France scholarships for African students
Study in France on a fully funded scholarship. Browse Eiffel, France Excellence, Sciences Po Émile Boutmy and Make Our Planet Great Again awards open to African applicants.
France has the third-largest international student community in the world and has invested heavily in attracting African talent. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship leads the field for Masters and PhD candidates, alongside France Excellence, Sciences Po Émile Boutmy, the Make Our Planet Great Again climate grants, and Grandes Écoles awards at HEC, INSEAD, École Polytechnique and ENS. Below are the France-based opportunities currently open in our database.
45 matching opportunities
IÉSEG International Merit-Based Scholarships
IÉSEG International Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit tuition reduction; eligible early-bird and partner reductions can combine within the 50% cap. Deadline: 15 June 2027 (time and time zone not stated).
Audencia International Scholarships
Audencia International Scholarships: Merit or financial-need tuition waivers, with a distinct project criterion for the MBA route; counted as one institutional family. Deadline: Rolling — no fixed closing date published.
ESSEC Scholarship — Master in Management
ESSEC Scholarship — Master in Management: Competitive EUR 10,000 scholarship awarded with the admission decision. Deadline: 26 November 2026 at 12:00 Europe/Paris.
Space Academy Île-de-France Incoming Mobility Scholarships 2026/27
Space Academy Île-de-France Incoming Mobility Scholarships 2026/27: Up to €1200/month. Deadline: Call 1: 30 October 2026; call 2: 29 January 2027; call 3: 28 May 2027 (times not stated).
Université de Toulon Excellence Master Scholarship 2027–28
Université de Toulon Excellence Master Scholarship 2027–28: €950/month, 12 months M2 or up to 24 M1 subject renewal. Deadline: 30 November 2026 (time and time zone not stated).
University of Lille Graduate Programme Fellowships – 2027
€8,500/year for first-time incoming international students; €4,500/year for those already studying in France/renewals. Ten monthly instalments after registration and physical presence. International students admitted to a graduate-programme master track. Newcomer rate requires first enrolment in Fre
Sophie Germain Master Scholarships – 2027 Wave 1
€11,000 net/year; registration-fee contribution. First-time international students: up to €2,000 travel/visa contribution, accommodation offer at Orsay/Evry and housing kit. Worldwide applicants outside the Paris-Saclay perimeter entering an eligible Mathematics and Applications research track. Appl
Sanofi MBA Life Sciences Scholarship at HEC Paris
HEC Paris: 75% of tuition; ten awards annually. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
HEC Paris Laidlaw Scholars Program
HEC Paris: Full tuition; living costs excluded. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Monthly allowance and specified travel/insurance services; do not assume all tuition is paid. Non-French nationals from African countries; programme-specific age and study rules apply.
ENS International Selection — Sciences
EUR 1,000 monthly for three years and access to a room on an ENS campus. International university students from African countries meeting foreign-study conditions.
France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027
Master's and PhD funding in France for citizens of South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi: monthly living allowance, return flight and insurance, plus French language training. Closes 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South Africa time.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po — Graduate Study
Full financial needs covered for the eligible two-year master's, with academic and personal support.
IRD ARTS Research Grants for a PhD Thesis in the Global South
French government research institute funding for PhD students from Africa and the Global South, splitting the doctorate between an IRD laboratory in France and a laboratory at home.
Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships (IDEX)
Merit scholarships of around €10,000 per year for international students entering a Master's programme at Université Paris-Saclay, one of Europe's leading research universities.
Bourses du Gouvernement Français – Congo-Brazzaville
The French Embassy in Brazzaville and Campus France Congo fund Congolese students for degree study in France, listing every open bourse — French government awards, Excellence-Major and Erasmus+ mobility — on the country's own Campus France portal.
Bourses du Gouvernement Français – Central African Republic
Campus France Centrafrique, run by the French Embassy in Bangui, is the official route for Central African students to French government scholarships and the CampusBourses funding catalogue for study in France.
