Deadline: October 14, 2024.

The France – South Africa Scholarship Programme is directed to South African students who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD.

The programme is also open to students from Lesotho and Malawi.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The study programmes eligible for the France South Africa scholarship programme are masters or PhD programmes in a French higher education institution located in France.  Make sure that your programme is actually recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research: SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) only validate those diploma once you get back to South Africa. Also note, that a lot of Master of Science (MSc) are not Master’s degrees, and are not recognised in France. 

To be eligible for the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must be:

1. Born on or after 1st January 1995.
2. A citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
3. Enrolled in a French Higher Education institution (in due time) to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD.

BENEFITS

Two schemes are possible under the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme:

A full scholarship by the Embassy of France. It includes:

1. The status of a France Excellence scholarship holder which includes social security, priority for accessing student housing, visa fee exemption and assistance offered by Campus France Paris.
2. A return flight ticket to France.
3. A monthly allowance (approximately 850 euros for Master students and 1400 euros for PhD students).
4. An additional individualized accommodation aid (approximately 150 euros/month) can be obtained from the French Government via the CAF.
5. Please, note that the scholarship does not include the tuition fees. France has a large choice of options, and you may find a very good programme with almost no tuition fees. If you need help, you can contact Campus France. 

In the second scheme of a cost sharing scholarship:

1. The monthly allowance will be provided fully or partially by a partner (a partner among the Advisory Board, a company, a higher education institution or any other funding agency).
2. All the other benefits of a full scholarship will still be provided by the Embassy of France. This scheme can be proposed by the candidate during the application process or by the Advisory Board for some of the laureates. In this last case, preselected applicants must comply with the instructions by the French Embassy in order to secure the co-funding.

APPLICATION

The application file is to be submitted online only and must include:

For all applicants

1. A complete application form (online).
2. A passport copy.
3. An up-to-date résumé that also states the candidate’s entire academic history.
4. A cover letter explaining motivations and interests in the planned academic project.
5. Copies of academic degree certificates (Bachelor or Master only).
6. University transcripts (academic marks) of at least two years of studies.

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK