Scholarships in France for Indian Students: UG, PG & PhD 2026

Scholarships in France for Indian students make studying in Europe more affordable. France is home to top universities and a rich culture. Many scholarships cover tuition fees, living costs, and even travel expenses. Students can find options for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. The French government and universities offer many fully funded and partial scholarships. These programs support bright students in every field, from science and business to the arts. This blog explains the top scholarships, eligibility, and benefits. Learning about these scholarships will help Indian students plan better and achieve their study abroad dreams.

Why Study in France as an Indian Student? 

Studying in France is a full experience. It gives students a good education, affordable living, and a chance to grow as a person. Indian students can join top universities, meet people from all over the world, and explore a new culture. Life in France helps students learn both inside and outside the classroom.

• World-Class Education: France has top universities and business schools. These schools offer degrees that are recognized worldwide. Students can learn from experienced professors and use advanced labs and resources.
  
• Low Tuition Fees: Public universities in France charge low fees. The cost is much lower than studying in the USA, UK, or Australia. Students can afford a high-quality education without huge loans.
  
• Many Scholarships: Indian students can get many scholarships. Scholarships may cover tuition, monthly living costs, and even visa fees. These make studying in France more accessible.
  
• Good Job Options: French companies offer many internships and job opportunities. Students can work in fields like business, engineering, fashion, research, and technology. These experiences help build strong resumes.
  
• English-Taught Courses: Many universities in France teach courses in English. Students can study without knowing French initially, which helps them adjust faster.
  
• Cultural Growth: Life in France teaches students independence. Students learn to manage money, solve problems, and adapt to new cultures. This builds confidence and emotional maturity.
  
• Stay Back After Study: Students can stay in France after graduation. They can work in international companies or research institutes to gain experience. This improves career prospects globally.
  
• Safe and Affordable Life: France offers safe cities and reliable healthcare. Students get discounts for travel, cultural activities, and student services. This makes living comfortable and affordable.

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

France offers multiple scholarships for Indian students across different levels of study. These scholarships include government-funded programs, university-specific awards, private scholarships, and research fellowships. They help cover tuition, living costs, travel, and other expenses. Below is an overview of the main scholarships available for Indian students in 2025 and 2026.

Scholarship Name	Type	Level	Benefits	Eligibility
Charpak Scholarship	Government-Funded	Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD	Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, visa & accommodation support	Indian students with strong academics
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship	Government-Funded	Master’s & PhD	Monthly stipend EUR 1,181 to EUR 1,700, travel, housing, local transport	Indian students under 30 with excellent academics
Erasmus+ Program	Government-Funded	Bachelor’s & Master’s	Monthly stipend, travel allowance	Indian students enrolled in partner universities
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Mobility Grant	Regional	Exchange & Internship	EUR 95/week for 4 to 26 weeks, additional allowances	Tuition grants range from EUR 13,100 to EUR 14,720 per year
Île-de-France Masters Scholarships	Regional	Master’s	Monthly stipend, possible travel or accommodation support	Indian students under 30 with strong academics
Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship	University-Specific	Bachelor’s & Master’s	Tuition grants EUR 13,100 to EUR 14,720 per year	Indian students with merit & financial need
ENS International Selection Scholarship	University-Specific	Master’s	EUR 1,000 per month for 1 year (renewable)	Indian students with exceptional academic records
HEC Paris Scholarships	University-Specific	Master’s & MBA	Scholarships EUR 5,000 to EUR 50,000	Indian students with strong academics & professional background
INSEAD Scholarships	University-Specific	MBA	Up to 100% tuition coverage	Indian students with merit & financial need
Foundation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarship	Private	MBA	Full tuition & living stipend	Indian students with financial need
L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science	Private	Research	Research funding	Indian female students in science
EURAXESS France Scholarships	Private/Research	PhD & Research	Research funding & mobility	Indian researchers & PhD students
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)	Research Grants	PhD & Postdoc	Competitive salary & research funding	Indian researchers with PhD or equivalent
CNRS Grants	Research Grants	PhD & Postdoc	Research funding & project support	Indian students or researchers in science & engineering
Raman Charpak Fellowship	Research Grants	Master’s & PhD	EUR 1,500 per month, travel support, and seminar participation	Indian students conducting research in France
Franco-German Grants	Bilateral	Master’s & PhD	Tuition & stipend support	Indian students in Franco-German collaborative programs
Fulbright-France Scholarships	Bilateral	Master’s & PhD	Tuition, living expenses, travel	Indian students selected for the Fulbright program

Popular Scholarships in France for Indian Students

France offers a wide range of scholarships. These scholarships are provided by the French government, universities, private organizations, and bilateral collaborations. Here is a look at some of the most popular scholarships for Indian students in France for 2025-2026.

1. French Excellence Charpak Scholarships 

The Charpak Scholarship is offered by the French Embassy in India and it supports Indian students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or short-term programs in France. It encompasses four categories:

• Bachelor’s Level: For students admitted to a full-time bachelor’s program in France.
  
• Master’s Level: For students admitted to a master’s program in France.
  
• Exchange Program: For students enrolled in an Indian institution with a partnership with a French institution, allowing for a semester exchange.
  
• Summer Training: For students undertaking short-term internships or research projects in France during their academic break.

Benefits:

• Monthly living allowance of EUR 860.
  
• Exemption from visa and Campus France procedure fees.
  
• Student social security and additional health insurance.
  
• Assistance in finding affordable student accommodation.
  
• Meal discounts at university restaurants.
  
• Access to social and cultural activities organized by Campus France.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens or OCI cardholders.
  
• Under 30 years of age at the time of application.
  
• Currently enrolled or have completed studies at an Indian institution of higher education.
  
• The course must take place in France. If part of the course is in another country, the scholarship will not cover that period.
  
• Knowledge of French is an asset, but not mandatory.
  
• The scholarship is available for full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.

Application Procedure:

• Applicants must have applied for admission to a French institution before applying for the scholarship.
  
• Application must be submitted on the online scholarship portal: http://ifi.scholarship.ifindia.in/
  
• Required documents include a passport-sized photograph, a copy of the passport, a CV, proof of educational qualifications, an admission letter from the French institution, and French language certificates.

2. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, managed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to attract top international talent to French higher education institutions.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of EUR 1,181 for Master’s students and EUR 1,700 for PhD students.
  
• International travel expenses covered.
  
• Additional allowances for housing, cultural activities, and local transportation.

Eligibility:

• Under 30 years of age for Master’s programs and under 35 years for PhD programs.
  
• Outstanding academic records.
  
• Admission to a French higher education institution.

Application Procedure:

• Applications are typically submitted by the French higher education institutions on behalf of the students.
  
• Interested students should contact the international office of their chosen French institution for more details.

3. Legrand Empowering Scholarship 

The Legrand Empowering Scholarship, in collaboration with the Franco-Indian Education Trust, supports Indian students from low-income backgrounds and children of armed forces personnel pursuing a Master’s program in France.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of INR 59,500.
  
• Waiver of visa and Campus France procedure fees.
  
• Renewable for a second year based on academic performance.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens residing in India.
  
• Under 30 years of age at the time of application.
  
• Good academic records.
  
• Secured admission in reputable French universities for courses commencing from September 2025.
  
• Annual family income less than INR 8 lakh.
  
• Preference to differently-abled students, LGBTQ community members, children of single mothers, and children of martyred armed forces personnel.

Application Procedure:

• Applications must be submitted on the online scholarship portal: http://ifi.scholarship.ifindia.in/
  
• Required documents include a passport-sized photograph, a copy of the passport, a CV, proof of educational qualifications, an admission letter from the French institution, and French language certificates.

4. Amba Dalmia Scholarship 

The Amba Dalmia Scholarship, established in memory of Dr. Gun Nidhi Dalmia’s daughter, supports Indian women pursuing higher studies in France in fields such as Music, Theatre, Sports, Arts, Sculpture, Cinema, Ballet, Opera, Painting, Photography, Oenology, Culinary studies, Tailoring, Stitching, and Fashion.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend to support living expenses in France.
  
• Additional assistance provided by the Embassy of France in India, including access to social security benefits, waiver of Campus France and visa fees, among other services.
  
• The scholarship is awarded for a maximum duration of one year or for the duration of the project in France, and is not renewable.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen.
  
• At least 18 years of age at the time of application.
  
• Female student or professional with a remarkable academic record.
  
• Applied for/secured admission in a French higher education institution.
  
• Applicants who have obtained French Government or Erasmus Mundus scholarships are not eligible to apply.

Application Procedure:

• Applications should be submitted online.
  
• Required documents include a passport-sized photograph, a copy of the passport, a CV, proof of educational qualifications, an admission letter from the French institution, and French language certificates.

5. French+Sciences Scholarship 

The French+Sciences Scholarship is designed for Indian students pursuing short-term programs in science and the French language in France.

Benefits:

• Coverage for tuition fees.
  
• Accommodation support.
  
• Cultural activities.

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals.
  
• Enrolled in a science program.
  
• Interest in learning the French language.

Application Procedure:

• Applications are typically submitted through the French higher education institutions.
  
• Interested students should contact the international office of their chosen French institution for more details.

6. Film and New Media Scholarships 

La Femis, a prestigious French film school, offers scholarships for Indian students to participate in its summer residency programs in film and new media.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee coverage.
  
• Accommodation support.
  
