If you are from Australia and want to study in France, there are a few scholarship routes that are worth checking. The most realistic options are French government programmes, university scholarships or fee waivers, Erasmus Mundus for joint degrees, and support from external bodies in Australia or France.
The exact rules change by year and by programme. Always check the official source for each scholarship, the university's admissions page, and the scholarship's own site before you apply.
Main scholarship types
Different scholarships have different goals. Some help with tuition. Some help with living costs. Some do both. Many are for master's or doctoral study, while others are only for specific subjects or partner universities.
- French government scholarships - These are usually offered through French embassies, Campus France, or French public programmes.
- University scholarships and waivers - Many French universities reduce fees or give merit awards to strong international students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - These are international master's degrees run by several universities together, often with generous funding.
- Australian external funding - Some home-country grants, foundations, or university exchange funds may support study in France.
For most students, the best approach is to apply to the programme first, then check what funding the same university or consortium offers.
French government scholarships
French government support is usually competitive. It often targets strong academic profiles, specific countries, or specific fields. Some awards are tied to master's or PhD study, and some are linked to cooperation between France and another country.
- Who can compete - Strong students with good grades, a clear study plan, and a relevant degree.
- Common needs - Academic transcripts, diploma or current study proof, CV, motivation letter, references, and sometimes a research proposal.
- Language - Many programmes ask for French or English, depending on the course language.
- When it opens - Often several months before the academic year starts, sometimes from autumn to early spring for the next intake. Check the French embassy, Campus France, or the programme page.
If you are in Australia, start with the French embassy or Campus France pages for your country. They can point you to current government-funded options and the right application route.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many French universities offer their own funding. This can be a partial tuition waiver, a full tuition waiver, or a living-cost scholarship. These awards are often easier to find than government funding, but they are still selective.
- Who can compete - Students with strong grades, a good fit for the programme, and a complete application.
- Common needs - Academic records, degree certificate or expected graduation date, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes language proof.
- What helps - Relevant internships, projects, research, awards, or work experience.
- When it opens - Often at the same time as admission, or soon after. Some universities close scholarship forms before the final admission deadline, so check early.
Many universities publish separate pages for international scholarships, Eiffel-related awards, excellence grants, or programme-specific waivers. Read the admissions page carefully. The scholarship may only apply if you are admitted to a certain master's track or faculty.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are some of the strongest-funded options for international students, including Australians. These programmes are taught by a group of universities in different countries, and France is often one of the partner locations.
- Who can compete - Graduates with a strong academic record and a profile that matches the joint master's subject.
- Common needs - Diploma or transcript, CV, motivation letter, references, passport copy, and language proof if required.
- What they look for - Academic strength, clear study goals, and a match with the programme's focus.
- When it opens - Usually in autumn for the intake starting the following academic year. Deadlines are often in winter or early spring. Check the official consortium page.
These scholarships are very competitive. A strong application is important. Show why the joint degree fits your background, and explain how the different countries and universities in the programme connect to your goals.
What usually makes a strong profile
Scholarship panels want evidence, not only interest. A clear and complete profile makes it easier for them to see your fit. This is true for government awards, university funding, and Erasmus Mundus.
- Good grades - A strong academic record is often the first filter.
- Clear direction - Explain what you want to study and why France is the right place.
- Relevant experience - Projects, internships, research, volunteering, or work related to your field.
- Language level - Show French or English ability with official proof if the programme asks for it.
- Complete documents - Missing files can weaken your application or make it invalid.
Prepare common documents early. Typical items include transcript, diploma or enrolment proof, CV, motivation letter, passport, and language certificate. Some scholarships also ask for references, a portfolio, or a research proposal.
How to time your search
For France, timing matters. Many scholarships open before the main admission deadlines, and some close before the programme is full. The safest plan is to search at least six to nine months before you want to start.
- Check the university admissions page first.
- Look for funding linked to your exact programme.
- Read the scholarship page for eligibility, documents, and dates.
- Use the official source only. Do not rely on old forum posts or copied summaries.
If you are applying for a master's, some opportunities appear in autumn for the next academic year. For PhD funding, timelines can be longer and may depend on the supervisor or lab. For exchange or joint programmes, deadlines can be earlier than the standard university deadline.
Common questions
Can an Australian student get a fully funded scholarship in France?
Yes, but it is competitive. Erasmus Mundus and some government or university awards can cover a large share of costs, but you still need a strong academic and document profile.
Do I need French to win a scholarship?
Not always. Some master's degrees and scholarships are taught in English. Others need French. Always check the language requirement on the programme page.
Should I apply for admission and scholarship at the same time?
Often yes. Many scholarships are linked to admission, and some need you to be considered for both at once. Read the programme instructions carefully.
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 match with programmes and funding options that fit your background.
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.