African students who want to study in France can prepare for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027, a prestigious French Government scholarship for international students pursuing eligible master’s, engineering and doctoral programmes.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs created the programme to help French higher education institutions attract outstanding international students.
For master’s students, the scholarship currently provides a €1,200 monthly allowance alongside benefits that can include international travel, travel within France, insurance, assistance with finding accommodation and cultural activities. Doctoral scholarship holders currently receive a higher monthly allowance.
African students can apply because the Eiffel programme targets international candidates rather than restricting awards to particular nationalities.
However, students cannot submit an Eiffel application directly to Campus France.
Instead, a French university or higher education institution must nominate and submit the candidate.
For the 2027 campaign, French institutions began preparing applications from October 2026. Campus France expects institutions to submit selected candidates by January 2027, with results expected from March 2027. Individual universities set earlier internal deadlines for students.
Therefore, African students interested in the 2027 scholarship should start contacting French universities now.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
Scholarship: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Host Country: France
Funding Body: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Study Levels: Master’s, engineering and doctoral programmes
Eligible Applicants: International students, including African students
Master’s Monthly Allowance: €1,200
Doctoral Monthly Allowance: €2,000 under the current central Campus France implementation information
International Travel: Supported
Travel Within France: Supported under applicable conditions
Insurance: Included under programme conditions
Accommodation Assistance: Available
Application Method: Nomination by a French higher education institution
Direct Student Applications: Not accepted
2027 Institution Applications: Beginning from October 2026
Campus France Deadline: January 2027; exact final 2027 date should be confirmed when published
Expected Results: From March 2027
Master’s Age Limit: Up to 29 years
Doctoral Age Limit: Up to 35 years
Last Updated: October 2026
What Is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is a French Government programme designed to attract talented international students to postgraduate programmes in France.
Campus France manages the programme on behalf of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The programme focuses on students who may become future leaders and decision-makers in the public and private sectors.
Rather than allowing students to submit applications independently, Eiffel gives French universities responsibility for identifying strong international candidates.
The university then nominates those candidates to Campus France.
As a result, receiving university admission alone does not automatically mean you have applied for the Eiffel Scholarship.
Your chosen institution must specifically agree to support your Eiffel application.
Can African Students Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship?
Yes.
The Eiffel Scholarship is available to international students, including eligible applicants from African countries.
This means applicants can potentially come from countries such as:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- The Gambia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Benin
- Togo
- Burkina Faso
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Botswana
and other African countries.
The programme does not use the same country restrictions found in some other international scholarships.
Instead, nationality rules mainly require applicants to be foreign nationals.
Candidates who hold French citizenship alongside another nationality are not eligible.
Is the Eiffel Scholarship Fully Funded?
Applicants should be careful with the phrase “fully funded.”
The Eiffel Scholarship provides substantial financial support, but the Eiffel programme itself does not generally pay tuition fees as part of its standard scholarship benefits.
However, recipients of French Government scholarships studying for certain national diplomas or accredited engineering qualifications at eligible French public institutions can benefit from tuition-fee exemptions under French regulations.
Therefore, applicants should check the exact fee structure of the university and course they select.
The Eiffel funding package currently includes:
- Monthly living allowance
- International transportation
- Transportation within France under applicable rules
- Insurance
- Assistance with accommodation
- Cultural activities
This still makes Eiffel a significant scholarship for African students seeking postgraduate education in France.
How Much Does the Eiffel Scholarship Pay?
The amount depends on your study level.
Master’s Students
Master’s scholarship holders currently receive:
€1,200 per month.
They can also receive additional benefits including international transportation, domestic transportation, insurance and housing-related assistance.
For example, a student receiving the allowance for 24 months could receive:
€1,200 × 24 = €28,800
in living allowance payments over the scholarship period.
That figure excludes additional benefits such as travel and insurance.
Doctoral Students
Campus France’s current central implementation information lists a doctoral living allowance of:
€2,000 per month.
Doctoral Scholars also receive applicable travel, insurance and other support.
Applicants should always check the final 2027 scholarship rules because allowance amounts can change.
Does the Eiffel Scholarship Cover Flights?
Yes.
International transportation forms part of the Eiffel Scholarship’s covered services.
Successful students receive travel support according to Campus France’s conditions.
The programme can also provide transportation support within France.
However, scholars should follow Campus France’s travel instructions rather than purchasing expensive tickets independently and assuming that every cost will automatically be reimbursed.
Does Eiffel Cover Accommodation?
