Application Deadline: 8 October 2026 23:59.
Applications are now open for the 2027 France–South Africa Scholarship Programme. The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is directed to students who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD.
The programme is open to students with citizenship of South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
Requirements
- This call for applications is open to all fields of study. Priority will be given to applications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, including related humanities and social sciences disciplines.
Eligible study programmes
- The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme supports studies at Master’s and PhD level in French higher education institutions located in France. Joint or international degree programmes are eligible, provided that at least one of the partner institutions is located in France. However, scholarship funding will only cover the period of study and research undertaken in France.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their chosen programme leads to a qualification officially recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. As the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) only evaluates qualifications once studies have been completed, it is important to verify the status of the qualification before applying.
- Please note that many programmes labelled as Master of Science (MSc) are not nationally recognised Master’s degrees in France unless explicitly stated otherwise. Applicants should therefore carefully check the accreditation and recognition status of their chosen programme.
General requirements
To be eligible for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must be:
- Born on or after 1 January 1997.
- A citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
- Dual French citizens are not eligible.
- Have achieved a minimum average of 60% in their most recently completed degree.
- For Master’s applicants: plan to enrol in a French higher education institution to pursue a Master’s degree. Applicants are not required to have secured admission at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
- For PhD applicants: plan to pursue a PhD at a French higher education institution and have identified a prospective supervisor or research laboratory in France. Applicants are not required to have a formal admission offer at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
Scholarship Worth
France Excellence scholarship holder status, includes:
– Social security coverage and health insurance;
– Priority access to student housing;
– Exemption from visa fees;
– Support services provided by Campus France Paris;
– Exemption from the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC);
– Conditional exemption from registration fees for programmes offered by public universities under the supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, provided that no additional tuition fees apply.
– One return flight ticket between the recipient’s country of residence and France.
– A monthly living allowance (900€ per month for Master’s students and 1850€ per month for PhD students, subject to reassessment).
– Eligibility to apply for additional housing support from the French Family Allowance Fund (CAF), which may provide approximately 150€ per month depending on individual circumstances.
Please note that tuition fees are not covered by the scholarship. Applicants are therefore encouraged to consider tuition costs when selecting a programme.
Scholarship holders are exempt from tuition fees at public higher education institutions that apply the standard national tuition rates for non-European students. Applicants who require assistance identifying suitable programmes may contact Campus France for guidance.
Applicants may seek additional funding from other sources to help cover these expenses and must inform the Embassy of France if they obtain any additional funding.
Application Timeline:
- Applications open: 21 July 2026
- Application deadline: 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (South Africa time)
- Information webinar: August 2026 (follow Campus France South Africa on social media for details)
- Interviews for eligible candidates: November 2026
- Announcement of shortlisted candidates: Beginning of December 2026
- French language courses: February–July 2027
- Departure to France and start of studies: September 2027
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme
