Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship 2026: Easy Full Guide

The Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship for International Master’s Students is a merit-based funding programme for outstanding international students admitted to eligible Master’s programmes at Université Paris-Saclay in France.

For students searching for a Paris Scholarship for international students, this opportunity is particularly attractive because it provides €10,000 for an academic year, together with an additional contribution of up to €900 toward travel and visa expenses.

The scholarship is open to students of foreign nationality who meet the programme’s academic, age, admission and previous-study conditions. It is not restricted to applicants from a small group of countries. Students from Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and other regions may potentially qualify.

Both the first year of a Master’s degree, known as M1, and the second year, known as M2, are covered by the programme. An M1 recipient can potentially receive the award for a second year after successfully completing the required credits and progressing into an eligible M2 programme at Université Paris-Saclay.

However, international students cannot simply open a public scholarship form and apply independently.

The process starts with admission to an eligible Master’s programme. Programme coordinators identify scholarship candidates from among admitted students, and only those selected candidates receive access to the online scholarship application.

In this detailed Seach Scholarship guide, we explain the scholarship amount, eligibility requirements, eligible countries, M1 and M2 funding, application procedure, tuition fees, recommendations, international student requirements and important rules applicants should know.

Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship at a Glance

Scholarship Name: Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
University: Université Paris-Saclay
Country: France
Degree Level: Master 1 and Master 2
Eligible Applicants: Students of foreign nationality who satisfy all programme conditions
Fields of Study: All academic fields offered through eligible Master’s programmes
Annual Scholarship: €10,000
Payment Period: September to June
Travel and Visa Contribution: Up to €900 per academic year
Maximum M1 Funding: Two academic years, subject to successful progression
M2 Funding: One academic year
Age Requirement: Under 30 during the year of application
Application Method: Invitation after Master’s admission and coordinator selection
2026 Coordinator Selection Deadline: 25 March 2026
2026 Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
2026 Result Period: Mid-May 2026

The university’s official 2026 scholarship page lists these dates for the 2026 process. Applicants preparing for a later intake should use them only as a reference and wait for the next official schedule.

What Is the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship?

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship supports academically strong students from outside France who want to pursue graduate education at the university.

Université Paris-Saclay created the programme as part of its international Master’s strategy. The university particularly welcomes strong applicants interested in developing an academic and research pathway that may eventually lead toward doctoral study, although the programme is not limited only to future PhD candidates.

This is therefore more than a general financial-aid programme.

Academic quality plays an important role in selection.

The university evaluates factors such as:

Previous academic preparation
Personal academic project
Overall suitability for graduate study
Research direction
For M2 candidates, interest in potentially pursuing a PhD at Université Paris-Saclay

These areas are specifically included in the scholarship selection criteria.

For students using Seach Scholarship to compare French funding opportunities, an important distinction is that this award comes directly through Université Paris-Saclay rather than through a French Embassy or a separate French government scholarship portal.

Is This a Paris Scholarship for International Students?

Yes.

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship is specifically intended for students of foreign nationality who satisfy the programme conditions.

This makes it an important Paris Scholarship for international students interested in Master’s-level education in France.

However, the phrase “international students” should not be interpreted to mean that every applicant from outside France automatically qualifies.

Students must also satisfy conditions related to:

Master’s admission
Previous study in France
Age
Programme type
Existing scholarships or financial support
Coordinator nomination

Meeting the nationality condition alone is not enough.

Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

The current programme rules require international applicants to meet several conditions together.

Applicants must:

Be students of foreign nationality.
Be admitted to an eligible Master’s programme at Université Paris-Saclay.
Normally be entering French higher education for the first time.
Be under 30 during the application year.
Not receive incompatible scholarships.
Not receive other financial support exceeding the programme’s limit.
Be selected by the Master’s programme coordinator for scholarship consideration.

All of these points are important.

The Seach Scholarship team recommends checking eligibility before spending significant time preparing scholarship-specific materials.

Paris-Saclay Scholarship Age Limit

Applicants must be:

Under 30 years old during the year of application.

This is one of the programme’s official eligibility requirements.

