International Master’s Scholarships at Université Paris-Saclay 2026: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

Studying in France sounds dreamy. Historic campuses, cutting-edge research, weekend trips across Europe, and a globally respected degree. But for most Indian students, there’s always one big question hanging in the air.

How expensive is it going to be?

This is where Université Paris-Saclay’s International Master’s Scholarships Program quietly becomes one of the smartest funding opportunities for 2026. Université Paris-Saclay offers this scholarship to high-performing international students who are admitted to its Master’s programs. The goal is simple: attract global talent and encourage students to continue into PhD research.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Explained Simply

• You must be an international student. Indian passport holders qualify.
• You must be admitted to a Master’s program at Université Paris-Saclay or one of its partner institutions like CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, UVSQ, or Université Évry Paris-Saclay.
• This should be your first time enrolling in a French higher education institution. Exchange programs, internships, language courses, or Erasmus Mundus programs without a French degree do not count as prior enrolment.
• You must be under 30 years old in the year you apply.
• You cannot already be receiving another scholarship or funding worth more than 600 euros per month. This scholarship cannot be combined with Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, or Europa scholarships.
• If you are planning your first academic move to France, this requirement actually works in your favour.

Official link

Which Courses Are Eligible?

This is one of the best parts.

All academic fields are eligible. Engineering, data science, AI, sustainability, physics, life sciences, economics, public policy, mathematics, and more.

All Master’s programs are eligible except apprenticeship or vocational programs.

Both M1 (first year of Master’s) and M2 (second year) students can apply.

If you receive the scholarship in M1 and successfully progress to M2 at Paris-Saclay, the scholarship automatically renews for the second year.

How Much Money Do You Actually Get?

Let’s talk numbers, because that’s what matters.

The scholarship offers 10,000 euros per year, paid monthly from September to June.

On top of that, you get a travel and visa allowance of up to 900 euros, depending on your country of origin. Indian students typically qualify for a substantial portion of this.

The money is paid after you arrive in France and officially register. There is no advance payment, so you should plan initial expenses carefully.

This scholarship does not cover tuition fees, but many Paris-Saclay programs have relatively moderate tuition compared to universities in the UK or the US. In some cases, students can also request partial tuition fee waivers separately from the institution.

How the Application Process Works (This Is Important)

This scholarship does not have a direct public application form that everyone can fill.

Here’s how it really works.

Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Program First

You must apply and get admitted to an eligible Master’s program at Université Paris-Saclay before the scholarship deadline.

If you apply late or miss the admission deadline, you will not be considered for the scholarship.

Step 2: Internal Selection by the Program

Once admitted, course coordinators select candidates they believe are strong enough for the scholarship.

If you are shortlisted, you will receive an official email with a link to the scholarship application form.

Some applicants will also be asked to provide details of two academic referees. Your referees will submit their recommendations online directly.

You will not be able to see the recommendation letters, which is standard practice.

Step 3: Final Decision by the Scholarship Jury

A central jury made up of experts from Paris-Saclay’s Graduate Schools evaluates applications based on:

• Your academic background
• Your personal and academic goals
• Your motivation for pursuing research or a future PhD

If you are an M2 applicant and clearly express PhD ambitions, that can work in your favour.

All applicants are informed of the result by email. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Important Deadlines for 2026

• Master’s program coordinator selection deadline: 25 March 2026
• Deadline to submit the scholarship application and references: 31 March 2026
• Results announcement: Mid-May 2026

Rules You Should Know Before Applying

This scholarship comes with responsibilities.

• You cannot defer it to another year.
• Changing your academic program after receiving the scholarship is not allowed.
• Repeated unexplained absences can lead to suspension.
• Internships outside Paris-Saclay labs or paid internships above a certain amount can reduce or suspend the scholarship.
• If you repeat a year, the scholarship stops.
• Gap years are allowed but not funded.

Is This Scholarship Worth It for Indian Students?

Absolutely.

If you are academically strong and looking at Europe as a serious alternative to expensive UK or US Master’s programs, Paris-Saclay offers outstanding value.

• You study at a globally ranked research university.
• You receive structured financial support.
• You get exposure to Europe’s research ecosystem.
• You position yourself well for a funded PhD later.

For many Indian students, this scholarship becomes the bridge between a Master’s degree and a long-term research career in Europe.

Final Thoughts

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarship is strong but unassuming. It opens doors to one of France's most prestigious academic ecosystems, supports serious students, and rewards merit.

This is an opportunity you shouldn't pass up if you want a scholarship that prioritizes academic depth over hype and you intend to study in France for the first time in 2026.

Need help shortlisting the right Master’s program or understanding how to maximise your chances of being nominated for the scholarship? To ensure that you apply wisely and without stress, a Leap Scholar expert can help you with applications, deadlines, and strategy.

Your France study plan deserves clarity.