Deadline: October 8, 2026
Applications are invited for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026. The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is directed to students who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD.
Campus France is an agency of the French Ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs and of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Its goal is to promote French Higher Education and facilitate academic international mobility and exchange. The Campus France South Africa office assists candidates in identifying study programmes aligned with their academic background and personal project. The central Campus France agency in France is responsible for managing all aspects of scholarships for selected laureates.
Scholarship
- The scholarship provides a monthly allowance to pursue studies in France (covering living expenses). It also includes social security coverage for the whole stay in France, priority access to accommodation in CROUS student residences and one round-trip air ticket to France. The full scholarship does not include tuition fees.
- The monthly allowance granted is approximately 900€ for master students and 1 850€ for PhD students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must be:
- Born on or after 1 January 1997.
- A citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
- Dual French citizens are not eligible.
- Have achieved a minimum average of 60% in their most recently completed degree.
- For Master’s applicants: plan to enrol in a French higher education institution to pursue a Master’s degree. Applicants are not required to have secured admission at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
- For PhD applicants: plan to pursue a PhD at a French higher education institution and have identified a prospective supervisor or research laboratory in France. Applicants are not required to have a formal admission offer at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
Selection Process
Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of the quality of their file. Candidates whose applications have been pre-selected will be interviewed. In order to identify grant recipients, the Advisory board will consider:
- The candidate’s skills and merit as indicated by his/her academic record and professional background.
- The quality of his/her study project, its coherence with his/her background, as well as the clarity and quality of his/her future career plans.
- For PhD applicants, the Advisory Board will favour PhDs under co-supervision and commitment of South African and French supervisors will be decisive.
- The level of proficiency in foreign languages and its adequacy with the chosen study programmes.
Application
The application file is to be submitted online only and must include:
- A complete application form (online).
- A passport copy (or ID if passport is not yet available).
- An up-to-date CV that also states the candidate’s entire academic history.
- A cover letter explaining motivations and interests in the planned academic project.
- Copies of all previous academic degree certificates.
- University transcripts (academic marks) of at least three years of studies.
For more information, visit France-South Africa Scholarship.
