If you are a student from Vietnam and want to study in France, there are several scholarships you can realistically try for. The main options are government programmes, university tuition waivers, and Erasmus Mundus joint masters. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship paths
For France, the most common routes are not one single national scholarship for everyone. Instead, you usually apply through a mix of programme scholarships, university awards, and European master scholarships.
- French government or embassy-linked programmes - these can support study in France, often for master’s or doctoral level.
- University scholarships and fee waivers - many French universities reduce tuition or give merit awards to strong applicants.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - these are international master’s degrees with scholarship funding for top candidates.
- Programme-specific scholarships - some schools, regions, or partner foundations offer money for certain subjects.
Always check the official scholarship site, the university admissions page, or the Campus France page for Vietnam. Rules can change from year to year.
French government and official support
French public scholarships are often linked to priority subjects, academic excellence, or cooperation between France and your home country. Some are managed directly by universities with support from French institutions, while others are offered through French embassies or national agencies.
- Who can compete: usually strong master’s students, sometimes PhD candidates, and in some cases students in joint programmes.
- What they usually ask for: a good degree result, a clear study plan, recommendation letters, proof of language level, and sometimes work or research goals.
- When they open: often many months before the intake, commonly in the autumn to early spring period for the next academic year.
For Vietnam-specific guidance, check the French Embassy in Vietnam, Campus France Vietnam, and the scholarship page of the host institution. They explain which programmes are open to Vietnamese applicants in that cycle.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many French universities offer their own scholarships. These may not cover full living costs, but they can reduce tuition or give a monthly allowance. Some are based on merit, while others focus on international talent, specific countries, or certain departments.
- What they may cover: a tuition discount, partial fee waiver, or a small stipend.
- Who is competitive: students with strong grades, a good motivation letter, and a profile that matches the programme.
- What they often require: degree transcripts, CV, passport, motivation letter, language proof, and sometimes a portfolio or research proposal.
These scholarships are usually tied to admission. In many cases, you apply for the programme first, or you are considered automatically after your admission file is reviewed. Check the programme page carefully, because each university sets its own rule.
Erasmus Mundus joint masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known options for international students, including students from Vietnam. It funds joint master’s degrees run by more than one university in Europe. If you get selected, the scholarship can be generous, but it is also very competitive.
- Best for: students with excellent grades and a clear academic direction.
- Usual requirements: a finished bachelor’s degree or final-year status, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references, and language proof.
- When it opens: most calls open in the last months of the year and close in winter or early spring for courses starting the following academic year.
Many Erasmus Mundus programmes have one central application site. Read the consortium page closely. Each programme may ask for different documents, and some have extra requirements for your major or background.
What makes a profile strong
A scholarship committee wants proof that you can succeed in the programme. A strong file is not only about grades. It is also about clarity, fit, and complete documents.
- Good academic record: strong marks in your field help a lot.
- Clear motivation: explain why France, why this programme, and what you want to do after graduation.
- Language level: some programmes want French, some want English, and some accept both. Check the official page for the exact level.
- Clean documents: transcript, degree, passport, CV, references, and any translated papers should be readable and complete.
- Relevant experience: internships, research, projects, volunteering, or awards can help if they fit the course.
If a scholarship asks for a study plan or research proposal, keep it simple and specific. Say what you want to study, why it matters, and how the programme matches your goals.
How and when to prepare
Most scholarships open well before classes start, so early preparation helps. If you wait until the final weeks, you may miss language tests, reference letters, or document translation time.
- 6 to 12 months before: check programmes, entry rules, and scholarship pages.
- Several months before: prepare transcripts, diplomas, translations, and language test results if needed.
- Before the deadline: finalise your motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letters.
- After applying: watch your email and the application portal for interview or extra document requests.
Do not rely on social media posts for deadlines. Use the official university admissions page, the scholarship's own site, or Campus France Vietnam. That is the safest way to avoid missed dates or old information.
Common questions
Can Vietnamese students get full scholarships for France?
Yes, some can, especially through Erasmus Mundus or certain competitive public and university schemes. But full funding is not common, so you should also look at partial waivers and other support.
Do I need French to win a scholarship?
Not always. Many master’s programmes in France are taught in English. Some scholarships still want French, especially if the course or university life needs it, so always check the language rule on the official page.
Should I apply before or after admission?
It depends on the programme. Some scholarships are part of the admission process, while others have a separate form. Read the university page and the scholarship page together so you do not miss the right order.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level, and documents so you can present yourself clearly. 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.