Scholarships in France for International Students to Study 

TL;DR? Highlights:

• The French government and university-backed scholarships are available for international students, covering a wide spectrum of courses and study levels. 
• Top scholarships like ENS International Selection and Ampere Scholarships provide living allowances up to 1,000/month, while others like Emile Boutmy and Université Paris-Saclay offer significant tuition support. 
• Many scholarships require a solid academic record, with a typical GPA requirement of 3.5 and above. 
• Students can usually apply directly to French universities or through recognized scholarship programs, with options for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research studies. 
• Scholarships are open to students worldwide, making France accessible to applicants from diverse backgrounds and regions.

Introduction

Dreaming of studying in France? You’re not alone! France attracts students from all over the globe thanks to its world-class universities, rich culture, and vibrant student life. Scholarships for international students in France make this dream much more affordable by covering tuition fees, living expenses, and more. From government grants to university-specific awards, there are plenty of opportunities to secure funding and kick-start your educational journey in this beautiful country. Whether you’re eyeing Paris, Lyon, or any other French city, you can find scholarships tailored for your field and background. Let’s dive into your options!

France has traditionally been a global powerhouse in language studies. Paris hosts the sixth most intensive spot for international students, the 10th largest student population, and is one of the top five destinations for students from China, with its renowned teaching of French. Scholarships from different countries allow students to accept their admissions offer with more ease, giving them more support to begin studying in France. There are many types of scholarships for international students to study in France. Many French companies will sponsor an International Student’s award; however, some universities in France offer substantial cash and credit scholarships to international students who display a high school grade point average of at least 3.5. French government grants based on merit, availability, or citizenship have also become popular in recent years, giving significant opportunities to those who can demonstrate the strongest merits through their studies and/or involvement with society.

The French government offers scholarships funded through public and private financial institutions to international students going to pursue a course of study in France. The scholarship lasts for a duration fixed by the institution that offers it and is usually renewable for three years. When you narrow your scholarship down to a specific, desired nation, that money goes a lot further. Depending on what type of study program the student is interested in, international students can receive anywhere between $37K and $88K per year. The amount varies according to many factors, but the general concept is that students who are awarded scholarships abroad are eligible to receive up to 10,000 Euros per annum.

The top 4 scholarships in France:

1. École Normale Supérieure International Selection: Each year, the ENS organizes an international selection allowing about thirty of the most promising international students, either in Science or in Humanities, to follow a two or three-year course at the ENS. They receive a monthly stipend of approximately 1,000 Euros for 2-3 years.  About 30 foreign students are awarded each year.
2. Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon: The ENS de Lyon and its partners offer scholarships for excellent international students to enroll in its Master’s programs in the Exact Sciences, the Arts, and Human and Social Sciences (excluding Professional Master’s in teaching) through the Ampere Scholarships of Excellence. The scholarships cover 1000/month for a duration of 12 months and are renewable with conditions.
3. Emile Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po University: Sciences Po created the Emile Boutmy Scholarships after the founder of Sciences Po in order to attract the very best international students from outside of the European Union who are applying and previously admitted to Sciences Po University. The scholarships can take different forms, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000  for 2 years of postgraduate study or 3,000 to 12,300  for 3 years of undergraduate study.
4. Universit Paris-Saclay International Masters Scholarships: The University Paris-Saclay would like to promote access to its masters (nationally-certified degree) programs to international students, taught in its member establishments. The scholarship is 10,000 per year, and a maximum of 1,000 for travel and visa expenses is also awarded. 

Every international student is not required to provide documentation of tuition from a sponsoring university in their own country to prove eligibility for the scholarship. Although scholarships don’t guarantee admission to a university, they do increase the likelihood of being accepted for a particular program. If there are multiple universities and programs that would be within your budget, it’s best to apply to as many as you can to increase your chances of being accepted.

Author’s Takeaways 

• Starting your scholarship search early and preparing strong application materials like recommendation letters and personal essays increases your chances of success. 
• Merit-based scholarships in France recognize more than just grades; extracurricular involvement and motivation matter, too. 
• Consider applying to multiple universities and programs to multiply your chances of scholarship awards. 
• Don’t overlook university-specific scholarships, as they often come with streamlined admissions support and community perks. 
• Guidance from experienced education consultants can simplify the application process and help you navigate eligibility, documentation, and interviews with confidence.

Conclusion 

Embarking on an academic journey in France is a life-changing experience, and with the right scholarships, it’s also truly attainable. From cash awards and monthly stipends to travel grants, French scholarships support your dreams every step of the way. Don’t forget: strong academics, early applications, and expert guidance make a world of difference. Ready to start your French adventure? Get personalized help from Grad-Dreams and let’s turn your goal of studying in France into reality! Reach out today and unlock a new world of possibilities.

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