France has more than 3500 higher educational institutions and offers courses in engineering, business, arts, science and many other streams. Moreover, the tuition fees are quite low compared to many of the other Western countries, making it convenient for international students.
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This makes it even better to get a French education with scholarships. The French government, universities and other organisations offer scholarships that cover tuition fees, living costs, or both.
In this article, you will go through the French scholarships for Indian students in the 2025-26 session, including the eligibility criteria and the method of application.
Key Highlights
Here is a quick overview of everything you will learn in this blog:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of French Scholarships for Indian Students | University-funded Government-funded |
| Key French Scholarships for Indian Students | Eiffel ExcellenceCharpakENSÉmile Boutmy |
| Eligibility Criteria | CGPA: 7.5+IELTS: 6.5+DELF: B2 for French-taught programs |
| French Scholarships for Indian Students Average Reward Amount | EUR 910 to EUR 1.8K (INR 84K to INR 1.6L) per month |
What are French Scholarships?
French scholarships are a financial support from the French government together with French universities which helps Indian students to pay for their education costs in France.
The scholarship programs provide Indian students with multiple financial benefits that include educational funding including the fees coverage, travel support, living expenses, and research funding options.
French scholarship falls into two categories:.
University Scholarships
Many universities in France offer scholarships on merit, need, or course basis. These are often funded directly by the universities and include the following.
- Full or partial tuition waivers.
- Monthly stipends or living allowances.
- Research grants for master's and PhD students.
Government-Funded Scholarships
The French government offers scholarships to international students through various programs managed by Campus France and other organisations. These generally focus on the following aspects.
- Boosting academic ties between France and India.
- Supporting students in STEM, business, and research fields.
- Offering financial help for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons for Indian Students to Study in France in 2025
French Scholarships for Indian Students (2025-26 Updated)
For Indian students seeking higher education in France, various financial support options vary by academic level and source. Here’s a quick overview of the French scholarships for Indian students.
The details below outline distinct paths for graduate and undergraduate aspirants.
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French Scholarships for Indian Students: Post-Graduate
If you are a graduate student looking to pursue your master's or PhD from France without breaking your bank, then don’t worry. Here are some of the top French scholarships for Indian students like you.
| French Scholarships for Indian Students | Reward Amount | Funded By |
|---|---|---|
| ENS International Selection Scholarships | EUR 12K (INR 11L) per year | The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) |
| Eiffel Excellence | Master’s: EUR 1.8K (INR 1.6L) per month PhD: EUR 1.7K (INR 1.5L) per month + benefits | French Govt. |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | EUR 1.4K (INR 1L) per month for max 24 months | The European Union |
| HEC Paris MBA | EUR 5K to EUR 50K (INR 5L to 46L ) varies by scholarship | HEC Paris |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship | 60% of the annual course fee, up to INR 60K per year | Legrand India |
| Film and New Media Scholarships | EUR 910 (INR 84K) | Embassy of France and La Fémis |
| Shikhar Thales Scholarship | EUR 700 (INR 64K) per month (Tuition + monthly stipend) | Thales & French Embassy |
| Raman-Charpak Fellowship | EUR 1.5K (INR 1.4L) per month for 2 to 6 months | Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) |
Now, look at the details of these scholarships.
- ENS International Selection Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) for excellent international students who wish to do master's level studies in the sciences, arts, or humanities. Stipends are provided along with access to ENS's academic resources.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Initiated by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for master's and PhD, this prestigious scholarship targets top international students. It gives financial support by covering various expenses, including a monthly stipend to attract future foreign decision-makers in both private and public sectors.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
This is a European Union program that offers scholarships for joint master's degrees, requiring study in at least two different countries. Several French institutions participate, providing Indian students the opportunity to experience diverse educational environments within Europe.
- HEC Paris MBA Scholarships
For students planning to study MBA, HEC Paris provides various scholarships. Some of these are for merit and some for need. These scholarships have been awarded to over 60% of HEC Paris MBA students and are meant to encourage talent, leadership, and need.
- Legrand Empowering Scholarship
In partnership with the Franco Indian Education Trust, Legrand provides scholarships for Indian students who plan to pursue a master’s degree in France. It includes tuition fees and living costs.
- Film and New Media Scholarships
These scholarships are for Indian students who are interested in filmmaking, animation, and new media studies in France. They offer financial aid to help you attend specialised programs in French institutions acclaimed for their excellence in these creative domains.
