If you are from Peru and want to study in France, you can compete for several scholarship types. The most realistic options are French government or embassy programmes, university fee waivers, Erasmus Mundus joint degrees, and some external scholarships. Rules change by year, so always check the official scholarship site, the university admissions page, or Campus France.
Big scholarship paths to know
Not every scholarship is open to every student. Some are for master's students only. Some are for specific subjects, like engineering, public policy, or the arts. Some pay tuition, while others mainly help with living costs.
- French government or embassy scholarships - often competitive and usually for strong academic profiles.
- University scholarships or tuition waivers - each university sets its own rules.
- Erasmus Mundus - joint master's programmes with scholarships for selected students.
- External scholarships - from foundations, companies, or international organisations.
For a student from Peru, these are the main routes to check first because they are open to international students and often accept applicants from Latin America.
French government and embassy programmes
France often supports international students through national or embassy-linked scholarship schemes. The exact names and priorities can change, but they usually focus on high-achieving students, future leaders, or candidates in fields linked to cooperation between France and the student's home country.
- Usually open to master's or doctoral students, and sometimes short study periods.
- Often expect a strong academic record.
- May ask for a clear study plan and motivation letter.
- French ability may help, but some programmes also accept English-taught study plans.
Opening time is often once a year, many months before the course starts. Some calls open in the autumn or winter for studies starting the next academic year, but this varies. Check the French embassy in Peru, Campus France, and the scholarship page itself for the current call.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities and grandes écoles offer their own scholarships. These can be partial tuition waivers, monthly grants, or both. Some are automatic when you apply, while others need a separate application.
- Often aimed at master's students.
- May prefer applicants with top grades or a very relevant background.
- Can be linked to specific programmes, not the whole university.
- Sometimes require you to be already admitted or to apply at the same time as admission.
These scholarships are realistic if your profile fits the course well. They are often easier to find on the programme page than on a central scholarship list. Read the admissions page carefully, because the deadline for funding can be earlier than the application deadline for the course.
Erasmus Mundus joint master's degrees
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known options for international students, including students from Peru. These are joint master's degrees run by a group of universities in Europe and sometimes beyond. If selected, you may study in more than one country during the programme.
- Usually open to students applying for a full master's degree.
- Very competitive, with strong academic and motivation criteria.
- Often asks for transcripts, diploma, CV, motivation letter, and language proof.
- Usually has one annual application round, often opening in autumn and closing in winter or early year for the next intake.
Some Erasmus Mundus programmes include a scholarship that can cover tuition and contribute to travel and living costs. Not every applicant receives funding, so apply only if you are also willing to study without a scholarship, if the programme allows that. Always check the programme consortium site for the exact rules.
What scholarship committees usually want
Most scholarships in France look for more than good grades. They want a student who matches the programme and can explain why France is the right place for the next step.
- Academic results - transcripts, GPA, class rank, or other proof of performance.
- Relevant degree - your previous studies should fit the master's or PhD.
- Motivation letter - clear reasons for the course, university, and career plan.
- Language proof - French or English, depending on the programme.
- CV - study, work, internships, volunteering, and skills.
- Recommendation letters - often from professors or employers.
For some awards, research experience, publications, internships, or community work can help. If the scholarship is for a specific field, show that your background fits that field.
When to apply and how to stay organised
There is no single calendar for scholarships in France. But most calls follow the academic year, so the best time to start is many months before your planned start date.
- Autumn to winter - many scholarship calls begin to appear.
- Winter to spring - many deadlines for the next academic year.
- Spring to summer - some universities still review funded places, but many major deadlines have passed.
Make a simple file early. Keep scans of your passport, diploma, transcript, translations, language certificates, and recommendation letters. Some applications ask for certified copies or official translations, so check the exact format on the official page.
If you need a visa later, remember that a scholarship is not the same as a visa. The French immigration process has its own rules, and you should always check the official French visa authority and the Campus France guidance for Peru.
How to make a stronger application
A strong profile does not guarantee funding, but it helps you compete better. The main goal is to make it easy for a scholarship committee to see your fit quickly.
- Choose a programme that matches your background.
- Show clear goals in your motivation letter.
- Use clean, complete documents with no missing pages.
- Show your English or French level with real proof, not only claims.
- Explain any gap in study or work in a simple way.
If you are still building your profile, do not wait for perfect timing. Many students improve their chances by applying to several realistic options at once, as long as each application is tailored.
Common questions
Can a student from Peru apply for scholarships in France?
Yes. Many French scholarships are open to international students, including students from Peru. The key is to check the exact eligibility rules for each programme.
Do I need French to get a scholarship?
Not always. Some programmes are taught in English, and some scholarships accept that. But French can help with daily life and may be required for certain courses or awards.
Is it better to apply for the scholarship first or the university first?
It depends on the programme. Some scholarships need a university offer first. Others are linked to the admission application. Always check the official instructions on the scholarship and programme pages.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you are ready when admissions offices search for students like you. 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.