• Access to workshops and mentorship.

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals.
  
• Background in film or new media.
  
• Demonstrated interest in advancing skills in the field.

Application Procedure:

• Applications are submitted directly to La Femis.
  
• Interested students should visit the La Femis website for application details and deadlines.

7. Raman Charpak Fellowship

The Raman Charpak Fellowship is a collaborative program between India and France, offering Indian students opportunities for research work in France.

Benefits:

• Fellowship support of EUR 1,500 per month for daily expenses, local travel, accommodation charges, plus social security charges.
  
• One return airfare ticket in economy class between India and France.
  
• Insurance coverage (travel & health) wherever required.
  
• Administrative costs for visa and registration, if any.
  
• Additional support up to EUR 500 for Indian Fellows for participating in a seminar/workshop during their term of the fellowship.

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals.
  
• Enrolled in a recognized Indian institution.
  
• Proposed research project aligned with French research priorities.

Application Procedure:

• Applications are submitted through the online portal.
  
• Required documents include a research proposal, a CV, letters of recommendation, and proof of enrollment.

8. Co-Financed Scholarships 

Co-Financed Scholarships are joint initiatives by the French Embassy in India and select French universities. They aim to financially support Indian students pursuing full-time degree programs in France. These scholarships are often merit-based and cover tuition fees, living allowances, and sometimes travel costs.

University	Level	Field	Benefits	Eligibility
ISAE-SUPAERO Programme of Excellence	MSc	Aerospace Engineering	Tuition fee waiver, living allowance	Indian students admitted to the MSc program in Aerospace Engineering
EDHEC Business School Co-Financed Scholarship	Master’s	Management Grande École	Partial tuition fee coverage	Indian students admitted to the EDHEC Master’s program
Rennes School of Business Co-Financed Scholarship	Master’s	Business / Management	Tuition fee reduction, living support	Indian students enrolling in a management program
Sciences Po Co-Financed Scholarship	Master’s	Social Sciences / Public Affairs	Tuition fee waiver	Indian students admitted to selected master’s programs
EPF Graduate School of Engineering Co-Financed Program	Master’s	Data Engineering / Engineering	Tuition fee coverage, living allowance	Indian students pursuing on-campus master’s in Montpellier
ParisTech Co-Financed Program	Master’s or  Engineering	Engineering	Tuition fee waiver, possible stipend	Indian students pursuing engineering degrees in ParisTech consortium schools

Also Read: Dean’s Impact Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Deadlines

Additional Scholarships in France for Indian Students

Here are some additional scholarships in France for Indian students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees. 

1. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus program is designed for Indian students enrolling in joint international degree programs across Europe, including France. These programs combine studies at multiple universities, offering a rich global learning experience.

Benefits:

• Full or partial tuition coverage.
  
• Monthly living allowance to support accommodation and food.
  
• Travel costs for moving between program countries.
  
• Insurance coverage during the study period.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens accepted into Erasmus Mundus Joint Programs.
  
• Strong academic record and motivation letter.
  
• Language requirements depend on the program, whether it is English or French.

2. Ampère Scholarships of Excellence

The Ampère Scholarship is aimed at Indian undergraduate students seeking admission in selected French universities. It encourages talented students to pursue higher education in France while covering essential costs.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee coverage.
  
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
  
• Participation in cultural and social programs.

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals enrolling in undergraduate programs in France.
  
• Good academic performance in previous studies.
  
• Admission confirmation from a French institution.

3. AIFS Diversity Achievement Scholarship

The AIFS Diversity Achievement Scholarship supports Indian students from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds. It encourages inclusivity and helps students overcome financial barriers while studying in France.

Benefits:

• Partial tuition assistance.
  
• Additional financial support for living expenses.
  
• Access to mentorship and networking programs.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens from diverse social, economic, or cultural backgrounds.
  
• Admission to a French higher education institution.
  
• Strong academic record and motivation letter.

4. ESDES Excellence Scholarship

The ESDES Excellence Scholarship focuses on business-related undergraduate programs in France, helping Indian students gain quality education without financial stress.

Benefits:

• Partial or full tuition fee coverage.
  
• Support for cultural and academic activities.
  
• Access to internships and professional networking opportunities.

Eligibility:

• Indian students admitted to ESDES undergraduate business programs.
  
• Demonstrated academic excellence.
  
• Strong motivation and leadership potential.

5. INSEAD Scholarships (MBA)

INSEAD, one of France’s top business schools, offers scholarships to Indian students pursuing an MBA, rewarding merit and leadership potential. These scholarships make world-class management education more accessible.

Benefits:

• Partial or full tuition fee support.
  
• Some scholarships may provide additional living allowances.
  
• Opportunities for mentorship and networking with global leaders.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens admitted to the INSEAD MBA program.
  
