If you are a student from Ghana and want to study in France, there are several scholarship paths you can realistically try. The main ones are French government programmes, university fee waivers, Erasmus Mundus, and some scholarships from French schools or outside organisations. Each has different rules, but most ask for strong grades, clear study goals, and full documents.
Main scholarship paths to know
Start with the options that are open to international students, not only French citizens. These are the most common routes for students from Ghana.
- French government scholarships - often promoted through Campus France, French embassies, or partner programmes.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - for selected master's programmes in Europe, including France in many cases.
- University scholarships and fee waivers - offered by the school itself, sometimes for strong applicants.
- External funding - from foundations, international bodies, or home-country sponsors.
Always check the official source for each one. Use the scholarship's own website, the university's admissions or financial aid page, or Campus France pages for your country.
French government scholarships
French government or embassy-linked scholarships are often competitive, but they are worth checking first. They usually target high-achieving students, future leaders, or students in fields the programme wants to support.
- Who can apply: usually international students, including applicants from Ghana, if the programme is open in that year.
- What they often ask for: strong academic results, a study plan, recommendation letters, passport details, and sometimes proof of language level.
- When they open: often several months before the academic year, commonly in the autumn or winter for the next intake, but this changes by programme.
Some French public programmes cover tuition, living support, travel, or a mix of these, but the package is never the same everywhere. Do not assume full funding. Check the exact benefits on the official call for applications.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities and grandes écoles offer their own scholarships. These are often easier to find if you apply to a specific programme and then look at the school's funding page.
- Typical requirements: good grades, a completed application, motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and sometimes proof of English or French.
- How they work: some reduce tuition, some give a monthly grant, and some only waive part of the fee.
- How to find them: check the programme page, the international office page, and the school's scholarship section.
These awards often depend on the course you choose. A school may support one master's programme but not another, even in the same university. Some schools also give automatic consideration when you apply, while others need a separate scholarship form.
Erasmus Mundus and joint master's programmes
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest options for postgraduate study in Europe. Many joint master's programmes include study time in France, even if the degree is shared with other countries.
- Best for: master's students with very strong academic records.
- Common requirements: bachelor's degree, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, language proof, and references.
- Funding: some Erasmus Mundus scholarships can be generous, but selection is very competitive.
These programmes usually open once a year, often in autumn for the next academic year. Deadlines are commonly early in the cycle, so you should prepare documents well in advance. Check the official programme website for the exact date.
What a strong profile usually includes
A strong profile helps in two ways. It helps you apply for scholarships, and it helps universities see that you are ready to study.
- Academic records: clear transcripts and degree certificates.
- Language proof: English or French results, depending on the programme.
- Study plan: a short, clear reason for why you want the course and why France.
- References: teachers, lecturers, or supervisors who know your work.
- CV: simple, honest, and focused on study, projects, internships, and relevant work.
If you do not have every document yet, you can still prepare the rest of your profile. But for real scholarship competitions, missing papers can stop your application from being considered. Scan everything clearly and keep names consistent across all documents.
When to start and how to check dates
Scholarship calendars in France change from one year to the next. Some open months before the course starts, and some close very early, especially for funded master's programmes.
- Check official sources: the scholarship's own site, the university admissions page, Campus France, or the French embassy page for Ghana if relevant.
- Look for: eligibility, required documents, deadline, whether you need a university offer first, and whether the scholarship is separate from admission.
- Prepare early: transcripts, passport, language proof, recommendation letters, and a draft motivation letter.
Do not wait for the last week. Many applicants lose opportunities because they are still asking for references or language results when the deadline arrives.
Common questions
Can a student from Ghana get a fully funded scholarship in France?
Yes, some fully funded options exist, especially in Erasmus Mundus and some government-linked or partner programmes. But they are very competitive, so it is smart to also look at partial funding and tuition waivers.
Do I need French language skills for every scholarship?
No. Some programmes are taught in English, especially at master's level. Others need French. Always check the language requirement on the programme page before you apply.
Should I apply for admission first or the scholarship first?
It depends on the programme. Some scholarships are part of the admission process, while others are separate. Read the university or scholarship instructions carefully so you do the steps in the right order.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you are ready for scholarship and admissions searches. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
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.