The scholarship includes housing assistance and support with finding accommodation, but this does not mean Campus France gives every scholar free accommodation.
Students generally use their monthly allowance toward living expenses, including rent.
Campus France can also help scholarship recipients locate appropriate housing.
Therefore, applicants should budget realistically for accommodation in their university city.
Living costs in Paris, for example, can differ considerably from costs in smaller French cities.
Eiffel Scholarship Age Limit for 2027
Age is an important eligibility requirement.
Campus France currently states that the programme targets foreign applicants:
Up to 29 years old for master’s-level scholarships
and
Up to 35 years old for doctoral scholarships.
The official 2027 Campus France information also confirms age eligibility in the 29-to-35 range depending on study level.
Applicants should check the final 2027 regulations for the exact date used to calculate age.
Do not assume that turning 30 or 36 later in the academic year automatically affects eligibility without checking the programme’s reference date.
What Can You Study With the Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship focuses on seven priority fields across two broad categories.
Science and Technology
Eligible areas include:
- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
Eligible areas include:
- History, French Language and Civilization
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
Therefore, applicants should first confirm that their proposed master’s or doctoral programme falls within one of these eligible areas.
Can You Study Computer Science?
Potentially, yes.
Computer science, artificial intelligence, data science and related programmes may fall within the Mathematics and Digital priority area.
However, the French institution decides whether the specific programme qualifies for Eiffel nomination.
Therefore, contact the programme coordinator or international-relations office before assuming eligibility.
Can You Study Engineering?
Yes.
Engineering Sciences forms one of Eiffel’s main eligible subject areas.
Eligible candidates may find programmes involving areas such as:
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Energy engineering
- Telecommunications
- Industrial engineering
- Computer engineering
- Sustainable engineering
The exact course must still meet Eiffel’s requirements.
Can You Study Public Health or Medicine?
Biology and Health is an eligible Eiffel field.
Therefore, programmes connected to areas such as:
- Public health
- Biomedical science
- Biotechnology
- Health sciences
- Biological sciences
may potentially qualify.
However, applicants should verify individual programmes through the French institution.
Can You Study Business?
Economics and Management appears among the eligible Eiffel fields.
Therefore, certain economics, management and business-related postgraduate programmes may qualify.
However, do not assume that every MBA or business programme automatically falls under Eiffel.
Ask the institution whether it accepts Eiffel nominations for the specific course.
Can You Study Law or Political Science?
Yes.
Law and Political Science forms one of the scholarship’s priority areas.
Applicants interested in areas such as:
- International law
- Public law
- Political science
- International relations
- European law
- Governance
may find suitable eligible programmes.
Eiffel Scholarship Duration
Scholarship duration depends on the programme.
Master’s Level
Campus France states that Eiffel funding can last:
Up to 12 months for entry into Master 2
Up to 24 months for entry into Master 1
Up to 36 months for an engineering degree.
Doctoral Level
Doctoral Eiffel funding can last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the approved programme and mobility arrangement.
The exact duration appears in the recipient’s scholarship award.
Eiffel Scholarship Requirements for African Students
Applicants need to satisfy both Eiffel rules and the requirements of their selected French institution.
Several important conditions apply.
You Must Be an International Student
The programme is designed for foreign students.
Applicants holding dual nationality where one nationality is French cannot apply.
You Must Meet the Age Requirement
Master’s candidates generally need to be 29 or younger.
Doctoral applicants generally need to be 35 or younger.
You Need Admission to an Eligible Programme
A French institution must identify you as a suitable candidate for one of its eligible programmes.
Your academic background should meet the admission requirements for that course.
Your Course Must Fall Within an Eiffel Priority Area
The programme only supports the specified fields.
Therefore, choosing an unrelated course will make Eiffel nomination impossible.
The French Institution Must Nominate You
This is crucial.
Students cannot submit Eiffel applications directly to Campus France.
The French institution evaluates your profile and decides whether it wants to nominate you.
Can Nigerians Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship?
Yes.
Eligible Nigerian students can receive nominations for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship.
Campus France Nigeria also provides information about the programme and directs applicants to contact French institutions regarding applications.
Nigerian applicants should begin by finding French master’s or doctoral programmes related to their field.
Next, contact the institution’s international-relations department and specifically ask whether it accepts applications for the 2027 Eiffel Scholarship campaign.
Can Ghanaians Apply?
Yes.
The programme is open to foreign nationals, so eligible Ghanaian students can potentially receive nominations from French institutions.
