Most Indian families assume studying in France means taking an education loan. The reality is very different — France has one of the most generous scholarship ecosystems for international students in the world, and Indian students are consistently among the top recipients of French government funding. The combination of low public university tuition (€601–€3,770/year for most Masters programmes) and substantial scholarship support means many Indian students complete their Masters in France for a fraction of what the same degree would cost in the UK, USA, or Australia.
This guide covers every scholarship available to Indian students studying in France — French government schemes, Indian government schemes, bilateral programmes, university-specific grants, and private/corporate scholarships. We include amounts, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and honest advice on which ones are actually worth applying for vs which are highly competitive with low odds.
Quick Answer: Most Important Scholarships for Indian Students in France
The most important scholarships for Indian students in France are: (1) Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — €1,181/month + extras, very competitive, apply through your French university; (2) Charpak Scholarship — €700/month, specifically for Indian students, managed by Campus France India; (3) University merit scholarships — varies by institution, often €1,000–€10,000 waiver; (4) MHRD scholarships via National Scholarship Portal for study abroad. Start applications 12–18 months before your programme start date.
Why France is One of the Best Countries for Scholarship Funding
France actively positions its higher education system as a global public good — partly through genuine belief in the universality of knowledge, and partly as strategic soft power. The result for Indian students is a multi-layered funding environment that is far more generous than what is available for study in the UK, USA, or Australia.
Why France Offers Exceptional Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students
- ✓The French government actively subsidises international education as soft power — attracting top global talent reinforces France's standing as a knowledge economy
- ✓Bilateral India-France educational agreements (including the Strategic Partnership) create dedicated funding streams exclusively for Indian students
- ✓Public university tuition in France is already among the lowest in the world for quality institutions — scholarships go directly to living costs, not just fees
- ✓Multiple funding layers — French government + individual universities + bilateral programmes + Indian government + private foundations — can be stacked for maximum coverage
- ✓France Alumni network (200,000+ members worldwide) actively supports Indian students during and after graduation, including job placement connections
- ✓France does not require proof of scholarship at the time of visa application — you can secure funding after admission without affecting your visa timeline
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — The Flagship Award
The Bourse d'Excellence Eiffel (Eiffel Excellence Scholarship) is the French government's premier scholarship for attracting the world's best students to French higher education. Managed by Campus France on behalf of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is the most prestigious funding available and covers living costs in full for the entire duration of a Masters or PhD programme.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — Key Details
Masters
€1,181/month
PhD
€1,400/month
Masters
Full Masters (typically 24 months)
PhD
Full PhD (up to 36 months)
Masters
Return flight reimbursed
PhD
Return flight reimbursed
Masters
Included
PhD
Included
Masters
Allowance included
PhD
Allowance included
Masters
Under 25 at time of application
PhD
Under 30 at time of application
Masters
Your French university nominates you
PhD
Your French university nominates you
Masters
November–December (for following September)
PhD
November–December (for following September)
You Cannot Apply for Eiffel Directly — Your University Must Nominate You
This is the most misunderstood aspect of the Eiffel Scholarship. There is no application form you can fill in on your own. Your French university's international office must identify you as a strong candidate and submit your nomination to Campus France. This means the path to Eiffel is: (1) secure admission to your French university, (2) immediately contact the international/admissions office and express interest in Eiffel nomination, (3) provide them with your academic record, research publications, and CV. Universities typically nominate in November–December for the following September intake.
The Eiffel Scholarship prioritises specific fields: engineering and technology, economics and management, political science and law, and medicine/pharma/biology. Roughly 400 Masters scholarships are awarded per year worldwide across all nationalities — making this genuinely competitive. A strong application needs a top-10% academic record, ideally a research publication or conference presentation, community leadership evidence, and clarity of purpose. French language skills are not mandatory for English-taught programmes but demonstrably strengthen a nomination.
Charpak Scholarship — Specifically for Indian Students
Named after Georges Charpak — the French Nobel Prize laureate of Indian-Polish origin — the Charpak Scholarship Programme is designed exclusively for Indian nationals and is managed jointly by the French Embassy in India and Campus France India. It is the single most important scholarship for Indian students to pursue, combining reasonable competitiveness with significant monthly support.