For example, students preparing for a future Paris Scholarship for international students cycle should check their age against that year’s official call rather than assuming that Master’s admission alone guarantees scholarship eligibility.

First-Time Enrolment in France Requirement

The scholarship mainly targets international students entering French higher education for the first time.

Students who have previously been registered in a French higher education institution are generally not eligible.

There are several important exceptions.

Previous participation in the following does not necessarily disqualify a student:

Exchange programmes
Erasmus Mundus joint Master’s study that did not result in a French degree
Internships
Language programmes

International students who studied at a French higher education institution located outside France can also fall under an exception in the current regulations.

Students with a complicated previous education history should therefore review the official rules carefully rather than deciding eligibility from a short summary.

Eligible Institutions

Applicants must be admitted to an eligible Master’s programme operated through one of the institutions included in the scholarship framework.

The current programme lists:

AgroParisTech
CentraleSupélec
ENS Paris-Saclay
INSTN-CEA
Institut d’Optique Graduate School, or IOGS
Université Évry Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay
Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, or UVSQ

Simply gaining admission to another university in the Paris region does not qualify you for this particular Paris Scholarship.

The Master’s programme must belong to the eligible Université Paris-Saclay structure.

Which Academic Fields Are Eligible?

One of the strongest features of this Paris Scholarship for international students is the wide academic coverage.

The university states that:

All academic fields are eligible.

All Université Paris-Saclay Master’s programmes can potentially qualify except vocational programmes delivered through apprenticeship arrangements, known in French as formations en apprentissage.

Depending on available Master’s programmes, students may therefore find options in areas such as:

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Engineering
Electronics
Energy
Environmental Sciences
Economics
Management
Law
Biology
Life Sciences
Health
Agriculture
Social Sciences
Other academic disciplines

Applicants should always check the specific Master’s programme before applying.

Master 1 Scholarship

Students admitted to the first year of a Master’s programme can be considered for the scholarship.

Master 1 is commonly abbreviated as:

For an M1 scholarship recipient, funding can potentially continue for:

Two academic years

The award supports the first Master’s year and can automatically continue for the second year when the student:

Successfully obtains all required M1 credits, and
Is admitted to an M2 programme at Université Paris-Saclay.

This makes the M1 route particularly attractive for international students who want support across the full French Master’s cycle.

However, continued funding is conditional.

A student who needs to repeat the academic year loses the scholarship under the current regulations.

Master 2 Scholarship

International applicants entering the second year of a Master’s degree can also qualify.

Master 2 is commonly abbreviated as:

An M2 scholarship recipient receives support for:

One academic year.

Because M2 is normally the final year of the Master’s degree, the scholarship does not automatically continue after graduation.

For M2 applicants, the scholarship jury also considers the candidate’s motivation to potentially continue toward doctoral research at Université Paris-Saclay.

Students interested in research should therefore explain their academic direction clearly.

Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship offers two principal financial benefits.

€10,000 Annual Scholarship

Successful students receive:

€10,000 per academic year

The amount is normally paid in ten monthly instalments from September through June.

That corresponds to approximately:

€1,000 per month for 10 months

under the normal full-payment arrangement.

The amount can be reduced or suspended in certain cases involving study abroad or internships outside eligible Université Paris-Saclay research laboratories.

Up to €900 for Travel and Visa Costs

Recipients also receive an annual flat contribution of:

Up to €900

to help with travel and visa-related expenses.

The exact amount depends on the student’s country of origin.

This makes the award especially relevant for international students travelling long distances to France.

However, the university does not guarantee that every recipient receives exactly €900.

When Is the Scholarship Paid?

Scholarship funds are not provided before the student arrives in France.

Recipients receive the scholarship and travel contribution only after:

Arriving in France, and
Completing registration in the Master’s programme for which they were admitted.

No advance payment is available.

Students should therefore prepare enough money for early expenses such as:

Initial airfare
Visa expenses
Temporary accommodation
Rental deposit
Food
Local transportation
Other arrival costs

Seach Scholarship recommends planning for these expenses before travelling rather than assuming the scholarship will finance the journey in advance.

Does the Paris-Saclay Scholarship Cover Tuition?

No.

This is one of the most important facts students should know about this Paris Scholarship for international students.

