If you are from Brazil and want to study in France, there are several scholarship paths worth checking. The most realistic options are government scholarships, university fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. Each one has its own rules, and most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship types to check
For most students from Brazil, these are the main routes to look at first:
- French government scholarships - often linked to the French embassy, Campus France, or specific cooperation programmes.
- University scholarships and fee waivers - offered directly by French universities or schools.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international master's programmes with scholarships attached.
- External funding - sometimes from Brazilian public bodies, private foundations, or binational organisations.
Always check the official source for the current rules. For government options, use the French embassy, Campus France, or the programme page. For university funding, check the university admissions or scholarship page. For Erasmus Mundus, use the official programme website.
French government scholarships
French government scholarships are among the best-known options, but they are not open to everyone in the same way. Some are for master's students, some for PhD candidates, and some are linked to specific countries, subjects, or partner institutions.
- They often look at academic results.
- They may ask for a study plan or motivation letter.
- They can require recommendation letters.
- They may prefer strong language skills in French or English, depending on the programme.
Many of these calls open once a year. In general, the call period is often several months before the course starts, sometimes in the autumn or winter for the following academic year. The exact timing changes, so check the French embassy in Brazil, Campus France Brazil, or the scholarship page directly.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
French universities and grandes écoles often offer their own scholarships or fee waivers. These are realistic because they are tied to a specific programme, and many are designed to attract international students.
Common forms of support include:
- Partial tuition waivers
- Merit scholarships
- Living allowance in some cases
- Fee reductions for selected international students
What they usually require:
- Good grades
- A complete application to the degree programme
- A strong motivation letter
- Proof of language level, if needed
- Sometimes a CV, recommendation letters, or a portfolio
These scholarships often open at the same time as admissions, or shortly after admissions open. Some are automatic when you apply, while others need a separate scholarship form. Check the programme page carefully, because universities do not all use the same process.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are one of the most competitive but also one of the most attractive options for Brazilian students. These programmes are run by groups of universities in different countries, and many include full scholarships for selected students.
They often cover:
- Tuition
- Travel costs
- Insurance
- Monthly living support
Typical requirements include:
- A relevant bachelor degree or final-year status, depending on the programme
- Strong academic records
- English proof, and sometimes French or another language
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- References
Most Erasmus Mundus deadlines are once a year, often in the last months of the year or early in the next year for courses starting later that year. The exact date varies by programme, so always check the official Erasmus Mundus programme site.
Other funding paths for Brazilian students
You may also find support outside France. Some Brazilian institutions, public agencies, and foundations sometimes fund study abroad, research stays, or mobility periods. These options can be useful if you are applying for a master's or PhD and need help with travel or living costs.
Look at:
- Brazilian federal or state funding bodies
- University exchange agreements
- Research grants from your home institution
- Private foundations with international study support
These schemes change often. The safest approach is to search the official site of your university in Brazil, the funding body, or the foundation itself. Do not rely on old blog posts.
How to strengthen your profile
Scholarship providers want proof that you can do well in the programme. A clear profile helps them see that fast. If you are still building your application, focus on the basics first.
- Grades: keep your transcripts ready and easy to read.
- Language: show your current English or French level with certificates if you have them.
- Motivation: explain why France, why that programme, and why now.
- Documents: prepare passport, CV, diploma or enrolment proof, transcripts, and references early.
- Experience: include internships, research, volunteering, or projects if they fit the course.
A complete application can matter as much as a strong grade record. Missing files can make you lose a chance even if you are a good candidate.
How to apply at the right time
Most scholarships in France are linked to the admissions cycle. That means you should plan early, often many months before the course starts. For a lot of programmes, the best time to start checking is between late summer and winter for the following academic year.
A simple plan:
- Choose a programme in France.
- Check if the programme has its own scholarship or waiver.
- Read the official deadline and document list.
- Prepare language proof, transcripts, and references.
- Check whether you need a separate scholarship application.
Never assume one deadline fits all. The admissions page, scholarship page, and embassy or Campus France page may each have different dates.
Common questions
Can a student from Brazil get a full scholarship in France?
Yes, sometimes. Erasmus Mundus and some government or university programmes can offer full support. But these are highly competitive, so you should also look at partial waivers and other funding.
Do I need French to win a scholarship?
Not always. Many master's programmes are taught in English. But some scholarships and many French-taught programmes expect French ability. Always check the language requirement on the official programme page.
When should I start preparing?
As early as possible. A good rule is to start several months before deadlines. That gives you time to collect transcripts, references, translations, and language proof without rushing.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This can help you be visible to programmes that match your background, including ones that offer scholarships or fee waivers.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.