Charpak Masters Scholarship
€700/month stipend for 1–2 years of a Masters programme in France. Includes free health insurance and reimbursement of visa fees. The most commonly awarded track for Indian students pursuing a full degree.
Charpak Research Internship
€700/month for a 2–6 month research internship at a French laboratory or institution. Suitable for Indian students in their final year of an Indian degree who want hands-on French research experience.
Charpak Exchange Scholarship
Supports short-term academic exchanges between Indian and French institutions. Designed for students enrolled in India who wish to spend a semester or short term at a French partner university.
Charpak Scholarship — Eligibility and Application Requirements
- ✓Indian national with a valid Indian passport — exclusively for citizens of India
- ✓Enrolled in an Indian university OR admitted to a French university for the award period
- ✓Age typically under 30 at the time of application
- ✓Strong academic record — generally top 25% of your class (75%+ marks across all semesters)
- ✓Apply through the Campus France India website — online application with academic transcripts, motivation letter, and two letters of recommendation
- ✓Deadline is typically January–February for September intake — check the Campus France India website each year as dates shift
- ✓French language skills strengthen your application but are not required for English-taught programmes
- ✓A strong application demonstrates a clear connection between your Indian education, your chosen French programme, and specific post-graduation goals
“The Charpak Scholarship is the most achievable high-value award for Indian students. Unlike Eiffel, you apply directly — your university does not gatekeep the process. A student with consistent academic performance and a clearly articulated reason for choosing France has a real shot.”
University-Specific Scholarships — What Major Institutions Offer
Beyond government scholarships, most major French universities and grandes écoles have their own merit scholarship programmes for international students. These range from partial tuition waivers to substantial annual grants. For an overview of the strongest institutions, see our guide to the best universities in France for Indian students. The key is to apply for university scholarships at the same time as your admission application — many deadlines are identical.
University Scholarship Programmes for International/Indian Students in France
Scholarship Name
Sciences Po Excellence Scholarship
Amount
Up to €15,000/year
Type
Merit grant
Notes
Highly competitive; requires outstanding academic record and leadership profile
Scholarship Name
Grande Ecole Scholarship / MSc Merit Grant
Amount
Up to €30,000 (MBA); varies (MSc)
Type
Merit grant
Notes
Separate processes for MBA and MSc tracks; GMAT/IELTS scores weighed heavily
Scholarship Name
International Student Excellence Grant
Amount
€5,000–€10,000
Type
Merit grant
Notes
Covers ENS, Dauphine, Mines ParisTech — check each school's portal
Scholarship Name
Departmental Excellence Grants
Amount
€1,000–€5,000
Type
Departmental award
Notes
Varies by faculty; contact the international office of your specific department
Scholarship Name
Excellence Scholarship
Amount
Up to 50% tuition waiver
Type
Tuition reduction
Notes
Awarded at admission; strong engineering academic record required
Scholarship Name
International Merit Scholarship
Amount
Up to €8,000
Type
Merit grant
Notes
Applied through the ESSEC admissions process; no separate application
Scholarship Name
Dean's Scholarship
Amount
Up to €6,000
Type
Merit grant
Notes
Awarded to top-ranked admitted students; based on GMAT, GPA, and interview performance
Scholarship Name
Grenoble Excellence Track
Amount
Partial tuition waiver
Type
Tuition reduction
Notes
Available for select Masters tracks in engineering and technology
Scholarship Name
Idex Attractivité Grant
Amount
Up to €10,000
Type
PhD / research grant
Notes
Primarily for PhD students; contact the doctoral school directly
Scholarship Name
INSA International Merit Award
Amount
Partial tuition waiver
Type
Tuition reduction
Notes
For engineering Masters students; awarded competitively at admission
Always Email the International Office Directly After Receiving Admission
Many university scholarship budgets are not fully advertised. Once you receive an admission offer, email the international student office and specifically ask: "Are there any merit scholarships, fee waivers, or grants available for international students in my programme, and what is the application process?" You will be surprised how often this yields results that are not published on the website — especially for departmental grants and alumni-funded awards.
Indian Government Scholarships for Studying in France
Several Indian government scholarship programmes cover study abroad at international universities, including French institutions. These are managed through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Department of Higher Education — all accessible via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Key Indian Government Scholarships for Study in France
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the NOS is available to SC, ST, and certain OBC students for Masters and PhD programmes abroad — including France. The scholarship covers full tuition fees (up to a defined ceiling), a monthly maintenance stipend (approximately $15,400/year for countries like France), and air travel. It is a life-changing award for eligible students. Selection is based on academic merit and financial means-testing.
Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships
This scheme targets OBC and EBC (Economically Backward Class) students pursuing postgraduate study abroad, including France. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and air travel for selected candidates. The amount and conditions mirror the NOS structure. Applications go through the National Scholarship Portal.
Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) — J&K Students
Students from Jammu and Kashmir are eligible for the PMSSS, which covers tuition fees and maintenance for study at premier institutions in India and abroad. For French universities that qualify under the scheme, J&K students receive significant fee and stipend support. Check the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) portal for current PMSSS guidelines.
Central Sector Scheme for College and University Students
This NSP scheme is primarily for undergraduate students and provides modest stipends (₹10,000–12,000/year) for domestic study. It does not cover study abroad, but can support students who complete a year in India before proceeding to France on an articulation pathway. Limited direct relevance for those going directly to France for a Masters.
Bilateral and Private Foundation Scholarships
Beyond government sources, several prestigious Indian foundations and bilateral organisations offer scholarships that can be used for study in France. These are typically merit-based, highly competitive, and carry significant prestige — which itself opens doors to further funding and career opportunities.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students studying abroad. Awards up to approximately $100,000 for study at top institutions globally, including leading French grandes écoles and universities. Extremely competitive — typically 20–25 awards per year across all countries and fields.
Ratan Tata Trust Grant
Supports Indian students pursuing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-focused Masters programmes in Europe, including France. Grants are discretionary and require a strong application demonstrating social impact potential. Check the Tata Trusts website for current call for applications.
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
An interest-free loan of up to ₹10 lakh that can be converted into a grant based on post-graduation contribution to society. One of the most flexible funding instruments available — the loan element removes financial pressure while the grant conversion rewards impact-driven careers.
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
Offers up to ₹20 lakh for postgraduate study abroad, including France. Prioritises students in fields with potential for social impact in India. Application requires a detailed project proposal and plan for utilising the degree in India post-graduation.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Combined grant and loan (50/50 split) for students from specific backgrounds (primarily Muslim communities in developing countries, including India) pursuing postgraduate study internationally. France is an eligible destination. Applications open once a year through the Aga Khan Foundation India office.
French Embassy Cultural Grants
The French Embassy in New Delhi and the Institut Français in India periodically announce smaller cultural and academic exchange grants — typically €500–€2,000 for short research visits, conference attendance, or artistic residencies at French institutions. Check the embassy website regularly for announcements.
CAF Housing Allowance — The Hidden Scholarship Every Indian Student Must Claim
CAF is Not a Scholarship — It is a Legal Entitlement Worth €2,400–€6,000 Over Two Years
The Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF) is the French Family Benefits Agency. Every student residing in eligible accommodation in France is legally entitled to apply for a housing allowance (APL or ALS). This is not a competitive award — it is a government entitlement. Yet most Indian students do not apply because they are not aware of it. Over a 2-year Masters, CAF payments amount to €2,400–€6,000 in real cash deposited directly into your French bank account.
CAF Housing Allowance — Everything Indian Students Need to Know
- ✓Amount: €100–€250/month depending on your location (Paris is higher), your rent amount, and your income level as a student
- ✓Who qualifies: Any student residing in France in eligible accommodation — most private rentals qualify; CROUS residences (university halls) qualify; some host family arrangements qualify
- ✓How to apply: Online at caf.fr — you need your French bank account RIB, signed lease agreement, French social security number, and OFII validation document
- ✓When to apply: Within 3 months of moving into your accommodation — payments are backdated, so apply as soon as possible after arrival
- ✓How long it takes: 2–3 months from application to first payment; CAF backdates to your application date, so you receive a lump sum initially
- ✓Over a 24-month Masters: At €150/month average, this equals €3,600 — real money that reduces your actual cost of living significantly
- ✓Tax implications in India: CAF is not considered taxable income in India — it is a foreign housing subsidy received in France
How to Stack Multiple Funding Sources — A Real Example
The smartest approach to financing a French Masters is not to rely on a single large scholarship but to combine multiple smaller funding sources. Each source covers a piece of the puzzle, and together they can cover 70–100% of total costs for a public university Masters programme. Many students also earn through part-time work during their studies.