Applicants should contact Campus France or the French Embassy serving Ghana for additional country-specific guidance.
Can Kenyans Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Kenyan students can apply through a French institution willing to nominate them.
Can Ugandans Apply?
Yes.
Ugandan applicants can compete for Eiffel awards if they meet the scholarship and programme requirements.
Can South Africans Apply?
Yes.
Campus France South Africa confirms that the Eiffel programme targets foreign master’s and doctoral candidates and runs annually from roughly October to early January.
Can Rwandans Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Rwandan students can receive nomination from a participating French higher education institution.
Can You Apply With a 2:2?
The Eiffel Scholarship does not publish one universal African degree classification such as:
First Class
2:1
or
2:2.
Instead, the French institution determines whether your academic record makes you competitive for admission and Eiffel nomination.
However, Eiffel is an excellence scholarship.
French universities normally nominate some of their strongest international candidates.
Therefore, simply meeting the minimum programme requirement may not make an applicant competitive.
An applicant with a 2:2 should identify institutions whose entry requirements match their academic background and then ask whether the institution would consider the profile for Eiffel nomination.
Can HND Holders Apply?
Eiffel does not create a separate HND admission route.
You need academic qualifications that make you eligible for the French master’s programme you want to enter.
Therefore, applicants holding an HND should check whether the chosen institution recognises their complete qualifications as sufficient for admission.
If you also hold:
- A postgraduate diploma
- Additional university qualifications
- Professional qualifications
provide the full academic history when contacting the institution.
Do You Need Work Experience?
Eiffel does not impose one universal professional-experience rule comparable to Chevening or DAAD EPOS.
The primary focus is academic excellence, the proposed programme and the institution’s decision to nominate you.
However, certain professional master’s programmes can have their own work-experience requirements.
Therefore, check the specific degree.
Can Fresh Graduates Apply?
Yes, potentially.
The master’s scholarship does not require every candidate to have several years of employment.
Therefore, strong recent graduates can potentially receive an Eiffel nomination if they meet the age, academic and programme requirements.
This can make Eiffel attractive to younger African graduates who may not yet qualify for scholarships requiring extensive professional experience.
Do You Need IELTS?
There is no single Eiffel-wide IELTS score.
Instead, the French institution sets the language requirements for your programme.
For an English-taught master’s degree, you may need:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Another accepted English qualification
- Approved evidence that your previous education was taught in English
For a French-taught programme, the institution may require evidence of French proficiency.
Therefore, applicants should not advertise Eiffel simply as a “scholarship without IELTS.”
Your university’s admission rules still apply.
Do You Need French to Apply?
Not necessarily.
France offers many postgraduate programmes taught entirely in English.
If your selected Eiffel-eligible programme is taught in English, you may not need advanced French for academic admission.
However, learning French can make daily life, networking and integration in France much easier.
For French-taught courses, applicants need to meet the institution’s French-language requirements.
Can Students Already in France Apply?
The rules differ between master’s and doctoral applicants.
Under Eiffel’s established eligibility rules, master’s-level applicants already studying in France are generally not eligible for the master’s component.
Doctoral eligibility works differently, and students already studying in France may be eligible under applicable conditions.
Applicants currently living or studying in France should therefore check the 2027 rules carefully.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The Eiffel application process has two different deadlines.
This is where many applicants make mistakes.
University Internal Deadline
Each French institution sets its own deadline for students who want to be considered for nomination.
For the 2027 campaign, Campus France indicates that institutions began publishing their internal procedures from around September and October 2026.
A university could therefore set a deadline in:
- October 2026
- November 2026
- December 2026
depending on its internal process.
Campus France Deadline
After selecting its candidates, the French institution sends the official applications to Campus France.
For the 2027 campaign, Campus France expects institutional submissions by January 2027.
The precise central closing date should be confirmed through the final 2027 campaign documentation.
Expected Results
The official 2027 information indicates that results should be announced from March 2027.
Is the Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Open?
Yes, the 2027 nomination campaign is beginning during October 2026.
However, students do not apply through one central public Eiffel portal.
Instead, you must find a French institution and follow its internal nomination process.
Some universities may already be accepting candidate requests while others may publish their procedures later.
Therefore, now is the right time to contact French institutions.
How to Apply for the Eiffel Scholarship From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your Field
Start by checking whether your intended course falls within one of Eiffel’s seven priority areas.
Do not begin by emailing dozens of universities.
First make sure your field qualifies.
Step 2: Find Suitable French Master’s or Doctoral Programmes
Search French universities and grandes écoles for programmes that match your academic background.
