ABOUT THE COMPANY – EMBASSY OF FRANCE
The Embassy of France operates Campus France, an agency under the French Ministries of European and Foreign Affairs and of Higher Education and Research. Campus France aims to promote French higher education and facilitate academic exchange between global and French tertiary institutions.
Campus France in South Africa focuses on promoting higher education in France and provides assistance to students and researchers interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in France. Each year, the Embassy of France in South Africa offers scholarship funding for Master’s or PhD degree studies in France. The embassy collaborates with French businesses in South Africa and South African organizations such as 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 France South Africa Scholarship is open to students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi for the academic year. The scholarship covers Master’s degree or PhD studies in ANY field of study in France, starting in September .
Additionally, the scholarship may cover Master’s and PhD programs in selected higher education institutions in Africa. Candidates are encouraged to consider Master programs (M2 – second year) at the University of la Réunion in France as they receive additional funding.
ABOUT THE FRANCE SOUTH AFRICA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED
The scholarship offers two types of funding:
- Full scholarship: Includes tuition fees (up to a maximum value of 5000 euros per year), return flight to France, a 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, and assistance from Campus France Paris.
- Cost-sharing scholarship: Includes a monthly allowance provided fully or partially by a partner, along with other benefits of a full scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded for a specific duration depending on the degree:
- Master’s degree: Between 10 and 22 months, depending on the program. The scholarship may be extended to the second year based on academic performance.
- PhD degree: Maximum funding for three years. Continuation of funding for the second and third years is subject to the progress of research work.
- PhD students under co-supervision/cotutelle: Scholarships cover periods spent in France as specified by the candidate.
MORE ABOUT THE FRANCE SOUTH AFRICA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – SELECTION & DATES
The selection process and important dates for the scholarship program are as follows:
- October 16: Application deadline.
- November : Eligible candidates will be interviewed.
- End of November to early December : Final candidates will be selected, and results will be announced.
- February to July : Program commences in South Africa with online French courses and a possible internship.
- Early September : Departure to France.
The selection process considers factors such as academic records, professional background, quality of the study project, proficiency in foreign languages, and commitment to joint supervision for PhD candidates. Candidates who are selected will need to finalize their enrollment in their chosen study program, attend online French courses, and may be required to complete an internship with a French company or organization based in South Africa.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FRANCE SOUTH AFRICA SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- South African, Basotho, or Malawian nationality
- Born on or after January 1, 1992
- Enrolled or intending to enroll in a Master’s or PhD degree program
- Admission to a French higher education institution
- Intention to start studies in September
- Preference may be given to students in Science, Engineering, Technology fields, and niche courses not available in South Africa.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FRANCE SOUTH AFRICA SCHOLARSHIP
Applications must be submitted online through the France South Africa Scholarship Application portal. Candidates need to register an account before accessing the application form.
Important notes for the application process:
- Applications can be saved and resumed, but no changes can be made after final submission.
- Verify all information before submitting the application.
- Use a desktop computer for optimal application experience.
- Avoid using special characters in the application form.
Supporting documents to upload include a completed online application form, passport copy, updated resume or curriculum vitae, covering letter explaining motivations and interests in the chosen academic project, degree certificates, university transcripts, and additional documents specific to Master’s or PhD applicants.
Applicants are encouraged to read important documents such as the scholarship rulebook, FAQs, information on studying in France, and webinar details provided by Campus France South Africa.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE FRANCE SOUTH AFRICA SCHOLARSHIP
The application deadline for the France South Africa Scholarship is October 16, at 23:59. Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date to ensure consideration.
CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries related to this scholarship program, applicants can use the contact page provided by the Embassy of France. Additional support and advice on finding the most appropriate program can be obtained from Campus France South Africa.
