All about Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The French higher education structure is among the best in the world and is also one of the most accessible thanks to low tuition fees compared to other nations. For international students, studying in France is a more economical and sustainable option that offers world-class education. To encourage and attract foreign students to enroll in their Master’s and Doctoral programs, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs established The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program in January 1999.

This article covers all one needs to know about the scholarship program, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and more. 

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Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Even though the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for Indian students does not specify any eligibility criteria, the following are the basic criteria that a candidate must fulfill before applying:

• The candidate can be of any nationality except French.
• Only French educational institutions can make an application on behalf of the candidate. However,  the candidate must not apply directly, as the application will be rejected immediately.
• Applicants must apply either for a Master’s or Doctoral program.
• Age: 
• Master’s candidates – 25 years or above.
• Doctoral candidates – 30 years or above.
• Areas of study for the scholarship: 
• Political Science
• Law
• Economics and management
• Engineering Sciences

Students who received the scholarship at the Master’s level can re-apply to receive the scholarship in the Doctoral program. But if any applicant has already applied for any other scholarship from the French government, they would not be eligible for this scholarship.

For a Master’s degree, the candidate studying in France will not be selected. But for the Doctoral program, preference would be given to candidates studying outside France over those studying in France.

Benefits Covered in the Scholarship

• The scholarship amount includes a monthly stipend of: 
• Master’s Program: Euro1,181 (which comprises Euro 1,031 as maintenance and an additional allowance of Euro 150)
• Doctoral Program: Euro1,700
• The program also covers other expenses, including travel and travel and other reimbursements.

The Eiffel scholarship also provides free accommodation at CROUS (The Fresh Government residence) or a housing allowance if the candidate prefers to live in private student residences. But if any candidate has taken a gap in studies, then the housing allowance will also be suspended during the gap period.

Other benefits include: 

• A round-trip international ticket
• Weekend trips to France to help the candidate relax
• Various sports, recreational, and leisure opportunities
• French social security for non-EU citizens
• Supplemental health insurance
• Cultural activities
• The cost of travel via public transport or taxi from the airport or train station to the first study session will be reimbursed.
• French language courses can be taken only by law students along with their studies, but if a language course is not requested while making the application, then it will not be granted later on.
• The Doctoral component is awarded for a maximum of 12 months in France.

(It is important to note here that tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel program in both elements of the program.)

Documents Required

Candidates may be asked to submit the following documents to make an application for the Eiffel scholarship.

• A photocopy of a valid identification card or passport
• Academic transcripts of all the years of higher education (i.e., 10th, 12th, etc.)
• CV
• Research proposal/project proposal
• Statement of Purpose that explains their contribution to the institute.
• Two letters of recommendation from previous professors or institutes.
• Language proficiency test score certificates (English and/or French), if necessary.

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How to Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

All applications from students must be submitted by French Higher Education Institutions only.

• To find out the deadline for submission of applications, contact the International Relations department of the university.
• Make a request to the institute to be considered for the scholarship.
• If the institute decides to support your application basis eligibility, they will send the application form to the student.
• Then, the university will make the online application (Students must not make their application directly; otherwise, it will be rejected).

Important Dates

• The applications for Eiffel Excellence Scholarships open in September and close in January every year.
• Generally, the last date for such applications is January 7th.
• The results are declared around March.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship consists of four panels of experts from the departments of political science, law, engineering sciences, and management.

• As mentioned in the application form, academic performance is a benchmark to judge the candidates for the scholarship. It is a merit-based program
• The institution and the department of the candidates are also considered based on their contribution to promoting the Eiffel Excellence program.
• The list of awardees is published on the Campus France website.