Scholarships in France for Indian Students
France is one of the leading study destinations in the world. Indian students prefer to pursue their higher studies in France in various study programs, such as Business Management, Law, Science, Fashion Design, etc., which offer them better career perspectives.
However, most students cannot afford universities on their own, so French institutes provide diverse financial aid in the form of scholarships and bursaries.
Let’s explore the importance of scholarships in France and their types and benefits.
Importance of Scholarships in France
Scholarships offer monetary assistance to meritorious students from low-income families or those who, for other reasons, cannot afford to study overseas. To encourage them, the government, academic institutions, and private establishments provide various awards so they can follow their goals without interference.
These financial awards could take the form of tuition fee waivers or full monetary support, which would also cover living and educational expenses.
Here, we’ve included comprehensive details about French scholarships available to Indian students, including information on deadlines, awarded amounts, and more.
Types of Scholarships in France for Indian Students
According to Campus France, more than 500 deserving young Indians get scholarships every year from the French Embassy in India and other French organizations to attend a public or private university in France.
These scholarships cover a variety of subject fields and are available for graduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels of study.
There are a variety of financial alternatives available to Indian applicants with exceptional academic records for their studies in France.
The French government provides the majority of the scholarships, catering to a variety of interests and subject areas.
Generally, there are three types of scholarships available in France for Indian students.
- Government Scholarships
- Private Scholarships
- University-based French scholarships for Indian students
Government Scholarships in France
There are more than 100 French scholarships for Indian students provided by the foreign ministry. The ministry funds 25% of these scholarships directly.
The SCACs, which are located in French embassies and consulates general overseas, are primarily responsible for handing out scholarships.
Applicants should get in touch with the SCAC well in advance of their departure to get all the information they need about the scholarship, including the application materials needed, the selection process, and the eligibility criteria.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program
Indian students enrolled in master’s and doctoral courses at any French university are eligible for France Excellence Eiffel Scholarships. The two main disciplinary fields for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarships cover the following seven areas of study for the Master’s and Doctorate elements:
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
- History, French Language and Civilization
- Law and political science
- Economics and management
Duration
- For 12-36 months (master’s level program)
- For 6-36 months (PhD courses)
Benefits
Master’s students receive a monthly allowance of €1,181, whereas PhD students receive a monthly allowance of €1,800, to which are added several services: international transportation, national transportation, insurance, housing searches, cultural activities, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications must be submitted to French educational institutions.
- The applicant must be at least 30 years old when they apply.
- Applicants must not have previously applied for any French government scholarships.
- Even if the institution and course are different, the application will not be accepted.
Application Process
Application Process can be made through the institute
Application Deadline
The application process for the 2024 intake has been closed. For the 2025 intake, applications will be open in October 2024.
France Excellence Charpak Master Scholarship
France Excellence Charpak Master scholarship program is offered to Indian students who enrolled in 1 or 2 years of master’s studies in France. The application will be accepted based on excellence, consistency, quality of education and the statement of purpose. There is no GPA/CGPA cut-off required for the program.
Duration
For 12-36 months
Benefits
This scholarship program provides a monthly living allowance of €860, a student visa fee waiver or reimbursement, social security and accommodation assistance, which is subject to availability.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be at least 30 years old when they apply.
- An Indian institution must be the applicant’s current or former place of study.
- Knowledge of the basic French language is mandatory.
- The applicant must have enrolled in a French university.
Application Process
Application Process can be made through the nearest Campus France office
Application Deadline
The application process for the 2024 intake has been closed. For the 2025 intake, applications will be open in October 2024.
Raman-Charpak Fellowship Programme
It also facilitates the exchange of doctoral students between the two countries to broaden the depth of scope in science, technology, and innovation.
The Raman-Charpak Fellowship program aims to enhance the doctoral skills of Indian and French students by providing them with opportunities to conduct research work at a university or research and development institute based in India and France, respectively.
Duration
For 2-6 months
Benefits
- It includes monthly fellowship support of 860 euros for daily expenses, as well as local transit, lodging, and social security fees.
- One return airfare ticket in economy class between India and France
- Travel and health insurance
- The program provides additional support for Indian fellows who participate in a seminar and workshops during their term of the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be at least 30 years old when they apply.
- The applicants must have a master’s degree from a recognised university.
- Knowledge of the basic French language is mandatory.
- The applicant should have prior consent from his/her university to apply for the program.
Application Process
For more information, visit the website IFCPAR
Application Deadline
May/June 2024
Also read – Charpak Scholarship for Indian Students
Private Scholarships in France
GIFAS International Excellence Scholarship-ENAC Foundation
The International Excellence Scholarship program is offered to the best international students in ENAC programs (masters and advanced masters).
It covers the subject areas of computer science, mathematics, engineering, transportation, and aeronautics.
The grant is funded by foundations and associations.
Duration
For 12-24 months
Benefits
It includes scholarship support of €2400-7000
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be 30 years old or older when they apply..
- The applicants must have a master’s degree from a recognized university.