The scholarship regulations clearly state that:

Registration and tuition fees are not paid by the International Master’s Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients remain responsible for these charges.

Students can request a partial or full fee reduction from the institution where they enrol, but approval is entirely at that institution’s discretion.

The scholarship should therefore not automatically be described as:

“Full tuition plus stipend.”

That wording would misrepresent the current programme.

Tuition Fee Exemptions for International Students

The fact that tuition is not included in the scholarship does not necessarily mean that every international student will face high differentiated fees.

Université Paris-Saclay has a separate policy for non-EU students subject to differentiated registration fees.

Under its current policy, eligible non-EU students can receive a partial exemption that brings differentiated registration fees in line with the fees applicable to domestic students, subject to the university’s applicable conditions.

Fee exemptions are separate from the International Master’s Scholarship itself.

Applicants should therefore check:

Scholarship funding
National registration fees
Any programme-specific charges
Available university fee exemptions

before calculating their total study budget.

Does the Scholarship Provide Accommodation?

The scholarship does not include guaranteed free housing.

Université Paris-Saclay supports scholarship recipients with their accommodation search, but the university states that a reservation cannot be guaranteed.

Students remain responsible for planning and securing suitable housing.

International students should begin looking for accommodation as early as possible after admission.

Administrative Support

Recipients can receive assistance with practical procedures related to studying in France.

The programme provides support concerning areas such as:

Visa procedures
Residence permits
Arrival
International student services
Integration
Accommodation search

The university also supports recipients interested in continuing their academic pathway toward doctoral study.

This is one reason Seach Scholarship considers the programme useful beyond the direct €10,000 financial award.

Is the Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship Fully Funded?

It is better to describe this scholarship as a generous funded Master’s scholarship rather than automatically calling it a full-ride scholarship.

The programme provides:

€10,000 per academic year
Up to €900 toward travel and visa expenses
Assistance with accommodation search
Administrative support

However, it does not automatically include:

Tuition fees
Registration fees
Guaranteed accommodation
Unlimited flight reimbursement
Funding before arrival

The official regulations specifically place tuition and registration fees on the scholarship recipient.

Students reading Seach Scholarship should therefore calculate the remaining costs for their individual Master’s programme before accepting an offer.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

There is no short nationality list restricting the scholarship to a particular region.

The official requirement states that eligible applicants must be students of foreign nationality who meet the other cumulative requirements.

This means eligible applicants can potentially come from Asia, Africa, South America, North America and other regions.

The country sections below are examples explaining how the nationality rule applies.

Asian Students and Paris-Saclay Scholarship

Students from Asian countries can potentially apply for this Paris Scholarship for international students if they meet the programme requirements.

Can Students From India Apply?

Yes.

Indian nationals can potentially compete for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship because the programme accepts eligible students of foreign nationality rather than limiting applications to a predefined country list.

Indian applicants still need to:

Gain admission to an eligible M1 or M2 programme
Meet the under-30 condition
Satisfy the first-time French higher education requirement
Meet programme-specific academic and language requirements
Receive selection from the Master’s programme coordinator

Nationality alone does not guarantee scholarship consideration.

Can Students From China Apply?

Yes.

Chinese students can potentially qualify for the Paris Scholarship for international students when they satisfy all scholarship and Master’s admission conditions. The official scholarship eligibility is based on foreign nationality together with the other cumulative criteria.

The exact Master’s application route can depend on the student’s country of residence and whether the Études en France procedure applies to their situation.

Can Students From Bangladesh Apply?

Yes.

Bangladeshi citizens can potentially apply because the scholarship does not publish a nationality restriction excluding Bangladesh.

They must still gain admission, be under 30 in the application year, satisfy previous-study conditions and receive scholarship nomination through their Master’s programme.

Students should check the admissions route for their specific Master’s before preparing the scholarship application.

Can Students From Indonesia Apply?

Yes.

Students from Indonesia can potentially be eligible for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship under the same foreign-nationality rules.

A successful Master’s admission does not automatically provide the scholarship.

The programme coordinator must separately select the applicant as a scholarship candidate.

Can Students From South Korea Apply?

Yes.