Bourses France Excellence – Côte d'Ivoire
The French Embassy in Abidjan funds Ivorian graduates for Master's and doctoral study in France, covering living costs, social cover and administrative support through the Campus France network.
The RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026
The RESONANCE residency programme invites Nigerian-based creatives to apply for a fully funded residency in Paris, France.
French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme 2027/2028
This fellowship program offers fully funded opportunities to researchers for advanced study at the Paris IAS, providing a monthly stipend of 2,700€.
Absa L’Atelier Arts Competition 2026 for Young African Artists
L’Atelier is one of Africa’s most prestigious art competitions, offering a fully-funded trip to Paris, France.
UNESCO Internship Programme (Paris & Field Offices)
1–6 month internship at UNESCO headquarters in Paris or field offices, open to students and recent graduates from UNESCO Member States — includes all African countries.
OECD Internship Programme (Paris)
1–6 month paid internship at the OECD in Paris for Master's and PhD students worldwide, including African nationals.
France Excellence Major Scholarship
For top graduates of French Lycées abroad (AEFE network) — covers undergraduate and Master's studies in France.
École Polytechnique Bachelor of Science Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities for prospective students of the École Polytechnique Bachelor of Science program, offering financial aid up to full tuition and a living stipend for those with the highest financial need. The application period runs from December to February for the September intake. Eligibility is based on academic excellence, potential in scientific fields, and financial need. Applicants should refer to the official website for detailed information on documentation and application procedures.
AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships
The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) offers scholarships for Masters, PhD, Postdoc, and faculty levels, including mobility allowances, travel, and insurance. Eligibility and benefits vary per call, with multiple application periods throughout the year. Applicants must check the official AUF website for current opportunities and detailed requirements.
Youthwise: The OECD's Youth Advisory Board
Join Youthwise, the OECD's Youth Advisory Board, to bring youth perspectives to international policy-making. Engage with experts, contribute to global discussions, and shape the future.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – Fully-funded Master’s and PhD for Study in France
France's flagship merit scholarship for top international Master's and PhD candidates, awarded through nomination by French universities.
International Women in Photo Association – Award for Women Photographers
The International Women in Photo Association (IWPA) is announcing its open call for 2021 entries and subsequent awards for women photographers., Post a Comment
Emile Boutmy International Student Scholarships at Sciences Po University
The Emile Boutmy Scholarships offers international students that chance to study at the prestigious Sciences Po University in France., Post a Comment
Camargo Foundation Core Fellowship Program in Arts and Humanities
Camargo Foundation’s Core Fellowship Program will select 18 people in the field of Arts and Humanities to participate in a residency at Cassis, France., Post a Comment
EMBL EIPOD-LinC Postdoctoral Fellowship
European Molecular Biology Laboratory: Three-year fully funded fellowship contract, social insurance, partner-lab travel/accommodation support and applicable family allowances. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD Antonio Borges Endowed Scholarship
INSEAD: Up to €20,000. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD Eric Sasson MBA’90D Scholarship
INSEAD: €15,000–€25,000; up to four recipients annually. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD MIM Women’s Merit Scholarship
INSEAD: €20,000–€25,000. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD Africa Leadership Fund Scholarship
INSEAD: €50,000; one award per class. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD Bowden Scholarship for African Women
INSEAD: At least €50,000; one or two annual recipients. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD L’Oréal MBA Scholarship
INSEAD: €25,000. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD Qinqin and Xin Zhang MBA Scholarship
INSEAD: €25,000; one recipient annually. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD Cygnum Capital Scholarship for Sub-Saharan Africa
INSEAD: €20,000; one MBA student annually from 2027. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
INSEAD AMPA Endowed Scholarship for Africa
INSEAD: At least €30,000; two awards annually. Eligibility and application conditions apply.
PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (Nigeria)
Nigeria's Petroleum Technology Development Fund fully funds Master's and PhD study in the UK, Germany, France and Malaysia for Nigerian graduates in oil, gas and energy-related fields.
