Looking for a University of Paris scholarship to fund your studies in France?
The University of Paris offers a wide range of scholarships to help international and domestic students finance their education. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, there are several opportunities designed to reduce tuition costs and support academic excellence.
Types of Scholarships at the University of Paris
University of Paris scholarships cater to students from various academic backgrounds and financial situations.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- MIEM Excellence Scholarships for Master’s students
- Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships
- Graduate School of Mathematics Scholarships
- Paris Graduate School of Economics funding
- Research-focused PhD fellowships
- Merit-based tuition waivers
- Need-based financial aid grants
- International student entry scholarships
- Institutional exchange program scholarships
Apply also: University of French Guiana Scholarship
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Excellence Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in France, designed for top-performing international students.
- Covers tuition fees for master’s and PhD levels
- Monthly stipend of approximately €1,181 (master’s)
- Travel allowance for international students
- Priority placement in student housing
- Health insurance coverage
- French cultural enrichment programs
- Open to specific fields: law, economics, engineering
- Application submitted by the University on behalf of the student
- Selection based on academic record and potential
- Strongly competitive with limited annual spots
Apply also: University of Cergy-Pontoise Scholarship
MIEM Excellence Scholarships
The MIEM (Merit and International Mobility) program supports talented international students enrolling in specific master’s programs.
- Award value up to €10,000
- Granted for one academic year
- Specifically for non-EU international students
- Open for select faculties including Science and Humanities
- Must apply through designated master’s programs
- Academic performance is a major selection criterion
- Promotes international diversity on campus
- Non-renewable but combinable with other grants
- Encourages future research or doctoral studies
- Applications typically open in January
Apply also: University of New Caledonia Scholarship
Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships
Erasmus+ supports students from Europe studying temporarily at the University of Paris under exchange agreements.
- Monthly stipend based on host country cost of living
- Travel reimbursement options included
- Duration ranges from 3 to 12 months
- Covers internships as well as academic study
- Must be enrolled at a partner university
- No age restrictions
- Improves international mobility and cultural skills
- Can be combined with additional financial aid
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Administered through sending institution’s Erasmus office
Apply also: University of Nantes Scholarship
Research and Doctoral Funding
Doctoral candidates can apply for research-specific scholarships and fellowships through University of Paris research units.
- PhD fellowships for 3-year duration
- Monthly stipend around €1,400–€1,800
- Access to labs, equipment, and field research budgets
- Funded by CNRS, ANR, or Horizon Europe projects
- Opportunities across sciences, social sciences, and humanities
- Competitive selection through research proposal review
- Requires Master’s degree or equivalent
- Often includes teaching assistant duties
- Encouraged publication during the PhD
- Pathway to postdoctoral opportunities in France or Europe
Apply also: University of Avignon Scholarship
University-Specific Financial Aid
The University of Paris also provides internal financial aid and scholarships directly managed by faculties or administrative offices.
- Tuition fee exemptions based on merit or need
- Targeted aid for students with disabilities
- Support for housing and meal subsidies
- Crisis grants for students facing sudden hardship
- Emergency financial assistance options
- Application handled locally within departments
- Annual reassessment of aid eligibility
- Not automatically renewable
- Open to both EU and non-EU students
- Generally awarded before start of academic year
Apply also: University of Montpellier Scholarship
How to Apply for a University of Paris Scholarship
Each scholarship has its own application process and timeline. Preparing early and following specific instructions is essential.
- Identify the scholarship program matching your profile
- Gather academic transcripts and recommendation letters
- Write a compelling statement of purpose or project proposal
- Meet the language proficiency requirements (usually French or English)
- Apply via the University or Campus France portal
- Submit before the official deadlines (some in January or February)
- Some scholarships require nomination by the academic department
- Interviews may be part of the selection process
- Keep backup funding options in place
- Check eligibility updates each academic cycle
Apply also: University of Angers Scholarship
Benefits of Winning a Scholarship in Paris
Securing a scholarship at the University of Paris not only eases financial stress but also enhances your academic and personal journey.
- Reduces or fully covers tuition fees
- Provides monthly stipends for living costs
- Increases chances of visa approval
- Boosts academic profile for future study or jobs
- Offers cultural integration and language learning
- Allows participation in elite research networks
- Improves access to internships and job placements
- Strengthens your CV with international exposure
- Helps build a professional and academic network
- May include post-study work opportunities
Apply also: Sorbonne University Scholarship
Academic Programs Eligible for Scholarships
Most scholarships are tied to specific academic levels and fields. Check eligibility based on your study plans.
| Academic Level | Eligible Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Entry-level merit awards, Erasmus+ (if eligible) |
| Master’s Degree | Eiffel, MIEM, Erasmus+, department-specific aid |
| Doctoral/PhD | Research fellowships, institutional grants |
| Field of Study | Commonly Supported Programs |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Eiffel, Graduate School fellowships |
| Social Sciences | MIEM, Research Grants |
| Humanities | MIEM, University-specific aid |
| Life Sciences | CNRS/ANR funding, PhD grants |
| Law & Political Science | Eiffel Excellence, internal merit awards |
Living in Paris as a Scholarship Student
Paris offers a rich cultural and academic environment, making it a vibrant destination for international students.
- Student discounts for transport and entertainment
- Affordable dining options via CROUS restaurants
- Subsidized housing for scholarship holders
- Museums and libraries with free or discounted access
- Multilingual community of global students
- French language support services
- High-quality healthcare access with insurance
- Active student clubs and cultural associations
- Opportunities to travel across Europe
- Strong public safety and city infrastructure
Apply also: University of Burgundy Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one University of Paris scholarship?
Yes, as long as the scholarships don’t explicitly prohibit combining. Check terms for each award.
Is French language proficiency required?
Some programs require French, but many master’s and PhD tracks are taught in English.
What GPA is needed for a University of Paris scholarship?
Most scholarships are merit-based. A GPA equivalent of 3.5/4.0 or higher is typically recommended.
When do applications usually open?
Many scholarships start accepting applications between December and February for the following academic year.
Are scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Limited scholarships exist for bachelor’s programs, often through exchange programs or local merit aid.
Can I work while studying on a scholarship?
Yes. International students in France can work part-time up to 964 hours/year.
Do scholarships cover visa fees?
Generally not. However, some comprehensive scholarships like Eiffel may offer visa support indirectly.
How competitive are University of Paris scholarships?
Highly competitive, especially for international programs. A strong academic record is essential.
Are there scholarships for non-EU students?
Yes. Programs like MIEM and Eiffel are specifically targeted at non-EU applicants.
Is housing guaranteed for scholarship recipients?
Not always, but many top scholarships include accommodation support or priority housing.
Conclusion
University of Paris scholarships open doors to world-class education with reduced financial stress. With careful planning and a strong academic profile, you can secure funding to study in one of Europe’s top universities.