If you want to study in France from Iran, you can compete for several kinds of funding. The main options are government scholarships, university tuition waivers, and Erasmus Mundus joint degrees. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship routes
There is no single scholarship for every student. In practice, Iranian students usually look at three routes:
- French government or embassy-linked programmes - often for high-performing students, sometimes with priority for certain fields.
- University scholarships or fee waivers - offered by individual schools and sometimes by the school and region together.
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships - for joint master's programmes run by a group of European universities.
Each route has its own rules. Always check the official source: the scholarship website, the university admissions page, or the programme page.
French government and public programmes
Some French public scholarships are open through French institutions, the French embassy, or partner organisations. They often support master’s or PhD study more than bachelor’s study. Many focus on strong academic results, a clear study plan, and a field linked to France’s academic or strategic interests.
- Usually need a good GPA or class rank.
- Often ask for a study proposal or motivation letter.
- May require French or English, depending on the programme.
- Sometimes ask for proof of admission, or at least an application in progress.
Opening dates vary a lot by programme. Many open many months before the academic year starts, and some open once a year only. Check the French embassy in your country, Campus France pages, and the scholarship's own site.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities and grandes écoles offer their own scholarships. These can be partial tuition waivers, partial living support, or a small monthly grant. Some are automatic if your application is very strong; others need a separate application.
- Common requirements: strong grades, relevant background, and a complete application file.
- Sometimes need recommendation letters and a CV.
- May prefer students applying for master’s degrees.
- Some are tied to a specific programme, faculty, or campus.
Do not assume a scholarship is available for every course. Many schools list funding on the programme page, the international office page, or the admissions page. Deadlines are often earlier than the main admission deadline, so check early.
Erasmus Mundus joint master's scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known fully funded routes for international students, including students from Iran. These are joint master’s programmes taught by a group of universities in different countries. If you are selected, the scholarship often covers tuition and gives a monthly grant, but the exact package depends on the programme.
- Usually open to applicants from many countries.
- Strong grades matter a lot.
- English proof is often required, and sometimes another language too.
- You usually apply directly to the programme, not to each university separately.
These programmes usually open once a year, often in autumn or winter for studies that begin the next academic year. Deadlines are usually early compared with normal university admissions. Always check the official Erasmus Mundus consortium page for the exact dates and rules.
What a strong profile usually looks like
Scholarship committees look for more than grades. They want proof that you can finish the programme and use it well after graduation.
- Academic record: strong grades, especially in subjects linked to the course.
- Language proof: IELTS, TOEFL, or French tests such as DELF, DALF, or TCF if the programme asks for them.
- CV: clear education history, internships, research, projects, and skills.
- Motivation letter: explain why France, why this course, and why you are a fit.
- References: letters from teachers or professors who know your work well.
- Portfolio or research sample: if the programme asks for one.
For many scholarships, a complete file matters as much as a high GPA. Missing documents can make an otherwise strong application fail.
Documents you should prepare early
Before applications open, prepare a clean set of documents in digital form. This saves time and helps you apply fast when a scholarship opens.
- Passport copy
- Degree and transcript copies
- Official translations, if needed
- Language certificate
- CV
- Motivation letter draft
- Recommendation letters, if the programme allows them
- Any research papers, publications, or work samples
Some scholarships also ask for proof of household income, a copy of your admission offer, or proof that you have applied to a partner university. The exact list is always on the official site.
How to choose realistic options
If your profile is strong, apply to a mix of options. A good strategy is to combine selective scholarships with schools that also offer partial waivers. Do not wait for only one fully funded option.
- Apply to Erasmus Mundus if your degree matches the programme.
- Check each university's own scholarship page.
- Look for programmes with tuition reductions for international students.
- Search by field, such as engineering, business, public policy, arts, or science.
Also check whether the programme needs an earlier admission decision before scholarship review. Some scholarships are automatic once you are admitted. Others need a separate form.
Common questions
Can students from Iran apply for scholarships in France?
Yes, in many cases. Eligibility depends on the scholarship rules, your level of study, and your academic profile. Always read the official conditions carefully.
Do I need French to get a scholarship?
Not always. Many master’s programmes and scholarships are in English. But some programmes need French, or they give priority to students with French skills.
When should I start?
Start many months before the deadline. Some scholarship rounds open nearly a year before study starts, and document collection can take time.
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 helps you show a clear profile to universities that are looking for students like you, without applying for you.
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.