Pay attention to:
- Course content
- Entry requirements
- Teaching language
- Tuition
- Duration
- University reputation
- Application deadline
Step 3: Check Whether the Institution Participates in Eiffel
All French higher education institutions can submit candidates, but the institution decides whether it wants to participate and whom it will nominate.
Search the university website for:
Eiffel Scholarship 2027
or
France Excellence Eiffel 2027
If you cannot find information, contact the international-relations department.
Step 4: Ask About the Internal Deadline
This is essential.
The Campus France deadline is for universities.
Your personal deadline will usually be earlier.
Ask the institution:
- Whether it accepts Eiffel requests
- Which documents it needs
- Its internal deadline
- Whether admission must be completed first
- Who manages the nomination
Step 5: Apply for the Academic Programme
Follow the institution’s admission process.
Depending on the university, Eiffel consideration may happen alongside your programme application or through a separate internal process.
Step 6: Prepare Your Documents
Universities may request documents such as:
- Passport
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Motivation letter
- Language results
- Academic ranking
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal for doctoral candidates
- Professional information where relevant
Individual institutions can request additional documents.
Step 7: Submit to the University
Send your documents using the institution’s specified method.
Do not send your application directly to Campus France.
Campus France clearly states that applications submitted directly by students will be considered ineligible.
Step 8: Wait for the University’s Nomination Decision
The institution evaluates its candidates.
It may receive many requests but nominate only a small number.
Therefore, receiving admission does not guarantee an Eiffel nomination.
Step 9: The Institution Submits Your Eiffel Application
If the university chooses you, it completes and submits the official Eiffel application to Campus France.
Step 10: Wait for the Final Results
Campus France and the scholarship selection process evaluate nominated candidates.
For the 2027 campaign, results are expected from March 2027.
How to Contact a French University About Eiffel
Keep your first email short and professional.
Explain:
- Your name
- Your nationality
- Your current qualification
- The course you want to study
- The intake you want
- That you are interested in Eiffel consideration
Ask whether the institution accepts Eiffel candidates for the 2027 campaign and request the internal procedure and deadline.
Do not send a five-page life story in your first email.
How to Strengthen Your Eiffel Scholarship Profile
Eiffel is highly competitive.
French institutions do not want to nominate weak candidates because they compete nationally against candidates from other universities.
Therefore, focus on making your academic profile clear.
Highlight Academic Excellence
Include genuine evidence such as:
- Strong grades
- Class ranking
- Academic awards
- Research
- Publications
- Technical projects
- Dissertation performance
Do not simply write:
“I am an excellent student.”
Show the evidence.
Explain Why the Programme Fits
Avoid generic statements such as:
“France has one of the best education systems in the world.”
Instead, discuss the actual master’s or doctoral programme.
For example:
- A particular specialisation
- Laboratory
- Research group
- Curriculum
- Professor
- Industry connection
- Technical facility
Then connect it to what you want to achieve.
Show a Clear Career Direction
Eiffel aims to help train future international decision-makers.
Therefore, your application should show that you have thought about where your education could lead.
A useful progression is:
Academic background → Current interest → French programme → New skills → Career goal
Keep Your Story Focused
Do not tell the institution that you want to study:
Artificial intelligence, finance, public health and international law.
Choose a coherent direction.
The stronger the connection between your previous education and proposed master’s programme, the easier your application becomes to understand.
Eiffel Scholarship vs Chevening Scholarship
Both Eiffel and Chevening support African students pursuing postgraduate study abroad, but they operate differently.
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship supports eligible master’s, engineering and doctoral programmes in France.
Students cannot apply directly. A French institution must nominate them.
Chevening, meanwhile, funds eligible one-year taught master’s degrees in the United Kingdom and applicants submit their own Chevening application.
Chevening also currently requires at least 2,800 hours of qualifying post-graduation work experience.
Eiffel does not impose the same universal professional-experience requirement.
African students interested in Britain can read our Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
Eiffel Scholarship vs Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship funds eligible applicants from selected Commonwealth countries to study in the United Kingdom.
Eiffel accepts foreign applicants regardless of Commonwealth membership and supports study in France.
Another major difference involves applications.
Commonwealth Master’s applicants follow an approved nominating-agency process.
Eiffel candidates must receive nomination from a French higher education institution.
African students exploring British scholarships can also read our Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
Common Eiffel Scholarship Application Mistakes
Applying Directly to Campus France
Students cannot submit Eiffel applications themselves.
