If you are a student from Canada and want to study in France, there are several scholarships you can realistically look at. The best options are often French government programmes, university tuition waivers, Erasmus Mundus for joint degrees, and some regional or external awards. Rules change often, so always check the official source before you apply.
Main scholarship routes
For many Canadian students, the main funding routes are not one single national scholarship, but a mix of options. Some cover a full degree, while others reduce tuition or help with living costs.
- French government scholarships - often aimed at master’s or doctoral study, sometimes through Campus France or French embassies.
- University scholarships or fee waivers - offered by the university or the programme itself.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international programmes with scholarships for selected students.
- Regional or city-based support - limited, and usually tied to a specific institution or area.
- External awards - from Canadian bodies, foundations, or private sponsors.
For each option, the official source is the best place to check. That means the scholarship's own site, the university's admissions page, or the French government and Campus France pages.
French government scholarships
French government programmes are a strong place to start, especially for master’s and PhD applicants. Some are open to international students from many countries, including Canada, but eligibility can depend on your field, level of study, age, and whether you already have an offer.
- What they usually ask for: strong grades, a clear study plan, CV, motivation letter, transcripts, passport, and sometimes recommendation letters.
- Language: many programmes ask for French or English, depending on the course.
- Level: master’s and doctoral levels are often the most common.
- Timing: many open many months before the start date, often in the autumn or winter for the next academic year.
Some awards are handled through French embassies or Campus France country pages. Others are managed by the university or by a partner institution. Because the process is different from one programme to another, check the official scholarship page carefully.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many students from Canada will find university-level aid more realistic than a large national scholarship. French universities and grandes écoles may offer tuition waivers, merit scholarships, or partial living support, especially for international master’s students.
- What they usually want: good academic results, relevant background, a good fit with the programme, and complete application documents.
- How they decide: often by academic merit, motivation, and the strength of your profile.
- What they may cover: part of tuition, registration fees, or a fixed grant. Full coverage is less common.
- When they open: often at the same time as programme admissions, and sometimes only for applicants who apply early.
Always check the programme page. Some scholarships are automatic if you are admitted. Others need a separate form, essay, or nomination. Missing one step can make you ineligible.
Erasmus Mundus and joint master’s programmes
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known international scholarship options in Europe. These are joint master’s degrees run by a group of universities, and they often include a scholarship for selected students from around the world, including Canada.
- What they usually require: excellent academic results, a strong CV, motivation letter, degree transcripts, proof of English or another language, and sometimes reference letters.
- Competition: high. These programmes receive many applications.
- Coverage: often includes tuition and a monthly allowance, but details vary by programme.
- Timing: applications usually open in the autumn and close in winter or early spring for the next intake.
Because each Erasmus Mundus programme is different, read the consortium website closely. Look for entry rules, document lists, and whether you need to apply for both admission and the scholarship at once.
What makes a strong profile
A strong profile helps, even when a scholarship is competitive. Scholarship panels and admissions teams usually look for clear academic strength, good motivation, and complete documents that are easy to check.
- Academic record: your grades, course relevance, and any research or project work.
- English or French level: a test result if required, or proof from your school or university if accepted.
- Motivation letter: short, clear, and specific to the programme.
- CV: focused on study, internships, work, volunteering, and skills.
- References: usually from teachers, professors, or supervisors who know your work well.
- Documents ready in time: transcripts, diploma, ID or passport, and any translation the programme asks for.
If you are applying from Canada, it also helps to explain why France and why that exact programme. Show that your past studies connect to the course and that you understand what it needs.
When to start and how to avoid missing deadlines
Scholarship calendars in France can be early. Some applications open almost a year before the course starts, and some close before general admission deadlines. That is why early planning matters.
- Check the university admissions page first.
- Check the scholarship's own site for exact dates and rules.
- Check Campus France or the French embassy page if the award is government-linked.
- Prepare documents early, because translations and references can take time.
Do not rely on old forum posts or unofficial advice. Dates, eligibility, and document rules can change each year.
Common questions
Can a Canadian student get a full scholarship in France?
Yes, it can happen, but full funding is competitive. Erasmus Mundus and some government or university programmes may cover a lot, but many awards are partial. Check the official scholarship page for what it really covers.
Do I need French to study in France?
Not always. Many master’s programmes are in English, especially in science, business, and international fields. But some scholarships or programmes ask for French, so always check the language requirement on the programme page.
Should I apply for admission before the scholarship?
It depends on the programme. Some scholarships are linked to admission, and some need a separate scholarship form. Read the instructions carefully and follow the order shown on the official website.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. 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.