Top Scholarships in France for Indian Students (2025)

Last Updated on July 2, 2025

Scholarships in France for Indian Students: So, are you an Indian student aspiring to study in France, yearning to experience the rich and vibrant mix of culture that the country has to offer, along with top-tier education and Instagram-worthy spots to enchant you every weekend? If that’s your goal, then you’re on the right track. Studying in France, especially for Indians, can be an enriching experience not only in terms of academics but also because of the promising job prospects the country has to offer, something that might be right up your alley.

Book Free Counselling Session

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

Phone *

WhatsApp Number *

Country *

Email *

Interested Country *

What are you looking for? *Study AbroadFree CounsellingIELTS CoachingGMAT CoachingGRE Coaching

Submit

However, some may consider studying in France to be a costly affair. While it’s true that studying abroad can often be expensive, France offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden. These scholarships are specifically designed to make your academic journey seamless and help you achieve your dream of studying in France. That being said, here are some of the top scholarships in France for Indian students in 2025 that are definitely worth applying for. Continue reading to explore them in detail.

5+ Scholarships in France for Indian Students in 2025

The best thing about studying in France for Indian students is the number of options you get while opting for a scholarship. Each scholarship is specifically designed with a purpose, to not only make your education more accessible but also to cater to your specific needs. Whether you wish to study engineering, art, or gastronomy, there is a scholarship for you to help you achieve your dreams.

And long gone are the days wherein students who come from families with financial restraints have to be bereft of premium education in a country like France. Today, thanks to the collaboration between the governments of India and France, one can opt for designated scholarships that cover your undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in various fields and domains. Here are some of the best scholarships in France for Indian students. 

France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Programme

Individuals who wish to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate education in France must apply for the France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Programme. The said programme, designed and managed by the coveted French Embassy in India, aims to aid students with financial resources, internships, exchange programmes, visa fee waivers, and accommodation support.

Some key details to be remembered are that: 

•  The programme does not cover travel or any other personal expenses. So, you’ll have to bear those expenses on your own.
•  Your scholarship may be terminated if recipients receive another French grant (e.g. Erasmus, Erasmus+, etc.) or leave France temporarily (internship/gap, etc.).

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme

Individuals pursuing their Master’s or PhD can apply for this coveted programme. The programme, designed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers a monthly stipend of €1,181 (INR 1,15,671) to PG students  and €1,700 (INR 1,68,726) to PhD scholars. It should be kept in mind that:

• The allowances are inclusive of travel expenses.
• Selection is based on your academic excellence and the quality of your projects.
• Once you are deemed eligible for the said programme, you must identify your preferred French university and contact their International Relations coordinator to make the process seamless and stay up to date with the internal deadlines.

Legrand Empowering Scholarship

This is a non-government funded scholarship programme designed to aid students coming from low-income backgrounds and children of armed forces personnel. Expenses such as tuition, living costs, and visa fees are covered under this programme. It should be noted that: 

• Individuals pursuing their UG will be provided with substantial tuition support and ongoing mentorship, while PG candidates will be granted FIET (Franco Indian Education Trust) funding.
• One must track the relevant portals to keep up to date with the registration cycles and must have their complete documentation to ensure a hassle free admission process. 
• PG students are required to choose universities or programs that align with FIET scope. 

Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Fellowship

If you are someone who is deeply passionate about climate change and sustainability, then this programme is just for you. This fellowship allows students to pursue their postdoctoral research in France. Some details that one must keep in mind are: 

• The programme offers 60 fellowships for a 12‑month research tenure in France, from the month of September to December.
• Students who hail from non‑French nationality can apply for this programme. 
• Non-French residents cannot prolong their stay in France (≤ 90 days) under this programme. 

Funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, students who are meritorious, promising, and interested in making the world a better place must definitely look into this fellowship programme.

ENS and ParisTech Co-Financed Scholarships

These university-specific scholarships are a product of the collaboration between institutions and the French Embassy. Students hailing from families that are not financially strong can apply for these programmes, as they cover your tuition fee, living costs, as well as travel expenses. Some key points to consider are: 

• These scholarships aim to aid students pursuing their Master (M2) programmes, joint PhD, research and internships. 
• Engineers must definitely apply for this programme as it offers robust coverage including tuition, fees, healthcare, and visa.
• ENS-PSL funding rewards top-tier academic achievement with consistent monthly living support and travel aid.
  