Example: Stacked Funding for a 2-Year Masters at a French Public University
- ✓Charpak Scholarship: €700/month × 24 months = €16,800
- ✓CAF housing allowance: €150/month × 24 months = €3,600
- ✓University merit tuition waiver: €2,000 (one-time, applied to second year fees)
- ✓Part-time work (legal 964 hrs/year at €12/hr average): approximately €11,568 over 2 years
- ✓Total funding assembled: approximately €33,968 over 24 months
- ✓Estimated total cost of a 2-year public university Masters (tuition + living): €25,000–€35,000 depending on city
- ✓Result: 70–100% of total costs covered — many Indian students finish with zero or very low debt
Check Each Scholarship for Double-Funding Restrictions
Most scholarships allow stacking with other awards, but some explicitly prohibit receiving two government scholarships simultaneously. For example, some NOS terms prohibit simultaneously holding a French government scholarship. Always read the terms carefully and, if in doubt, contact the scholarship body directly. University merit waivers, CAF, and part-time earnings can almost always be combined with any scholarship without restriction.
Scholarship Comparison — Eiffel vs Charpak vs NOS vs University Grants
Major Scholarships for Indian Students in France — Side-by-Side Comparison
Amount/Month
€1,181 (Masters) / €1,400 (PhD)
Duration
Full programme (24–36 months)
Eligibility
Any international student under 25/30; specific fields
Application Route
University nominates you — cannot apply directly
Difficulty
Very High — ~400 awards globally per year
Amount/Month
€700
Duration
12–24 months (Masters track)
Eligibility
Indian nationals only; under 30; top 25% academic record
Application Route
Direct application via Campus France India
Difficulty
High — but achievable for strong applicants
Amount/Month
Equivalent to ~$1,280/month + tuition
Duration
Full programme duration
Eligibility
SC/ST/OBC Indian nationals; means-tested
Application Route
National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Difficulty
High — limited slots, community-specific
Amount/Month
Varies — often €500–€1,500/month equivalent
Duration
One-time or annual; full programme at some schools
Eligibility
Admitted students with strong academic/professional profile
Application Route
During or immediately after admission application
Difficulty
Moderate to High — depends on institution
Amount/Month
Up to $8,000/month equivalent
Duration
Full programme
Eligibility
Indian nationals at top global institutions
Application Route
Direct application to Inlaks Foundation
Difficulty
Extremely High — ~20 awards per year total
Amount/Month
€100–€250
Duration
Duration of stay in eligible accommodation
Eligibility
Any student in France in eligible rental housing
Application Route
Apply on caf.fr after arrival — not competitive
Difficulty
Low — legal entitlement, not a competition
Timeline — When to Apply for Each Scholarship
Scholarship Application Timeline for a September Programme Start
Research All Available Scholarships
Check eligibility for Eiffel, Charpak, NOS, university grants, Inlaks, JN Tata, and Narotam Sekhsaria. Make a list of every award you qualify for and note each deadline. This is also the time to start building your scholarship profile — improve your CGPA if possible, seek a research publication, take leadership roles.
Request Recommendation Letters
Contact professors who know your work well and ask them to be recommenders. Give them 3 months lead time before any deadline. Provide each recommender with a brief note on each scholarship and what qualities it rewards — this helps them write targeted, strong letters rather than generic ones.
Apply for Charpak Scholarship (January Deadline)
Campus France India typically opens Charpak applications in November–December with a January or February deadline. Submit your online application with academic transcripts, a strong motivation letter specifically addressing France, your CV, and two recommendation letters. Do not wait until the final week — the portal can be slow.
Submit University Applications
Apply to your target French universities. Securing admission is a prerequisite for Eiffel nomination — you must have an offer before your university can nominate you. Apply broadly (5–8 universities) to maximise the chance of getting an offer from a university with a strong Eiffel track record.
University Nominates You for Eiffel Excellence (November–December)
After you have admission in hand, contact the international office immediately and request Eiffel nomination. Provide your full academic dossier. The university submits nominations to Campus France by the Eiffel programme deadline (typically early January of the year before your September start). Results are announced in April.
Begin Indian Government Scholarship Applications
NOS, Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, and other NSP scholarships open at different times of year. Monitor scholarships.gov.in actively and submit applications as soon as windows open. These require extensive documentation including caste certificates, income affidavits, and university acceptance letters.
Apply for Private Foundation Scholarships
Submit applications to Inlaks, JN Tata Endowment, Narotam Sekhsaria, and any other foundation scholarships for which you are eligible. These require detailed personal statements and project proposals — allocate 2–3 weeks per application for quality writing.
Apply for CAF Housing Allowance
Within weeks of moving into your French accommodation, apply for your CAF housing allowance at caf.fr. Do not delay — payments are backdated to your application date, not your arrival date, so every week of delay is money lost.
Tips for Writing a Winning Scholarship Application
A technically eligible candidate with a mediocre application will lose to a slightly less qualified candidate with an exceptional application. Scholarship panels read hundreds of files — your job is to make yours memorable, specific, and unmistakably genuine.
Scholarship Application Checklist — What the Best Applications Do
- ✓Start your personal statement 3 months before the deadline — do not rush it. Write multiple drafts and get feedback from people outside your field
- ✓Clearly articulate WHY France specifically — not just "Europe" or "good universities." Reference France's specific strengths for your field: INRIA for AI, INSEAD for finance, HEC for strategy, Grenoble for engineering
- ✓Show how the programme fills a specific and identifiable gap in your knowledge or career — vague statements like "I want to broaden my horizons" are application killers
- ✓Include concrete future plans that connect to India and bilateral relations — scholarship bodies value students who plan to contribute, whether in India or as ambassadors of France-India ties
- ✓Proofread obsessively — grammatical errors in a scholarship application signal carelessness and can eliminate you immediately, regardless of your academic record
- ✓Ask recommendation letter writers to mention specific achievements and their impact — not just character traits. "Priya led a team of 12 and delivered X result" is worth 10x "Priya is hardworking and dedicated"
- ✓For Charpak specifically: demonstrate genuine knowledge of French culture, history of science (Georges Charpak himself), and show that France is a deliberate choice, not a fallback
- ✓Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously — there is no rule against holding applications open across Charpak, university grants, Inlaks, and NOS at the same time. Maximise your chances across the board
Education Loans as a Backup — If Scholarships Don't Cover Everything
Even with scholarships, some students need to bridge a funding gap — particularly in the first semester before scholarships arrive, or for private institution tuition fees. Indian education loans for study in France are well-established, and France's low tuition means the loan quantum needed is often far less than for UK or US study. See our complete cost breakdown to plan your budget accurately.
Education Loan Options for Indian Students Studying in France
Loan Type
Secured education loan
Maximum Amount
₹1.5 crore
Collateral Required
Yes — property or FD
Key Feature
Lowest interest rate among Indian banks; SBI is preferred by most French universities for loan documentation
Loan Type
Secured and unsecured
Maximum Amount
Up to ₹75 lakh unsecured for top institutions
Collateral Required
No for top-ranked institutions
Key Feature
Faster processing than PSU banks; good for grandes écoles and top universities
Loan Type
Education loan abroad
Maximum Amount
Up to ₹1 crore
Collateral Required
Yes above ₹40 lakh
Key Feature
Flexible repayment; 12-month moratorium after course completion
Loan Type
Education loan
Maximum Amount
Up to ₹75 lakh
Collateral Required
Yes above ₹40 lakh
Key Feature
Competitive rates; faster disbursement than PSU banks
Loan Type
International student loan
Maximum Amount
Up to $220,000 USD
Collateral Required
None — no collateral
Key Feature
For students admitted to partner institutions (Sciences Po, INSEAD, HEC); disbursed in EUR; repay post-graduation
Key Facts About Education Loans for France Study
- ✓Indian loans up to ₹40–50 lakh are available without collateral for top French institutions (HEC, Sciences Po, INSEAD, CentraleSupélec)
- ✓Interest rates: 9–13% for Indian bank loans; Prodigy Finance rates vary based on programme and institution
- ✓Section 80E of the Indian Income Tax Act allows a full deduction of interest paid on education loans — no upper limit on the deduction amount
- ✓France's low public university tuition (€601–€3,770/year) means many students need only ₹5–15 lakh in loans — far less than UK or US
- ✓Strategy: take the minimum loan needed. Use your loan only to bridge specific gaps (first semester before CAF arrives, initial setup costs) rather than for full programme funding
- ✓Most French universities accept an education loan sanction letter for accommodation and enrolment purposes — you do not need the money physically in your account before arrival
Scholarships in France for Indian Students — FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions — Scholarships in France for Indian Students
In many cases yes — but you must check the specific terms of each award. Some Indian government scholarships (particularly NOS) have clauses restricting simultaneous receipt of foreign government funding. The Charpak scholarship terms are more flexible. University merit waivers and CAF housing allowance can almost always be combined with any other scholarship. Always read the terms of each award carefully and, if in doubt, contact both scholarship bodies for written confirmation before accepting.
