France has long been a hub for higher education, renowned for its world-class universities, rich cultural history, and innovative academic approaches. For Indian students, studying in France is an exciting opportunity that can unlock both educational and professional benefits. However, the cost of studying abroad can often be a barrier. Fortunately, France offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students, making it an accessible destination for higher education. In this blog, we'll walk you through the top scholarships available for Indian students to study in France for the academic year 2025–26.
Why Choose France?
Before diving into the scholarships, it's essential to understand why France is an excellent choice for Indian students. France is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering diverse programs ranging from engineering and science to the arts and business. The French government also places a strong emphasis on international student mobility, offering various scholarships to make studying in France more affordable.
Beyond academics, living in France offers an unparalleled experience in terms of culture, history, cuisine, and lifestyle. For Indian students, it’s an opportunity to grow both academically and personally while experiencing life in one of Europe's most vibrant countries.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in France (2025–26)
1. France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Program
The France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Program is one of the most well-known scholarships for Indian students. Funded by the French Embassy in India, it supports students in various fields who wish to pursue undergraduate and master’s programs in France. The program has different sub-categories, each catering to specific academic levels and fields of study:
Resource: https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/france-excellence-charpak-scholarship-program
Sub-Programs:
Charpak Bachelor's Scholarship: This scholarship supports Indian students enrolling in undergraduate programs in France. It offers financial assistance that covers living expenses and helps with accommodation costs.
Charpak Master’s Scholarship: Aimed at students enrolled in a Master’s program, this scholarship offers a monthly stipend to cover living costs.
Charpak Exchange Scholarship: For Indian students currently enrolled in an Indian institution with a partnership with a French university. This scholarship is designed for exchange students looking to spend a semester or year in France as part of their academic program.
Charpak Summer Training Scholarship: This is ideal for graduate students or professionals who wish to engage in internships or research projects in France during their summer break. It covers travel expenses, accommodation, and provides a stipend for living costs.
Benefits:
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Visa fee waivers
Assistance with finding affordable accommodation
For more details, visit Campus France India.
2. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students who wish to study in France. Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the program is aimed at attracting top global talent to French higher education institutions.
Resource: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/france-excellence-eiffel-scholarship-implementation
Key Features:
Coverage: The Eiffel scholarship offers a monthly allowance of up to €1,181 for master's students and €1,800 for doctoral students. In addition, the scholarship covers travel expenses, health insurance, and cultural activities.
Eligibility: Students applying for master's programs must be under the age of 30, while PhD applicants must be under 35.
Duration: The scholarship is 12 months for a Master’s 2 level, 24 months for a Master’s 1 level and 36 months for an engineering degree and doctoral program.
This scholarship is especially competitive and is awarded based on academic excellence. It is ideal for students pursuing degrees in engineering, management, law, and political science.
How to Apply:
Applications for the Eiffel scholarship are typically made through your chosen French university. Universities nominate eligible candidates, and the final selection is made by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
3. Raman Charpak Fellowship
This fellowship is a collaboration between the Indian and French governments, aimed at encouraging academic exchanges between the two countries. It is specifically targeted at Indian PhD students or researchers who want to undertake short-term research projects in France.
Resource: https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/raman-charpak-fellowship
Key Features:
Funding: The fellowship covers monthly stipends, travel expenses, insurance, and other allowances.
Eligibility: The fellowship is open to Indian PhD students and postdoctoral researchers under the age of 30.
Duration: The fellowship can last anywhere between two to six months.
Fields of Study: This fellowship supports research in all academic disciplines.
The Raman Charpak Fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for students and researchers to work with some of the most prestigious research labs in France, enhancing their academic and professional profiles.
4. Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships
The Université Paris-Saclay offers scholarships to international students enrolled in master's programs at its partner universities. This scholarship program is part of France’s effort to increase the international visibility and competitiveness of French higher education.
Key Features:
Scholarship Amount: €10,000 per year to cover living expenses.
Eligibility: International students who are applying for a master's degree in any field of study at one of the partner universities of the Paris-Saclay network.
Duration: The scholarship is renewable for the duration of the master's program (typically two years).
This scholarship is perfect for students who want to study in one of France’s top universities, located in the heart of the country’s innovation hub.
5. Amba Dalmia Scholarship
The Amba Dalmia Scholarship is awarded by the Franco-Indian Education Trust to Indian female students who wish to pursue higher education in France. The scholarship is intended to support young Indian women in pursuing their academic and professional goals abroad.
Resource: https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/amba-dalmia-scholarship-program
Key Features:
Funding: Covers full tuition fees and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility: Indian female students who have secured admission in a full-time academic program in France.
Application Process: The scholarship application is typically submitted through the host institution or the French Embassy.
This scholarship empowers young women to explore educational opportunities in France and make the most of their time abroad.
How to Apply for Scholarships in France?
Step 1: Research Scholarships
Before applying, it’s important to thoroughly research the available scholarships and their eligibility criteria. Most scholarships require that you have already been accepted into a French institution, so make sure you check your university’s website or the official scholarship portal to understand all the requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Once you’ve identified the scholarships you’re eligible for, the next step is to gather all the required documentation. This typically includes:
· Academic transcripts and certificates
· Letters of recommendation
· Proof of English or French proficiency (depending on the course language)
· A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
· Passport-sized photographs
· Application forms specific to the scholarship
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Each scholarship has its own application process and deadlines. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and submit all necessary documents by the deadline. You may need to apply through a university portal, a government website, or a scholarship organization, depending on the program.
Step 4: Attend Interviews (if required)
Some scholarships, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, may require an interview as part of the selection process. Be prepared to discuss your academic goals, research interests, and why you have chosen to study in France.
Additional Resources
Campus France India: Campus France provides comprehensive information on scholarships, the application process, and student life in France. It is an essential resource for Indian students seeking to study in France.
WeMakeScholars: This platform lists scholarships for Indian students to study in France and provides helpful information about the application process and eligibility.
Université Paris-Saclay: Explore the specific scholarship programs offered by Université Paris-Saclay, including their IDEX scholarship for international students.
Conclusion
Studying in France offers Indian students the opportunity to receive a world-class education, immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment, and set the stage for a successful career. The scholarships outlined above can significantly reduce the financial burden, making it easier for you to live and study in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
By carefully researching and applying for the right scholarships, you can increase your chances of success and make your dream of studying in France a reality. Whether you are aiming for a bachelor's, master’s, or PhD, these scholarships provide the support you need to embark on your academic journey in France.
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