Scholarships for Indian Students in France

France—where education meets elegance, and world-class degrees come with exciting career opportunities. But let’s be real—studying abroad can be expensive. Luckily, France offers a range of scholarships designed to support Indian students like you, whether you’re a high achiever, in need of financial aid, or pursuing a specific field of study.

At Hamlets Education, we’ve guided countless students through the complex scholarship process, ensuring they land the best financial aid for their studies in France. Now, it’s your turn! Your journey to success starts with a single step—apply for your scholarship today.

Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in France

France offers a diverse range of scholarships tailored to support Indian students in pursuing higher education. Below are key categories:

1. French Government Scholarships

Managed by the French Embassy in India, the Charpak Scholarship program offers funding for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Designed for master’s and Ph.D. candidates, the Eiffel Excellence scholarship provides a monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance. It aims to attract top international students to French institutions.

2. Indian Government and Private Scholarships

The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians provides loan scholarships to Indian nationals for full-time postgraduate, Ph.D., postdoctoral, and research studies abroad, across various disciplines.
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (ISP) aims to assist talented students from developing countries, including India, who have no other means of financing their studies.
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships offers opportunities for young Indian students to study abroad in various fields, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and pure sciences.
The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust provides scholarships to Indian women graduates from reputed universities who wish to pursue higher education abroad in social work, social sciences, education, and welfare of women and children.
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program offers interest-free loan scholarships to Indian students with a consistently good academic record, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions in India and abroad.

3. University-Specific Scholarships

Émile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po is targeted at non-European students, including Indians, this scholarship supports undergraduate and master’s students based on merit and financial need.
HEC Paris provides various scholarships for MBA candidates, such as the HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence, which awards significant financial aid based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and professional experience.

4. European Union Scholarships

Funded by the EU, Erasmus+ offers scholarships for master’s students to study in multiple European countries, including France. It covers tuition, travel, and living expenses, promoting international cooperation and mobility.

5. Co-Financed Scholarships

A collaboration between the French Embassy in India and French companies or institutions, these scholarships support meritorious Indian students financially during their studies in France.

6. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Aimed at Indian students pursuing an MBA at INSEAD, the Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship scholarship provides financial assistance based on merit and financial need.
The Ampère Excellence Scholarships for International Students support master’s students in exact sciences, arts, and human and social sciences, covering tuition and providing a monthly stipend.

7. Other Scholarships

For students interested in film and television, La Femis offers scholarships to international students, including Indians, for its summer programs.
Targeted at engineering students, particularly in aerospace, the ISAE-SUPAERO scholarships provide financial aid to international students enrolling in their master’s programs.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students in France

Securing a scholarship to study in France involves meeting specific eligibility criteria that reflect the country’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural integration. Indian students aspiring for these scholarships should familiarize themselves with the following key factors:

Essential Eligibility Factors

1. Academic Performance

French institutions and scholarship programs typically require strong academic records. For undergraduate scholarships, a minimum score of 75% in 10th and 12th-grade examinations is often expected. Postgraduate applicants should have a first-class bachelor’s degree, with particular emphasis on performance in relevant subjects. Research-oriented programs may also assess the quality of previous thesis work or publications.

2. Standardized Test Scores

Certain scholarships may require standardized test scores:
GRE/GMAT: Particularly for business or engineering programs, competitive scores can enhance scholarship applications.
SAT/ACT: For undergraduate programs, strong performance in these tests may be considered.
While not universally mandated, high scores can strengthen an application.

3. English Proficiency

Depending on the medium of instruction, proficiency in either French or English is essential:
French-Taught Programs: Applicants must demonstrate French language skills, typically through DELF B2 or DALF C1/C2 certifications.
English-Taught Programs: Proficiency is usually evidenced by IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher.

4. Work Experience

Some scholarships, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels, prefer candidates with relevant professional experience:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Requires 2-3 years of work experience for master’s applicants.
MBA Programs: Often expect 3-5 years of professional experience.
Documented work experience can demonstrate practical knowledge and commitment to the chosen field.

5. Leadership & Extracurricular Activities

Engagement in leadership roles, community service, sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities can distinguish applicants. Scholarship committees value well-rounded individuals who contribute to their communities and demonstrate leadership potential.

6. Financial Need

Need-based scholarships assess the applicant’s financial situation. Applicants may need to provide:
Income certificates or bank statements.
Details of family financial status
Demonstrating financial need can be crucial for scholarships aimed at supporting students from low-income backgrounds.

7. Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

SOP: A compelling SOP should outline academic achievements, career goals, reasons for choosing France, and how the scholarship will aid in achieving these objectives.
LORs: Typically, 1-3 letters from academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s abilities and potential.
These documents provide insight into the applicant’s motivations and qualifications.

8. Age and Nationality Requirements

Age Limits: Many scholarships have age restrictions. For instance, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship sets limits of 25 years for master’s applicants and 30 years for Ph.D. candidates.
Nationality: Applicants must be Indian nationals. Some scholarships may have additional residency requirements.