Franco-German Youth Office Scholarship
This scholarship from the Franco-German Youth Office supports subject-related internships at companies or institutions in France that are recognized or strongly recommended by your home university as part of your degree program.
Herbert Smith Freehills Entente Cordiale scholarships
Support for one year of full-time postgraduate study in a British university. A collaboration between the UK and France.
International Master in Contemporary Challenges in the World of Work (WOCC)
The International Master in Contemporary Challenges in the World of Work (WOCC) is a unique, interdisciplinary, bilingual, and international program dedicated to studying the contemporary transformations of the world of work and employment. This master's program combines academic rigor, international openness, and practical relevance to train future experts in the field. The program emphasizes understanding global dynamics, analyzing public policies, studying contemporary issues such as sustainability, diversity, mental health, and digital transformation, and developing critical analytical skills adapted to the evolving job market. It aims to develop both specialized researchers, public policy analysts, and field practitioners. The program is fully funded and involves international mobility across three countries. Graduates receive multiple diplomas from the consortium and partner universities. The application phase is currently closed. For eligibility, candidates need a first-cycle university degree in relevant fields and B2 level language proficiency in French and English/Spanish. No specific dates or documents are listed, advising applicants to check the official website. Master in Contemporary Challenges in the World of Work (WOCC) is fully funded, taught primarily at the Université de Lille, with mobility to five other campuses associated with the consortium, which represents Canada, Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and France. Applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree. The program is currently closed to new applications. The languages of instruction are French and English, or Spanish. Applicants must be B2 level in both languages of instruction. This is a fully funded Masters program. Potential candidates for this Masters would have a prior degree from a university in Social Sciences, Law, Economic Sciences, and Humanities or show equivalent professional experience. The application phase has now closed. Once the program starts, the first and fourth semesters take place in Lille, France. The second and third semesters take place in other host universities. There are specific language requirements as teaching is in two languages: French and English or Spanish. The selection criteria are not listed. However, potential candidates would have a strong academic record, demonstrate their language skills, and express their motivation for the Master in Contemporary Challenges in the World of Work (WOCC). There are no specific deadlines yet listed as the applications for this program have closed. The program aims to train future researchers, public policy analysts, and practitioners for NGOs or other organizations working on employment and labor law. There are no documents specified. It is an Erasmus Mundus Master program, and applicants should carefully read all sections of the admissions page and application before submitting their application, whenever that may be. The program states that all applicants should be aware of possible travel and visa requirements. The program aims to create the next generation of social sciences scholars to address emerging challenges in society.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there fully funded scholarships in France for African students?
Yes. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Masters and PhD), France Excellence – Major Scholarships, the Make Our Planet Great Again grants, and Campus France country-specific awards routinely fund African students with stipend, tuition coverage and travel.
What is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
Eiffel is a French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs scholarship covering a EUR 1,181 monthly stipend for Masters or EUR 1,400 for PhD students, plus international travel, health insurance and cultural activities. Tuition is not covered but most public French universities charge low fees.
Can I study in France in English?
Yes — over 1,700 Masters and PhD programmes are taught entirely in English, especially in business, engineering and the sciences. French is still useful for daily life and increases your competitiveness for the Eiffel scholarship.
How much does it cost African students to study in France?
Public university tuition for non-EU students is EUR 2,770 per year for Bachelors and EUR 3,770 for Masters. Grandes Écoles and private business schools can range from EUR 8,000–25,000. Most scholarships waive or significantly reduce these fees.
When do French scholarship deadlines fall?
Eiffel nominations close in early January each year. Most French university Masters scholarships close between February and April for the September intake. Begin transcripts and a French motivation letter at least four months ahead.
Can African graduates stay in France to work?
Yes — graduates of French Masters or PhD programmes are eligible for the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS), a 12-month job-search residence permit, after which they can move to a Talent Passport or salaried-employee permit.
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