About The Embassy Of France:
The French Ministries of Higher Education and Research, as well as European and Foreign Affairs, are responsible for Campus France. Campus France’s mission is to promote French higher education and facilitate academic exchanges between French and international tertiary institutions.
France-South Africa Scholarship 2025-2026:
The Embassy of France is offering scholarships for students from Lesotho, Malawi, and South Africa to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. degrees in France for the academic year 2025-2026. The scholarship program begins in September 2025-2026 and covers studies in any subject of choice.
Additionally, the scholarship may cover Master’s and Ph.D. programs at specific African higher education institutions. Applicants should consider Master’s programs (M2 – second year) at the University of la Réunion in France due to additional funding opportunities.
Types of Scholarships:
- Full Scholarship:
- Tuition fees (up to 5,000 Euros per year).
- Monthly stipend of approximately 700 Euros for Master’s students and 1,400 Euros for Ph.D. students.
- Return airfare to France.
- Additional housing assistance of approximately 150 Euros per month from the French government.
- Benefits include Visa fee exemption, guidance from Campus France Paris, priority access to student housing, social security, and more.
- Cost Sharing Scholarship:
- Similar to a full scholarship but with a monthly allowance partially or fully funded by a partner organization.
- All other benefits of a full scholarship are provided by the French Embassy.
- Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources, and students with existing funding will receive special consideration.
Scholarship Duration:
- Master’s degree students: Scholarships are granted for 10 to 22 months, depending on the program’s duration. In some cases, applicants may need to apply for the 2nd year of the Master’s program. Continued funding for the second year is contingent on academic performance.
- Ph.D. students: Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of three years. Funding for the second and third years is contingent on research progress. Students with co-supervision or cotutelle must specify their periods of stay in France.
Selection Process and Important Dates:
The selection process involves the following steps:
- Screening and interviews based on application files.
- Assessment of academic and professional backgrounds.
- Evaluation of the alignment of the study proposal with the applicant’s background.
- Preference for Ph.D. candidates with co-supervision or cotutelle agreements.
- Assessment of language proficiency and suitability for the chosen curriculum.
Important Dates:
- Interviews with successful candidates: November 2022.
- Announcement of final candidates: Late November to early December 2022.
- Specialized program in South Africa (February to July 2025-2026): Includes online French courses and possible internships.
- Arrival in France: Early September 2025-2026.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship of Malawi, Lesotho, or South Africa.
- Birthdate on or after January 1, 1992.
- Enrollment for a Master’s or Ph.D. program.
- Enrollment at a French higher education institution.
- Intended start of studies in September 2025-2026.
- Preference for students in science, engineering, technology, and niche programs not available in South Africa.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit their applications online through the France South Africa Scholarship 2025-2026 application portal. Applicants are required to register an account and complete the application process online.
Documents Required:
Applicants must attach the following documents to their application:
- Copy of passport.
- Updated CV/resume with full academic transcripts.
- Letter of introduction outlining goals and interests in the chosen academic project.
- Degree transcripts (Bachelor’s/Master’s).
- Transcripts from the last two academic years.
- For Master’s students: List of planned courses, evidence of enrollment, and email correspondence with French institutions.
- For Ph.D. students: Attestation from the supervisor, research project outline, and details of periods spent in France.
Closing Date:
The application deadline is October 16, at 23:59. All applications must be submitted before the deadline.
Contact Details:
For inquiries regarding the scholarship program, applicants can use the following contact link.
