Eiffel Excellence Scholarship France 2026
What Is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship funded by the French Government’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It supports excellent international students to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs in France through a nomination system managed by French universities and Campus France.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship France 2026 opens on October 1, 2025, and closes on January 8, 2026. French institutions nominate candidates who meet age, academic, and eligibility requirements. Results are typically published from March 30, 2026, with studies starting in Fall 2026.
Why Timeline and Eligibility Matter
Unlike many scholarships, where you apply directly, you cannot submit your Eiffel application yourself. A French university or institution must nominate and forward your application to Campus France by the official deadline. Missing institutional deadlines automatically disqualifies your application.
📅Eiffel Scholarship 2026 Official Timeline
| Stage | Date |
| Call for applications opens | 1 October 2025 |
| Institutional deadline to submit applications to Campus France | 8 January 2026 |
| Results announced by Campus France and institutions | From 30 March 2026 |
| Programme start date in France | September–November 2026 (varies by university) |
Expert Tip: Start preparing your application documents as early as mid-2025 to match internal university deadlines and nomination procedures.
📌 Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown
1) Before October 2025 – Preparation Phase
- Identify French universities & programs that participate in the Eiffel programme.
- Contact the International Relations Office at those universities to confirm eligibility and interest.
- Prepare academic documents, CV, recommendation letters, and motivation letters ahead of time.
👉 This early prep is crucial because institutions often have internal deadlines weeks before the official Campus France deadline.
2) 1–31 October 2025 – Call Opens
- The official call is published, and institutions begin receiving application packages from students.
- Submit your application to your French host institution (not to Campus France).
What you’ll typically need:
✔ Transcripts and diplomas
✔ CV and motivation letter
✔ Letters of recommendation
✔ Proof of language proficiency (French/English)
✔ Research proposal (for Ph.D.)
3) November–December 2025 – Institutional Selection
- French universities review and preselect candidates internally.
- Some universities notify students of nomination decisions before submitting files to Campus France.
💡 Inside tip: A nomination confirmation from the university is not the final award it’s the first major hurdle. You’ll still wait for Campus France/Ministry approval.
4) By 8 January 2026 – Final Submission
- Your university submits your complete Eiffel application to Campus France by this deadline.
- Applications submitted after this date will not be processed.
5) 30 March 2026 Onwards – Results Announcement
- Campus France and partner institutions announce selected scholars via email and university portals.
Tip: Some universities also share results with shortlisted candidates earlier often in late Dec 2025 or Jan 2026 but the official national list is finalized in March.
🧠 Eligibility Requirements for 2026
General Conditions
✔ Nationality: Must be non-French citizens.
✔ Nomination: Only French institutions can apply on your behalf direct student submissions are not accepted.
✔ Academic excellence: Strong university records and solid study/research goals are essential.
✔ No other French government scholarship: Eiffel cannot be combined with another French government award.
Age Limits
- Master’s Level: Applicants must be 29 years or younger (born after 31 March 1996).
- Ph.D. Level: Applicants must be 35 years or younger (born after 31 March 1990).
Note: Exact age cutoff years may vary slightly by university, so always verify the official call or institutional guidelines.
🎯 Scholarship Duration & Benefits
Duration
- Master’s:
- Up to 12 months for second-year (M2) programs
- Up to 24 months for first-year (M1) programs
- Up to 36 months for engineering degrees
- Ph.D.:
- Up to 36 months (full Ph.D. support)
- Shorter stays for joint supervision can also be funded.
Typical Benefits
- Monthly stipend (€1,200 for Master’s, €2,100 for Ph.D.)
- Round-trip international travel support
- Health and accident insurance
- Cultural activity support
💡 Expert Insight: Eiffel scholarship is highly competitive because it’s demand-driven and limited to top candidates with clear professional goals and academic excellence.
📌 Key Application Tips
1) Contact Your Target Institution Early
Your university must choose to nominate you, so start these conversations months before the official call opens.
2) Prepare a Strong Motivation Letter
Focus on:
- Why France and your chosen program
- How your background aligns with your goals
- Potential impact when you return home
3) Demonstrate Academic Excellence
Include transcripts, awards, and evidence of achievement; strong academic documentation boosts institutional nomination odds.
4) Tailor Ph.D. Documents
For Ph.D. applications, align your research proposal with the prospective supervisor’s work and explain how your project advances knowledge in the field.
5) Follow All Deadlines Carefully
Missing any deadline, especially the January 8, 2026, institutional submission, means automatic disqualification.
Final Thoughts: Plan for 2026
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is highly prestigious and doesn’t accept direct student applications, so your strategy must align with French institutional procedures. Reach out early, prepare strong materials, and watch the official timeline closely.
Summary Timeline (2026):
📌 Call opens – 1 October 2025
📌 Deadline – 8 January 2026
📌 Results – From 30 March 2026
📌 Start study – Sept–Nov 2026
If you want help preparing your institutional application package or motivation letter for Eiffel 2026, just send your program, GPA, and target French university. I can help you craft a competitive submission.
