If you are a student from Nigeria and want to study in France, you can compete for several types of funding. The most realistic options are French government schemes, university fee waivers or scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus joint degrees. Each one has its own rules, so you should check the official source for the current year and prepare your documents early.
Main scholarship routes
There is no single scholarship for every Nigerian student. In practice, most students look at these routes:
- French government scholarships, often through Campus France or French embassies
- University scholarships, fee waivers, or tuition reductions
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
- Scholarships from French regions, foundations, or partner organisations
Some awards cover tuition only. Others may also help with living costs, travel, or insurance. The exact support changes by programme, so always read the scholarship page carefully.
French government scholarships
French government support can be competitive, but it is a real option for strong candidates. These awards are usually linked to a study field, a level of study, or a cooperation agreement between France and another country.
- Who can apply: often master’s or doctoral candidates, sometimes students with excellent academic records and a clear study plan
- What they may ask for: transcripts, diploma or certificate, CV, motivation letter, study plan, language proof, and references
- What to check: the French embassy or Campus France in Nigeria, plus the scholarship page itself
Openings often come once a year. Some calls appear several months before the start of study, so do not wait until the last minute. A strong application shows why you chose France, how the programme fits your goals, and how you will use the degree after graduation.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities offer their own scholarships, tuition discounts, or partial waivers. These are often easier to find than people expect, but they are not always full scholarships. Some cover part of tuition, while others support top students with a monthly grant.
- Who can apply: usually applicants to a specific programme, often at master’s level
- Typical requirements: strong grades, a complete application file, proof of English or French, and sometimes a ranking by the programme
- Where to check: the programme page and the university's international admissions page
Many university awards open around the same time as admissions, but some open later. In general, it helps to apply early because some funding is given on a rolling basis or is limited to the first strong candidates.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known international scholarship routes for master’s study in Europe, including France. These programmes are joint degrees run by several universities in different countries, and the scholarship can be very competitive.
- Who can apply: students who already have, or will soon finish, a first degree
- What is usually needed: degree transcripts, diploma or expected graduation letter, CV, motivation letter, references, and language proof
- What it may cover: tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly living grant, depending on the programme
Applications usually open in the autumn and close in winter or early spring for courses that start the next academic year. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page for the exact dates, because each course has its own deadline.
Other funding options
You may also find funding from French regions, private foundations, professional bodies, or cooperation schemes between institutions. These are worth checking if you already know the city, subject, or university you want.
- Regional scholarships: sometimes linked to a study location or subject area
- Foundation grants: often for specific backgrounds, research topics, or social goals
- Partner scholarships: offered through agreements between Nigerian and French institutions
These awards are often smaller or more specific than national scholarships, but they can still help a lot. Read the rules carefully, because some are only for current students, some only for new applicants, and some only for certain countries or study levels.
What a strong profile usually looks like
Most scholarship panels want proof that you are a serious student and that you can do well in the programme. A clear profile helps them see that quickly.
- Good academic results, especially in subjects related to your chosen field
- A clear study goal and a realistic reason for choosing France
- Language proof, if the programme asks for French or English
- Clean, complete documents with no missing pages or unclear scans
- Strong references from teachers, lecturers, or employers
For a master’s scholarship, your motivation letter matters a lot. Keep it focused. Say what you want to study, why it matters, and how the scholarship will help you. Do not copy a general letter and send it everywhere.
Documents you should prepare early
Many scholarship calls close quickly, and document requests are often strict. It helps to prepare a full file before applications open.
- Passport
- Degree certificate or current enrollment letter
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Two or more recommendation letters, if requested
- Language test results, if required by the programme
- Portfolio or research proposal, if your field needs it
Make sure every file is readable and named clearly. If a scholarship asks for certified translations, use them. If the programme page says a document is optional, send it only if it strengthens your case.
Common questions
Can a student from Nigeria get a full scholarship in France?
Yes, it is possible, but competition is strong. Full funding is more common in some master’s and doctoral schemes than in bachelor’s study, and you should always check the official rules for each programme.
Do I need French to win a scholarship?
Not always. Many master’s and research programmes in France are in English, especially at graduate level. Still, some scholarships or universities ask for French, so check the programme page and the language requirement before you apply.
When should I start looking?
Start as early as you can, ideally months before the deadline. Many scholarship calls open in autumn or winter for the next academic year, but the timing changes, so the official scholarship or university page is the source to trust.
How Eduuro helps
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