Ampère Scholarships of Excellence 2027–2028: Complete ENS de Lyon Scholarship Guide
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are competitive Master’s scholarships offered by École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, commonly known as ENS de Lyon, to academically strong international students who want to continue their graduate education in France.
Students selected for the scholarship currently receive €1,000 per month for 12 months while studying an eligible Master’s program at ENS de Lyon. The scholarship is available for admission to either the first year of a Master’s degree, known as M1, or the second year, known as M2.
The opportunity is particularly attractive because the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are not limited to one narrow academic field. Eligible programs cover areas including exact sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences, although some Master’s programs are excluded.
There is one important point for students preparing for the next application cycle.
As of August 2026, the 2026–2027 application round is closed. ENS de Lyon states that information for the 2027–2028 application calendar will be updated in November 2026. Therefore, applicants interested in the next intake should prepare their documents now but should not rely on unofficial websites claiming to know the final 2027–2028 deadline.
This detailed guide from Seach Scholarship explains the scholarship amount, eligibility requirements, eligible degrees, application documents, selection procedure, renewal conditions, restrictions, and the preparation strategy international students can follow for the next Ampère Scholarships of Excellence application.
What Are the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence?
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are merit-based scholarships associated with ENS de Lyon in France.
Their main purpose is to attract high-performing international students to Master’s programs offered by the institution.
Rather than functioning as a separate scholarship for students studying anywhere in France, the funding is connected to admission to an eligible ENS de Lyon Master’s program.
This distinction is important.
An applicant normally applies through the ENS de Lyon Master’s and scholarship application procedure. In other words, students should first determine which eligible Master’s program matches their previous studies, academic interests, and future objectives.
ENS de Lyon describes the scholarship as part of its merit scholarship opportunities for excellent international Master’s applicants. For the latest confirmed 2026–2027 cycle, the scholarship provides €1,000 per month for 12 months.
Students considering the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence should therefore evaluate both parts of their application:
- Their suitability for the chosen Master’s program.
- Their academic competitiveness for the scholarship.
A strong scholarship profile cannot compensate for choosing a Master’s program for which the applicant lacks the necessary academic preparation.
Ampère Scholarships of Excellence 2027–2028 Overview
Here is a quick summary for prospective applicants.
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Ampère Scholarships of Excellence |
| Host Institution | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
| Country | France |
| Study Level | Master’s M1 and M2 |
| Eligible Applicants | International students meeting the scholarship conditions |
| Current Scholarship Amount | €1,000 per month |
| Current Funding Period | 12 months |
| Eligible Fields | Eligible ENS de Lyon Master’s programs open to international students |
| Application Method | ENS de Lyon online Master’s/scholarship application |
| 2026–2027 Status | Closed |
| 2027–2028 Application Information | Expected to be updated in November 2026 |
| Scholarship Renewal | Possible under specified conditions for M2 |
| Main Selection Basis | Academic merit and admission assessment |
ENS de Lyon opened its 2026–2027 application period on 14 November 2025, closed applications on 23 January 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET, and scheduled results for around mid-March 2026. The university has specifically stated that the calendar for 2027–2028 will be updated in November 2026.
Students should use the previous schedule only as a preparation reference. It should not be treated as confirmation of the next deadline.
Who Can Apply for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence?
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are designed primarily for international students applying to eligible Master’s programs at ENS de Lyon.
For the confirmed 2026–2027 rules, applicants for the Ampère scholarship had to be foreign nationals. Applicants holding French nationality were not eligible for this particular scholarship.
Applicants must also satisfy the academic entry level for either M1 or M2.
Applicants for Master’s Year 1
Students applying to the first year of a Master’s program should have completed the equivalent of a French Licence degree.
ENS de Lyon identifies this level as approximately 180 ECTS credits, generally comparable to completion of an appropriate Bachelor’s-level qualification.
Having a Bachelor’s degree does not automatically guarantee admission.
The academic subject, previous coursework, grades, and compatibility between the applicant’s background and the chosen Master’s program can all matter.
Applicants for Master’s Year 2
Applicants seeking direct entry into M2 should normally demonstrate an academic level equivalent to successful completion of the first year of a Master’s program.
ENS de Lyon identifies this as approximately 240 ECTS credits or an equivalent academic level.
International applicants should not simply assume that a particular number of years of university education automatically equals M2 eligibility.
The university’s admission committee assesses the applicant’s academic qualifications.
Age Requirement for Ampère Scholarships of Excellence
Age is an important eligibility condition that applicants should check carefully.