Not for most scholarships supporting English-taught programmes. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and Charpak Scholarship both award funding to students in English-medium Masters programmes. However, demonstrable French language skills (even at beginner to intermediate level) strengthen a Charpak application significantly — the panel favours students who show genuine engagement with French culture and language. For French-medium programmes, DELF/DALF or TCF proof is required as part of the academic application, not just the scholarship application.
Yes — for practical purposes, the Eiffel Scholarship is full funding. The €1,181/month stipend for Masters students is well above the cost of living in most French cities outside Paris (where it is tight but manageable). On top of the monthly stipend, Eiffel covers your return international travel (flights between India and France), health insurance for the duration of the award, and a cultural activities allowance. You would not need to work part-time if you receive Eiffel — though you are permitted to do so within the 964 hr/year limit.
Campus France India does not publish a precise minimum, but based on successful applicants, you generally need to be in the top 25% of your graduating class — which typically means a CGPA of 7.5+/10 or 75%+ marks across all semesters of your Indian undergraduate degree. Consistency matters more than a single high-scoring semester. A student with 78% consistently across all 8 semesters is stronger than one with 85% in two semesters and 65% in others. Academic record is the primary filter, with motivation and clarity of purpose being the differentiating factor among equally ranked candidates.
No. The Eiffel Scholarship process requires your French university to nominate you — you cannot apply independently. The sequence is: (1) apply to and receive an admission offer from a French university, (2) contact the international office about Eiffel nomination, (3) the university submits your nomination to Campus France before the programme deadline. Without an admission offer, there is no path to Eiffel. This is why securing admission early (by November–December for the following September) is critical for Eiffel eligibility.
Yes, several. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship prioritises engineering and technology among its target fields. CentraleSupélec, INSA Lyon, Grenoble INP, and other grandes écoles d'ingénieurs all have institutional merit scholarships for international engineering students. The Charpak Scholarship is also available to engineering students across all fields. Additionally, CIFRE (Conventions Industrielles de Formation par la Recherche) fellowships are available to PhD students conducting research in partnership with French companies — these pay approximately €2,000/month and are particularly well-suited to engineers. See our best universities guide for institution-specific details.
Yes — and sometimes more generously than public institutions. HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD, EM Lyon, and EDHEC all have significant merit scholarship programmes for international students. HEC's Grande Ecole MBA scholarship can cover up to €30,000. INSEAD awards multiple merit scholarships per intake through its scholarship committee. The key difference is that private school scholarships are awarded against much higher base tuition (€30,000–€50,000/year) — so a €10,000 scholarship at HEC still leaves a substantial fee to pay, unlike a similar amount at a public university where it may cover 3–5 years of tuition entirely.
Most scholarships allow part-time work within the legal limit of 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week during the academic year). Check your specific scholarship terms — some scholarship agreements require you to notify the awarding body if you take up employment, and a small number restrict work during the award period. Eiffel and Charpak do not explicitly prohibit part-time work, but Eiffel expects recipients to focus primarily on their studies given the comprehensive support provided. Part-time earnings are taxable in France if they exceed the annual threshold (approximately €10,000/year). Our jobs in France guide covers part-time work rights in detail.
Want to Know Which Scholarships You Are Eligible For?
Our counsellors will assess your academic profile, target university, and financial situation to identify every scholarship you qualify for — and help you write applications that stand out. We have helped students secure Charpak scholarships, university merit grants, and NOS funding. Book a free Scholarship Assessment Session or [contact us](/contact-us) for personalised guidance.