- Shikhar Thales Scholarship
If you are planning to enroll in master’s programs in aerospace, space, transportation, or related fields, the Shikhar Thales scholarship is for you. It is a combined effort between the French aerospace company Thales and the French Embassy in India to promote high-level technical education.
- Raman-Charpak Fellowship
This is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India and the French Institute in India for PhD students. It encourages research internships in France for Indian doctoral students and thus promotes scientific cooperation between the two countries.
These scholarships help improve the academic and professional paths of Indian graduate students in France and define the strong educational links between the two countries.
Also Read: Study Visa in France
French Scholarships for Indian Students: Undergraduates
For Indian students looking to pursue undergraduate studies in France, several scholarships provide financial support to ease tuition and living expenses.
Below are some of the opportunities available.
| French Scholarships for Indian Students | Reward Amount | Funded By |
|---|---|---|
| Amba Dalmia Scholarship | Covers living expenses for studies in arts, culture, and sports fields. | Franco Indian Education Trust |
| Charpak Scholarship | EUR 860 (INR 79K) per month + tuition waiver | French Embassy in India |
| French+Sciences Scholarship | EUR 1.2K to EUR 1.7K (INR 1.1L to 1.6L) per year | Embassy of France in India |
| Foundation of École Polytechnique Scholarships | EUR 4.8K (INR 4.4L) per year for 3 years | Individuals and companies |
| Émile Boutmy | Up to EUR 13.1K (INR 12L) per year tuition fee coverage | Sponsors |
Among all of these, a well-known scholarship is the Charpak Scholarship offered by the French Embassy in India. It covers benefits including monthly stipend, social security coverage, and assistance in finding accommodation.
Charpak Bachelor’s Scholarship for Indian undergraduate students, including eligibility criteria and benefits:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Indian citizen or OCI cardholder residing in India Maximum age: 23 years at the time of application Completed secondary school in India Applied to or admitted into a full-time Bachelor’s program at a French institution |
| Benefits | Monthly stipend of €860 (INR 81K) Social security coverage Student visa fee waiver Assistance in finding affordable student accommodation |
| Funded By | French Embassy in India |
.
Eligibility Criteria for French Scholarships for Indian Students
The eligibility requirements for French scholarships for Indian students consist of academic achievements, including language proficiency, and specific program requirements.
To qualify for French scholarships, you must fulfill these essential requirements:
| Criteria | Deatails | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirements | Minimum GPA of 7.5/10 and top 5 to10% for competitive programs | - Eiffel Excellence - HEC Paris MBA |
| Field-Specific Criteria | Varies by discipline - STEM - Business - Arts & Humanities | - Raman-Charpak (STEM) - Portfolio for Arts |
| Language Proficiency | - French-taught: DELF B2 or DALF C1/C2 - English-taught: IELTS 6.5 | - Sciences Po (French) - Erasmus Mundus (English) |
| Work Experience | Required for some master’s & PhD scholarships | - Eiffel (2 to 3 years) - MBA (3 to 5 years) |
| Research Proposal/SOP | Essential for PhD & research-based scholarships | Raman-Charpak Fellowship |
| Age Limit | Minimum: 18 years Maximum: 28 to 30 years (varies by scholarship ) | - Eiffel: 25 (Master’s) - Eiffel: 30 (PhD) |
| Financial Background | Need-based scholarships require income proof | Some university & government scholarships |
Also Read: Study in France without IELTS: Colleges & How to Study?
Other Specific Criteria for Indian Students
In addition to the academic and language requirements, some scholarships have specific criteria for Indian students.
Here are other specific criteria for indian students:
- Work Experience
Scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Master’s & PhD) give preference to candidates with 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Research Proposal & Statement of Purpose
For PhD and research-based scholarships like the Raman-Charpak Fellowship, applicants must submit a well-structured research proposal and a compelling statement of purpose that shows alignment with the university’s focus areas.
- Age Limit
Some scholarships, like Eiffel Excellence, have an age restriction (25 years for master’s, 30 for PhD).
- Financial Background Consideration
Need-based scholarships may require proof of family income or financial constraints. For example, Crous Social Scholarship grants are for those students under the age of 28, whose family resources are limited. A maximum of 28 grants based on social criteria are awarded, or 7 grants per cursus.
How to Apply for French Scholarships for Indian Students?
Securing a scholarship requires careful planning and observation of application guidelines. Each year, over 500 Indian students receive scholarships totalling up to ₹12 crores to pursue higher education in France.
The following guidelines detail the process of obtaining French scholarships for Indian students:
- Identify Eligible Scholarships: Research universities, government, and external funding options based on your academic level and field of study.