For the 2026–2027 Ampère Scholarships of Excellence, candidates had to be 26 years old or younger, with the official eligibility table specifying applicants born on or after January 1, 2000.
Students applying for 2027–2028 should be careful here.
The next official age cutoff has not yet been published on the current ENS de Lyon application page.
It may be tempting to calculate a future birth-date requirement based on the previous year’s rule, but Seach Scholarship recommends waiting for the official 2027–2028 eligibility table rather than presenting an estimated date as confirmed information.
Check the official call once the next application information is published.
Nationality Requirements
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence target foreign students.
For the most recently confirmed cycle, applicants with French nationality were not eligible for the Ampère scholarship.
This condition should not be confused with the eligibility rules of other scholarships offered through ENS de Lyon.
For example, the institution also provides information about Graduate+ scholarships, whose nationality and funding conditions are not identical to those of Ampère.
Applicants should therefore read the specific column or rules for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence instead of assuming that all ENS de Lyon scholarships have the same eligibility requirements.
Eligible Master’s Programs
One of the major advantages of the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence is the broad academic coverage.
ENS de Lyon states that Ampère funding is available for Master’s programs in:
- Exact Sciences
- Arts
- Human Sciences
- Social Sciences
However, FEADéP Master’s programs and some other Master’s programs are excluded. ENS de Lyon advises candidates to review the specific Master’s program descriptions before applying.
The university also states that applications are possible for ENS de Lyon Master’s programs that are open to international students.
This means applicants should not begin by asking, “Which scholarship can I get?”
A better approach is:
Academic background → suitable Master’s program → eligibility → scholarship application.
That sequence produces a more convincing application.
How Much Do the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence Provide?
The latest confirmed Ampère Scholarships of Excellence provide:
€1,000 per month for 12 months.
That represents up to €12,000 over the initial 12-month scholarship period if all scholarship requirements are satisfied.
According to the current Ampère scholarship regulations, payments are made in installments during the academic year rather than necessarily as one transfer every month. The latest published rules describe four installments: approximately two months of funding at the end of September, another two months at the end of November, four months in February, and four months in May.
Students should therefore plan their finances carefully when arriving in France.
Is the Ampère Scholarship Fully Funded?
Students frequently describe scholarships worth €1,000 per month as “fully funded,” but applicants should use that phrase carefully.
The official Ampère Scholarships of Excellence information clearly confirms a scholarship amount of €1,000 per month for 12 months.
Applicants should not automatically interpret this as confirmation that every possible expense—such as international airfare, accommodation, visa charges, meals, insurance, deposits, books, and personal expenses—is covered directly by Ampère funding.
Financial arrangements can also differ when specific bilateral or embassy partnerships are involved.
For example, ENS de Lyon currently points to separate opportunities or partnerships for certain applicants from the United States, Canada, and India.
Therefore, Seach Scholarship recommends budgeting beyond the €1,000 monthly award unless the applicant receives additional officially confirmed support.
Can the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence Be Renewed?
Potential renewal is one of the attractive features of the program.
According to the official 2026–2027 eligibility information, a student receiving an Ampère scholarship during M1 may potentially receive another 12 months during M2.
However, renewal is not automatic.
The student must successfully validate M1 and be selected for renewal by the head of the Master’s program.
This means a student entering M1 should not construct a two-year financial plan on the assumption that the second year is guaranteed.
Academic performance during the first year remains important.
Can You Hold Another Scholarship at the Same Time?
For the confirmed 2026–2027 rules, the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence generally could not be held together with another scholarship, apart from the stated CROUS exception.
Students receiving funding from:
- their home government,
- another French scholarship,
- an international organization,
- a university,
- or another funding body
should verify compatibility before accepting both awards.
Do not assume that because two organizations offer you funding, you can automatically receive both.
Documents Required for Ampère Scholarships of Excellence
ENS de Lyon provides an official list of application documents.
For the most recent application round, all candidates were required to upload key documents in French or English.
1. Official Identity Document
Applicants must provide an acceptable official identity document.
Ensure that the document is valid and that your personal details are clearly visible.
Your name should also be written consistently throughout the application.
2. Motivation Letter
The motivation letter is one of the most important documents for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence.
A strong motivation letter should explain:
- why you selected the Master’s program,
- how your previous studies prepared you,
- your strongest relevant academic experiences,
- your research or professional interests,
- what you expect to learn,
- and how the program connects with your future goals.
Avoid writing a general essay about wanting to study in France.
The committee should understand why this specific ENS de Lyon Master’s program is academically suitable for you.
3. Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should present the strongest evidence from your academic and professional profile.
