If you are a student from Ukraine and want to study in France, there are several funding paths you can check. The main ones are government-backed scholarships, university fee waivers, Erasmus Mundus, and some private or foundation awards. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship paths to check
There is no single scholarship for every student. What you can apply for depends on your level, subject, academic record, language level, and whether you want a full degree or an exchange.
- French government scholarships - often for master's and doctoral study, sometimes through French embassies or Campus France.
- University scholarships or fee waivers - offered by individual universities, often for strong international applicants.
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships - for joint master's programmes run by several European universities.
- Foundation or city scholarships - smaller programmes from institutions, regions, or partner organisations.
- Exchange support - for a short stay if your home university has a partnership with a French university.
For each option, always check the official source: the scholarship page, the university admissions page, or the French embassy and Campus France site for your country.
French government scholarships
French public scholarships are often a good option for strong master's or PhD applicants. They are usually tied to a study field, a partner country, or a specific programme.
- Usual requirements: good grades, clear study plan, degree transcripts, passport, CV, motivation letter, and often proof of language level.
- Sometimes needed: recommendation letters, research proposal for PhD, and proof that you have applied to or been accepted by a French programme.
- What they may cover: tuition support, monthly allowance, insurance, or travel help. Coverage varies a lot by programme.
These calls often open once a year. Some open in autumn or winter for the next academic year, while others open in early spring. Check the French embassy, Campus France, or the scholarship page because dates change by programme.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities offer their own support for international students. This can be a partial tuition waiver, a merit scholarship, or a small monthly grant.
- Usual requirements: strong academic results, a complete application, and sometimes early admission to the programme first.
- Common selection points: grades, fit with the programme, motivation, and sometimes financial need.
- Language: many master's programmes in French ask for French proof; English-taught programmes usually ask for English proof instead.
University awards usually open around the same time as admissions, but not always. Some are automatic with admission, while others need a separate scholarship form. Always check the programme page and the international office page.
Do not assume the scholarship covers everything. Fee waivers may reduce tuition but not living costs, housing, or visa costs.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known options for master's students who want to study in several countries, including France. These programmes are joint degrees, and many are highly competitive.
- Usual requirements: a bachelor's degree or final-year status, strong grades, CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and language proof.
- Often helpful: a clear academic story, relevant projects, internships, research, or work experience.
- Selection style: academic merit is very important, but motivation and programme fit also matter.
Most Erasmus Mundus calls open once a year, often in autumn and closing in winter or early year for the next intake. Check the official programme website, because each consortium has its own rules and deadline.
If you are from Ukraine, you are usually judged by the same academic rules as other applicants. Some programmes may also mention inclusion or priority rules, but this depends on the specific call, so read the official text carefully.
What makes a profile stronger
A good scholarship profile is not only about grades. It is also about showing that you are ready to study and can prove it with documents.
- Keep your documents ready: passport, diploma or current student certificate, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language proof.
- Add proof of achievement: awards, research, projects, volunteer work, internships, or work experience.
- Explain your goal clearly: why this subject, why France, and how the programme fits your plan.
- Match the language: if the course is in French, show your French level; if it is in English, show English level.
If your documents are incomplete, you may still be able to apply, but your chances usually drop. Many scholarship teams review fast, and they prefer applicants who make it easy to understand their background.
How to apply in a realistic way
Start with programmes you can really fit. Then check whether the scholarship is linked to admission, or whether it is a separate application.
- Read the scholarship page first, then the programme page.
- Check whether you need admission before you can apply for funding.
- Look for document formats, word limits, and reference letter rules.
- Send everything early if the call says places are limited or reviewed on a rolling basis.
For France, also check if you need to use a national application platform, a university portal, or Campus France procedures. The exact route depends on your level and the university.
Common questions
Can I get a full scholarship in France as a student from Ukraine?
Yes, it is possible, but it is competitive and not common. Full support is more likely in some government or Erasmus Mundus programmes than in ordinary university waivers.
Do I need French to get a scholarship?
Not always. Some programmes are taught in English and ask for English proof. Others require French. Always check the language rule on the official programme page.
Should I apply for admission first or the scholarship first?
It depends on the programme. Some scholarships need an admission offer first, while others are part of the same application. Read the official instructions carefully.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see the basics they need. 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.