- Knowledge of the French language is not mandatory if the student has opted for English-taught programs.
- The applicant should have applied first to a master’s course before applying for the scholarship program.
Application Process
The application process can be completed through the ENAC’s recruitment officer here karine.michelet@enac.fr or visit the official website of ENAC
Application Deadline
May 15, 2024
Scholarship Program for International Students-LivinFrance
This scholarship program is open to all courses, fields of study, and levels.
Duration
Throughout study stay
Benefits
- Ten laureates will receive a package worth €1000 for their studies in France.
- We will also provide personalized assistance for accommodation.
- Reservation fees of €595 for Livinfrance-certified accommodation are available.
- Visa support service
- Each winner will receive personalized support worth €100 for all his administrative procedures (CVEC, CAF, French health insurance, validation of the VISA, and first application for a residence permit), and this support will be valid throughout his study stay.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minor students must have a legal representative.
- To validate their application, candidates must register on the Livin-France website.
Application Process
The application process can be completed through livin-france website
Application Deadline
June 10, 2024
Early Bird Scholarship
ESC Clermont awards this scholarship to students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Duration
Throughout study stay
Benefits
- A 5% tuition fee discount will be granted to Indian students.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be 30 years old or older when they apply.
- Knowledge of the French language is not mandatory if the student has opted for English-taught programs.
- The applicant should have applied first to a course before applying for the scholarship program.
Application Process
The scholarship application is made throughout the year preceding the start of the school year.
For more detail visit the official website of ESC Clermont
Application Deadline
June 30, 2024
Also read – Cost of Living in France
University-Based Scholarships in France
INSEAD Indian Alumni Scholarships
INSEAD is a dream destination for Indian students wishing to pursue a higher education in France, as it has been encouraging students throughout the world, including India, by providing scholarships and grants. This scholarship program is intended for those students who demonstrate financial need.
Benefits
- A scholarship worth €25,000 will be granted
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be 30 years old or older when they apply.
- The applicant must demonstrate their financial need
- The applicant should have applied first to a course before applying for the scholarship program.
Application Process
The scholarship application is made through the official website of the university.
Application Deadline
Throughout the year
HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence
This MBA scholarship program is for exceptional applicants who showcase the added value of an MBA. It attracts the best students from all over the world who have realized their life commitments and goals.
Benefits
Applicants can receive scholarships worth up to 50% of the tuition fees, as the amount awarded is determined by the last instalment of the tuition fees.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must showcase their exceptional academic excellence.
Application Process
Students will be automatically considered for the application process after one week of admission to the program.
Application Deadline
No specific deadline
Master’s of Science Excellence Scholarships-Skema Business School
Skema Business School offers two scholarships to attract talented students so that they can realize their dreams and achieve success in personal and professional pursuits.
Benefits
- Applicants can receive scholarships worth up to €4,000. These scholarships are awarded in the form of a tuition fee waiver.
- This scheme will be offered to students for only the first year if they have enrolled in a 2-year program.
Eligibility Criteria
- All applicants can apply for the scholarship programme.
- The applicant must showcase their exceptional academic excellence.
Application Process
Students will be automatically considered for the application process after two weeks of admission to the program.
Application Deadline
Within two weeks of admission
Documents Checklist for Scholarships in France
The requirements for documents for applying to various French scholarships for Indian students may vary depending on the university, course, certain eligibility criteria, etc.
However, the scholarship scheme requires the presentation of some common documents. Below, we have listed the documents that are required to be submitted during the application process:
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Copy of the first page of your passport (with photo and expiration date).
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
- A copy of your admission or acceptance letter from the French higher education institution.
- Copy of mark sheets and degree of higher secondary school (XII), bachelor’s, and master’s degrees (including those of completed semesters of the ongoing degree)
- French language certificate, if any (DELF or DALF)
- Document of employment or internship record (if applicable)
- Letter(s) of recommendation from the current Indian university or employer or the institution last attended.
- The letter(s) of recommendation
- Bank statements
- Proof of extraordinary academic or athletic achievement
- A civil liability certificate
- Proof of proficiency in French and/or English is required.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are a variety of ways through which Indian students can apply for scholarships in France. Known for its world-renowned institutions, France offers three kinds of scholarships to international students, which are both merit-based and financial-based. The majority of French scholarships are provided by the government.
On the other hand, universities and the private sector are also investing in educational initiatives to engage students in research and novel concepts. In this way, with unity and excitement, we may find real solutions to issues in a world that is changing all the time.
FAQs
Can I study in France for free?
Yes, there are many scholarship programs available for international students in France that can completely waive study costs. However, the eligibility criteria and application process can differ depending on the university and grant scheme.
What is the age limit for French scholarships?
The applicants must be at least 25 years old to get a master’s scholarship, and they must be at least 30 years old to get a PhD fellowship.
Is there any duration for university-based scholarships in France?
No, because French universities offer full or partial tuition fee waivers, the scholarship program’s duration is equal to the course duration.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
