Scholarships for Indian Students Going to France: A Comprehensive Guide

Studying in France offers Indian students access to globally recognized degrees, rich cultural experiences, and opportunities for research and innovation. Yet, financial barriers often challenge even the most motivated learners. Fortunately, a range of scholarships, from French Government programs and bilateral initiatives to Indian Government support and private funding, can make this dream attainable.

French Government & IFI (Indo-French) Scholarships

1. France Excellence Charpak Scholarship

Offered by the French Embassy in India through Campus France, the Charpak Scholarship supports Indian students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, exchange, and research internship programs in France. It provides monthly stipends, visa fee waivers, and student benefits under the French government scholarship status.

2. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program

Administered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship targets high-achieving Master’s and PhD students. It offers a generous monthly allowance, international travel support, health insurance, and cultural activities. Applications must be submitted by French institutions on behalf of the student.

3. France Excellence Europa Scholarship

Designed to strengthen European academic cooperation, this scholarship supports selected students enrolling in French higher education institutions, particularly at the Master’s level.

4. Call for Proposals – Master’s Excellence Grants

This program supports French institutions offering co-financed excellence grants to international Master’s students, including Indians. These are typically institution-nominated and vary by university.

5. Legrand Empowering Scholarship

A corporate-supported initiative in collaboration with Campus France, this scholarship supports Indian students—especially women in STEM—pursuing higher education in France.

6. Scholarships for Women

Campus France India highlights several programs dedicated to supporting women in higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and leadership disciplines.

7. Raman-Charpak Fellowship

A flagship Indo-French research fellowship supporting PhD scholars from India and France to conduct part of their doctoral research in the partner country.

8. Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Fellowship

Focused on environmental sciences, sustainability, and climate research, this fellowship funds researchers and doctoral candidates working in priority ecological areas.

9. Erasmus+ Mobility Programs

Though EU-funded rather than exclusively French, Erasmus+ supports joint Master’s degrees and academic mobility across European institutions, including those in France.

Indian Government Scholarships

Indian students pursuing higher education abroad can access several central and state government schemes.

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (nosmsje.gov.in), this scholarship supports students from Scheduled Castes and other marginalized communities pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees abroad. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and contingency allowances.

2. State Government Overseas Schemes

States such as Telangana (via the ePASS Overseas program) provide substantial financial assistance to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing foreign education.

3. Other Indian Government Overseas Scholarships

Campus France India also lists various Indian Government scholarships that can be used for study abroad, depending on eligibility and empanelment of institutions.

Private Foundations & Independent Funding

Private trusts and global organizations offer additional funding options that can be combined with institutional or government support.

1. J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

One of India’s most respected education trusts, this program offers loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad, including in France. It is merit-based and partially repayable.

2. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

This highly competitive award supports postgraduate studies for students with strong academic records and financial need. It follows a 50% grant, 50% loan model.

3. N.S. Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship

Supports Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, based on merit and financial background.

4. HEST (Higher Education Scholarship Test)

Administered via WeMakeScholars, HEST offers merit-based financial support for Indian students planning international higher education.

5. Education Future International Scholarship

A merit-based scholarship funded by past awardees, supporting Indian students admitted to recognized global universities.

6. Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) Fellowships

For students pursuing research in social sciences, public policy, and humanities. Provides grants and fellowships for graduate study and academic research.

7. Richard A. Freund International Scholarship (ASQ)

Supports graduate students specializing in quality assurance and related fields, which may supplement funding for technical or management programs in France.

8. Amba Dalmia Scholarship

The Amba Dalmia Scholarship is designed to support Indian women pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in STEM and leadership fields. It reflects growing philanthropic commitment to increasing female participation in global academic spaces. Applicants are typically evaluated on academic merit, career ambition, and financial need.

Scholarships Offered by French Institutions

Many French universities and Grandes Écoles provide institution-specific financial aid for non-EU students.

1. Emile-Boutmy Scholarship – Sciences Po

Designed for high-achieving non-European students admitted to undergraduate or Master’s programs. It provides partial tuition waivers and, in some cases, living cost support.

2. IDEX & University Excellence Scholarships

Universities such as Université Paris-Saclay, University of Lyon, and others offer Excellence or IDEX scholarships to attract international talent. These typically include tuition waivers and monthly stipends.

3. Business School Merit Scholarships

Almost all institutions offer merit-based, diversity-focused, or profile-specific scholarships and fee waivers for deserving students.

Indian students planning to study in France have access to a layered funding ecosystem:

• French Government & Indo-French scholarships offer structured, prestigious support.
• Indian Government schemes ensure access and inclusion.
• Private foundations provide flexible, merit-based funding.
• University scholarships reward academic excellence and profile strength.

Early planning is critical since many programs require nomination by French institutions, or have strict annual deadlines. Combining multiple funding sources is often possible, making a French education financially viable with the right strategy.

If you’re applying to France soon, start researching scholarship timelines alongside your admissions process to maximize eligibility and funding opportunities.