Embassy of France Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Embassy of France Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you an ambitious international student dreaming of studying in France at a world-class university? The Embassy of France Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering prestigious financial support to outstanding students who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies in France. Administered through the Embassy of France, this scholarship forms part of France’s commitment to strengthening academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and capacity building between France and partner countries across Africa and beyond.
The Embassy of France Scholarship typically covers key study-related expenses such as tuition fees (where applicable), a monthly living allowance, accommodation support, health insurance, and travel costs. In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries gain access to France’s globally recognised higher education system, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse academic networks. Scholars also benefit from cultural immersion and professional development opportunities that enhance their global competitiveness.
This scholarship is highly competitive and is aimed at high-performing students with excellent academic records, strong leadership potential, and a clear motivation to contribute to their home countries after completing their studies. Priority is often given to fields aligned with France’s development cooperation goals, including science, engineering, public health, environmental studies, social sciences, and innovation-driven disciplines.
By applying for the Embassy of France Scholarship 2026/2027, students not only receive financial relief but also secure a unique opportunity to study in France, build international networks, and advance their academic and professional careers on a global stage.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the Embassy of France Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About Embassy of France & Campus France
Campus France is the official agency of the French Ministries of European and Foreign Affairs and of Higher Education and Research. Its core mission is to promote French higher education worldwide and facilitate academic exchange between French institutions and international students.
Campus France South Africa works closely with the Embassy of France to assist students and researchers who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in France. Each year, scholarship funding is awarded for Master’s and Doctoral studies, in collaboration with French companies operating in South Africa and key South African institutions, including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), National Research Foundation (NRF), and Universities South Africa (USAf).
About France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme invites applications from students who are citizens of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports all academic disciplines, provided the applicant is accepted (or intends to apply) to a recognised French higher education institution.
Level of Study
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral (PhD) Degree
Successful candidates will commence their studies in September 2026.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
Two types of scholarships are available under this programme:
1) Full Scholarship
The full scholarship includes:
- Return international flight to France
- Monthly living allowance:
- Approx. €850 for Master’s students
- Approx. €1,400 for PhD students
- Accommodation assistance (approx. €150 per month)
- French social security cover
- Priority access to student housing
- Visa fee exemption
- Administrative and academic support from Campus France Paris
2) Cost-Sharing Scholarship
This option includes:
- A monthly allowance, fully or partially funded by a partner organisation
- All other benefits included in the full scholarship
Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure additional sources of funding, as preference may be given to candidates with confirmed co-financing.
Duration of the Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded in line with the standard duration of studies in France:
Master’s Degree
- Awarded for 10 to 22 months
- Master’s programmes are generally 2 years
- Funding for the second year (M2) may be renewed based on academic performance
PhD Degree
- Awarded for a maximum of 3 years
- Annual renewal is subject to satisfactory research progress
PhD Co-Supervision / Cotutelle
- Funding covers specific research periods spent in France
- Applicants must clearly indicate planned periods of stay in France
Selection Process and Important Dates
Key Dates
- 8 October 2026 – Applications close
- November 2026 – Shortlisted candidates interviewed
- Late Nov–Early Dec 2026 – Final selection and results
- Feb–July 2026 – Preparatory programme in South Africa (online French courses and possible internship)
- Early September 2026 – Departure to France
Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed by an Advisory Board based on:
- Academic merit and professional background
- Quality and coherence of the study or research project
- For PhD applicants: preference for joint supervision (cotutelle)
- Language proficiency and suitability for the proposed programme
Please note:
- All decisions are final
- Applicants must not follow up on application status
- No ranking lists will be shared
- Scholarships are suspended if studies are interrupted
Eligibility Requirements for Embassy of France Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi
- Must have been born on or after 1 January 1996
- Must intend to study towards a Master’s or PhD degree
- Must intend to enrol at a French higher education institution
- Must plan to begin studies in September 2026
Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for Embassy of France Scholarship 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via the official scholarship platform. Applicants must register an account, then log in to complete and submit the application. Click here.
Application Guidelines
- Applications can be saved and resumed before final submission
- No edits are allowed after submission
- Use a desktop or laptop for best results
- Avoid special characters (e.g. apostrophes), as the system does not recognise them
Required Supporting Documents
Documents Required for All Applicants
- Completed online application form
- Passport
- Updated CV (including full academic history)
- Motivation letter outlining academic interests and project
- Degree certificates
- University transcripts for the last two years of study
Additional Documents for Master’s Applicants
- List of intended French study programmes (with fees and deadlines)
- Proof of acceptance (Feb–May/June 2026)
- Email correspondence with French institutions
Additional Documents for PhD Applicants
- Supervisor commitment letter(s)
- Cotutelle confirmation (if applicable)
- Detailed research proposal and work plan (2–3 pages)
- Schedule of research periods in France
Optional Documents
- Academic or professional references
- Language proficiency certificates
- Cost-sharing commitment letters
Important Documents to Read Before Applying
Applicants are advised to review:
- France–South Africa Scholarship Rulebook
- Scholarship FAQs
- Why Study in France guide
For programme guidance, applicants may contact Campus France South Africa.
Closing Date for Embassy of France Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 8 October at 23:59
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details of Embassy of France
For further enquiries, contact the Embassy of France via the official scholarship contact page.