If you are from South Korea and want to study in France, there are real funding options, but most are competitive. The best choices are usually French government programmes, university fee waivers or merit awards, Erasmus Mundus scholarships, and some external grants from Korean or private bodies.
Main scholarship paths
Start by checking the type of support each scheme gives. Some cover tuition only. Others can also help with living costs, travel, or insurance. The most realistic options often depend on your level, subject, grades, and language profile.
- French government scholarships - often run through French embassies, Campus France, or partner institutions.
- University scholarships or waivers - offered by the French university itself, often for strong applicants.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international master’s programmes with full or partial scholarships.
- External Korean or private funding - from foundations, employers, or public bodies in South Korea.
For each one, read the official scholarship page and the programme page. Rules can change each year.
French government scholarships
French government funding is one of the most visible routes, but it is not open to everyone. Some schemes are linked to bilateral cooperation, a specific field, or a partner university network. Others are managed by French embassies or Campus France offices in your country.
- Typical requirements: strong academic record, clear study plan, language proof if needed, and sometimes a home university nomination.
- Often expected: a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, degree certificate or expected graduation letter, passport copy, and recommendation letters.
- May help: research experience, exchange experience, or a project linked to France-Korea cooperation.
Timing is usually early in the application cycle. Many calls open several months before the academic year starts, and some close before university deadlines. Check the French embassy or Campus France page in South Korea, plus the scholarship's own page.
University waivers and merit awards
Many French universities give fee reductions or scholarships to international students, including students from South Korea. These awards are often more realistic than national scholarships because they are attached to a specific programme and can be based on your application file.
- Typical requirements: excellent grades, a strong motivation letter, a relevant academic background, and sometimes ranking among admitted students.
- Sometimes asked for: proof of English or French, depending on the programme language.
- Common formats: tuition waiver, partial scholarship, or a small living allowance.
These usually open when applications for the programme open, or shortly after. Some schools decide automatically from your admission file. Others need a separate scholarship form. Check the university's admissions page and the programme page carefully, because deadlines are often not the same.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest options if you want a master’s degree in Europe. Many programmes include study in France for one semester or more, and the scholarship can be very competitive. Students from South Korea can apply on the same basis as other international applicants.
- Typical requirements: a relevant bachelor’s degree, very good grades, and a strong academic profile.
- Usually needed: transcript, degree certificate or expected graduation letter, CV, motivation letter, passport, and recommendation letters.
- Often useful: proof of language ability, especially English, and sometimes French depending on the track.
Applications usually open in autumn and close in winter or early spring for courses starting the following academic year. Each consortium sets its own deadline, so always check the programme's official site. Do not wait until the last week, because references and translations can take time.
Other funding you can realistically check
Besides the main routes above, you can also look for other funding sources. These are not guaranteed, but they can help if you build a good file and apply early.
- Korean sources: scholarships from Korean foundations, local government schemes, universities, or employers.
- Research funding: some master’s by research or PhD projects in France may offer funded positions through labs or supervisors.
- Programme-specific aid: some schools have special grants for international talent in business, engineering, design, or science.
For PhD study, funding often comes from a research project, a lab, or a doctoral school rather than a general scholarship list. Check the university's doctoral school page and the supervisor's project page.
What a strong profile usually includes
Scholarship panels look for a complete and convincing file. A clear profile can help you stand out, even when the award is very competitive.
- Good grades: your transcript should show strong and steady academic results.
- Clear fit: your previous studies should match the programme, or you should explain the link well.
- Language proof: IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, DALF, or another accepted test, if the programme asks for it.
- Documents ready: CV, motivation letter, diploma or expected graduation letter, transcript, passport, and references.
- Evidence of focus: internships, projects, research, awards, or volunteer work connected to your field.
A strong profile is not only about marks. It is also about showing that you understand the programme and can explain why France, why this course, and why now.
How to apply without missing steps
Most scholarship losses happen because of simple missing documents or late timing. Make a small checklist for each application and keep the official pages open while you work.
- Check the programme page for admission rules first.
- Check the scholarship's own site for funding rules and deadlines.
- Prepare translated documents early if the school asks for them.
- Save proof of submission, emails, and PDF copies of everything you send.
- Watch for separate steps, like a second form or an interview.
If a scholarship says it is competitive, take that seriously. Apply to a range of realistic options, not only one award.
Common questions
Can I get a scholarship in France with only English?
Sometimes yes, especially for international master’s programmes and Erasmus Mundus. But many French university scholarships also ask for proof of French or expect you to learn it later. Always check the language rule on the programme page.
Do scholarships cover all costs?
Some do, but many only cover part of the cost. A university waiver may reduce tuition but not living expenses. Read the official scholarship page to see what is included.
When should I start preparing?
Start as early as possible, ideally months before deadlines. You need time for transcripts, translations, references, and language tests. Many funding calls open before the university admission deadline.
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 seen for programmes and funding that fit your background.
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.