Math Meets Paris: Everything You Need to Know About the Sophie Germain Scholarship

This is for you if you're a math nerd who secretly dreams about croissants, cobblestone streets, and algorithm discussions at cafés in Paris.

Studying at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or Université Paris-Saclay, two of Europe's most esteemed math powerhouses, is possible with the Sophie Germain Scholarship. 

The Two Application Waves (a.k.a. Don’t Miss the Bus)

Here’s where most students get confused, so read carefully:

• Wave 1 (October to February 1, 2026)
  For students outside the Paris-Saclay area (yes, that’s you if you’re in India). This is the one you need to apply for.
  Tip: If you’re an Indian student, apply in this round! It gives you enough time to sort your visa and Campus France file number, both are musts for getting that French student visa stamp.
• Wave 2 (February to June 2026)
  For students already studying within the Paris-Saclay perimeter.
  Translation: Not relevant for you yet, but good to know if you’re continuing studies there later.

Who’s It For?

To enroll in the "Mathematics and Applications" program at the Master's level (M1 or M2), you must be passionate about mathematics.

Depending on where you are in your studies, you can apply for either the first or second year of your master's degree.

Here are some specializations -

• Applied Algebra and Cryptology
• Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
• Quantitative Finance
• Data Science: Health, Insurance, and Finance
• Mathematics, Vision, and Learning

What You’ll Need to Apply

The application is online (link opens when the call starts), and you’ll have to fill in:

• Your personal details
• The name of the master’s program you’re targeting
• Transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or first master’s year
• Academic CV
• Contact details of two referees
• A study plan, basically your story: who you are, why math, and where you want this degree to take you.

Your referees need to upload their recommendation letters by February 8, 2026, so don’t leave this to the last minute.

Official link

Eligibility in Simple Words

You’re eligible if:

• You’re a bachelor’s or master’s student (or just graduated last academic year).
• You want to study one of the Mathematics and Applications master’s programs at Université Paris-Saclay or Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
• You can prove your academic strength with transcripts and recommendation letters.
• You apply in Wave 1 if you’re not already studying in the Paris-Saclay region.

Benefits of the Sophie Germain Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: €11,000 per year (net).
• Tuition Support: A flat-rate allowance to help cover university registration fees.
• Travel and Visa Allowance: First-time international students can receive up to €2,000 to cover visa costs and one round-trip flight in the first year.
• Accommodation: Individual studio housing in university residences near your study location (Orsay or Evry).
• Housing Kit: A ready-to-move-in kit worth around €100, including essentials like bedding, cookware, and cutlery.
• Community & Events: All scholars are invited to the annual Master’s Days organized by FMJH, a great chance to meet peers and discover research happening across Paris-Saclay.
• Academic Perks: FMJH funds several advanced courses taught by researchers from organizations like INRAE, CNRS, and Inria.

How They Select You

• Your application goes to a jury of experts appointed by the Fondation Mathématique Jacques Hadamard (FMJH), yes, it sounds fancy because it is.
• They review your grades, recommendations, and study plan. About five weeks after the deadline, you’ll get your result via email.
• And if you get in? You’ll then apply officially on either the Université Paris-Saclay or Institut Polytechnique de Paris website (depending on your chosen program).

Pro Tip for Indian Students

• France loves structured processes, so start early.
• Create your Campus France account the moment the call opens in October 2025, and connect with your local Campus France office in India. This file is essential for your visa later.
• Also: France might not be the first name that pops into your head for a math degree, but the Sophie Germain Scholarship is one of the few that supports international students in pure and applied math at such a high level.

Important Dates for the 2026 Intake

• Call Opens: October 2025
• Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Referee Deadline: February 8, 2026
• Results: About five weeks later

Final Thoughts

This scholarship is your comeback if you've ever been told that "math won't take you places." It will transport you directly to Paris, where you will learn from leading scholars, expand your global network, and perhaps even develop a fondness for croissants and calculus.

Because opportunities like the Sophie Germain Scholarship don't come around twice a year (well, technically they do, but you get the idea), you should polish your resume, prepare your study statement, and start early.