If you are a student from the United States and want to study in France, you can look at several realistic funding options. The main ones are French government programmes, university scholarships or fee waivers, Erasmus Mundus joint degrees, and some external awards from U.S. or private foundations. Most are competitive, so a strong application and complete documents matter.
Start with the main scholarship types
For many students, the first step is to check these three paths:
- French government scholarships for international students.
- University scholarships or fee waivers offered by the school you apply to.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, which are international master's programmes with scholarship funding.
You can also look at:
- Campus France pages for international funding.
- The university's admissions and scholarship pages.
- The scholarship's own official website.
Do not rely on social media posts or old blogs for deadlines. Scholarship rules can change every year.
French government scholarships
France offers some scholarships for international students through French ministries, embassies, and public programmes. These are often aimed at strong academic profiles, specific fields, or students from partner countries and institutions.
What they usually require:
- Good grades and a clear study plan.
- Proof of English or French, depending on the programme.
- Recommendation letters.
- A CV and motivation letter.
- Sometimes proof of admission or an application already in progress.
When they usually open:
- Many calls open in autumn or winter for study starting the next academic year.
- Some deadlines are several months before the programme starts.
- Always check the French embassy in the U.S., Campus France, or the official programme page for the current cycle.
These scholarships are often full or partial, but they are not guaranteed. Some cover tuition, while others help with living costs only.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities and grandes écoles offer their own scholarships. These may be based on merit, financial need, academic background, or the subject area.
For a U.S. student, this can be one of the most realistic options, because schools often welcome strong international applicants in master's and some bachelor's programmes.
What they usually require:
- Admission to the university or programme, or at least a complete application.
- Academic transcripts.
- A strong motivation letter.
- Language proof, if the programme asks for it.
- Sometimes a portfolio for art, design, or architecture.
When they usually open:
- Some open at the same time as programme applications.
- Others open after you receive an admission offer.
- Deadlines often follow the master's application season, but you should check the programme page carefully.
Also look for tuition waivers. A waiver is not always a cash scholarship, but it can lower your fee. This is common at some private schools and at some public institutions for selected students.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known scholarship routes for students from outside Europe. These are joint master's degrees run by more than one university, often in different countries. France may be one of the host countries, even if the degree is shared with other European institutions.
Why it matters:
- The scholarship can be generous for successful applicants.
- You study in an international group.
- The degree is well known across Europe.
What they usually require:
- A completed bachelor's degree, or proof you will finish soon.
- Strong grades.
- English proof, and sometimes another language.
- Recommendation letters.
- A CV and motivation letter.
- Sometimes a passport copy, transcripts, and extra programme-specific documents.
When they usually open:
- Most calls open in autumn.
- Deadlines are often between late autumn and winter for courses starting the next academic year.
- Check the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and the programme's own website for the exact dates.
If you are eligible, this is worth a serious look. The competition is strong, so your documents should be clear and complete.
What makes a strong profile
Scholarships in France often reward more than grades. Reviewers want to see a student who is ready for the course and can explain why France is the right place to study.
A strong profile usually includes:
- Good academic results.
- A focused study goal.
- Relevant projects, internships, or volunteering.
- Clear English or French proof.
- Well-written documents with no missing pages.
Prepare these early:
- Passport.
- Transcripts and degree certificate, or expected graduation proof.
- CV.
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- Language test results, if required.
- A portfolio, if your field needs one.
Keep all files in a clean format. If a scholarship asks for certified translations or scans, follow that rule exactly. Small mistakes can stop an application.
How to time your search
Because deadlines vary, it helps to work backwards from the academic year you want.
- Start checking funding 9 to 12 months before classes begin.
- Read the scholarship page before you apply to the programme, if possible.
- Make a list of deadlines, document needs, and contact emails.
- Check whether you need separate applications for admission and funding.
For France, also check whether your programme is taught in French or English. This changes the language proof you may need. If you are applying for a visa later, the French immigration process is separate from the scholarship process. Always check the official French immigration authority and the French consulate or embassy for visa rules.
Common questions
Can a U.S. student get a scholarship to study in France?
Yes, but it is competitive. Many students apply through university awards, Erasmus Mundus, or French government-linked funding.
Do I need French to get a scholarship?
Not always. Many master's programmes and scholarships are available in English. If the programme is in French, you will usually need French proof.
Should I apply to the scholarship before or after admission?
It depends on the scholarship. Some need admission first, while others take parallel applications. Read the official rules for each one.
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 get noticed by programmes that match your background, before you send a separate application.
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.