France is a major attraction for international students as an educational destination which is increased because of the Eiffel Scholarships.
According to the Times Higher Education Rankings, France made its way up to the 7th spot.
It shows the quality of higher education in France making it one of the best destinations for higher education.
Nevertheless, students need scholarships to make a move to a foreign land mainly because of the expenses associated with such a move.
The Eiffel Scholarships have roped in the interest of international students because of the perks they offer.
The Eiffel Scholarships are offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
To help you learn more about this scholarship scheme, we have compiled this article which will tell you about the benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedure, deadline, duration, obligations, and degree levels under the Eiffel Scholarships.
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Eiffel Scholarships
1. Benefits Offered by the Eiffel Scholarships
2. Eligibility Criteria for Eiffel Scholarships
3. Documents Required for Eiffel Scholarships
4. How to apply for Eiffel Scholarships
5. Duration of The Eiffel Scholarships
6. Degree Levels and Disciplines for Eiffel Scholarships
7. Obligations for the Eiffel Scholarships
8. Deadlines of Application for Eiffel Scholarships
9. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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1. Benefits Offered by the Eiffel Scholarships
The Eiffel Scholarship has proven to be a beneficial program for international students because of the various perks it offers.
These perks make your survival in a new country relatively easier.
- Enrollment fee waiver for admission in public education institutions due to the status of holding a French Government Scholarship.
- Master’s students are given a monthly allowance of €1,181 which includes €1,031 as a maintenance allowance and €150 as a monthly stipend.
- PhD students are awarded a monthly allowance of €1,700.
- The students undertaking a Master’s or PhD course are given a round-trip international ticket.
- Health insurance is provided to Master’s and PhD level students (A temporary plan until the applicant gets their French social security)
- Weekend trips for 1-2 days to enable socialization
- Sports coverage and recreational opportunities
- Access to shows and art to enlighten you about the French culture
- A housing allowance of €115 is awarded on request if you are living in private housing. Campus France can also help you in finding accommodation in the CROUS area.
Note: Tuition fee is not covered by the Eiffel scholarship, however, institutions are expected to provide support.
For Masters students, the Eiffel scholarship doesn’t exceed 2 years while for Engineering students the limit grant will be paid for 3 years.
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2. Eligibility Criteria for Eiffel Scholarships
The Eiffel Scholarships for international students are prestigious awards. The scholarship aims to develop future public and private leaders.
For this, Campus France has set a list of points that must be met by the students to be eligible for the scholarship.
The eligibility criteria for international students include:
- Applicants should not be French nationals but international students, ideally from a developing country, (All nationalities are eligible).
- The student must be below the age of 25 years while applying at the Master’s level, and for PHD they should be below the age of 30. (For some universities the age limit could be 35)
- Students must be applying in “Science & Technology” or “Humanities & Social Sciences” which are the two main disciplinary fields of the Eiffel Scholarship.
- The student must be chosen by a French Higher Education institution that partners with the Eiffel Scholarships to continue their application for the scholarship scheme.
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3. Documents Required to Apply for Eiffel scholarships
(For admission to a French public university)
To be eligible, Students need to submit numerous documents to first get admission to a French higher education institute.
If they get admission to the institute, it will oversee and complete their applications for the Eiffel Scholarships for international students.
The documents required to get admitted to a french university include:
3.2. Passport & National ID card
3.3. English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
3.5. University admission letter
3.6. Admission Essay for French universities (For Eiffel scholarship)
3.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
3.8. Research proposal/plan (Optional)
3.9. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
3.11. Proof of Previous Work Experience
3.13. Acceptance from Supervisor
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3.1. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master or fellowship)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)
NOTE:
All of the above documents should be attested by respective boards.
Also, attest them from issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.
In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
3.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to France.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
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3.3. English Proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL) for Eiffel scholarship
Meeting the English language requirements set by universities is an important step toward the bigger goal of achieving the Eiffel Scholarships in France.
Because if you are an international student you will likely take up courses in the English language.
Generally speaking, If the student has IELTS with 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each, they are eligible for most French universities.
For example, At Pantheon Sorbonne University in France, The average requirement is an IELTS test with a minimum band of 6, for students whose native language is not English.
(This university collaborates with the Eiffel Scholarships program)
Nevertheless, these requirements may vary from course to course and degree to degree.
3.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of References
The applicants must provide 2-3 letters of recommendation from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
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3.5. University admission letter
After getting admission, you can apply for the Eiffel Scholarships in France through the selected university.
But first have to fill out the university application & its eligibility criteria.
