The University of Orléans is offering the Eiffel 2027–2028 scholarship for international postgraduate students, providing French government support for their studies. The guide outlines course options, funding, and application procedures while also addressing an unresolved date issue for doctoral applicants.
Application Deadline:
- Master’s Internal Deadline: 13 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+1).
- Doctorate Internal Deadline: 13 November 2026 (or 4 December 2026 at the latest for securing an initial PhD research supervisor; candidates must confirm exact cutoff with
[email protected]). - National Results Announcement: April 2027.
Tell Me About The Program:
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme—developed by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered locally via the University of Orléans—is designed to enable French higher education institutions to attract top international students to Master’s and PhD programs. Aimed at training future global decision-makers in priority strategic fields, the scholarship offers comprehensive financial support and academic excellence pathways in central France.
Which Fields are Eligible:
All eligible Master’s, Engineering, and PhD degree tracks offered at the University of Orléans, including:
- English-Taught Master’s Programs: International Economics (M1/M2) and Languages, Business and International Management (M1/M2).
- French-Taught Programs (Requires B2 French Proficiency): Law, Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Environment, Humanities, and Engineering.
- Doctoral Research Fields: All research domains supported by University of Orléans affiliated research laboratories.
Type:
Fully Funded Master’s Degree & Joint/Direct PhD Fellowship Program
Who can Apply:
- Nationality: Open exclusively to foreign nationals (applicants with dual French citizenship are ineligible).
- Age Limits:
- Master’s Applicants: Must be 29 years of age or younger at the time of the selection committee (born after 31 March 1997).
- Doctoral Applicants: Must be 35 years of age or younger during the application campaign (born after 31 March 1991).
- Residency Status:
- Master’s: Only candidates currently residing/studying outside of France may apply (students already enrolled in France are ineligible).
- Doctorate: Applicants studying abroad are prioritized (though candidates residing in France under co-direction/cotutelle may be considered).
- Language Proficiency:
- English-taught programs: Program-specific proficiency.
- French-taught programs: Mandatory official proof of B2-level French proficiency at submission.
- Exclusions: Candidates receiving another French government scholarship, Erasmus+, or AUF funding are ineligible. Applications must go exclusively through the University of Orléans (direct individual applications to Campus France or multiple institutional submissions result in immediate rejection).
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications undergo rigorous internal evaluation by University of Orléans academic program supervisors based primarily on academic excellence (cumulative grades and official class rankings), clarity of the applicant’s professional/research project, and alignment with institutional research priorities. Nominated dossiers are then submitted centrally to Campus France for final national selection.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to non-French international candidates worldwide, with an emphasis on emerging countries for Master’s and emerging/industrialized countries for PhD).
Where will the Program be Taken:
University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
How Many Fellows:
Highly competitive international cohort selected annually per university nomination limits.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Monthly Allowance:
- Master’s Level: €1,200 per month.
- Doctoral Level: €2,000 – €2,100 per month.
- Tuition Benefits: Exemption from national degree registration fees at public French institutions.
- Additional Services:
- Direct international round-trip travel coverage.
- National transport inside France and local health insurance coverage.
- Housing search assistance and access to cultural activities.
How Long Will it Last:
- Master’s Level: 12 months (M2 entry), 24 months (M1 entry), or up to 36 months for an Engineering degree.
- Doctoral Level: 6 to 18 months (for existing cotutelle/co-direction PhDs) or up to 36 months (for 1st year PhD candidates).
How to Apply:
For Master’s Applicants:
- Prepare Academic PDF: Combine into a single PDF document named
LAST NAME_First Name_Justificatifs-M-Eiffel-UO:- Detailed CV / Resume
- Cover letter / Professional project description
- Transcripts for the last 3 academic years (with official translations)
- Official class ranking document(s) for at least the most recent academic year
- B2 French language certificate (if choosing a French-taught track)
- Complete Form: Fill out the official form
NOM_Prenom_formulaire_EIFFEL.docx. - Submit via Email: Send both files in one email to
[email protected]with the subject line “Candidature LAST NAME First Name Bourse Eiffel UO” before 13 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+1).
For Doctoral Applicants:
- Identify and secure a research supervisor at a University of Orléans research laboratory.
- The supporting thesis supervisor must contact
[email protected]directly to submit and endorse the PhD nomination dossier.