South Korean nationals can potentially compete for the scholarship if they satisfy the university’s admission and scholarship eligibility conditions.

There is no separate country quota or South Korea-specific restriction stated in the central eligibility criteria.

For all Asian applicants, Seach Scholarship recommends checking the Master’s application route first because admission procedures can differ according to nationality and country of residence.

African Students and Paris-Saclay Scholarship

The Paris Scholarship for international students is also potentially available to eligible applicants from African countries.

Can Students From Nigeria Apply?

Yes.

Nigerian students can potentially qualify because the programme accepts students of foreign nationality who meet the cumulative scholarship conditions.

Applicants need eligible Master’s admission and coordinator selection before they can submit the scholarship application.

Can Students From Ghana Apply?

Yes.

Ghanaian nationals can potentially apply for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship.

They must meet the same academic, age, enrolment and funding conditions that apply to other international applicants.

Can Students From Kenya Apply?

Yes.

Kenyan students can potentially compete for this Paris Scholarship after gaining admission to an eligible Master’s programme and satisfying all other requirements.

The scholarship does not publish a central country list excluding Kenyan applicants.

Can Students From South Africa Apply?

Yes.

South African nationals can potentially apply under the scholarship’s foreign-nationality eligibility rule.

Applicants still need to be under 30 during the application year, meet first-time enrolment conditions and be selected by their Master’s coordinator.

Seach Scholarship recommends that African applicants begin the Master’s application early because scholarship consideration can only happen after admission and before the coordinator’s scholarship-selection deadline.

South American Students and Paris-Saclay Scholarship

Students from South America can also potentially qualify for the Paris Scholarship for international students.

Can Students From Brazil Apply?

Yes.

Brazilian students can potentially compete for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship under the foreign-nationality criterion.

They must satisfy the remaining requirements, including Master’s admission, age and previous-study conditions.

Can Students From Argentina Apply?

Yes.

Argentine nationals can potentially apply for this scholarship if they are admitted to an eligible Master’s programme and meet the other cumulative eligibility conditions.

Admission alone does not guarantee nomination.

Can Students From Colombia Apply?

Yes.

Colombian students can potentially qualify for the scholarship.

The central eligibility criteria do not restrict the award to European or Asian applicants. Instead, they refer broadly to students of foreign nationality who meet the programme requirements.

Can Students From Chile Apply?

Yes.

Chilean students can potentially compete for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship if they meet all admission and scholarship conditions.

They must also be selected by their Master’s programme coordinator before receiving access to the scholarship form.

For South American applicants, Seach Scholarship recommends checking whether their country of residence falls under the Études en France procedure because that can affect the post-admission process.

Can Students From the USA Apply?

Yes.

United States citizens can potentially apply for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship.

The scholarship accepts students of foreign nationality who meet the required conditions, and the central regulations do not exclude applicants from the United States.

An applicant from the USA would still need to:

Gain admission to an eligible M1 or M2 programme.
Be under 30 in the application year.
Meet the first-time enrolment conditions for France.
Meet the Master’s academic and language requirements.
Avoid incompatible funding.
Be selected by the Master’s coordinator for scholarship consideration.

For US applicants looking for a Paris Scholarship for international students, this programme can therefore be considered alongside other French university and external funding opportunities.

How to Apply for the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

The scholarship follows a nomination-based procedure.

Students should follow the process in the correct order.

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Programme

Begin by finding an M1 or M2 programme at Université Paris-Saclay.

Check:

Academic prerequisites
Required previous qualification
Language requirements
Application deadline
Programme content
Research opportunities
M1 or M2 level

Remember that apprenticeship Master’s programmes are not eligible for this scholarship.

Step 2: Apply for Master’s Admission

International applicants first submit a normal application for their selected Master’s.

The correct application route depends on factors including:

Nationality
Country of residence
Whether the applicant is applying to M1 or M2
The specific programme

Université Paris-Saclay currently uses different procedures involving INCEPTION, Mon Master and, where relevant, Études en France.

Always follow the instructions displayed for your particular programme.

Step 3: Gain Admission Before the Scholarship Selection Deadline

Students must have applied and been admitted before the scholarship programme’s internal selection deadline if they want to be considered by their programme coordinator.

