The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 is now open, providing an excellent opportunity for South African, Lesotho, and Malawian students to study in France for their Master’s or PhD degrees. This prestigious scholarship program is designed to promote academic and cultural exchanges between France and southern African nations, strengthening international ties and fostering collaborative research.
If you’re passionate about pursuing higher education in one of the most prestigious academic systems in the world, this scholarship could be your gateway to exceptional opportunities. This article delves into everything you need to know about the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026, including eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, application process, and important deadlines.
Overview of France-South Africa Scholarship Programme:
The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is a highly competitive initiative launched by the French Embassy to South Africa. It offers financial support for students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi who intend to pursue their Master’s or PhD degrees in French higher education institutions. The program aims to encourage high-level exchanges between these countries, enhancing academic cooperation and contributing to mutual growth.
Each year, a selective Advisory Board composed of representatives from prominent organizations such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and academic experts from both France and South Africa, ensures that the best candidates are selected.
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Scholarship Types and Benefits:
The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme offers two main types of scholarships: the full scholarship and the cost-sharing scholarship. Both offer significant benefits to students, making higher education in France more accessible.
1. Full Scholarship by the French Embassy:
The full scholarship covers the following benefits:
· Social Coverage and Health Insurance:
Includes supplementary health care coverage during the scholarship period.
· Priority Housing:
France offers priority access to student housing for scholarship holders.
· Visa Fee Exemption:
No visa fees for scholarship recipients.
· Assistance from Campus France:
Support with administrative processes and settling into France.
· Exemption from Registration Fees:
If the program is hosted at a public university under the supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education.
· Return Flight Ticket:
A round-trip economy class flight to and from France.
· Monthly Allowance:
Master’s students will receive approximately 850 euros per month, while PhD students will receive approximately 1700 euros per month (subject to annual review).
· Accommodation Aid:
An additional allowance of approximately 150 euros per month can be provided through the French Government’s Familly Allocations (CAF).
Note:
Tuition fees are generally not included unless specified, but many public universities in France offer programs with minimal tuition fees.
2. Cost-Sharing Scholarship:
In this scheme, the monthly allowance is provided either fully or partially by a partner organization (such as a university, company, or other funding agency). The Embassy of France will still provide all other benefits, including visa assistance, health insurance, and flight tickets. This scheme may be proposed by the candidate during the application process or offered by the Advisory Board to some laureates.
Candidates are encouraged to explore other funding options from local or French universities, as well as the private sector, especially if tuition fees are high. However, funding from family members or personal businesses will not be considered as co-funding.
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Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026, applicants must meet specific criteria. The key requirements are:
1. Age Limit:
Applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1996.
2. Nationality:
The scholarship is available to citizens of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. Dual French citizens are not eligible for this program.
3. Academic Requirements:
Applicants must be enrolled (or intend to enroll) in a French higher education institution to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree.
For Master’s students, the scholarship is typically granted for the duration of the program (usually two years), while for PhD students, the scholarship is available for up to three years. However, the scholarship renewal for each academic year depends on the progress of the research or academic work.
4. Program Requirements:
The program is open to all fields of study, and applicants must choose programs recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Students planning to apply for Master of Science (MSc) degrees should be cautious, as many MSc programs are not recognized as Master’s degrees in France unless otherwise stated.
5. Application Period:
The application period for the 2026 intake open in June 2025 and close by 8 October 2025. Applicants must submit their applications through the online portal by the specified deadline.
How to Apply for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026?
The application process for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 is entirely online. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:
1. Prepare Your Documents
You will need to submit the following documents as part of your application:
· A valid passport copy for identification.
· A comprehensive curriculum vitae listing your academic history and relevant experiences.
· A personal letter explaining your motivations for applying, your academic interests, and your intended research project.
· Copies of your academic transcripts for at least the past two years.
· Proof of all degrees obtained (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if applicable).
For Master’s candidates, additional documents include:
· Proof of acceptance from a French higher education institution (must be submitted between February and July 2026).
· A list of up to 3 study programs that you intend to apply to, ordered by preference, along with links to program webpages, application dates, and tuition fees.
For PhD candidates, you will also need:
· A Supervisor Commitment Letter from your potential PhD supervisor in both South Africa and France (if applying for co-supervision).
· A Research Project Description (2-3 pages), including your work plan.
· Co-supervision Agreement (if applicable), outlining your planned periods of stay in both South Africa and France.
2. Submit Your Application Online:
The entire application process is completed through the official online platform. Ensure that all fields are filled out correctly before you submit your final application. Incomplete or late submissions will be automatically disqualified.
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3. Wait for Shortlisting:
After the submission deadline, the Advisory Board will review all applications and shortlist candidates. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, which will assess:
· Academic qualifications and professional background.
· Quality and feasibility of your study or research project.
· Language proficiency in French or English (depending on your study program).
· For PhD applicants, preference will be given to those pursuing co-supervised projects with commitment from both South African and French supervisors.
4. Announcement of Results:
The final results will be published in November/December 2025. Successful applicants will be contacted directly, and the scholarship details will be finalized.
Conclusion:
The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to pursue their academic dreams in France. Whether you are planning to undertake a Master’s or a PhD, this scholarship will provide you with the financial support and resources needed to thrive in one of the world’s most esteemed academic environments. To apply and know more visit the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 official link here.