About the Company – Embassy of France
Campus France is an agency of the French Ministries of European and Foreign Affairs and of Higher Education and Research. The aim of the organisation is to encourage French Higher Education and facilitate academic exchange between global and French tertiary institutions.
Campus France in South Africa is committed to promoting higher education in France, and assists students and researchers who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in France. Each year, the Embassy of France in South Africa awards scholarship funding for Master’s or PhD degree studies in France. They are partnered with French businesses present in South Africa, as well as South African organisations (namely: the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), National Research Foundation (NRF) and Universities South Africa (USAf)).
About the France South Africa Scholarship Programme – Fields Covered
The Embassy of France is inviting students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to apply for the France South Africa Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship will cover studies in France towards a Master’s degree or PhD qualification in ANY field of study, starting in September 2025-2026.
The scholarship may also cover Master and PhD programmes in selected higher education institutions in Africa (find the list of eligible institutions here).
Applicants should consider the Master programmes (M2 – second year) at the University of la Réunion in France as they benefit from additional funding (find the read about the University of la Réunion here).
Expenses Covered
There are 2 types of scholarships to be awarded:
1) Full scholarship:
- Tuition fees (up to a maximum value of 5000 euros per year)
- Return flight to France
- Monthly allowance (approximately 700 euros for master students and 1400 euros for PhD students)
- Individualized accommodation aid (approximately 150 euros per month) from the French Government
- Social security coverage
- Priority for accessing student housing
- Visa fee exemption
- Assistance by Campus France Paris
2) Cost sharing scholarship:
- Monthly allowance provided fully or partially by a partner
- All the other benefits of a full scholarship
Candidates are encouraged to seek alternative sources of funding, and special attention will be given to students with confirmed sources of financing.
Scholarship Duration and Selection Process
Scholarships will be awarded for a specified amount of time to be spent in France, in line with the time required to obtain the degree:
- Master’s degree students: scholarships will be awarded for between 10 and 22 months. After the 1st year of study, the Embassy of France may award the scholarship for the 2nd year depending on academic performance.
- PhD students: scholarships will be awarded for a maximum of 3 years. After the 1st year of study, students will be required to justify the progress of their research work to qualify for funding for 2nd and 3rd year.
- PhD students under co-supervision/cotutelle: scholarships will be awarded for periods spent in France, and these periods of stay should be specified by the candidate.
The selection process involves shortlisting and interviewing candidates based on their academic record, professional background, quality of their studies project, proficiency in foreign languages, and more. Confirmed laureates will be required to finalize their enrollment, attend online French courses, and may participate in internships. Candidates on the waiting list will be informed individually and encouraged to continue the procedure.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
To be eligible for the France South Africa Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria:
- Be a South African, Basotho, or Malawian national
- Be born on or after 1 January 1992
- Be enrolled to study towards a Master’s degree or PhD
- Be enrolled to study at a French Higher Education institution
- Intend on starting studies in September 2025-2026
Preference may be given to students intending to study within Science, Engineering, and Technology fields, as well as niche courses not available in South Africa.
To apply, candidates must submit their applications online through the France South Africa Scholarship Application 2025-2026 portal. Required documents include a completed online application form, passport, resume/curriculum vitae, covering letter, degree certificates, university transcripts, and additional documents for Master’s or PhD students. Optional documents such as recommendations and language proficiency certificates can also be submitted.
Applicants are advised to read the France South Africa Scholarship Rulebook and FAQs before applying. For further assistance or advice, they can contact Campus France South Africa.
Closing Date and Contact Information
The closing date for the France South Africa Scholarship is 16 October at 23:59. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. For any queries related to the bursary program, applicants can contact the Embassy of France directly through their contact page.
