Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Understanding the Programme and Maximising Your Chances

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship programme was launched by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to enable French higher education institutions to attract top international talent to their graduate programmes. It finances full master's degrees and joint doctoral research stays. The defining feature of this award lies in its procedural model: individual applicants cannot apply directly to the ministry or Campus France.

An institutional nomination model

French universities and prestigious Grandes Écoles select and present candidate dossiers to the national evaluation committee. In practice, you must first secure interest and admission from a French academic department: the faculty decides whether to endorse your application within the institutional submission quotas allocated to them. Securing the scholarship therefore requires being admitted by your desired institution and convincing its programme directors to champion your profile.

What the scholarship provides

Depending on the level of study, the Eiffel scholarship grants a monthly living allowance, international return transport, comprehensive health insurance, cultural activities, and housing support allowances. Exact stipend amounts and durations are updated annually: consult the official programme notice for full details. The scheme does not fund undergraduate or bachelor-level studies.

Core evaluation criteria

• Outstanding academic excellence, demonstrated through top ranking, honours, and distinguished university records.
• A study or research project that aligns with the strategic educational strengths of the nominating French institution.
• Demonstrated commitment to bilateral cooperation and scientific partnership between France and your home nation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the language of instruction (French or English, depending on course requirements).

A four-step candidate strategy

1. Identify participating institutions and programmes

Not every department presents candidates for the Eiffel award. Review university departmental websites and contact postgraduate programme coordinators early to confirm their willingness to nominate international applicants.

2. Apply to the degree programme with an outstanding dossier

Prepare an exemplary academic application: university grade transcripts, an incisive motivation letter, a coherent professional vision, and strong letters of recommendation. The academic quality of this initial submission is what prompts faculty directors to support you.

3. Formally request institutional nomination for the Eiffel award

In your correspondence and motivation letter, state clearly that you wish to be put forward for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, demonstrating how your profile satisfies the core priorities of the French foreign ministry.

4. Adhere strictly to internal university deadlines

While the national deadline for French institutions to submit candidate files occurs in early January for the following autumn intake, individual universities enforce internal closing dates several weeks earlier, typically in November or December. Inquire about these internal cutoff dates immediately.

Parallel steps: Campus France and alternative grants

Moroccan applicants must also complete the mandatory "Études en France" procedure through Campus France Morocco. Simultaneously explore other financial opportunities (French government scholarships, regional councils, and institutional waivers). Setting up a notification on MaBourse.ma ensures you remain informed of all new calls for funding.