• Outstanding academic and professional achievements.
  
• Strong leadership and motivation demonstrated in the application.

 Eligibility Criteria for France Scholarships

Indian students must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for scholarships in France. These criteria ensure that students are academically capable, financially needy, and legally ready to study abroad.

1. Educational Qualifications

• Students must have completed the previous level of education relevant to the scholarship.
  
• Indian students must provide official academic transcripts and certificates.
  
• Some scholarships require minimum grades or CGPA, often above 70–75% at the undergraduate level or equivalent.
  
• Scholarships like Eiffel, Charpak, and INSEAD may require professional experience or research proposals for master’s and PhD programs.

2. Language Requirements

• Students must meet the language requirements of their chosen program.
  
• English-taught courses usually require TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent.
  
• French-taught programs may require DELF/DALF certificates or proof of French proficiency.
  
• Some scholarships may favor bilingual students, but knowledge of French is not always mandatory.

3. Financial Requirements

• Certain scholarships, like Legrand, Shikhar Thales, or Amba Dalmia, require students to demonstrate financial need.
  
• Proof of family income may be requested.
  
• Merit-based scholarships focus on academic performance, but financial documents may still be needed for verification.

4. Age Limits

• Scholarships usually have age restrictions:
  
  • Bachelor’s: typically under 25–26 years.
    
  • Master’s: under 30 years.
    
  • PhD: under 35 years.

5. Nationality and Residency

• Students must be Indian citizens or hold an OCI card.
  
• Some scholarships prioritize students residing in India at the time of application.

6. Required Documents

• Passport: Valid Indian passport with a minimum 6 months validity.
  
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates: Official copies, sometimes notarized.
  
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing education, experience, and achievements.
  
• Statement of Purpose: Why the student chose the program and France.
  
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually 2–3 from professors or employers.
  
• Language Proficiency Certificates: TOEFL, IELTS, DELF/DALF, if applicable.
  
• Financial Documents: Proof of family income for need-based scholarships.
  
• Research Proposal: For research-based programs like PhD or Raman Charpak Fellowship.
  
• Acceptance Letter: Proof of admission from a French university.
  
• Passport-sized photographs: As per scholarship guidelines.

7. Visa and Legal Requirements

• Students must apply for a French student visa (VLS-TS) after scholarship acceptance.
  
• Some scholarships assist in waiving visa fees.
  
• Students must provide proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial resources to meet visa requirements.
  
• Health insurance may be mandatory for scholarship holders.

8. Additional Criteria

• Some scholarships have special criteria:
  
  • Women-focused scholarships like Amba Dalmia require the applicant to be female.
    
  • Children of armed forces personnel may get preference for scholarships like Legrand or Shikhar Thales.
    
  • Certain research fellowships require alignment with specific French research institutions or fields.
    
• Indian students must maintain good conduct and academic performance to retain scholarship benefits.

Also Read: How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship in France

• Leverage Multiple Applications: Apply to several scholarships at once. Some overlap in eligibility, and you can double your chances.
  
• Use Past Work: Reuse strong essays or recommendation letters with slight tweaks instead of starting from scratch every time.
  
• Contact Alumni Directly: Email Indian students who have won the scholarship before. They often share tips nobody publishes online.
  
• Highlight Niche Skills: Skills like coding, photography, music, or research experience stand out even if your grades are average.
  
• Tailor the SOP Like a Story: Make your motivation letter personal and memorable, not a boring list of achievements.
  
• Time Your Application Right: Submit at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline. Early applications often get extra attention.
  
• Polish Your CV Like a Resume: Keep it crisp, one-page, achievement-focused, not a long academic list.
  
• Showcase Future Impact: Explain how your studies in France will benefit India or your field. Committees love forward-thinking applicants.
  
• Use Official University Resources: Many French universities provide hidden scholarships or fee waivers only mentioned on their local student portals.
  
• Network with Professors Before Applying: For research scholarships, email professors about projects. Getting their interest can boost your application.

 Universities in France Offering Scholarships

These scholarships support tuition, living expenses, and sometimes research opportunities. Indian students can choose universities based on field of study, level, and scholarship type.

University	Programs Offered	Scholarships Available
Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS)	Science, Humanities	ENS International Selection Scholarship
Sorbonne University	Arts, Humanities, Sciences	Merit-based & government scholarships
Sciences Po	Undergraduate, Master’s	Emile Boutmy Scholarship
HEC Paris	MBA, Master’s	HEC Paris Foundation Scholarships
INSEAD	MBA	INSEAD Merit Scholarships
Paris-Saclay University	Science, Technology, Engineering	Merit-based scholarships
Grenoble Alpes University	Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD	Research & need-based scholarships

Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?

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