Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students but the high cost of international education often makes it unattainable. However, some scholarships can support your studies in France – one of the top destinations for Indian students seeking a high-quality yet affordable education abroad.
This article provides comprehensive information on various scholarships available for Indian students who wish to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programs in France. Each scholarship has been elaborated with details on eligibility, value, duration and application process to help students make an informed decision.
So if you’re planning higher education in France but wondering how to fund your studies, read on to discover the funding opportunities available for you. With focused preparation and application, your dreams of studying in France can become a reality.
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Top Scholarships To Consider For Indian Students
Explore the different scholarships that can help Indian students pursue education in France below:
French Excellence Charpak Scholarships
French Excellence Charpak is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs funded by the French government for Indian students. Let us look at the key details:
Eligibility:
- Open to students who have completed 12th grade or equivalent from a recognized board in India with a minimum of 60% marks
- Must have a valid visa for France
- Meet the admission criteria of the chosen university in France
Duration and value:
- Bachelor’s: Provides monthly stipend of €700-850 for full duration of 3 years program
- Master’s: €700-850 monthly stipend available for 1-2 years depending on program duration
- PhD: Monthly stipend ranges from €1,400-1,650 for 3 years
- All scholarships include a waiver of tuition fees and compulsory health insurance
Application process:
The application process starts in October-November every year for the following academic cycle. Interested students must apply online by creating a profile on the Campus France India website and uploading required documents like SOP, CV, recommendation letters, proof of admission etc.
Shortlisting is based on academic excellence, commitment to the proposed field of study, and overall profile. Shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview in their city. The final selection will be communicated by the end of March/April.
Types of Charpak Scholarships:
- Lab internships: For 1-6 months research internships in France for M.Sc./M.Tech students
- Semester exchange programs: Available under government-level academic collaborations between Indian and French universities
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
The Eiffel Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for international students in France. Let’s look at its key attributes:
Eligibility:
- Open for masters and PhD candidates of all nationalities
- The recipient must be accepted into a public higher education institution in France
- Minimum B2 level of French or B1 for programs taught fully in English
Duration and value:
- Masters: 10-24 months duration with monthly stipend starting from €1,181
- PhD: 36 months duration with monthly stipend between €1,416- €1,681
- Includes one-way travel ticket and extra allowances
Application process:
Applications open in November every year. One needs to create an online account on the Campus France website to apply. The application involves documents like transcripts, admission proof, research proposals, language certificates, motivation letters etc.
Selections are based on academic excellence, research quality, clarity of objectives and command over French language. Shortlisted candidates are called for an online interview in their home country. Final selections are announced by March-April.
Standing in the field:
Eiffel Scholarship recipients gain access to an extensive network of French alumni worldwide. It adds tremendous value to CVs for future career and research opportunities.
French + Sciences Scholarship
The French+Sciences scholarship program aims to support international students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Here are the important points about this scholarship:
Eligibility:
- Reserved for master’s and pre-master level STEM students from select partner universities across the world
- Minimum B2 level proficiency in French is required
Duration and value:
- 2-6 month program in one of the French universities
- Covers travel tickets, insurance, living allowance up to €800/month, tuition fees etc.
Application process:
- Nominations are done through partner universities from one’s home country
- Shortlisted students need to submit application forms, CVs, letters of motivation etc.
- Selection is based on academic excellence, language skills and study abroad project
Components of the program:
- French language training alongside scientific courses
- Industry visits, conferences, cultural exposure and networking events
- Opportunity to complete research project/ internship at labs in France
Key benefits:
- Immersive French and STEM learning experience at a global level
- International exposure boosts career prospects in both academia and industry
Legrand Empowering Scholarship
Another notable scholarship for Indians is the Legrand Empowering Scholarship funded through the Franco-Indian Education Trust (FIET). Let’s explore its features:
Eligibility criteria:
- For Indian students seeking undergraduate/postgraduate programs in engineering and management
- Annual family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs
- Min 60% marks in class 10+2 or equivalent exam
Value and duration:
- The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, books & stationery, and visa costs
- Duration is for the full program – 3 years for bachelor’s, 2 years for master’s
Application process:
- Applications are invited through the FIET official website in February-March
- Needs class 10 and 12 marksheets, family income proof, statement of purpose etc.
- Selection involves shortlisting followed by personal interviews of final candidates
Key facts:
- Aims to support meritorious students from financially weaker sections of Indian society
- Over 25 students have benefitted so far by pursuing programs in top French universities
- Added advantage of mentorship support from industry leaders during the course
Raman Charpak Fellowship
For Indian students keen on doing substantial research in France, the Raman Charpak Fellowship is a prestigious option. Here are the fellowship details:
Eligibility:
- Open for M.Sc./M.Tech/PhD scholars focused on scientific research
- Candidate must have a valid French university admission as a full-time research scholar
- Minimum B2 level fluency in the French language required
Value:
- Stipend of €1500/month for 6-24 months duration
- Return air ticket to France
- Health insurance and participation support for seminars
Application process:
- Application opens in November on Campus France India website
- Requires statement of purpose, recommendations, language certificate etc.
- Screening of candidates based on merit, research quality and language ability
Key selection criteria:
- Academic excellence and research aptitude of the candidate
- Relevance of proposed research to development goals of India and France
- Feasibility of research project within stipulated time at host university
Importance of fellowship:
- International exposure strengthens future academic/career opportunities globally
- Access to world-class labs and research infrastructure in France
Co-Financed Scholarships
The government of France also supports a co-financed scholarship model along with other partners. Some top scholarships under this category include:
ISAE-MBDA Programme of Excellence for India
- For M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO Toulouse, France
- Tuition fees, living allowance, and air tickets covered
- Annually awarded to 5-6 Indian candidates
EDHEC Business School co-financed scholarship
- For Grande Ecole programs like MSc in Management at EDHEC Lille
- Includes monthly stipend, tuition fee waiver, health insurance
- Partially financed by EDHEC and the French government
Rennes School of Business co-financed scholarship
- For postgraduate management programs at Rennes SB, France
- Covers tuition, living costs, return airfare for 1-2 years
- Financed jointly by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
Sciences Po co-financed scholarship
- For various master’s degrees at Sciences Po Paris
- Provides monthly stipend, tuition waiver, onboarding support
- Sponsored by Sciences Po and French government agencies
Key advantages of these scholarships include joint funding by top partner institutions enhancing their appeal. With growing India-France academic collaborations, more such partnerships are expected in the future.
Application Process for French Scholarships
Here are the common steps to apply for various French Scholarships discussed earlier:
Step 1: Select Program & University
Decide your area of interest and identify eligible university programs in consultation with your faculty guides. Start university selection by October-November.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you satisfy the admission requirements, language level, academic qualifications and other mandatory criteria mentioned for the scholarship.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Assemble all required documents like passport copies, mark sheets, language certificates, statements of purpose, reference letters, CV/resume etc well in advance.
Step 4: Campus France Registration
Most Indian applicants need to create a Campus France online account and submit applications through their scholarship portal. Familiarize with the portal well before deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you are clear about the top scholarships for Indians to study in France. You must research wisely and then proceed ahead. If you are looking for assistance, connect with the Cliftons Study Abroad experts and get all the support. Good luck!
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