Unlocking the Doors to France Scholarships for Indian Students
Unlocking the Doors to France: Scholarships for Indian Students
Before diving into scholarships, understand why France is a top study abroad destination for Indian students seeking world-class education.
Studying in France is something that can help you make your career brighter and better. But the hefty costs of education can be one of the most pressing concerns for international students planning to study in France.
Tuition fees, rents, and other living expenses often amount to more than one has planned for. There’s no doubt that the high investment in education abroad is worth its while, but it becomes easier if there is some financial aid available. Isn’t it?
France is well known for offering international students several scholarships to ease their financial burden. So if France is your ideal study-abroad destination and you are looking for the best scholarships in France, you're in luck! Because this blog is all about top French scholarships for Indian students who want to secure financial aid.
So, let's dive in and explore the international scholarship to study in France.
Scholarships For Indian Students In France
The French embassy in India, French business schools, French universities, and various organizations in France offer scholarships to 500 deserving Indian students every year.
These scholarships are available for various graduate, postgraduate, doctoral, or any other levels of study in a number of subject areas. Indian students who want to pursue their higher education in French public or private institutions can apply for these scholarships.
Take a look below to know about the scholarships to study in France for Indian students.
French Government Scholarships
The French Foreign Ministry awards a plethora of scholarships to Indian students. Below are some of the top France Government Scholarships:
1. The Charpak Scholarship Program
Charpak Scholarship Program for Indian students is a scholarship program by the French Government in India. The scholarship is subdivided into the following 4 sub-programs:
Charpak Bachelor's Scholarship
The scholarship programme is made available for Indian students who want to study a bachelor's degree course at any French university or college.
Level/Field Of Study
Undergraduate programs
Scholarships Benefits
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A Monthly living allowance of 860 euros
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Student visa and Etudes en France fee waiver
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Social security coverage
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Help to find affordable accommodation
Eligibility for the Charpak Bachelor’s scholarship
The applicant
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Must be an Indian national or an OCI card holder
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Should be of age 23 years old maximum at the time of application
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Should not have studied at an educational institution in France before
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Must have completed the secondary school in India
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Should have applied for an eligible bachelor’s course with a start date of 1 September 2023
Documents Requirement to apply for scholarship
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Passport size photo
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Passport copy
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Curriculum Vitae of maximum 2 pages
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Admission or acceptance letter copy from the French higher education institution
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Marksheet & certificate copy of Higher Secondary School and Secondary school
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French language certificate
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Letter of recommendation
Selection Specifications
Applications are selected based on academic excellence, consistency, and the quality of an individual’s statement of purpose. The scholarship selection criteria don’t have any CGPA/percentage cut-off.
To check the results students can visit www.inde.campusfrance.org/en/page/charpak
Scholarship Timeline
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Opening call for applications – 27 February 2023
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Application deadline – 14 April 2023 (23:59 IST)
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Results – Mid-May 2023 applicants will be informed about result publication via email.
Charpak Master's Scholarship
The scholarship programme is created for Indian students who want to pursue Master’s degree-level courses for all streams and fields.
Scholarship Benefits
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A Monthly living allowance of 860 euros
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Student visa and Etudes en France fee waiver
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Social security coverage
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Help to find affordable accommodation
Eligibility for the Charpak Master’s scholarship
The applicant
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Must be an Indian national or an OCI card holder
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Should be of age 30 years old maximum at the time of application
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Should have currently enrolled in or have completed education from an Indian Institution of higher education or have been employed in a company for a maximum period of 3 years at the time of application.
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Must have applied for an eligible master’s course at a French university/college before applying for the scholarship.
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The selected course must take place in France, and if you have even one semester in another country, you will not be eligible for the scholarship.
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As there’s no automatic renewal of the scholarship for the second year of the master, applicants may need to re-apply for the M2 level scholarship. The scholarship renewal will be based on the academic performance in the first year of the master's and a new statement of purpose.
