Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing your study options in France

How can I get more information on studying and living in France? Campus France South Africa can advise you on higher education institutions, study programmes, and opportunities related to your academic project in France, as well as on practical aspects of living in France.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Campus France website, which is a comprehensive resource providing detailed information on study options, application procedures, and student life in France.

To explore available programmes, you may consult the catalogue of Masters courses as well as the catalogue of Masters courses taught in English. When applying, it is recommended that you use the links provided through these platforms to indicate your study preferences.

If I am enrolling in a programme taught in English, may I apply for a scholarship? Yes. You may enrol for a programme taught entirely in English or in French, depending on your own language abilities.

May I apply for a scholarship even if I am not a graduate yet? Yes, provided you are in your final year of study. Applicants may apply if they are currently in the last year of a Bachelor’s/Honours degree and applying for a Master’s scholarship, or in the final year of a Master’s degree and applying for a PhD scholarship.

You must submit proof of current enrolment at your university and, where available, your most recent academic transcripts.

Can I apply to the scholarship even if I am not yet accepted at a higher education institution in France? Yes. You will apply for the scholarship before applying to, or receiving admission from, most French higher education institutions. 

At the time of application, you are required to provide proof of contact with the institutions you are interested in. If you are shortlisted, final award of the scholarship will be conditional on your admission to a programme in France.

If I can’t apply this year, when will the next call for applications be launched? The call for applications for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is launched every year. Due to the differences between the southern and northern hemisphere academic calendars, next year's call will be launched in June 2027 for students who plan to pursue their studies in France starting in September 2028.

Will applying for a scholarship help to ensure enrolment in a study programme? No. Applicants must clearly distinguish between applying for a scholarship and applying for admission to a study programme.

French higher education institutions are solely responsible for admission decisions. A scholarship application does not guarantee enrolment in any programme.

Scholarship awards are only finalised once the candidate has been officially admitted to their chosen study programme prior to departure to France.

Campus France South Africa can provide guidance and information to help candidates identify suitable institutions and programmes, but applicants remain fully responsible for submitting their admission applications and completing all required procedures directly with the institutions.

Should I apply to the first or the second year of the Master Degree? Due to differences between the South African and French academic systems, candidates holding an Honours degree may, in some cases, be eligible to apply directly to the second year of a Master’s programme (M2) in France.

However, admission to the first year of a Master’s programme (M1) is often more appropriate, depending on the structure of the programme, differences in academic content and methodology, and the specific specialisation chosen.

The final decision on admission level (M1 or M2) rests solely with the French higher education institution.

Among the criteria mentioned, which are the most decisive in the awarding of the scholarship? All criteria are taken into account in the selection process. These include the candidate’s academic excellence, the quality and coherence of the study project, the clarity of motivations, and proficiency in foreign languages. Each of these elements carries equal importance in the overall evaluation.

Which level of proficiency in foreign languages is required in order to obtain a scholarship? The required level of language proficiency must be appropriate for the chosen study programme. Where the programme is taught in French, applicants are expected to have at least a DELF B2 level in French.

Application requirements

Can I apply even if I do not meet one of the requirements? The rulebook page states all the requirements of this scholarship (age, citizenship, etc.). If your application does not meet one of these requirements, then it will be marked as non-eligible and it cannot be considered.

I do not have a passport/ it has expired/ it is expiring soon. Can I still submit my scholarship application? Yes. You can submit a copy of your ID instead and, if you are shortlisted for the scholarship, you can submit the copy of your new passport. Keep in mind that a valid passport is required for travel to France and it is essential to have your passport by May in order to timeously complete various administrative procedures.

What form should the presentation of the personal project take? The presentation of the personal project (future plans) during an interview should supply the Advisory board with key elements which will help to assess the candidate’s choices in terms of host university, of curriculum, of research subject with regards to his/her previous studies. This presentation should be verbal and should clearly highlight the candidate’s motivation. There are no specific requirements concerning this presentation form.

Scholarships

What is included in a full scholarship? The scholarship provides a monthly allowance to pursue studies in France (covering living expenses). It also includes social security coverage for the whole stay in France, priority access to accommodation in CROUS student residences and one round-trip air ticket to France. The full scholarship does not include tuition fees. 

What is the amount of the monthly allowance provided? The monthly allowance granted is approximately 900€ for master students and 1 850€ for PhD students.

What is a cost-sharing agreement? A scholarship can be co-financed by a private company or a foreign or local institution. Different patterns of cost-sharing can be put into place depending on the nature of the relationship between the student and the co-financing institution. The co-financing institution will fully or partly fund the monthly allowance or cover the tuition fees. 

Is there any set quota on the number of scholarships granted? No, there is no specific quota

Is there any set distribution of scholarships by field of studies? Yes. At least 60% of scholarships are allocated to priority fields, including STEM disciplines and related humanities fields. The remaining scholarships are awarded to other fields of study. 

What is the policy of the Scholarship Programme regarding women and formerly underprivileged people? We strongly encourage all applicants, including persons with disabilities, female students and students from underprivileged backgrounds to apply for the Scholarship Programme.

After the application

What if I don’t want to participate in the French lessons organised for the laureates for between February and July 2027? The programme is designed to prepare and better equip students to integrate into life in France. Participation is highly encouraged and will be taken into account for the final awarding of this scholarship.

If my scholarship application is successful, may I defer my scholarship for one year? No. Scholarships can only be awarded for the relevant year of application.

What happens if I am unable to complete my studies in France? A strong motivation, a mature personal project and a commitment to complete a study programme are part of the criteria to select the laureates. The scholarship can be ended anytime if the laureate is not fulfilling her/his study requirements.

Are there any commitments for a scholar after finishing his/her studies in France? The programme aims to promote academic exchange and cooperation between France and South Africa. There are no formal post-study commitments for scholarship holders. In the case of scholarships involving cost-sharing arrangements with other public or private institutions (other than the French Embassy), specific conditions may apply.

Scholarship holders are encouraged to remain active members of the alumni network and to contribute to its activities, including participation in communication initiatives such as sharing testimonials, experiences, and photos to promote studies in France.

This programme is not intended for individuals seeking immigration opportunities.

If I am awarded with a scholarship, can I travel to France with a family member? The French Embassy will only support the individuals awarded with the scholarship with respect only to matters related to their travel to study in France. For the travel of any family member, you must consult with a travel agent or relevant authorities for visas or travel arrangements. More generally, The French Embassy cannot help the awardees regarding any matter which is not related to the scholarship (help you travel two months in advance, find a home for your pet, etc.).

The Role of Campus France

What is Campus France and what is its role? Campus France is an agency of the French Ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs and of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Its goal is to promote French Higher Education and facilitate academic international mobility and exchange. 

The Campus France South Africa office assists candidates in identifying study programmes aligned with their academic background and personal project. The central Campus France agency in France is responsible for managing all aspects of scholarships for selected laureates.

Do I have to create an account on "Etudes en France" platform? Yes, all international students from South Africa who choose to study in France (for a period of more than 90 days) need to create an account on Etudes en France. If you are awarded the scholarship, you will receive a reimbursement for your EEF fee.