Timeline
Four dates that shape your year
Applications open
Oct 1, 2025
Applications close
Jan 7, 2026
Results announced
Mar 15, 2026
Period begins
Sep 1, 2026
* French institution must nominate you. Apply through the university.
02 — Eligibility
Who can apply
Ensure you qualify on core disciplines, citizenship status, and credential requirements.
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Non-French nationality
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Under 30 for Master's, under 35 for PhD
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Not already living in France
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Enrolled or applying to a French institution
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Excellent academic record
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Fields
engineering, economics, management, law, political science
Who this is NOT for
- Short-term residency seekers: Candidates looking for conference or travel support rather than active degree enrollment.
- Remote learners: Students planning to attend online degree modules from Pakistan.
- U.S. Dual Citizens: Dual nationals holding U.S. citizenship (for U.S. study grants).
- Late planners: Those unable to commit 9–12 months of early preparation for visa and document assembly.
03 — Documents
Required credentials
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Nomination by French institution (not direct application)
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Academic transcripts and diplomas
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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CV/Resume
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Motivation letter
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Research project (PhD)
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Language certificates (French B2+ or English proof)
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Copy of passport
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
04 — The pipeline
Narrative steps, four acts
Most candidates underestimate how much prep work is done before the online form opens. Follow this structured chronological timeline to plan deliberately.
Contact and apply to...
Contact and apply to French universities directly
University nominates you for...
University nominates you for the Eiffel scholarship
Institution submits nomination file...
Institution submits nomination file by January deadline
Campus France reviews nominations
Follow the official playbook instructions to complete this step.
Ministry announces results (March)
Follow the official playbook instructions to complete this step.
Prepare visa and travel
Follow the official playbook instructions to complete this step.
Get the free application checklist (PDF)
A comprehensive, printable spreadsheet checklist mapping milestones, required essays, references, and deadline checks.
05 — Answered
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly?
No. Only French institutions can nominate candidates. Apply to universities first.
Do I need to know French?
Not necessarily — many programmes are taught in English. French proficiency is a plus.
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