Documents Requirement to apply for scholarship
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Passport size formal photo
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First Page passport copy with photo and expiry date [ In case your passport is going to arrive after the deadline then attach the proof of application. ]
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Curriculum Vitae of maximum 2 pages
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Admission or acceptance letter copy from the French higher education institution
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Marksheet & certificate copy of Higher Secondary School and degree of Bachelor's and Master's degrees
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French language certificate [optional]
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Letter of recommendation
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Employment/internship proof [ if applicable ]
Selection Specifications
Applications are selected based on academic excellence, consistency, and the quality of an individual’s statement of purpose. The scholarship selection criteria don’t have any CGPA/percentage cut-off.
Scholarship Timeline
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Opening call for applications – 4 January 2023
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Application deadline – 24 March 2023 (23:59 IST)
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Results – End of April 2023, applicants will be informed about result publication via email.
Charpak Lab Scholarship
Indian students who want to get enrolled in an Indian organization at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level degree course and wish to undertake a training/research project at a French laboratory during their academic break, i.e. between April May, and July/August can consider this scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits
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A monthly stipend of 700 euros for a maximum of two months is provided by the Embassy of France in India
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Student visa and Etudes en France fees waiver
Eligibility for the Charpak Lab scholarship
The applicant
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Must be an Indian national residing in India when applying for the scholarship
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Should not be 30+ years old at the time of application
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Must be enrolled in an Indian institution of higher education at Bachelor's/Master's level
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Duration of the research internship/project should neither be less than 1 month nor should be more than 2 months. [ If the research internship/project duration exceeds 2 months, the receiver will have to cover the rest of the expenses by themselves.
Documents Requirement to apply for the scholarship
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Recent professional portrait photograph
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First-page copy of passport with photo and expiry date. [ In case your passport is going to arrive after the deadline, then attach the proof of application. ]
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Curriculum Vitae of maximum 2 pages
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Marksheet & certificate copy of Higher Secondary School and degree of Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
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French language certificate [optional]
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Admission or acceptance letter copy from the French higher education institution/ laboratory.
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Employment/internship proof [ if applicable ]
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Letter of recommendation
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NOC from your Indian institution
Selection Specifications
Applications are selected based on academic excellence, consistency, and the quality of an individual’s statement of purpose. The scholarship selection criteria don’t have any CGPA/percentage cut-off.
Scholarship Timeline
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Opening call for applications – 13 December 2022
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Application deadline – 13 February 2023 (23:59 IST)
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Results – Third week of March 2023, applicants will be notified about the result publication via email.
Charpak Exchange Scholarship
The scholarship is for Indian students registered in an Indian institution for Bachelor’s or Master’s level courses and wants to undertake an exchange semester programme for 1-4 months.
Scholarship Benefits
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A Monthly living allowance of 860 euros
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Student visa and Etudes en France fee waiver
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Social security
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Help to find affordable accommodation
Eligibility for the Charpak Exchange scholarship
The applicant
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Must be an Indian national or an OCI card holder, residing in India
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Should be of age 30 years old maximum at the time of application
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Should be compulsorily enrolled in an Indian institution of higher education who have a strong connection and tie-up with the institution in France where the applicant can pursue an exchange semester.
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who are undertaking a thesis or research work in a partner French institution are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Documents Requirement to apply for a scholarship
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Formal passport-size photo
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First-page copy of passport with photo and expiry date. [ In case your passport is going to arrive after the deadline, then attach the proof of application. ]
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Curriculum Vitae of maximum 2 pages
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Admission or acceptance letter copy from the French higher education institution
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Marksheet & certificate copy of Higher Secondary School and degree of Bachelor's and Master's degrees
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French language certificate
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Letter of recommendation
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NOC from the Indian institution
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Employment/internship proof record, if any
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Statement of purpose
Selection Criteria
Applications are selected based on academic excellence, consistency, and the quality of an individual’s statement of purpose. The scholarship selection criteria don’t have any CGPA/percentage cut-off.
Scholarship Timeline
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Opening call for applications – 25 August 2023
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Application deadline – 30 October 2023 (23:59 IST)
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Results – In 1st week of December, applicants will be informed about the result publication via email.
2. Raman Charpak Fellowship (PhD)
Raman - Charpak Fellowship is awarded by the Embassy of France in India, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India, and the Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs, Government of France.
