France Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025-26

French scholarships are 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 fee 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 a 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.

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.

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.

Please note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Now, look at the details of these scholarships.

1. 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.

2. 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 the private and public sectors.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's 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.

4. HEC Paris MBA Scholarships

For students planning to study an 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Shikhar Thales Scholarship

If you are planning to enrol 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.

8. 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.

Please note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Among all of these, a well-known scholarship is the Charpak Scholarship offered by the French Embassy in India. It covers benefits including a monthly stipend, social security coverage, and assistance in finding accommodation.

Charpak Bachelor’s Scholarship for Indian undergraduate students, including eligibility criteria and benefits:

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 fulfil these essential requirements:

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:

1. Work Experience

Scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Master’s & PhD) give preference to candidates with 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience. 

2. 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.

3. Age Limit

Some scholarships, like Eiffel Excellence, have an age restriction (25 years for master’s, 30 for PhD).

4. 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.

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:

1. Identify Eligible Scholarships: Research universities, government, and external funding options based on your academic level and field of study.

2. 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.

3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather transcripts, SOPs, recommendation letters, and language test scores (as per scholarship requirements).

4. Submit Applications: Apply via university portals (for institutional scholarships) or government platforms like Campus France. Upload the required documents and apply before the deadline.

5. Interview: If shortlisted, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

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.

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 labour 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.