This makes timing extremely important.

Applying to the Master’s after the scholarship selection deadline may mean that you can still compete for admission but miss the scholarship opportunity for that cycle.

Step 4: Wait for Coordinator Selection

The Master’s programme coordinator reviews eligible admitted students and selects candidates for scholarship consideration.

Not every admitted international student will receive an invitation.

If selected, the student receives an email containing a link to the online scholarship application.

Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Application

Selected candidates complete the scholarship form online.

Applications sent directly by ordinary email are not accepted.

Applicants should carefully complete every required section before the deadline.

Step 6: Provide Referee Details

Where requested, scholarship candidates provide contact information for two people who can recommend them.

These may include:

Professor
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Internship supervisor
Research supervisor

The university contacts the referees directly and asks them to complete their recommendation online.

Applicants receive confirmation that the recommendation was received but cannot read the recommendation itself.

Step 7: Scholarship Jury Review

Complete applications are assessed by experts from Université Paris-Saclay’s Graduate Schools.

The current evaluation criteria include:

Academic background
Personal project
For M2 applicants, motivation to potentially pursue doctoral study at Université Paris-Saclay

Step 8: Receive the Result

Applicants are informed of the scholarship jury’s decision by email.

The university states that jury decisions are confidential and cannot be appealed.

Can You Apply Directly for the Scholarship?

Not initially.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about the Paris Scholarship for international students.

The correct order is:

Apply for an eligible Master’s.
Gain admission before the scholarship selection deadline.
Be selected by the programme coordinator.
Receive the scholarship application link.
Complete the online scholarship application.

Students cannot bypass admission and submit an unsolicited scholarship application directly to the university.

Documents Required

The exact documents needed for Master’s admission vary according to programme.

Applicants should follow the checklist displayed for their selected degree.

Typical Master’s admission information can include:

Academic history
Previous university degree
Academic transcripts
Language evidence
Academic or personal project
Supporting documents requested by the programme
Academic references

Foreign applicants who have not studied at a French higher education institution during the previous two academic years must provide contact information for two people who can academically recommend them during their Master’s application.

The scholarship application then has its own invitation-based requirements.

Recommendation Letters and References

References can play an important role in both the Master’s admission and scholarship process.

International Master’s applicants falling under the university’s reference requirement need to provide two academic contacts.

Selected scholarship applicants may also be asked to provide two referee contacts for the scholarship application.

Good choices may include:

Professor
University lecturer
Thesis supervisor
Research supervisor
Academic adviser
Internship supervisor

A detailed recommendation should provide evidence of the applicant’s:

Academic ability
Research potential
Analytical skills
Project work
Independence
Motivation
Readiness for Master’s study

Seach Scholarship has a separate recommendation letter guide that can be linked here for students who need detailed writing and preparation advice.

Statement of Purpose and Personal Project

The scholarship jury evaluates the applicant’s personal project, making the academic direction of the application especially important.

A strong statement should explain the connection between:

Previous education
Current academic interests
The selected Paris-Saclay Master’s programme
Relevant projects or research
Future academic plans
Long-term professional goals

For M2 candidates, students interested in doctoral research should also explain that direction clearly because PhD motivation forms part of the official M2 scholarship assessment.

Avoid writing only that Université Paris-Saclay is prestigious.

The application should explain why the specific Master’s programme is academically suitable.

A detailed Seach Scholarship Statement of Purpose Guide can be linked here later.

CV for Université Paris-Saclay

Individual Master’s programmes may request a CV as part of their admissions materials.

A concise academic CV can include:

Education
Research
Academic projects
Internships
Employment
Technical skills
Publications
Conferences
Awards
Languages
Relevant activities

There is no need to turn this scholarship article into a full CV-writing tutorial because Seach Scholarship provides a separate detailed CV guide that can be linked from this section.

Motivation Letter

Where a Master’s programme asks for a motivation letter, students should prepare it specifically for that programme.

A useful motivation letter normally connects:

Previous academic experience
Interest in the field
Relevant research or projects
Reasons for choosing the Master’s
Skills the applicant wants to develop
Future academic or professional goals

Avoid sending an identical generic letter to several universities.