Relevant information may include:
- university education,
- research experience,
- academic projects,
- internships,
- publications,
- conferences,
- technical skills,
- employment,
- awards,
- extracurricular academic activities,
- and language abilities.
Do not fill the CV with unrelated information simply to make it longer.
4. Degree Certificates
Applicants must provide certificates for degrees already obtained.
For example, an M1 applicant would normally provide evidence of the relevant Bachelor’s-level qualification.
ENS de Lyon requires documents to be in French or English. If the original document is in another language, an officially certified French or English translation is required.
5. Academic Transcripts
University transcripts are required.
These allow the admission committee to evaluate:
- your grades,
- courses studied,
- academic progression,
- relevant specialization,
- and preparation for the selected Master’s program.
Documents not originally issued in French or English must meet the university’s translation requirements.
6. Current Proof of Enrollment
Students who are currently studying must provide proof of enrollment for the current academic year.
This helps demonstrate their present academic status.
7. Program-Specific Documents
This part is particularly important.
ENS de Lyon states that additional documents can be required depending on the Master’s program.
These may include:
- research project documents,
- language certificates,
- recommendation letters,
- and other material requested by academic reviewers.
If an expected document is unavailable, the university indicates that an explanation may need to be provided in PDF format.
Candidates for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence should therefore check the requirements of their exact program instead of relying only on a general scholarship checklist.
Language Requirements
There is no single universal French or English language rule that can safely be applied to every eligible Master’s program.
ENS de Lyon specifically directs candidates to its language proficiency information because requirements depend on the program and may involve French, English, or both.
Depending on the Master’s degree, applicants may need evidence such as:
- French language proficiency,
- English language proficiency,
- or another form of accepted language evidence.
Applicants should first select the Master’s program and then check its exact teaching language and language certificate requirements.
How to Apply for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence
The application process should be followed carefully.
Step 1: Select an Eligible Master’s Program
Before starting the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence application, study the ENS de Lyon Master’s catalog carefully.
Check:
- academic prerequisites,
- M1 or M2 level,
- language of instruction,
- course structure,
- research opportunities,
- and required supporting documents.
Step 2: Confirm Your Applicant Category
ENS de Lyon uses different application routes based on applicant status.
For the most recent cycle, separate forms were provided for categories such as:
- European students,
- non-European students holding a foreign higher education degree,
- and non-European students holding a French higher education degree.
Using the wrong application form can result in the application not being considered.
Step 3: Create Your Online Account
When the next Ampère Scholarships of Excellence application portal opens, candidates should register and access the appropriate online application form.
The same ENS de Lyon procedure can cover the Master’s application and application for a scholarship of excellence.
Step 4: Complete Every Section Carefully
Provide accurate:
- personal information,
- educational history,
- degree information,
- academic interests,
- Master’s selection,
- and other requested details.
Make sure information across your CV, transcript, motivation letter, and online form is consistent.
Step 5: Upload All Required Documents
Check every upload before submission.
ENS de Lyon explicitly states that the International Student Office does not pre-validate applications for students. Applicants are responsible for confirming that all required documents have been uploaded.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Late applications are not considered.
Applications sent by email instead of through the designated procedure are also not considered, and incomplete applications may be rejected.
Do not wait until the final hour.
Step 7: Wait for Academic Review
Applications are reviewed by the ENS de Lyon admission committee.
Scholarship selection is therefore closely connected with academic assessment.
Step 8: Receive the Admission Decision
Successful candidates admitted to an ENS de Lyon program receive a pre-enrollment letter and further instructions for enrollment and preparation for their stay in Lyon.
Ampère Scholarships of Excellence 2027–2028 Deadline
The official deadline for 2027–2028 has not yet been announced.
The previous confirmed schedule was:
Opening: November 14, 2025
Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET
Results: Mid-March 2026
These dates applied to the 2026–2027 academic year, not 2027–2028.
ENS de Lyon states that the 2027–2028 calendar will be updated in November 2026.
Applicants following this guide on Seach Scholarship should return to the official application page once the new call is released.
How Are Candidates Selected?
Admission and scholarship selection are competitive.
ENS de Lyon states that applications are reviewed and approved by its admission committee.
Although a single public scoring formula is not provided on the current application page, applicants should expect academic quality and program suitability to be important.
A competitive candidate for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence should normally demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance.
- Relevant previous studies.
- Clear preparation for the selected Master’s.
- Focused academic interests.
- A convincing motivation letter.
- Relevant research, projects, or professional experience where applicable.
- Strong recommendations when requested.
- Appropriate language preparation.
- Clear future academic or professional goals.
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Scholarship Holder Obligations
Winning the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence also creates responsibilities.