Raman-Charpak Fellowship

This prestigious bilateral research fellowship is a joint venture between the French Embassy in India, the Indian Department of Science and Technology, and the French government. It solely aims at aiding students both Indian and French PhD students alike to conduct research in both India and France. Students who are eligible for the fellowship will be granted a lucrative stipend of €1,500 per month, airfare, and academic support.

• Indian PhD students up to the age of 30 can apply for this programme.
• A student will be deemed ineligible if they have been previously supported by CEFIPRA (Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research).

French+Sciences and Gastronomy Scholarships

Individuals aspiring to pursue a lucrative career in the field of science, technology, or even culinary arts must opt for these specialised short-term scholarship programmes. These programmes are designed to offer students a holistic and immersive experience in their respective domains.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in France🎓

France is a great option for those who wish to pursue their UG, PG, PhD, research, or even internships. The country offers a wide range of lucrative scholarship programmes that provide substantial financial aid to Indian students, covering not only tuition fees but also airfare, travel expenses, and much more.

However, it is imperative to stay informed about the eligibility criteria required for these scholarship programmes. Refer to the table below to explore the eligibility requirements for some of the best scholarships in France available to Indian students.

Applying for Scholarships in France

Indian students aspiring to pursue their education in France must stay informed about the application procedure, key deadlines, and required documentation. It is crucial to keep these aspects in mind before registering for your preferred scholarship, as even a slight misstep can hamper your dream of studying in France.

That said, there’s no need to worry, as outlined below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for scholarships in France. Keep the following points in mind, and you’ll be good to go!

Career Scope for Indian Students in France 💸

France boasts a thriving job market for Indian students in 2025. Some of the most lucrative and high-paying professions in France include Software Engineer, Financial Analyst, and Research Analyst, with an average annual salary of over €25,000 (approximately INR 23 lakhs).

French courses are thoughtfully designed to enhance students’ understanding and provide a holistic approach to their field, ultimately making them industry-ready. That said, refer to the table below to explore some of the highest-paying jobs in France along with their respective salaries. This will help you get a clearer idea of the potential pay scale after completing your studies in France.

So that was all about the top scholarships in France for Indian students. To sum it up, France offers a wide range of lucrative scholarship programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students from India. These programmes are designed to provide substantial financial aid, covering tuition fees, travel expenses, airfare, and more.

If you aspire to build a rewarding career in STEM fields, technology, or any other domain, studying in France can be a truly wise decision.

FAQs

1. What are the top scholarships available for Indian students in France?

Some of the best scholarships for Indian students in France are Charpak Scholarship Programme, Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Legrand Empowering Scholarship, and Raman-Charpak Fellowship. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and sometimes travel allowances.

2. Are scholarships in France fully funded for Indian students?

Yes, many scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Programme and Raman-Charpak Fellowship are fully funded or offer substantial financial aid. However, some scholarships may not cover personal expenses or international airfare, so it’s important to review the benefits of each programme carefully.

3. What is the eligibility criteria for scholarships in France?

 Eligibility for a scholarship in France varies by programme but generally includes Academic merit (strong academic record), Admission to a French university, Age limit (usually under 30 for postgraduate programmes), Indian citizenship and language proficiency. 

4. How can Indian students apply for scholarships in France?

 Students can apply through the official websites of French universities, the Campus France portal and specific scholarship programme websites. The process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of admission.

5.  When should one start applying for French scholarships?

Most scholarships open between October and February for the academic year starting in September. It is advisable to begin preparing at least 6–8 months in advance, keeping track of deadlines and required documents to ensure a successful application.

Shubham Das

Shubham Das is a content writer with two years of experience and a background in filmmaking and teleplay writing. He holds a degree in Mass Communication from Apeejay School of Management and an Executive Programme in Digital Marketing from IIM Indore. At Leverage Edu, he boosted web traffic through SEO-driven content and led the Student Accommodation project. Previously, at the Asian Academy of Film and Television, he developed academic course content. His strengths lie in digital marketing, copywriting, and keyword research. Passionate about cinema, literature, and human psychology, Shubham brings creativity and strategy together to deliver impactful digital content.