- Secure Admission: For the Master’s and Exchange scholarships, you need to have an offer of admission from a French institution. For the Research Internship scholarship, secure an internship offer.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather transcripts, SOPs, recommendation letters, and language test scores (as per scholarship requirements).
- Submit Applications: Apply via university portals (for institutional scholarships) or government platforms like Campus France. Upload the required documents and apply before the deadline.
- Interview: If shortlisted, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Also Read: How to Apply to French Public Universities
Documents Required for French Scholarship for Indian Students
Here are some of the documents that you need for your application for French scholarships for Indian students.
- Academic Transcripts.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 1-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of Language Proficiency (DELF/DALF & IELTS/TOEFL Scores)
- Income certificates or bank statements for need-based scholarships.
Benefits of French scholarships for Indian students
Securing French scholarships for Indian students goes beyond just financial relief. It actually opens doors to exceptional academic and professional opportunities. Here’s how scholarships improve your study experience.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Students who receive scholarships can shift their attention from money worries as they receive substantial tuition fee reductions that also help cover their living costs.
- Access to Elite Institutions: Eligible candidates can enter top-ranked educational institutions through academic scholarships offered by France.
- Career Advancement in France: Post-study work eligibility through scholarship programs helps recipients become more successful candidates in the French labor market and obtain career internships.
- Global Exposure & Networking: Studying through scholarships lets you connect with international students while forming business connections, thus improving your professional options worldwide.
The number of French scholarships now enables Indian students to study in France with greater ease. Explore your options, apply early, and take the next step toward a world-class education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does France give scholarships to Indian students?
Ans. A wide range of French scholarships are available to Indian students with Charpak scholarships and the French government scholarship among them. Under these scholarship programs Indian students obtain tuition waivers plus living allowances along with research grants which facilitate their studying in France.
Q. How can I get scholarships for France?
Ans. For Indian students to obtain a France scholarship they should explore options between the Charpak fellowship and the French government scholarship. The process starts with Campus France and university portals but students must have both a good academic and language skills. This increase the chances to win scholarships for French education.
Q. How difficult is it to get a scholarship in France?
Ans. Excellent academic achievement along with powerful SOPs and suitable experience enables Indian students to succeed in securing French scholarships such as Charpak and fully funded programs in the nation. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship program by the French government selects students who demonstrate strong academic performance from universities that accept international students.
Q. Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in France?
Ans. France offers scholarship programs which provide complete funding for tuition expenses and living needs as well as travel expenses. Three scholarships namely Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Charpak fellowship, and the French government scholarship for Indian students offer full support for education expenses and living needs and travel costs.
Q. How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in France?
Ans. The majority of French scholarships for students from India need applicants to achieve a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10. To apply for Eiffel Excellence Scholarships or Charpak scholarships, Indian students must prove outstanding academic performance in both STEM and business subjects.
Q. How to apply for a scholarship in France?
Ans. The process of getting a scholarship for French education requires selection from available scholarships. Indian students should apply at Campus France while including academic records with statement of purpose and reference letters and demonstrating language competency to increase admission likelihood.
Q. Can I get a scholarship to study in France after 12th?
Ans. The Charpak scholarships and Émile Boutmy Scholarship are two available France scholarships for Indian undergraduate students. The scholarships provide tuition reimbursement and monthly payment to let Indian students attend prestigious French universities for international students after completing their 12th grade.
Q. Is it possible to study in France with a full scholarship?
Ans. Yes, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the Charpak fellowship provide funding for French scholarships which includes tuition fees and housing expenses and day-to-day costs. Leading universities in France welcome bright Indian students through the scholarship opportunities provided by the French government.
Q. What are the benefits of studying in France compared to other countries?
Ans. French scholarships enable affordable prices for Indian students to study in France. You become eligible for French universities that hold international rank, post-graduation employment and cultural experiences as an international student.
Q. What is the best scholarship for MBA students in France?
Ans. Three notable French scholarship programs available for Indian MBA students are HEC Paris MBA Scholarships, Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and French government scholarships. The scholarship benefits international students by decreasing their university expenses at French institutions while studying for an MBA.
Q. Can I work while studying in France on a scholarship?
Ans. Yes, Indian students in France can work part-time during their studies while on scholarships. France allows international students to work up to 964 hours per year (20 hours per week). But also note that some fully funded scholarships in France have restrictions on additional income. So, it's important to check the terms of your specific scholarship.
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