On 21st July, 2026 the call for application from suitably qualified students are now open for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 which aims to fund master’s or PhD studies in France for the 2026/2027 academic year.
This is more or less a fully funded Masters Scholarships or PhD Scholarships for eligible students from South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi who intend to start their studies in France in September 2027 at an accredited French institution.
Kindly be aware that as a result of the differences between the Southern and Northern hemisphere calendars, laureates will follow online French language courses offered by the network of the Alliances Françaises from February to July 2027. Priority will be given to applications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, including related humanities and social sciences disciplines.
The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme offered by the French Embassy is based on a highly selective call for candidates in order to strengthen high level exchanges between France and South Africa. A Scholarship Panel, set by the French Embassy, will monitor the programme and the selection process and the Panel will consists of representatives from the French Embassy, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) as well as academics from France and South Africa.
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General Requirements
To be eligible for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026, applicants must be:
- Born on or after 1 January 1997.
- A citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
- Dual French citizens are not eligible.
- Have achieved a minimum average of 60% in their most recently completed degree.
- For Master’s applicants: plan to enroll in a French higher education institution to pursue a Master’s degree. Applicants are not required to have secured admission at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
- For PhD applicants: plan to pursue a PhD at a French higher education institution and have identified a prospective supervisor or research laboratory in France. Applicants are not required to have a formal admission offer at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
Eligible Study Programmes
Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, health, environmental sciences, energy, low-carbon mobility, space, food systems, and information and communication technologies. Humanities and social sciences projects related to these fields are also eligible.
Scholarship Worth
France Excellence scholarship holder status, includes:
- Social security coverage and health insurance;
- Priority access to student housing;
- Exemption from visa fees;
- Support services provided by Campus France Paris;
- Exemption from the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC);
- Conditional exemption from registration fees for programmes offered by public universities under the supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, provided that no additional tuition fees apply.
- One return flight ticket between the recipient’s country of residence and France.
- A monthly living allowance (900€ per month for Master’s students and 1850€ per month for PhD students, subject to reassessment).
- Eligibility to apply for additional housing support from the French Family Allowance Fund (CAF), which may provide approximately 150€ per month depending on individual circumstances.
Method of Application
The application file is to be submitted online only and must include:
For all applicants
- A complete application form (online).
- A passport copy (or ID if passport is not yet available).
- An up-to-date CV that also states the candidate’s entire academic history.
- A cover letter explaining motivations and interests in the planned academic project.
- Copies of all previous academic degree certificates.
- University transcripts (academic marks) of at least three years of studies.
Applicants are required to carefully read the rulebook for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 in other to follow all the guidelines
.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: 21 July 2026
- Application deadline: 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (South Africa time)
- Information webinar: August 2026 (follow Campus France South Africa on social media for details)
- Interviews for eligible candidates: November 2026
- Announcement of shortlisted candidates: Beginning of December 2026
- French language courses: February–July 2027
- Departure to France and start of studies: September 2027
For More Information: Visit the Scholarship Website.