The scholarship aims to provide Indian as well as French students a chance to conduct research work at a French University or Research & Development Institute based in France or India.
Students residing in India or France who have registered for PhD in a recognized university in their respective countries can apply for this scholarship.
Scholarship Duration
2 to 6 months
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Field Of Study
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Atmospheric Sciences
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Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences
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Materials Sciences, Physical Sciences
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Chemical Sciences
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Engineering Sciences
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Biological Sciences
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Life and Medical Sciences
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Mathematical and Computational Sciences
Benefits
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Indian applicants can get the support of 1500 Euros per month for daily expenses, local travel, accommodation charges, and Social Security charges
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1 return airfare ticket in economy class from India to France
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Insurance coverage
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Administrative costs aid for Visa and Registration
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Carte de Sejour
3. Bourses Pour Études Religieuses/ Scholarships For Religious Studies
This scholarship is available for French-speaking students with a minimum B2 level in French who can exercise responsibilities in a religious institution or students with a study project in humanities linked to religious studies.
Study level
Bachelor, Master or Doctorate level
Duration
Long Scholarships – 12-36 months
Short Grants – 6 months
Benefits
Allowance of €860 per month for Bachelor's or Master's level
Allowance of €1500 per month for a PhD-level
4. French+Sciences Scholarships
French+Sciences is a short-term language and scientific study program planned for international institute students majoring in science and technology.
The course offers international students stays of 3-4 weeks organized by FLE centers in France.
Benefits
The scholarships cover expenses such as
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Living allowance
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Airfare
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Accommodation
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Cultural activity
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French teaching
5. Eiffel Scholarship Program Of Excellence
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and International Development award this scholarship via Campus France Paris to eligible international students. The scholarship attracts top international students to get admitted to their master’s and doctoral programs.
Benefits
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The beneficiary pursuing a master’s degree receives 1,181 Euros per month, and the one pursuing a PhD gets 1,400 euros per month.
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Additional allowances for life expenditures are also provided.
6. Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
The MOPGA scholarship is provided by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI).
The scholarship is offered to international students pursuing a Master's degree at any French university. Indian students who wish to conduct Postdoctoral research and work on climate change issues in France can apply for this scholarship.
Over a 12-month duration starting from September 2023, 40 scholarships will be granted to deserving students.
Benefits
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2,500 euros of monthly allowance
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500 euros of monthly allowance
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Social Security coverage aid
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Financial aid for health insurance
7. LA Femis
LA Femis – Embassy of France Scholarship, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, in collaboration, offers a Summer program to international students who want to develop their practical and theoretical learning of documentary filmmaking in France.
The scholarship is mainly for foreign film and television students and young film industry professionals. The Embassy of France offers this scholarship to Indian students for a period of 2 months only, which will take place from 12th July to 8th September 2023.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend of approximately 910 euros
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A return ticket to France
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Tuition Fee
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Medical insurance coverage
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Accommodation assistance
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Student visa fee waiver
Scholarships For French Language Teachers
The Embassy of France and the French Institute in India provide scholarships to teachers who teach the French language in Indian schools and universities.
The scholarship is offered to support French language teachers and allow them to enhance their teaching skills.
The Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships For International Students
Erasmus+ is an initiative by the European Union that supports education, training, youth, and sports. One of the programs under Erasmus+ is the Erasmus Mundus joint Master's, which offers scholarships to international students for a one- or two-year master's program. Several top French institutes of higher education provide this joint Master's program.
In addition, Erasmus+ also offers mobility scholarships for students to study in France or for French students to study abroad, under bilateral agreements between institutes of higher education. These scholarships cover living and accommodation expenses.
Scholarships By Franco Indian Education Trust
About Franco Indian Education Trust
The Franco-Indian Education Trust is a partnership between the Embassy of France in India and Mr. Prashant K Lahoti, who is the Managing Trustee of Krishnakriti Foundation and co-founder of Kalakriti India.
The Trust provides financial support through grants, scholarships, and fellowships for students to undertake academic programs, training, and research in France and vice versa.
