What is the Eiffel Scholarship?
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme aims to attract talented international students to French higher education institutions. It provides selected students with financial support to pursue their studies in France and develop their expertise in their chosen field.
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel programme is designed to attract outstanding international students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in France.
At ESPOL, this scholarship offers an opportunity to join an international academic community and deepen your knowledge of political science, international relations and European studies.
What are the benefits of the Eiffel Scholarship?
Successful applicants may benefit from several advantages, including:
- A monthly allowance of €1,200 for Master’s students and €2,000 for PhD students;
- Coverage of certain international travel expenses;
- Social security coverage and additional benefits, subject to the programme’s conditions;
- Cultural activities offering opportunities to discover France’s and Europe’s rich cultural heritage.
For full details of the benefits and conditions applicable to the 2027 application round, please consult the official programme regulations.
What are the eligibility criteria?
To be eligible for the Eiffel programme, applicants must, among other requirements:
- Hold a foreign nationality; French nationals are not eligible;
- Meet the age requirements applicable to their intended level of study;
- Not have previously received an Eiffel Scholarship for a programme at the same level of study;
- Have an excellent academic record and a study or research project that aligns with their chosen programme.
How to apply through ESPOL
Students cannot apply directly to Campus France for the Eiffel Scholarship. Applications must be submitted by a French higher education institution, which selects the candidates it wishes to put forward for the scholarship.
If you would like ESPOL to nominate you, you must prepare an application file containing the following documents.
For Master’s applicants:
- A detailed CV;
- A motivation letter outlining your study plans;
- A copy of your passport;
- Copies of your higher education qualifications and academic transcripts, with translations where necessary;
- Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction of the programme. A C1 level is recommended; applications from candidates with a B2 level may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For PhD applicants:
- A detailed CV;
- A motivation letter;
- A copy of your passport;
- Copies of your higher education qualifications and academic transcripts;
- A research proposal of 1–5 pages;
- Letters of recommendation or support from your thesis supervisor, doctoral school director and research laboratory director;
- A copy of the joint supervision or co-supervision agreement, where applicable.
Please confirm the exact list of required documents with ESPOL’s Admissions Office for the 2027 application round.
Deadline for applications to ESPOL: 4 December 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to submit your application, please contact the Admissions Office at ozcan.agzibuyuk@univ-catholille.fr.
An opportunity to shape your future
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship offers an opportunity to pursue your studies in France in a challenging, internationally oriented academic environment. If you wish to specialise in political science, international relations or European affairs, this scholarship could help you take the next step towards achieving your ambitions.
Consult the official information for the 2027 application round and contact ESPOL’s Admissions Office to find out more about the internal selection process.
For further information, visit the Campus France website.