Your French institution must submit the nomination.
Waiting Until January
January is the institutional submission period.
Your university’s internal deadline can be several weeks or months earlier.
Contact institutions now.
Choosing an Ineligible Field
Make sure your course falls under an Eiffel priority area.
Contacting the University Too Late
French universities need time to:
- Review your documents
- Assess your academic profile
- Complete their nomination
- Obtain internal approvals
Start early.
Assuming Admission Guarantees Eiffel Nomination
It does not.
A university may admit many international students but nominate only its strongest candidates.
Ignoring the Age Limit
Master’s and doctoral applicants have different age limits.
Check your eligibility before applying.
Calling the Scholarship Completely Tuition-Free Without Checking
The Eiffel programme itself does not generally pay tuition fees.
Certain French Government scholarship recipients may receive tuition exemptions at qualifying public institutions, but applicants must check the specific university and programme.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Eiffel Scholarship
Can African students apply for the Eiffel Scholarship?
Yes.
Eligible students from African countries can receive nominations from French higher education institutions.
Is the Eiffel Scholarship open for 2027?
Yes.
Official Campus France information indicates that institutions are preparing 2027 applications from October 2026, with institutional submissions due to Campus France in January 2027.
What is the Eiffel Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Students do not have one universal deadline.
Each French institution sets an internal deadline.
Campus France expects institutions to submit their selected candidates in January 2027.
When will the 2027 Eiffel results come out?
Campus France currently indicates that results should be announced from March 2027.
How much does Eiffel pay master’s students?
Master’s Scholars currently receive €1,200 per month plus applicable travel, insurance and other services.
How much do doctoral Scholars receive?
Current central Campus France implementation information lists €2,000 per month for doctoral Scholars.
Does Eiffel cover tuition fees?
The Eiffel programme itself does not generally cover tuition fees. However, French Government scholarship recipients can qualify for tuition exemptions for certain national diplomas and accredited engineering degrees at eligible public institutions.
Does Eiffel cover flights?
Yes.
International transport forms part of the programme’s support package.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes.
Eligible Nigerian students can be nominated by French higher education institutions.
Can Ghanaians apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian candidates can receive Eiffel nominations.
Can Kenyans apply?
Yes.
Kenyan applicants can participate if they meet the requirements and receive institutional nomination.
Can South Africans apply?
Yes.
Campus France South Africa provides information about the Eiffel programme for eligible candidates.
What is the age limit for master’s applicants?
The current programme targets master’s candidates up to 29 years old.
What is the age limit for doctoral applicants?
Doctoral candidates can generally be up to 35 years old.
Can fresh graduates apply?
Potentially, yes.
Eiffel does not impose a universal multi-year work-experience requirement for master’s applicants.
Do I need IELTS?
That depends on the admission requirements of the French programme.
English-taught programmes may require IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted form of English evidence.
Do I need French?
Not necessarily if the degree is taught in English.
French-taught programmes will have their own French-language requirements.
Can I apply directly to Campus France?
No.
Direct student applications are considered ineligible. Your French higher education institution must submit the Eiffel application.
Can I apply to more than one university?
You can contact and apply to suitable institutions according to their admission rules.
However, Eiffel has restrictions designed to prevent institutions from submitting competing nominations for the same candidate.
Therefore, be transparent with institutions and follow the final 2027 regulations.
Final Advice for African Applicants
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 gives outstanding African students an opportunity to pursue eligible postgraduate education in France with significant financial support.
Master’s Scholars currently receive €1,200 per month, while doctoral recipients receive a higher monthly allowance. The programme also provides international travel, insurance, transportation support and assistance with accommodation.
However, the application system differs from many scholarships.
You cannot apply directly to Campus France.
Instead, a French university or higher education institution must choose you and submit your application.
For the 2027 campaign, institutions are beginning their nomination processes from October 2026. University deadlines will vary, while selected institutional applications are due to Campus France in January 2027. Results are expected from March 2027.
Therefore, now is the right time to act.
Start by identifying French master’s or doctoral programmes that fall within Eiffel’s eligible fields.
Next, check your age eligibility and academic requirements.
Then contact each institution’s international-relations office and ask whether it accepts Eiffel Scholarship candidates for 2027.
Do not wait until January.
By then, many universities may already have closed their internal nomination process.
Most importantly, target programmes that genuinely match your academic background and career direction.
A focused application supported by a French institution gives you a far stronger chance than sending generic scholarship requests to dozens of universities.