3.5.1. French University Application Form
The university application form consists of various sections. These include personal information that may include your name,
your father’s and mother’s name,
profession,
previous educational experience, etc.
You will also have to index your contact information which will include your email, phone number, and guardian contact number.
The application form will also require you to attach the required documents.
Additional fields may be present in the application form of certain universities.
Applicants can Check out this page to know more about the application procedure at the University of Paris Saclay.
3.6. Admission Essay for French universities (For Eiffel scholarship)
Universities require you to submit one or more admission essays at the time of admission.
These essays are written on the topics provided by the university. Universities require you to talk about your motivations regarding choosing the university and your course.
They may also require you to write an essay on other themes to gauge your creativity and writing skills.
An example of Sciences Po can be used in this regard.
The university demands you submit two admission essays at the time of admission.
The topics for these admission essays are the following:
● Your motivations for applying and your project for Sciences Po;
● On a topic that is from the five proposed themes
The first essay on your motivations for applying to Sciences Po requires you to be creative and honest in your response.
You must answer why you are interested in studying in the disciplines offered by the university, specify your two program choices, and reflect on your ambitions, interests, and academic strengths.
The second essay follows a free writing style through which you should express your thoughts and opinions articulately.
Students are advised to check the essay criteria & prepare the answers before applying for the French university.
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3.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
If the final transcript isn’t ready then students can apply with a Hope certificate from their university.
However, they must be graduated before their arrival in France.
(Please make sure you contact your university in this regard )
What is Hope’s certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
3.8. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)
Research publications/ Achievements (conference papers, article review, abstract of thesis)
The research proposal is mostly required for postdocs or Ph.D. students. (Depend upon the courses)
It asks you to write about the research project you agree upon completing with the assigned academic advisor.
Your research proposal should be a brief description of your research goals and objectives, the methods with which you wish to process that research, the outcomes you desire, the timeline and budget you have estimated, and the area of study you wish upon exploring.
It shall be a brief document yet explain the entire vision to the reader so that those analyzing your application could know of your objectives and grant you the scholarship if they match the program’s criteria and eligibility.
Taking help from an external party is strictly prohibited and violation in this regard could lead to your disqualification no matter how incredible your proposal is.
3.9. Statement of purpose or Letter of Motivation
Remember, SOP or LOM can be asked during university admission.
Technically SOP or LOM are the same things.
It’s a Short biography to tell the panelist about yourself:
Letter of motivation or SOP could be a tricky part while selecting your course in French universities.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course & scholarship.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
How to write a perfect letter of Motivation
If you are interested in writing your LOM on one page concisely, then follow this exact method.
LOM consists of three parts.
3.9.1. Introduction (one paragraph)
3.9.2. Body (3 paragraphs)
3.9.3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
3.9.1. Introduction:
Introduction is the gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.
TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
3.9.2. Body:
In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to the France & university. Share your expectations of the scholarship.
In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.
In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.
3.9.3. Conclusion:
Tell them why you are the best candidate for the Course/scholarship. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.
Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.
3.10. CV
Europass CV can be easily made here.
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
3.11. Experience letter
Applicant must provide an Experience letter of the previous jobs & Internships.
Try to customize the work experience letter with future studies.
Mention your job descriptions, work projects & the skills you learned through time.
The letter must be signed & verified by the Head or CEO of the company.
The work experience could be Paid,
Unpaid,
full-time,
part-time, or voluntary.
It could be done before, during, or after graduation.
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3.12. Portfolios or workshop
It’s optional. But students can attach portfolios or workshops to support their cases for university admission or scholarship.
3.13. Acceptance from Supervisor
For PhD applicants, it is needed to acquire acceptance from the supervisor whom they are interested to work with.
It can be a letter or email communication (as evidence).
4. How to Apply for Eiffel Scholarships in France?
The application procedure for the Eiffel Scholarship is a 4-step process.
Here is the complete breakdown in detail.
4.1. Find Universities Offering Eiffel Scholarships in France
The first step is to find the list of universities that are offering Eiffel Scholarships in France.
You can find out if a university is offering a scholarship by navigating to its scholarship page.
An example in this regard, You can check out the details of the Eiffel Scholarships at the University of Paris Saclay on this page.
Also check, if you fulfill the language & other criteria of your chosen universities.
After assessing all the options check whether it is feasible according to your courses & future plans.
4.2. Start Your Application for Your Chosen University
The application process of every French university may varies from the other.
Here is a general breakdown of the whole process.
First complete the application form followed by confirmation of degree,
attach documents,
submit confirmation receipt of CVEC payment,
pay the registration fees,
and then complete your educational registration.
