Study in France with a Funded Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Students | Apply Before 8 October 2026

The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible students who want to pursue postgraduate education at recognised universities and higher education institutions in France. The programme supports talented students seeking to complete a Master’s degree or PhD while strengthening academic cooperation, research partnerships, and cultural exchange between France and participating African countries.

The scholarship is designed for students who plan to begin their studies in France in September 2027. Applicants may apply for eligible postgraduate programmes in a wide range of academic disciplines. Priority is given to selected science, technology, engineering, and innovation-related fields, although applicants from other academic areas may also be considered.

Successful scholarship recipients may receive financial and administrative support to help with the cost of living and relocation to France. The scholarship package includes a monthly living allowance, social security and health coverage, one return international flight ticket, visa-related support, and access to student services. However, applicants should carefully check tuition fees because tuition costs are not generally covered by the scholarship.

The programme is supported by Campus France, which assists selected scholars with practical guidance and administrative support. Students may receive help related to studying in France, accommodation, travel preparation, and access to student services during their scholarship period.

Studying in France provides access to internationally recognised universities, advanced research facilities, innovative academic programmes, and a diverse international learning environment. Scholarship recipients can gain valuable academic experience, develop professional skills, build global networks, and improve their future career opportunities.

The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 is an excellent opportunity for motivated postgraduate students who want to gain international academic experience and pursue higher education in France. Eligible applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official scholarship rules and submit a complete online application before the deadline.

France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 – Quick Overview

• Host Country: France
• Host Institutions: Recognised French universities and higher education institutions
• Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
• Eligible Nationalities: South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi
• Scholarship Coverage: Funded financial and administrative support
• Study Start: September 2027
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 8 October 2026
• Deadline Time: 23:59 South Africa Time

Available Subjects – France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027

The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 is open to applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines offered by eligible French higher education institutions.

Priority may be given to applications in the following areas:

• Digital Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantum Technologies
• Biotechnology
• Health Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Energy
• Low-Carbon Mobility
• Space Studies
• Food Systems
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Engineering
• Science and Technology
• Related Humanities and Social Sciences
• Other eligible Master’s and PhD programmes

Although priority is given to selected fields, applications from other academic disciplines may also be considered. Applicants should check the recognition, accreditation, admission requirements, and tuition fees of their chosen programme before applying.

Eligible Nationalities

The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 is open to citizens of:

• South Africa
• Lesotho
• Malawi

Applicants must meet the scholarship eligibility requirements and the admission requirements of their selected French higher education institution.

Applicants must also meet the relevant age and academic requirements. According to the official programme rules, candidates must have been born on or after 1 January 1997 and must have achieved a minimum average of 60% in their most recently completed degree. Dual French citizens are not eligible.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected applicants may receive the following benefits:

• A monthly living allowance of approximately €900 per month for Master’s students
• A monthly living allowance of approximately €1,850 per month for PhD students
• One return international flight ticket between the recipient’s country of residence and France
• Social security and health insurance during the scholarship period
• Accident and personal liability insurance
• Exemption from student visa fees
• Priority access to student accommodation, subject to availability
• Support services provided through Campus France
• Exemption from the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC)
• Possible eligibility for additional housing support through the French Family Allowance Fund (CAF)
• Academic and administrative guidance before departure and during the study period

The scholarship does not generally cover tuition fees. Applicants should therefore check the tuition costs of their selected programme before applying. Some eligible public institutions may provide exemptions under specific conditions.

Important Scholarship Conditions

Applicants should carefully review the following conditions:

• The scholarship may be suspended if the recipient interrupts their studies.
• A student visa does not automatically provide visas or residence rights for family members.
• Priority access to student accommodation does not guarantee accommodation.
• Health and social protection are provided only during the official scholarship period.
• Medical conditions or illnesses contracted before arrival in France may not be covered.
• Only one return international flight ticket is provided for the scholarship recipient.
• Travel expenses for family members are not covered.
• Scholarship recipients must follow the approved study project and obtain permission before making significant changes to their programme.

Required Documents

Applicants must upload the required documents through the official online application system.

Documents Required for All Applicants

• Completed online application form
• Valid passport or national identity document
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation or cover letter
• Copies of previous academic degree certificates
• Academic transcripts covering at least three years of study
• Any additional documents requested by the scholarship programme

Additional Documents for Master’s Applicants

• A list of up to three intended study programmes
• Links to the official webpages of the selected programmes
• Programme application dates
• Tuition fee information
• Evidence of communication with selected French institutions, where available

Applicants do not need to have received admission at the time of the scholarship application. However, final scholarship confirmation is conditional on receiving admission to an eligible programme in France.

Additional Documents for PhD Applicants

• A commitment letter from the proposed PhD supervisor
• For joint supervision arrangements, supporting documentation from the relevant South African and French supervisors may be required

Application Procedure – France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027

Applicants must complete the scholarship application online and submit all required documents before the official deadline.

How to Apply

1. Read the official scholarship rules and eligibility requirements carefully.
2. Visit the official application portal.
3. Accept the scholarship terms and conditions.
4. Create an online account using a valid email address and mobile phone number.
5. Complete all sections of the online application form.
6. Upload all required academic and supporting documents.
7. Review all information carefully before final submission.
8. Submit the completed application before 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South Africa Time.

Important Application Notes

• Applications are accepted online only.
• Information entered when creating an account may not be changed later.
• Applications cannot be edited after final submission.
• Applicants are advised to use a desktop or laptop computer.
• Do not use special characters such as apostrophes (‘) in the application form because they may cause entered information to be lost.
• Applicants should submit their applications early to avoid technical problems.
• Submitting a scholarship application does not guarantee admission to a French university or selection for the scholarship.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South Africa Time

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications well before the deadline.

Apply Now

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027?

It is a postgraduate scholarship programme that supports eligible students who want to pursue Master’s or PhD studies at recognised higher education institutions in France.

2. Which countries are eligible?

The programme is open to citizens of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.

3. What degree levels are supported?

The scholarship supports Master’s and PhD programmes at eligible French higher education institutions.

4. Is the scholarship fully funded?

The programme provides substantial financial and administrative support, including a monthly allowance, insurance, one return flight, and student support services. However, tuition fees are not generally included.

5. What subjects are available?

Applications are open to all academic fields, with priority given to selected areas such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, health, environmental sciences, energy, engineering, and related disciplines.

6. Can I apply if I have not received admission from a French university?

Yes. Applicants may apply for the scholarship before receiving admission. However, final scholarship confirmation depends on obtaining admission to an eligible French programme.

7. Can I apply for a programme taught in English?

Yes. Applicants may apply for eligible programmes taught in English or French, provided they meet the language requirements of the selected programme.

8. Is accommodation guaranteed?

No. Scholarship recipients receive priority access to student housing, but accommodation is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

9. Can family members receive scholarship support?

No. The scholarship provides support only for the selected recipient. Family travel and visa costs are not included.

10. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South Africa Time.