The Trust has the following scholarship programs
Legrand Empowering Scholarship
In May 2018, Legrand India, in collaboration with the Franco-Indian Education Trust and with the support of the French Embassy in India, initiated the Legrand Empowering Scholarship program. This scholarship program aims to provide Indian students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in France in various fields such as Engineering, Management, Science, Finance, and Social Sciences.
The Legrand Empowering Scholarship program provides financial support to Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in France for up to one academic year, from September to June. The scholarship can be renewed for a second year based on the student's academic performance and attendance record during the first year.
Benefits
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59,500 INR monthly stipend
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Visa and Campus France fees waiver
Check Out More: Legrand Scholarship Program For France: Everything You Should Know
Amba Damia Scholarship
The Amba Dalmia scholarship program is a scholarship designed to support Indian women in pursuing higher studies in France. The program provides financial assistance to Indian women who wish to pursue studies in various fields such as Music, Theatre, Sports, Arts, Sculpture, Cinema, Ballet, Opera, Painting, Photography, Oenology, and Culinary studies.
The scholarship aims to empower and encourage Indian women to pursue their academic and professional aspirations in France. With this scholarship, recipients have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in their respective fields, helping them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
The recipients will receive financial assistance for up to one year or the duration of their project in France and are non-renewable.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend
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Visa and Etudes en France fee waiver
Co-Financed And Joint Scholarships
About Co-Financed Scholarships
Co-financed scholarships are collaborative scholarship programs between the French Embassy in India and private/public, industrial, or academic partners in various fields of study such as arts, engineering, management, etc. These scholarships provide financial assistance to selected students who will receive the status of French government scholarship holder.
The scholarships offer various benefits such as social security and visa fee exemption along with a waiver on tuition fees to scholarship holders.
1. Sciences Po
Sciences Po Paris, founded in 1872, is a renowned international research university that specializes in humanities and social sciences and has been ranked among the top institutions in these fields.
2. The Neemrana Music Foundation
The Neemrana Music Foundation with the Embassy of France in India offers two scholarships to singers and musicians in the field of Western classical music. The scholarship is for 11 months and is renewable for a second year. The selected candidates can receive training at prestigious French music schools.
3. ISAE-MBDA
Located in Toulouse, ISAE SUPAERO is a leading institute in aeronautics, while MBDA is a major European defense company. ISAE-MBDA offers fellowships for Indian applicants to pursue the ISAE-AMA and AESS master's programs.
4. ParisTech
ParisTech is a public scientific cooperation institution that consists of seven Grandes Écoles located in the Greater Paris area. Each of these schools is a leader in its respective field and offers exceptional cross-disciplinary teaching and research opportunities for students and researchers.
5. EPF Graduate School Of Engineering
EPF was founded in 1925 and has campuses in Sceaux, Troyes, and Montpellier. It provides global, generalist, multilingual and multidisciplinary education which focuses on academic excellence, professional training, and innovative teaching methods.
6. EDHEC Business School
EDHEC Business School is a French grandes écoles business school offering France's largest selection of English-language master's programs in finance and business.
7. Rennes School Of Business
Rennes School of Business aims to transmit a commitment to entrepreneurship and sustainable development to future business leaders through teaching and research based on discovery, understanding, diversity, and responsibility.