Check the screenshot.
4.3. Check If Your University Has Nominated You For the Eiffel Scholarships
Every university is a different method of offering the Eiffel scholarship, but as a whole, the process can go two ways,
Either your university will inform you through an email by sending you a link/form that you are considered for the Eiffel scholarship,
or
You have to contact the international department/Admission department & ask them for the complete information or any queries you have about the Eiffel scholarship.
You should check your email regularly after getting admitted to the university to look out if the university has nominated you for the scholarship.
If that happens, you can start your application for the Eiffel Scholarship.
4.4. Start & Submit Your Application for the Eiffel Scholarships
After getting nominated for the scholarship by your university, you must start your application on time so you can submit it before the given deadline which varies from university to university.
For example, if the last date for application submission at the University of Paris Saclay is November 18, 2022, although the deadline given by Campus France was January 10, 2023. In such a scenario, you must comply with the deadline given by your university.
You can access the application form through your university’s website providing information on the Eiffel Scholarships.
The application form requires you to fill in various personal details, contact information, educational background, work experience, required documents, etc.
As an example here is complete detail about the Eiffel scholarship of the University of Paris Saclay.
5. Duration of The Eiffel Scholarships
The Eiffel Scholarships for international students last for different periods for different degree levels and categories.
The students undertaking a Master’s degree enrolling in an M2 can hold the Eiffel Scholarship for a maximum of 12 months.
Students undertaking a Master’s degree enrolling in an M1 can hold the scholarship for 24 months.
In case of the completion of an engineering degree, the scholarship extends for 36 months.
However, for the doctorate level, the Eiffel Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of 12 months.
6. Degree Levels and Disciplines for Eiffel Scholarships
Eiffel Scholarships in France are only available for students undertaking a Master’s or doctorate at a French higher education institution that collaborates with the scholarship scheme.
There are two main disciplines that fall under the Eiffel Scholarships.
These disciplines have seven areas of study where you can undertake your Master’s or doctorate.
Eiffel Scholarships disciplinary field of study |
|
|
Science & Technology |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
|
Biology and Health |
History, French language, and civilization |
|
Ecological Transition |
Law and political science |
|
Mathematics and Digital |
Economics and management |
|
Engineering Sciences |
|
7. Obligations for the Eiffel Scholarships
Although the Eiffel scholarships carry numerous benefits, the awardees also have different obligations that must be fulfilled for the continuation of the scholarship.
- Eiffel scholarship holders should inform Campus France about the commencement of their internship, gap year, or travel plans.
- The students must sit in all examinations and comply with the rules of their respective institutions.
- Awardees must align with the behavioral standards set by the university and Campus France or else the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs reserves the right to reverse the scholarship.
- Students should show adequate academic progress. Campus France will send two academic documents in a year.
One must be filled after one semester to evaluate your academic performance while the other should be returned after the completion of the academic year.
These documents must be signed.
8. Deadlines of Application for Eiffel Scholarships
The call for applications for the Eiffel Scholarships for international students opened on October 3, 2022.
The application deadline for the Eiffel Scholarships was set for January 10, 2023. The results for the applications will be published on April 3, 2023.
The deadlines may vary from university to university.
Those who were unable to apply for the scholarship in this cycle can look up the next cycle to apply for Eiffel Scholarships.
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9. FAQs
Q. How are students nominated by universities for the Eiffel Scholarships?
Ans. Those students who qualify according to the eligibility criteria set by Campus France [Which we discussed above in detail] are nominated by universities for the scholarship. However, universities also look at the academic performance of students.
Q. Can I apply for the Eiffel Scholarships if I am a dual-national holding French nationality?
Ans. No, you cannot apply for the Eiffel Scholarships because this scheme is only meant for international students who are not French nationals.
Q. Can I apply for the Eiffel scholarship if I am studying in France at the time of application?
Ans. The students studying in France at the time of application for the Master’s level are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.
However, you can apply for the scholarship if you are applying for a doctoral program given that the doctorate is in co-supervision or co-direction with a foreign university.
Q. Can I apply for any Master’s program and still be eligible for the scholarship?
Ans. No, you must apply to the Master’s program that falls under the disciplinary field and area of study covered by the Eiffel Scholarships. [You can click here to find all the 12 disciplines]
Q. Can I apply for the Eiffel Scholarship if I am already studying for a Master’s degree in another country?
Ans. Yes, you can apply for both M1 and M2. However, your application won’t receive the same attention and is likely of getting rejected.
We try to cover each & everything, but if you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
