No | Partial/Full |
| Nomination Required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Varies |
| Typical Deadline | January | October-February | Varies |
| Who Can Apply | International (non-EU) | EU + Partner Countries | Country-Specific |
| Read More | Guide → | Guide → | Guide → |
💡 Quick Recommendation by Grade
- 16/20+ (Très Bien): Apply for Eiffel + Bilateral Agreements + Erasmus+
- 14-15.9 (Bien): Apply for Eiffel (competitive) + Bilateral Agreements + Erasmus+
- 12-13.9 (Assez Bien): Apply for Erasmus+ + Bilateral Agreements + Égalité des Chances
- Below 12 (Passable): Focus on Erasmus+ (check your university’s minimum) or country-specific programmes
🏆 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is France’s most prestigious scholarship for international students. Funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it attracts top talent to French higher education institutions.
- Grade requirement: 14/20+ (Bien or Très Bien)
- US GPA equivalent: 3.5+
- Monthly stipend: €1,181 (Master’s) / €1,400 (PhD)
- Nomination required: Yes (through a French institution)
- Deadline: Typically January
📌 Who Should Apply?
The Eiffel Scholarship is ideal for high-achieving international students (non-EU) pursuing a Master’s or PhD in France. You need 14/20+ and must be nominated by a French institution. If you have strong grades and research experience, this should be your top choice.
🇪🇺 Erasmus+ Exchange Programme
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship exchange programme. It offers study abroad opportunities for students enrolled in French universities—allowing you to study at a partner university in Europe.
- Grade requirement: 12/20+ (typically)
- US GPA equivalent: 3.0+
- Mobility grant: €150-€600 per month
- Nomination required: No (apply through your university)
- Deadline: October-February (varies by university)
📌 Who Should Apply?
Erasmus+ is ideal for any university student (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) enrolled in a French institution. With a 12/20+ grade requirement, it’s the most accessible scholarship option. Apply if you want to study abroad in Europe for 3-12 months.
🇫🇷 French Government Scholarships (Bilateral Agreements)
French Government Scholarships are a diverse range of funding programmes offered through bilateral agreements between France and partner countries. These scholarships vary significantly by country.
- Grade requirement: Varies (typically 12-14/20+)
- US GPA equivalent: 3.0-3.7 (varies)
- Coverage: Varies (partial to full tuition + stipend)
- Nomination required: Varies
- Deadline: Varies by country (October-March)
📌 Who Should Apply?
French Government Scholarships are ideal for students from countries with bilateral agreements with France. Check the French embassy in your home country to see if your country has an active agreement. Grade requirements are often more flexible than Eiffel—some accept 12/20+.
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for You
Choosing the right scholarship depends on three factors: your grades, your nationality, and your academic level.
📊
Step 1: Check Your Grades
What is your French grade average?
- 16/20+: Eiffel + Bilateral + Erasmus
- 14-15.9: Eiffel + Bilateral + Erasmus
- 12-13.9: Erasmus + Bilateral
- Below 12: Erasmus (check minimum) + Country-specific
🌍
Step 2: Check Your Nationality
Where are you from?
- Non-EU: Eiffel + Bilateral Agreements
- EU: Erasmus+ (priority) + Bilateral
- Partner country: Bilateral Agreements
- Any: Erasmus+ (if enrolled in France)
🎓
Step 3: Check Your Level
What degree are you pursuing?
- Bachelor’s: Erasmus+ or Bilateral
- Master’s: Eiffel + Erasmus + Bilateral
- PhD: Eiffel + Bilateral + Regional
- Research: Bilateral or Regional
💡 Pro Tip: Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 2-3 scholarships that fit your profile. Many students apply for Eiffel, Erasmus+, and a bilateral agreement simultaneously. Maximise your chances by applying broadly.
📚 Detailed Scholarship Guides
Explore each scholarship in depth with our complete guides:
Eiffel Scholarship
France’s flagship scholarship for international Master’s and PhD students.
Grade: 14/20+
Stipend: €1,181-€1,400/mo
Erasmus+
EU exchange programme for students enrolled in French universities.
Grade: 12/20+
Grant: €150-€600/mo
Government Scholarships
Bilateral agreements between France and partner countries.
Grade: Varies (12-14/20+)
Coverage: Varies
❓FAQs About Scholarships for France
🎓 What scholarships are available for international students in France?
▼
France offers several scholarships for international students including the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Erasmus+ exchange programme, French Government Scholarships (bilateral agreements), Égalité des Chances, and regional scholarships. Each has different eligibility criteria and application processes.
📊 What GPA do I need for scholarships in France?
▼
Grade requirements vary by scholarship. The Eiffel Scholarship typically requires 14/20 or higher. Erasmus+ requires a minimum of 12/20. French Government Scholarships vary—most require 14/20+, but some bilateral agreements accept 12/20. In US terms, this ranges from approximately 3.0 to 3.7 GPA.
📝 Can I apply for multiple scholarships in France?
▼
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. However, you may need to choose only one if awarded multiple offers. Many students apply to Eiffel, Erasmus+, and bilateral agreements simultaneously to maximise their chances. Check each scholarship’s terms regarding multiple awards.
💰 Do French scholarships cover tuition fees?
▼
Coverage varies. The Eiffel Scholarship provides a monthly stipend and does not cover tuition (you pay reduced French tuition). Erasmus+ covers no tuition—you continue paying your home institution. French Government Scholarships may cover partial or full tuition, travel, and living expenses. Check each programme’s specific coverage.
🗓️ When should I start applying for scholarships in France?
▼
Start at least 12-18 months before your intended start date. Eiffel deadlines are typically in January. Erasmus+ deadlines are usually October-February. Bilateral agreements vary—some close as early as October. Research deadlines early and plan accordingly.
External Resources
Official scholarship database
Official Erasmus+ programme information
🇫🇷 French Ministry of Education
Official French education information
Reviewed by the LearnViaHub academic team – based on official Campus France and European Commission 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.