The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, also known as the Eiffel Scholarships (Bourses Eiffel in French), are prestigious scholarships offered by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. These scholarships are designed to attract outstanding international students who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral studies in France.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships:

Key features of the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships include:

• Eligible Fields of Study: The scholarships are open to students studying in a wide range of academic disciplines, including engineering, sciences, economics, management, law, political science, and more.
• Study Levels: The Eiffel Scholarships support both master’s (M1 and M2) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs. The scholarship duration for a master’s degree is typically 12 months, while for a Ph.D., it can be up to 36 months.
• Financial Coverage: The scholarship provides financial support to cover various expenses, including a monthly allowance, international round-trip airfare, social security coverage, and cultural activities. The exact amount of the monthly allowance varies depending on the level of study, with doctoral students generally receiving a higher stipend.
• Selection Criteria: The selection process for the Eiffel Scholarships is highly competitive and based on academic excellence and the applicant’s potential for future leadership roles. Applicants are assessed based on their academic achievements, research proposal, letters of recommendation, and their motivation to study in France.
• University Nomination: To apply for the Eiffel Scholarships, candidates must be nominated by a French higher education institution. It is crucial to secure admission to a French university or doctoral school before applying for the scholarship.
• French Language Proficiency: While not mandatory for all programs, having a good command of the French language can be advantageous, especially for programs conducted in French. However, there are also programs taught in English, and proficiency in French may not be required in such cases.

What is the total award for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships:

The total award for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships varies depending on the level of study and the duration of the program. Here is a breakdown of the financial coverage provided by the Eiffel Scholarships:

1. Master’s Level:
   • Monthly allowance: €1,031 for up to 12 months.
   • International round-trip airfare: Covered (one return trip).
   • Social security coverage: Health insurance provided.
   • Cultural activities: A cultural activities allowance of €150 is also provided.
2. Ph.D. Level:
   • Monthly allowance: €1,400 for up to 36 months.
   • International round-trip airfare: Covered (one return trip).
   • Social security coverage: Health insurance provided.
   • Cultural activities: A cultural activities allowance of €150 is also provided.

How do you apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships:

To apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, you need to follow a specific application process. Here are the general steps involved:

1. Research Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Eiffel Scholarships. These criteria include being a foreign national, having excellent academic records, and applying to a French higher education institution that nominates students for the scholarship.
2. Find a French Institution: Identify the French university or doctoral school where you wish to pursue your studies. Contact the institution’s international office or admissions department to inquire about their participation in the Eiffel Scholarships program and their application process.
3. Obtain Application Documents: The application requirements may vary slightly between institutions, but generally, you will need the following documents:
   • Application form: Obtain the application form from the French higher education institution where you plan to study.
   • Academic transcripts: Prepare copies of your academic transcripts or diplomas from previous studies.
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Create a comprehensive CV highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, research activities, and any other relevant information.
   • Motivation letter: Write a compelling motivation letter expressing your interest in the scholarship, your academic and professional goals, and how studying in France aligns with your aspirations.
   • Research proposal: If you are applying for a Ph.D., prepare a research proposal outlining your intended research topic and methodology.
   • Letters of recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
   • Language proficiency certificates: Provide evidence of your proficiency in either French or English, depending on the language of instruction for your chosen program.
4. Contact the French Institution: Reach out to the international office or admissions department of the French institution to inquire about the specific application process, deadlines, and any additional requirements they may have.
5. Submit Application: Complete the application form and gather all the required documents. Submit your application package directly to the French institution according to their specified instructions and deadlines.
6. Selection Process: The French institution will review the applications received and nominate candidates for the Eiffel Scholarships. The nominations are then forwarded to the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs for the final selection.
7. Announcement of Results: The French Ministry will inform the selected candidates, and the results are usually communicated to the institutions by early March.

Step by Step Student Visa Process for France

Here is a step-by-step guide to the student visa process for France:

1. Admission to a French Institution: Secure admission to a recognized French educational institution that is authorized to host international students.
2. Check Visa Requirements: Visit the website of the French consulate or embassy in your home country to review the specific visa requirements for students. Different countries may have slightly different requirements, so it’s essential to check the official information.
3. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online visa application form on the official website of France’s visa application center or consulate in your home country. Provide accurate and complete information as requested.
4. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for your visa application. The typical documents required for a student visa in France include:
   • Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in France.
   • Visa application form: Print out the completed visa application form.
   • Passport-sized photos: Provide recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specific requirements of the consulate.
   • Letter of Admission: Obtain the official acceptance letter from the French educational institution where you have been accepted.
   • Proof of Financial Resources: Demonstrate your ability to cover your living expenses and tuition fees during your stay in France. This may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or a financial guarantee from a sponsor.
   • Proof of Accommodation: Provide documentation of your accommodation arrangements in France, such as a housing certificate, lease agreement, or a letter from a university residence.
   • Travel and Health Insurance: Obtain travel and health insurance coverage for your stay in France.
   • Proof of Language Proficiency: Depending on the language of instruction, you may need to provide proof of your language proficiency in French or English.
   • Medical Certificate: Obtain a medical certificate from a recognized medical practitioner stating that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
5. Schedule an Appointment: Make an appointment at the nearest French consulate or visa application center in your home country. It is important to schedule this appointment well in advance as appointment availability may vary.
6. Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, visit the consulate or visa application center for your interview. Bring all the required documents in both original and photocopy form. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your study plans, financial resources, and accommodation arrangements.
7. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa application fee at the consulate or visa application center. The fee amount can vary depending on your nationality.
8. Wait for Visa Processing: After submitting your application and attending the interview, you will need to wait for the visa processing period. The processing time can vary, so it’s advisable to check with the consulate or visa application center for an estimate.
9. Collect Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, you will be notified by the consulate or visa application center. You can then collect your passport with the visa affixed to it.
10. Travel to France: Make travel arrangements to France, ensuring that you have all the required documents, including your passport with the visa, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial resources.

The Annual and Renewable Options For This Scholarship

This is an annual scholarship. The official deadline date for this scholarship is January 10, 2024.

Other available scholarships to look at are €2,200 Monthly Stipend Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (BI-PD) for Portuguese Cell Biology at The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), Portugal 2024

All applicants should consult the contact webpage that is in the contact section of this page if a question has not been answered. Beforehand check the university’s FAQs page to see if anything can be answered right away.

All students should check with the university website about any delays or changes to the open submission window or deadline time frame. This is the best way to see if anything needs to be reviewed or changed before submitting their application. Anyone can sign up to receive a university website newsletter to stay updated on the latest information.

Any student unsure about the rules and guidelines meant to be followed by the recipient should consult the website link provided. Anyone looking for more information that is not found on the website should contact the email address.

We also suggest that all applicants read through the information guideline page that is available through the original scholarship link. This way, the individual can navigate the website correctly and identify the real scholarship online application. So far there has been no mention of any delays for this opportunity or any cancellations.