If the worry of a “brain drain” of French students is frequently mentioned, it is frequently overlooked that France is drawing more and more international students each year. More over 270,000 foreign students, or approximately 7% of all mobile students worldwide, were either studying or participating in work placements in France in 2012, according to UNESCO estimates. France thus draws, but are these students able to get financial aid? When you are from another nation, how do you pay for your studies in France?
Simply put, going back to your own nation is the most obvious course to take! For students who want to pursue their education overseas, many nations offer scholarships. Find out from your current institution which private or public ministries or organizations are likely to give scholarships.
French embassy scholarships abroad
Some international students in France are eligible for scholarships from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Before submitting your application, find out (very far in advance) the requirements and schedule from the Service for Cultural Cooperation and Action at the French embassy or general consulate in your nation.
For enrollment in a French higher education institution, embassies can provide study scholarships, work placement scholarships (for a typical time period of three to twelve months), or even scholarships for highly qualified scientific study visits (research program, cultural exchange, scientific exchange…).
The Eiffel Scholarship for Excellence
The Eiffel Excellence Program’s goal is to provide funding for a 10-month Master’s-level course or mobility within the context of co-supervision or co-management of a thesis. Science, Economics and Management, as well as Law and Political Science, have been designated as three study topics that should be prioritized.
Be aware that you must submit your application to the French higher education institution, not to yourself (which is committed to enrol you on the requested course if you receive the Eiffel Scholarship).
Distinguished Major Excellence Award
The Major Excellence Programme offers scholarships to the top non-French secondary school students who choose to continue their education in France. The application is made by the establishment. The selected students are given a scholarship for a maximum of five years (a three-year scholarship can be added to a two-year scholarship for undergraduates with “very good” or “good” grades so they can continue their studies to the master’s level).
Financial aid based on social factors
The French Ministry for Higher Education and Research offers scholarships to some international students and refugees based on social factors. You may be thought of as:
If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible:
- you must be younger than 28 years old;
- you must have immigrated from an EEA country (under certain restrictions);
- you must have the status of refugee or stateless person recognized by the OFPRA (Office Français de Protection des Réfugiés et Apatrides);
- you must have resided in France for at least two years; and your tax household must have been there for at least two years.
Be aware that you must submit your DSE (Dossier social étudiant, or “Student Social Application”) between January 15 and May 31 of the preceding year in order to be considered for a scholarship. The amount of your financial aid will range from waiving enrolment fees and student social security contributions and roughly €5,500 depending on your circumstances and resources.
Erasmus+
The Erasmus+ program provides funding to assist with living and travel expenses in the event that students or employees are placed abroad for study or employment. Citizens of the European Union will be entitled to between €200 and €300 each month. For students from outside the European Union, there are several fees. Ask your higher education institution for more information.
Scholarships for students of theology
Are you a theological student? French-speaking students from the European Union and North America who want to pursue a Master’s or doctoral degree in theology in France have access to a special program. For up to 48 months, about €600 is paid for Master 1 students and €750 is paid for Master 2 or Doctorate students.
The program “Quai d’Orsay / Entreprises”
Students who complete a work placement at one of these companies (Orange, Alten, Crédit Agricole S.A., Air Liquide…) will be eligible for a scholarship from the Quai d’Orsay, which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, worth approximately €1000. In general, large corporations frequently have private foundations that can support you.
Scholarships offered by the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
Students, educators, and researchers can take advantage of the action programs offered by the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie. The AUF offers financial assistance in a variety of ways, such as for master’s degree programs, professional internships, doctorate mobility, or even to further teaching and research.
Scholarships provided by territorial governments
Last but not least, regional and territorial administrations hope to revitalize local life by luring students, especially those from overseas. Get in touch with the general or regional council for the area you’re thinking about studying in.