A dedicated Seach Scholarship Motivation Letter Guide can be linked here for detailed assistance.

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Which level are you applying for?

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Bachelors
Masters

Is IELTS Required?

The International Master’s Scholarship does not publish one universal IELTS score for every applicant.

Language conditions are determined at the level of the chosen Master’s programme.

Some programmes may be taught in English, while others are taught in French or use a combination of languages.

Students should therefore verify the language requirement on the selected degree page.

The Master’s application procedure itself also varies according to the applicant’s situation.

Can Students Receive Other Scholarships?

Not all funding can be combined with this award.

Students receiving other financial support of more than:

€600 per month

are ineligible under the current programme rules.

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship also cannot be combined with:

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
France Excellence Europa Scholarship
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Applicants who apply for several scholarships should check compatibility before accepting multiple offers.

Scholarship Selection Criteria

The programme is merit-based.

The official jury considers the following areas.

Academic Background

Applicants should demonstrate strong preparation for the selected Master’s programme.

Relevant coursework, academic results, research and projects can all contribute to the overall profile.

Personal Project

The applicant needs a clear academic direction.

A strong profile should show how previous studies connect with the selected Master’s and future objectives.

PhD Motivation for M2 Candidates

M2 applicants are also evaluated on their motivation to potentially continue into doctoral research at Université Paris-Saclay.

This does not mean every scholarship recipient must later complete a PhD.

Refugee and Subsidiary Protection Applicants

Université Paris-Saclay applies an additional evaluation mechanism for students with refugee status or subsidiary protection, working with UNHCR and the MEnS association.

Applicants concerned by this status are asked to identify it in their statement of purpose when applying for the Master’s so it can be considered in the scholarship evaluation.

Paris-Saclay Scholarship Deadline 2026

For the 2026 scholarship process, the university published the following dates.

Master’s Programme Coordinator Selection

25 March 2026 at 11:59 PM Paris time

Scholarship Application and Recommendation Deadline

31 March 2026 at 11:59 PM Paris time

Results

Mid-May 2026

These dates relate specifically to the 2026 scholarship process.

Paris-Saclay Scholarship 2027

Students preparing for the next Paris Scholarship for international students cycle should not automatically reuse the 2026 deadlines.

At the time this Seach Scholarship guide is being updated, the official scholarship page displays the 2026 schedule.

Future applicants should check for the new:

Master’s application dates
Scholarship nomination deadline
Scholarship application deadline
Recommendation deadline
Result announcement

as soon as Université Paris-Saclay publishes the next cycle.

Can the Scholarship Be Deferred?

No.

The award applies to the academic year for which it is granted.

The current regulations do not allow scholarship deferment.

Students should therefore apply only when they are prepared to begin the approved programme during the relevant academic year.

Can You Change Programmes?

The scholarship is linked to a predetermined Master’s programme.

The regulations do not allow recipients to freely switch to another programme while keeping the scholarship.

Students should choose their Master’s carefully before accepting the award.

What Happens if You Repeat a Year?

A recipient who needs to repeat an academic year loses the scholarship.

For M1 recipients, successful completion of all required credits and admission to an M2 programme at Université Paris-Saclay are necessary for the second year of funding.

Gap Year Rules

A scholarship recipient may take an approved gap year.

However:

The gap year is not funded.

Students should therefore plan the financial consequences before interrupting their Master’s programme.

International Mobility

Study periods away from Université Paris-Saclay can affect scholarship payments.

The scholarship is normally suspended while a recipient studies at another institution in France or abroad.

Certain compulsory international mobility arrangements required by the Master’s programme can continue to receive reduced funding.

Optional mobility is not funded.

Internship Rules

Internships can also change the amount a recipient receives.

Research internships are preferably completed in laboratories affiliated with Université Paris-Saclay.

Under the current regulations:

Paid or unpaid internships abroad suspend scholarship payments.
Certain internships in France outside Paris-Saclay laboratories can reduce or suspend payments.
An external internship in France paying more than €1,000 per month results in scholarship suspension.

Students should check the scholarship conditions before accepting an internship away from the university.