According to the latest scholarship regulations, recipients must complete registration at ENS de Lyon, attend required academic activities, participate diligently in their Master’s studies, sit the relevant examinations, and complete compulsory internships.
Scholarship recipients are also subject to specific restrictions.
Restrictions on Study Abroad
The Ampère rules state that recipients cannot undertake a study or research period abroad while receiving the scholarship.
This is important for students considering an exchange semester or research visit outside France.
Do not assume that receiving a French scholarship automatically allows international mobility during the funding period.
Internship Restrictions
Internships are another important condition.
The published Ampère rules require relevant internships to take place in laboratories affiliated with or under ENS de Lyon supervision.
For first-year Ampère scholarship students, the regulations are particularly strict about completing the internship in an affiliated laboratory. Different provisions may apply in the second year in exceptional circumstances, but authorization rules remain important.
Students should discuss internship plans with their Master’s program before making independent arrangements.
Can Scholarship Payments Be Stopped?
Yes.
The scholarship regulations state that ENS de Lyon may stop scholarship payments and may seek reimbursement of amounts already paid when a recipient fails to comply with scholarship obligations or acts incompatibly with the objectives of the program.
Winning the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence should therefore be treated as an academic commitment, not simply as financial support.
How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter
A strong motivation letter can help create a coherent application.
Avoid writing:
“I want this scholarship because France has excellent universities and ENS de Lyon is prestigious.”
This says very little about your academic suitability.
Instead, build the letter around a logical progression:
Previous academic preparation → relevant experience → current academic interest → reason for choosing the Master’s → future objective.
For example, a student applying to a scientific Master’s could explain a specific undergraduate research project, what questions emerged from it, which advanced skills are still missing, and how the selected ENS de Lyon Master’s will address that gap.
Applicants for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence should sound academically focused rather than overly promotional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the Wrong Master’s Program
Do not select a degree simply because it is eligible for the scholarship.
Your background should genuinely prepare you for that field.
Using the Wrong Application Form
ENS de Lyon warns that applications submitted using an incorrect form will not be considered.
Submitting an Incomplete Application
Missing documents can make an otherwise strong candidate unsuccessful.
Ignoring Translation Requirements
Documents outside French or English may require officially certified translation.
Writing a Generic Motivation Letter
Your letter should explain your academic relationship with the specific Master’s degree.
Assuming Renewal Is Automatic
M1 funding does not automatically guarantee M2 funding.
Treating an Old Deadline as the New Deadline
This is particularly important for 2027–2028 applicants.
The official next deadline has not yet been released.
Ignoring Scholarship Restrictions
Applicants should understand rules about other scholarships, study abroad periods, and internships before accepting the award.
How to Improve Your Chances
There is no guaranteed method of winning the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence, but applicants can improve the quality of their application.
Start by selecting a Master’s program closely connected with your previous education.
Then identify the strongest evidence of your preparation.
This may include:
- high grades in relevant courses,
- undergraduate research,
- a final-year thesis,
- academic publications,
- conference participation,
- laboratory experience,
- technical projects,
- internships,
- or professional experience.
Your motivation letter should explain the meaning of these experiences instead of simply listing them.
Also prepare documents well before the application portal opens.
Since the 2027–2028 information is expected in November 2026, prospective candidates can already prepare:
- a professional academic CV,
- transcripts,
- degree certificates,
- certified translations,
- research summaries,
- potential recommendation contacts,
- and a draft motivation letter.
Once the official Ampère Scholarships of Excellence call is released, applicants can then concentrate on adapting their materials to the exact updated requirements.
Why Consider ENS de Lyon?
ENS de Lyon is a French higher education and research institution with graduate-level opportunities across sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts.
For international students with strong academic backgrounds, the combination of Master’s admission and the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence can provide an opportunity to pursue advanced study while receiving substantial financial support.
However, applicants should select ENS de Lyon for academic reasons rather than scholarship funding alone.
Research the:
- curriculum,
- academic department,
- laboratories,
- research themes,
- teaching language,
- faculty expertise,
- and future progression opportunities
before applying.
Ampère Scholarships of Excellence Checklist
Before submitting a future application, confirm that you:
- Meet the nationality condition.
- Meet the published age requirement for your intake.
- Are academically eligible for M1 or M2.
- Selected an eligible Master’s program.
- Checked program-specific prerequisites.
- Checked French or English language requirements.
- Prepared your official identity document.
- Prepared your CV.
- Written a program-specific motivation letter.
- Collected degree certificates.
- Collected complete transcripts.
- Obtained certified translations where required.
- Prepared current enrollment evidence if applicable.
