Every year, the French Embassy in India, in collaboration with French companies, awards scholarships totalling up to 12 crore Indian rupees to more than 500 deserving young Indian students who wish to study in France.
These prestigious scholarships ensure that students are not constrained by tight budgets and can focus on their learning.
Read this guide to know more about the different types of scholarships for Indian students in France available, along with other details.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in France
The French Government, the Indian embassy, and French universities have numerous scholarships for Indian students to study in France.
Scholarships to study in France can be offered in subjects like arts, literature, engineering, law and films or by programmes, such as master’s, PhD and research.
However, scholarships for Indian students in France can primarily be divided into the following:
- France Government Scholarships
- France Non-Government Scholarships
- University-Based Scholarships
At-a-Glance: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in France 2026
| Scholarship | Monthly/Annual Award | Deadline (typical) |
| Eiffel Excellence (Master’s) | €1,181/month | January – check official site |
| Eiffel Excellence (PhD) | €1,800/month | January – check official site |
| Charpak Master’s | €860/month | Varies = check Campus France India |
| MOPGA (Master’s) | €2,500/month | January = check official site |
| Emile Boutmy (Sciences Po) | €13,100/year (Master’s) | February – check Sciences Po |
| Ampere (ENS de Lyon) | €1,000/month (1 year) | January – check ENS de Lyon |
| HEC Paris MBA Excellence | Up to 50% tuition | January – check HEC Paris |
Note: All deadlines listed are approximate. Always verify the exact deadline for the current cycle on the official scholarship website before applying.
Also Read: Study in France 2026: Process, Requirements, Visa and Benefits
Find French universities that offer scholarships matching your profile – AI-powered. Explore on GradRight
France Government Scholarships for Indian Students
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides multiple scholarships to international students. In the context of Major or Eiffel programmes, which are for Master’s or Doctoral level studies, the Ministry directly funds 25% of these scholarships to the best foreign students who have graduated from French high schools abroad.
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
It is one of the most well-known scholarships for Indians to study in France. This scholarship allows you to pursue courses at the master’s and Doctorate/PhD levels at French universities.
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Eligible programs: Masters and PhD programs
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Not older than 30 years (Masters) / 35 years (Doctoral). Non-French. Strong academic track record.
Selection: Higher education institutions in France submit the applications.
Deadline: January each year – check campusfrance.org for current cycle
Monthly stipend: €1,181 (Master’s) |
: €1,800 (Doctoral) – updated
Costs covered: Health insurance, one return trip fare, cultural activities. May include accommodation costs.
The Charpak Scholarship Programme
This prestigious scholarship programme is named after Nobel laureate Georges Charpak. Every year, the French embassy in India awards Charpak scholarships to deserving students through Campus France.
Charpak Masters, Charpak Lab, and Charpak Exchange are the three programs offered through this scholarship.
The Charpak Scholarship Programme
Eligible programs: Undergraduate, Graduate or Postgraduate studies
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Not older than 30 years. Indian citizen. Acceptance letter from a French institution. Must have studied in India.
Selection: Academic performance and quality of Statement of Purpose.
Deadline: Varies by program – check Campus France India for current cycle deadlines
Monthly stipend: €860/month – updated (was €700)
Other costs covered: Student visa, Études en France fee waiver
Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
MOPGA allows Indian students to study in France at a Master’s level. This scholarship is provided by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI), and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).
Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
Eligible programs: Masters programs
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Enrolled or obtained a bachelor’s degree. Non-French. Strong academic track record.
Selection: Research proposal and alignment with the theme and purpose.
Deadline: January each year – check official MOPGA website for current cycle
Monthly allowance: €2,500
Moving allowance: €500
Other benefits: Social security coverage, health insurance
Also Read: Cost of Studying in France 2026: Complete Breakdown for Indian Students
France Non-Government Scholarships for Indian Students
There are several non-governmental scholarships for Indian students in France to pursue their dream. These scholarships are aided by non-profit and other organisations.
AIFS – Study Abroad Scholarship
This scholarship is available to all international students who meet the academic criteria. More than 1.5 million students have travelled internationally with AIFS on a merit basis since 1964.
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarship
Eligible programs: International education
Type: Merit-based and Need-based
Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 3.0. Requirements of the academic course.
Deadline: April – check aifsfoundation.org for current cycle
Costs covered: Various scholarships and grants available. Cost covered differs based on institution and term.
The Fulbright Scholarship for Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) de Rennes
These awards are for students enrolled in the Master’s programme at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) de Rennes for a period of up to 24 months. ENS de Rennes is one of France’s most prestigious Grandes Écoles.
Fulbright Scholarship for ENS de Rennes
Eligible programs: Masters programs in Science or Humanities
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Foreign language proficiency (intermediate). Fulfil academic requirements for year 2 funding.
Selection: Based on Fulbright application and phone interview.
Deadline: Check official Fulbright website for current cycle
Costs covered: Full tuition waiver. Option to join summer school.
Civil Society Leadership Awards
This scholarship is awarded to university graduates who want to study in France and demonstrate the potential to initiate change in their society. These fully funded scholarships are given to students with academic and professional excellence.
Civil Society Leadership Awards
Eligible programs: Masters programs
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Completed Bachelor’s degree. Professional experience. Visa/study permit. English proficiency. Civil leadership potential.
Selection: Leadership skills, alignment with program objective, admission criteria.
Deadline: May – check official website for current cycle
Costs covered: Tuition fees, monthly stipend for health insurance, room and board, student conference, and other living costs.
University-Based Scholarships in France for Indian Students
French universities also offer numerous scholarships to international students covering tuition fees, accommodation and other relevant costs.
HEC Paris MBA Scholarships for Excellence
This scholarship is available to students pursuing an MBA from HEC. Students can apply during the admissions process. The university aims to attract more diverse students with this scholarship program.
HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence
Eligible program: MBA program
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Students enrolled in the program. Those receiving 50%+ tuition via government/employer sponsorship are ineligible.
Selection: Academic skills, application, interview, GMAT score.
Deadline: January – check HEC Paris admissions for current cycle
Costs covered: Up to 50% of tuition fees
Ampere Scholarships of Excellence
Outstanding international students can enrol in approved Master’s programmes at ENS de Lyon through the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence.
Ampere Scholarships of Excellence (ENS de Lyon)
Eligible program: Masters programs
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Completed Bachelor’s degree. International student. Master’s programme in arts or science.
Deadline: January – check ENS de Lyon website for current cycle
Costs covered: €1,000/month for 1 year
Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Emile Boutmy scholarship is given by Sciences Po to students with a non-European background. BNP Paribas, Chalhoub Group, RATP Foundation, L’Oréal, and Total are some of the private sponsors.
Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
Eligible programs: Undergraduate and Master’s programs
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: First-time applicants. Non-European citizen. Household not filing taxes in EU. French/English proficiency.
Selection: Academic performance, application form.
Deadline: February – check Sciences Po website for current cycle
Tuition grant: €7,300/year (undergraduate) | €13,100/year (Master’s)
Living allowance: €5,000/year (amount varies by program)
The above-mentioned scholarships provide top-notch facilities to study in France. If you need any assistance choosing the right scholarship program, you can reach out to GradRight advisors to help plan your study abroad journey.
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