If you are from the Philippines and want to study in France, you can compete for a mix of scholarships: French government or embassy programmes, university fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus joint masters. The best option depends on your level, grades, English or French level, and how complete your documents are.
Main scholarship routes to look at
Most students start with three places: the French Embassy in the Philippines, the Campus France website, and the scholarship pages of each university. These are the official sources that explain who can apply, what is covered, and when each call opens.
- French government and embassy scholarships - often for strong applicants at master's or PhD level. These can change from year to year.
- University scholarships or fee waivers - offered by French universities or schools. They may reduce tuition, living costs, or both.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - a highly competitive European scholarship for selected joint degree programmes, including some with study time in France.
- External scholarships - private foundations, companies, or Philippine institutions. These depend on the provider and field.
For each option, check the official scholarship page and the programme page. Small details matter. Some scholarships support only certain degrees, certain nationalities, or only students who have not yet started the programme.
French government and embassy scholarships
French government scholarships are usually meant for strong academic profiles and specific study goals. In many years, they are available mainly for master's or doctoral study, not for every undergraduate applicant. The French Embassy in the Philippines and Campus France are the official places to check for current calls.
What they usually ask for:
- Good academic results.
- A clear study plan or motivation letter.
- Passport and academic transcripts.
- Proof of language level, depending on the programme.
- Sometimes work experience, research interest, or recommendation letters.
What they may cover:
- Part of the tuition fee, or full tuition in some cases.
- A monthly living allowance in some programmes.
- Health insurance, visa support, or travel help in some cases.
Timing is not the same every year. Many calls open months before the academic year starts, often between late autumn and spring for a later intake. Always check the embassy or Campus France page for the exact call, because dates can move.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities and grandes écoles offer their own scholarships. These can be easier to find than national awards, but they still need a strong profile. Some are automatic when you apply. Others need a separate form.
Typical requirements include:
- A good GPA or class rank.
- A complete application for the study programme.
- Motivation letter tailored to the university.
- CV, transcripts, diploma, and references.
- Language proof, usually French or English depending on the course.
Some universities give partial fee waivers. Others offer tuition discounts or merit awards for the first year only. A few also offer housing help, but this is less common and should be checked on the university's financial aid page.
When to look: many universities open scholarship applications at the same time as admissions, or soon after. In general, this means you should start checking programme pages several months before the intake. Do not assume there is one national deadline.
Erasmus Mundus and other joint masters
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are among the most competitive options open to many international students, including applicants from the Philippines. They are fully run by consortia of universities in Europe and sometimes beyond. France is often one of the partner countries or host countries in these programmes.
What they usually want:
- Excellent grades.
- A strong and clear motivation letter.
- Proof that you fit the programme theme.
- Two or more recommendation letters in many cases.
- Language proof, often English, and sometimes another language.
These scholarships are often generous. They may cover tuition, travel, installation costs, and a monthly living allowance. But they are very competitive, so a complete file matters a lot.
Deadlines are usually once a year. Many programmes open in autumn and close in winter or early spring for the next academic year. Some also have earlier deadlines for scholarship consideration. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page for the exact window.
What makes a Filipino applicant competitive
Scholarship selection is not only about grades. Committees also look at fit, clarity, and proof that you are ready for the course. If your documents are weak or incomplete, even a good profile can be overlooked.
Try to prepare these items early:
- Passport.
- Updated CV.
- Degree certificate or proof of current study.
- Official transcripts.
- Motivation letter that matches the programme.
- Two strong recommendation letters, if required.
- Language test results if the programme asks for them.
- Portfolio, research proposal, or work samples for creative or research courses.
A strong profile is clear and specific. Show your field, your achievements, and why France and that programme make sense for you. If you have internships, volunteer work, projects, or research, include them. They can help when the grades of many applicants are similar.
How to check openings without missing them
There is no single scholarship calendar for France. Calls can open at different times depending on the provider. The safest way is to check official pages often and save the pages for the scholarships you want.
- French Embassy in the Philippines - for government calls and bilateral awards.
- Campus France - for general guidance and programme search.
- University admissions and financial aid pages - for fee waivers and school awards.
- Erasmus Mundus programme pages - for joint masters deadlines and rules.
- Scholarship provider websites - for private or foundation funding.
Make a simple tracker with the scholarship name, official link, required documents, and deadline. Start early, because some papers can take time, especially recommendation letters, transcripts, and language test results.
Common questions
Can I get a full scholarship for France?
Sometimes, yes. Full funding is possible, but it is highly competitive. Erasmus Mundus and some government scholarships are the most common full or near-full options, while many university awards are partial.
Do I need French to get a scholarship?
Not always. Many master's programmes and some scholarships are in English. But French can help, especially for programmes taught in French or for everyday life in France. Always check the language rule on the programme page.
When should I start preparing?
As early as possible. A strong file takes time to build. Start at least several months before deadlines so you can collect transcripts, references, language proof, and a good motivation letter.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you can show a clear and complete picture. 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.