- Checked whether recommendations are required.
- Checked whether a research proposal is required.
- Selected the correct application route.
- Uploaded every required document.
- Submitted before the official deadline.
- Read the scholarship regulations.
- Understood renewal requirements.
- Checked restrictions on other scholarships and international mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence?
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are merit scholarships associated with ENS de Lyon for high-performing international students entering eligible Master’s programs.
How much is the Ampère Scholarship?
The latest confirmed amount is €1,000 per month for 12 months.
Is the Ampère Scholarship available for Bachelor’s degrees?
No. The current Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are associated with Master’s-level admission.
Can I apply for M1?
Yes. Applicants for M1 should hold a qualification equivalent to a Bachelor’s/L3 level corresponding to approximately 180 ECTS.
Can I apply directly for M2?
Yes, provided you meet the required academic level. ENS de Lyon states that M2 applicants should normally demonstrate an M1 level or approximately 240 ECTS/equivalent.
Can French citizens apply?
Under the latest confirmed Ampère eligibility conditions, French nationals are not eligible for this scholarship.
What is the age limit?
For 2026–2027, applicants had to be no older than 26 and had to be born on or after January 1, 2000. The official 2027–2028 birth-date requirement should be checked when ENS de Lyon publishes the new call.
Are the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence open for 2027–2028?
The 2026–2027 call is closed. ENS de Lyon states that the 2027–2028 calendar will be updated in November 2026.
What is the deadline for 2027–2028?
The official deadline has not yet been announced.
Do not confuse third-party estimated deadlines with an official ENS de Lyon deadline.
Do I need IELTS?
Language requirements depend on the selected Master’s program. Candidates should check the official program-specific French and/or English proficiency requirements.
Are recommendation letters compulsory?
Additional documents vary according to the selected program. ENS de Lyon states that these additional materials can include recommendation letters, language certificates, research projects, and other documents requested by academic advisors.
Can I apply without having completed my Bachelor’s degree?
ENS de Lyon notes that if the diploma needed for Master’s admission is not yet available during the application process, it must be provided before the beginning of the academic year. Applicants should still provide the required current enrollment and academic documentation.
Can the Ampère Scholarship be renewed?
Yes, renewal from M1 to M2 can be possible, but it is conditional. The student must successfully validate M1 and be selected by the relevant Master’s program leadership.
Can I receive another scholarship at the same time?
The latest confirmed Ampère eligibility table generally does not permit concurrent scholarships, apart from the stated CROUS exception. Applicants should check the rules for their intake.
Can I study abroad during the scholarship?
The current Ampère regulations prohibit scholarship holders from undertaking a study or research period abroad during the funded period.
Can I complete my internship outside ENS de Lyon?
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence include important internship restrictions. Scholarship recipients generally have to complete relevant internships in laboratories affiliated with or supervised by ENS de Lyon, subject to the applicable scholarship rules.
How are applications submitted?
Applicants use the relevant ENS de Lyon online application form. The form used for the most recent cycle allowed candidates to apply for Master’s admission and a scholarship of excellence through the same procedure.
Can I send my application by email?
No. ENS de Lyon states that applications sent by email are not considered.
What happens after selection?
Successful candidates admitted to an ENS de Lyon program receive pre-enrollment information explaining the next steps for enrollment and preparation for studying in Lyon.
Final Thoughts
The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are a strong opportunity for international students who want to pursue Master’s study at ENS de Lyon while receiving substantial financial support.
The currently confirmed scholarship provides €1,000 per month for 12 months, with possible renewal under conditions for students progressing from M1 to M2. Applicants can pursue eligible programs across exact sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences, provided they satisfy both the scholarship requirements and the academic requirements of their chosen program.
However, successful preparation for the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence involves more than meeting the basic eligibility conditions.
Applicants should select an academically appropriate Master’s program, prepare a focused motivation letter, provide complete and properly translated academic documents, satisfy program-specific language requirements, and demonstrate that their previous studies have prepared them for advanced graduate work.
Students targeting the 2027–2028 Ampère Scholarships of Excellence should also remember that the new application calendar is not yet officially available. ENS de Lyon has stated that the 2027–2028 calendar will be updated in November 2026. Until then, previous dates should be used only to understand the approximate application period—not as confirmed deadlines.
At Seach Scholarship, we recommend preparing your academic documents several months in advance and checking the official ENS de Lyon announcement once the next call opens.
A competitive application is not simply one that asks for funding. It is one that clearly demonstrates why your academic background, chosen Master’s program, future goals, and the Ampère Scholarships of Excellence fit together in one convincing academic plan.