France-South Africa Scholarship Programme: Your Guide to Studying in France

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme offers a valuable opportunity for students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in France. This program, managed by Campus France, aims to foster academic exchange and provide financial support for eligible candidates. Understanding the requirements, selection process, and application steps is key to successfully applying for this scholarship.

What the Scholarship Covers

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme provides several benefits to help students cover their expenses while studying in France. It includes a monthly allowance, which varies for Master’s and PhD students. Master’s students receive approximately 900€ per month, while PhD students receive around 1,850€ per month. This allowance is intended to help with living costs.

In addition to the monthly stipend, the scholarship also covers social security for the entire duration of your stay in France. Recipients also get priority access to accommodation in CROUS student residences, which are government-supported housing options for students. Finally, the scholarship includes one round-trip air ticket to France, making the journey more accessible. It is important to note that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria. Firstly, candidates must have been born on or after January 1, 1997. This age requirement ensures the program targets early to mid-career students.

Secondly, applicants must be citizens of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi. Individuals who hold dual French citizenship are not eligible for this particular scholarship. A minimum academic achievement is also required; applicants must have earned an average of at least 60% in their most recently completed degree.

For Master’s degree applicants, the plan is to enroll in a French higher education institution. You do not need to have secured admission to a university at the time of applying for the scholarship. Similarly, PhD applicants must plan to pursue their doctoral studies in France and should have identified a potential supervisor or research laboratory. Formal admission offers are not required when submitting the scholarship application.

The Selection Process

The selection for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is based on the quality of each applicant’s submitted file. Candidates whose applications are pre-selected will then be invited for an interview. An advisory board reviews applications to identify the most suitable grant recipients.

The board considers several factors when making their decisions. These include the candidate’s skills and academic achievements, as demonstrated by their academic record and professional background. The quality of the proposed study project, its alignment with the applicant’s previous studies, and the clarity of their future career plans are also important.

For PhD candidates, the advisory board gives preference to PhD programs that involve co-supervision between South African and French supervisors. The commitment of both supervisors plays a decisive role in the selection. Additionally, the level of foreign language proficiency and how well it matches the chosen study programs is evaluated.

How to Apply

The application process for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is entirely online. Applicants must complete the online application form accurately and thoroughly. Along with the form, several documents are required to build a complete application file.

You will need to submit a copy of your passport or ID if a passport is not yet available. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) is also necessary, which should detail your entire academic history. A cover letter is essential to explain your motivations and your interest in the planned academic project.

Applicants must also provide copies of all previous academic degree certificates they have obtained. University transcripts, showing your academic marks for at least three years of study, are also required. Ensure all documents are clear, accurate, and submitted by the deadline of October 8, 2026.

Conclusion

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme presents a significant opportunity for students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to advance their education in France. By offering financial support and covering essential living expenses, it aims to make higher education in France more accessible. Carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria, understanding the selection process, and preparing a strong application are the crucial steps to take. This scholarship can be a stepping stone to achieving academic and professional goals in a new international environment.