9. Health and Medical Requirements

A medical fitness certificate may be required to ensure the applicant can undertake studies abroad.

10. Application Deadlines and Submission

Scholarship deadlines often precede university admission deadlines. It’s essential to:
Prepare and authenticate all necessary documents, including transcripts and test scores.
Ensure translations are provided for non-French documents.
Submit applications well before the deadline to accommodate any unforeseen delays.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France

France’s diverse scholarship landscape provides countless opportunities for Indian students pursuing higher education. Whether it’s government-backed excellence grants, merit-based university awards, or industry-sponsored funding, these financial aids make studying in France more accessible than ever. Start exploring today to find the perfect scholarship that fuels your academic journey!

French Government Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
Charpak Scholarship (French Embassy)	Bachelor’s/Master’s: €860/month stipend + tuition waiver (up to €5,000) + visa fee waiver + travel allowance (€1,100)	- Indian nationals - Age ≤ 30 (Master’s) / ≤ 23 (Bachelor’s) - Admission to a French institution	Covers STEM, arts, and social sciences. Renewable annually.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship	- Master’s: €1,181/month + travel + health insurance PhD: €1,400/month	- Indian nationals - Age ≤ 25 (Master’s) / ≤ 30 (PhD) - Admission to a French public university	Excludes tuition fees (covered by host institution). Priority for STEM, law, economics.

Indian Government Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
JN Tata Endowment	Loan scholarship (₹10–20 lakhs) + travel grant (₹50,000–1.5 lakhs)	- Indian nationals - Min. 60% in undergrad - Admission to top global universities	Repayable post-study (0% interest for 1st year).
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship	Up to $100,000 (covers tuition + living + travel)	- Age ≤ 30 - Admission to top universities (e.g., Sciences Po, HEC Paris) - Min. 65% in undergrad	Excludes engineering, medicine, and MBA.
Lady Meherbai Tata Trust	₹5–10 lakhs (one-time)	- Indian women - Graduates from reputed Indian universities - Field: Social work/women’s welfare	Requires return to India post-study.

University Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
University of Malaya (UM) Merit Scholarship	10%–100% tuition waiver.	- Min. 80% in Class XII (or equivalent) - Strong academic record in undergrad (for PG)	Early applicants get priority. Competitive, especially for engineering & medicine.
Monash University Malaysia Merit Scholarship	Up to 100% tuition fee waiver.	- Outstanding academic record (min. 85% or equivalent) - Leadership qualities	Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Taylor’s University Excellence Scholarship	30%–100% tuition discount.	- Min. 75% in Class XII (or equivalent) - Active in extracurriculars	Renewable each semester based on academic performance.

Private or NGOs Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme	Full tuition + stipend + accommodation.	- Engineering/STEM fields - Min. 80% in Class XII - Leadership potential	Requires a bond to work with PETRONAS post-graduation.
Khazanah Global Scholarship	Full tuition + living expenses + airfare.	- Admission to top Malaysian universities (e.g., UM, UKM) - Strong academic & leadership record	For postgraduate studies; must return to home country after completion.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship	Partial to full funding (need-based).	- Financial need - Strong academics - No age limit	Requires repayment through community service post-studies.

Apply for Scholarships to study in Malaysia for Indian students

Malaysia has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing quality higher education at competitive costs. Recent data indicates a growing number of Indian beneficiaries securing either full or partial funding for their studies. However, given the increasing competition for these awards, applicants must adopt a strategic approach to enhance their chances of success.

Below are key considerations for prospective candidates:

Scholarship deadlines in Malaysia often precede standard university admission cycles. Many programs require submissions several months in advance of the intended intake. Applicants are advised to maintain a structured schedule, accounting for document preparation, submission windows, and potential interview rounds.

While academic merit remains fundamental, selection committees frequently assess additional qualifications, including:

Demonstrated leadership experience
Participation in relevant extracurricular activities
Research contributions (particularly for postgraduate applicants)

A well-articulated Statement of Purpose should clearly convey the applicant’s academic and professional objectives, reasoning for selecting Malaysia as a study destination, and alignment between the candidate’s goals and the scholarship’s objectives.

Institutions typically value detailed endorsements from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s capabilities. Generic testimonials carry less weight than specific examples of achievement and potential.

Certain scholarships incorporate interview stages to evaluate:

The candidate’s familiarity with Malaysia’s education system
Relevance of their chosen field to current industry trends
Long-term plans and potential contributions to their home country or host institution

Applicants must ensure all supporting materials meet specified standards, including properly attested academic transcripts, certified translations of non-English documents and valid proof of financial status (wherever applicable).

Given the absence of standardized testing requirements for many Malaysian scholarships, candidates should concentrate on presenting a cohesive and compelling application narrative. Early preparation, attention to detail, and direct communication with awarding bodies can significantly improve outcomes.

Conclusion

Securing scholarships requires more than just merit—it demands a strategic approach. Hamlets Education partners with students to build winning applications, offering targeted advice on essay refinement, documentation, and interview preparation to give them a decisive advantage.

Bonjour, Scholarships! Fund Your French Education Today