Attendance Requirements

Scholarship recipients must actively participate in the Master’s programme for which the funding was granted.

Repeated absence without a valid explanation can cause the scholarship to be suspended.

Recipients must also inform the programme administration if their circumstances change.

How Competitive Is the Paris-Saclay Scholarship?

The award can be highly competitive because students effectively pass through several stages.

First, they need to be admitted to an eligible Master’s programme.

Second, the Master’s coordinator decides which admitted candidates will be invited to compete for the scholarship.

Third, selected applications are reviewed by the scholarship jury.

A strong candidate should therefore demonstrate:

Strong academic preparation
Clear programme fit
Relevant academic or research experience
A focused personal project
Good references
Clear future objectives
Research potential where relevant

Tips for a Strong Paris Scholarship Application

Apply Early

If scholarship funding is a priority, do not wait until the final possible Master’s application date.

The coordinator needs enough time to admit and consider you before the scholarship-selection deadline.

Choose the Right Programme

Your selected Master’s should have a logical connection with your previous academic preparation.

Build a Clear Academic Story

Explain how your previous study led to your current interests and how Paris-Saclay will help you progress.

Select Strong Referees

Choose people who actually know your academic or professional work.

Explain Research Interests

This can be especially important for M2 candidates considering PhD study.

Check Other Funding

Make sure any other scholarship or monthly support does not make you ineligible.

Prepare Arrival Funds

The university does not make scholarship advances before arrival.

Seach Scholarship recommends having enough personal funds to cover your initial travel and settling-in costs.

Common Paris-Saclay Scholarship Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Assuming admission automatically includes the scholarship.
Looking for a public direct scholarship form before Master’s admission.
Applying to the Master’s too late for scholarship consideration.
Ignoring the under-30 requirement.
Assuming previous study in France does not matter.
Selecting an apprenticeship Master’s programme.
Describing the award as automatic full tuition.
Expecting the travel contribution before arriving in France.
Assuming accommodation is guaranteed.
Trying to combine the scholarship with Eiffel, Europa or Erasmus Mundus.
Selecting weak academic referees.
Submitting an unfocused personal project.
Ignoring M1 progression requirements.
Assuming a repeated year remains funded.
Planning optional international mobility without checking the funding rules.
Using old deadlines for a future application round.

Paris-Saclay Scholarship vs France Excellence Eiffel

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship and France Excellence Eiffel can both support international Master’s study in France, but they are completely separate programmes.

Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

Offered through Université Paris-Saclay
Supports M1 and M2
Provides €10,000 per academic year
Includes up to €900 toward travel and visa expenses
Requires prior Master’s admission
Candidates are selected by programme coordinators
Cannot be combined with Eiffel

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

French government funding programme
Uses separate eligibility rules
French institutions nominate candidates
Has a different financial package
Uses a separate application procedure and timeline

Students using Seach Scholarship should compare both opportunities but remember that receiving both at the same time is not permitted under the Paris-Saclay scholarship regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship?

It is a merit-based scholarship for eligible international students admitted to Master’s programmes within the Université Paris-Saclay system.

Is it a Paris Scholarship for international students?

Yes.

It is designed for eligible students of foreign nationality who have been admitted to qualifying Master’s programmes.

How much is the Paris-Saclay Scholarship?

Recipients receive:

€10,000 per academic year

plus up to:

€900 toward travel and visa expenses.

How is the €10,000 paid?

The scholarship is normally paid in ten monthly instalments between September and June.

Does the scholarship cover tuition?

No.

Registration and tuition fees are not included in the scholarship itself.

Can students request a tuition fee reduction?

Yes.

Recipients can request a partial or full discount from their enrolment institution, although approval remains at the institution’s discretion.

Is accommodation free?

No.

Recipients receive support with their housing search, but accommodation is not guaranteed.

Are flight costs covered?

The scholarship provides up to €900 toward travel and visa costs rather than unlimited airfare reimbursement.

Is the €900 paid before travelling?

No.

The scholarship and travel contribution are provided after arrival in France and registration in the programme.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must be under 30 during the application year.

Can M1 students apply?

Yes.