Institutional Scholarships
| French Institution | Scholarship Offered | Benefits | Study Level |
| Sciences Po | Emile-Boutmy scholarship | Tuition grant between 3000€ to 13000€ according to the study programme | Bachelor’s and Master’s degree |
| Rennes Business school | Talent, Unframed, Bienvenue en France, solidarity Fund etc. | Tuition grant between 1000€ to 5000€ according to the study programme | Bachelor’s and Master’s degree |
| ISAE SUPAERO-MBDA | - | Tuition fees and part of living expenses (5000 €/year) | ISAE AMA and AESS Master's programs |
| EDHEC Business School | EDHEC Academic Excellence Scholarship | Upto 50% reduction in tuition fees | - |
| Université de Lyon Labex MILYON | - | Monthly stipend of 1,000 € for a duration of 10 months (September to June) | Bachelor’s and Master’s degree |
| Universite Paris Saclay | IDEX Scholarship |
|
Master’s degree |
| University of La Réunion | Horizon Excellence Scholarships | 710€ monthly stipend for 10 months from mid-August to mid-June | Master’s degree |
| Université Aix-Marseille | TIGER Master Excellence Scholarships |
|
Master’s degree in Environmental and Earth Sciences, Life and Health Sciences, Advanced Science and Technology, Energy and Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Université Sorbonne Paris Nord | Excellence scholarships of the Graduate School in Mathematics & Computer Science | Monthly grant upto 1000€ where 600€ monthly for expenses and 400€ for housing expenses after submitting rental lease. | Master’s degree |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | IDEX Université Master Scholarships |
|
Master’s degree |
| Institut Mines-Telecom Business school | IMT Atlantique Excellence scholarships |
|
Master’s degree |
| Université de Paris | MIEM Scholarship program | 8000 € to 10000 € per academic year depending on applicants eligibility | Master’s degree |
| Université Côte d'Azur | IDEX Scholarships for MSC Programs | Stipend of 5000 € Tuition fee exemption |
MSC Degree |
| Toulouse INP | Master Scholarship program | Tuition fee waiver of upto 3500 € per academic year | MSC Degree |
| Centrale Nantes | Elite Scholarship | Tuition fees upto €3,000 for 2 years | Master’s degree in Chemistry, Environment, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering |
Apart from the French government, Franco-Indian Education Trust and Co-financed scholarships Indian students can apply for various other scholarships offered by below French higher education institutions.
Indian Government Scholarships
Here are the best French scholarship for study in France offered by Indian Government,
1. The JN Tata Endowment Scholarships
The JN Tata Endowment Scholarship provides loan scholarships for a wide range of academic disciplines, including engineering, management, law, and the performing and visual arts. The scholarship is awarded based on individual merit to Indian national students.
The granted loan scholarship amount varies from Rs.1,00,000/- and Rs.10,00,000/- depending on the academic performance of candidates.
2. AGA Khan Foundation - International Scholarship Programme (ISP)
The Aga Khan Foundation's [ISP] International Scholarship Programme supports Indian students who don’t have financial support to pursue full-time postgraduate study in higher education institutions in Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
3. Inlaks Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to Indian students enrolled in Master, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs in the UK, US, or any other European nation. The scholarship covers tuition and additional expenses, such as living and travel expenses.
4. The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust
The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust offers scholarships to Indian women graduates who desire to pursue Masters-level programs in Europe, the UK, and the US across various fields of study, such as sociology, psychology, law, gender studies, child health, mental health, public health, and social work.
5. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program
The Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship is available for bright students to allow them to pursue postgraduate studies in Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Architecture, and Management, in prestigious institutions in India and abroad.
The program provides a loan of up to INR 20 lakhs, exclusive of interest, to its beneficiaries.
Campus Bourses
Still can’t find the scholarship you were looking for? Check out the right scholarship for you on Campus Bourses.
Campus Bourses is an online search engine that provides a directory of scholarships offered to international students by French and foreign states, regional authorities, companies, foundations, and institutes of higher education.
You can easily search for scholarships on Campus Bourses based on your nationality, field of study, and level of education. This directory can help you find the right scholarship that corresponds to your profile and requirements. So, log on to Campus Bourses and explore the various scholarship options available to you.
Final Words
There you have it. Applying for a scholarship may seem overwhelming, but the benefits that come with it are definitely worth the effort. Scholarships can help ease the financial burden of being an international student and give you the opportunity to pursue your academic dreams.
If you're interested in studying in France with scholarship benefits and want to know more about how to apply for a French scholarship and its benefits – Reach out to Edugo Abroad today.
Edugo Abroad is a trusted admission partner for Europe studies. We have a decade long experience in French education and have a strong connection with 150+ top French universities & business schools. Our expert French study advisor can provide you with all the information you need to know about scholarship opportunities in France.
So contact our expert today to get comprehensive guidance in choosing the best scholarship program that fits your unique needs and get your application process started.
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