Eligible M1 recipients can potentially receive funding for two years when they successfully complete the first year and progress into M2 at Université Paris-Saclay.

Can M2 students apply?

Yes.

M2 recipients receive the scholarship for one academic year.

Are Bachelor’s students eligible?

No.

The programme supports Master’s study.

Are PhD students eligible?

Not through this scholarship.

However, the programme particularly encourages international Master’s students interested in continuing toward research and doctoral study.

Are all subjects eligible?

Yes.

All academic fields are eligible, although apprenticeship Master’s programmes are excluded.

Can students from India apply?

Yes, provided they meet all scholarship and admission requirements.

Can students from China apply?

Yes.

Can students from Bangladesh apply?

Yes.

Can students from Indonesia apply?

Yes.

Can students from South Korea apply?

Yes.

The scholarship’s central nationality requirement is foreign nationality rather than membership in a small list of eligible countries.

Can students from Nigeria apply?

Yes, if they satisfy the other conditions.

Can students from Ghana apply?

Yes.

Can students from Kenya apply?

Yes.

Can students from South Africa apply?

Yes.

Can students from Brazil apply?

Yes.

Can students from Argentina apply?

Yes.

Can students from Colombia apply?

Yes.

Can students from Chile apply?

Yes.

Can students from the USA apply?

Yes.

US citizens are foreign nationals for the purpose of the central nationality requirement and can potentially qualify if all remaining conditions are satisfied.

Is there an official country list?

The current central scholarship criteria do not publish a short eligible-country list.

They state that eligible applicants must be students of foreign nationality who satisfy the remaining cumulative criteria.

Do students apply directly for the scholarship?

Not at the beginning.

Students must first apply for Master’s admission and then be selected by their programme coordinator.

Does every admitted international student get the scholarship form?

No.

Only students selected by their Master’s programme coordinator receive the online scholarship application link.

Are recommendations required?

International Master’s applicants who have not been enrolled in French higher education during the previous two academic years must provide two academic reference contacts during admission.

Scholarship candidates may also be asked to provide two referees.

Is IELTS compulsory?

There is no single scholarship-wide IELTS requirement.

Applicants should check the language conditions of the particular Master’s programme.

Can I receive Eiffel and Paris-Saclay together?

No.

Can I combine France Excellence Europa with Paris-Saclay?

No.

Can I receive Erasmus Mundus and Paris-Saclay together?

No.

These combinations are specifically excluded under the current scholarship rules.

Can I receive another scholarship?

Students receiving other funding above €600 per month are currently considered ineligible.

What was the 2026 deadline?

The coordinator selection deadline was 25 March 2026, followed by the scholarship and recommendation deadline on 31 March 2026. Results were scheduled for mid-May 2026.

What is the next scholarship deadline?

Applicants should check the latest Université Paris-Saclay announcement once the new scholarship cycle is published rather than assuming the previous year’s dates will remain unchanged.

Final Thoughts

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship is a strong funding opportunity for international students who want to complete an M1 or M2 programme in France.

The programme provides €10,000 per academic year, usually paid over ten months, together with a contribution of up to €900 for travel and visa costs.

It is also genuinely international.

Eligible applicants can potentially come from countries across Asia, Africa, South America, North America, Europe and other regions because the central nationality condition focuses on foreign nationality rather than a short list of participating countries.

For students searching for a Paris Scholarship for international students, the most important point is to understand the order of the application.

You do not begin with the scholarship.

First, choose and apply for an eligible Master’s programme at Université Paris-Saclay. You must be admitted before the scholarship selection deadline. Your programme coordinator then decides whether to nominate you for scholarship consideration. Only nominated students receive the online scholarship application.

Applicants should also remember that the scholarship itself does not pay tuition or registration fees, although separate university fee exemptions may be available.

Seach Scholarship recommends beginning the Master’s admission process early, choosing strong academic referees, preparing a focused personal project and keeping enough personal funds available for the first stages of travel and settlement because the scholarship is not paid before arrival.

As with every scholarship listed by Seach Scholarship, use the latest official Université Paris-Saclay regulations for the exact application year before submitting. Scholarship deadlines, tuition policies and programme conditions can change between admission cycles.